A sharp bell echoed through the Hunter Academy training hall.
Instructor Varick stood before the class, his arms behind his back, his eyes scanning the room with calm authority.
Instructor Varick:
"Class 3A... Today, you will each step forward, introduce yourself, and demonstrate your abilities. Based on your performance, rewards will be distributed tomorrow. Remember—your future squads may be watching."
A murmur of excitement and nervous energy spread across the students.
Instructor Varick:
"Aethera Luminari. You're up first."
Aethera stepped forward, calm but aware of every eye on him.
Aethera:
"Aethera Luminari. I don't come from a famous family or wield rare weapons. But I'll make my name here... with my own strength."
He raised his hand. A faint pulse shimmered in the air around him—subtle, quiet... yet oddly captivating.
A strange ripple of energy spread across the hall for a moment before vanishing.
Some students looked confused. Others intrigued.
Instructor Varick (thoughtful):
"Hmm... that energy—unrefined, but... ancient?"
Instructor Varick:
"Not bad. Next—Rio Kastel."
Rio stepped forward nervously, clutching his rune pouch.
Rio:
"Uh... I'm Rio Kastel. I'm a rune-user. Still training, but… I'll try my best!"
He tossed three runes mid-air, forming a basic but effective protection ward and an illusion mirage beside him.
Students clapped lightly.
Instructor Varick:
"Well-controlled. Efficient use of low-grade runes. Keep practicing."
One by one, students began stepping forward.
Kaira Velhorn, confident and graceful, summoned a glowing shield of magic, then launched a focused energy blast into a target dummy.
The hall shook slightly.
Kaira (smirking):
"Kaira Velhorn. Naturally gifted, apparently."
Some students clapped louder, while others whispered, clearly impressed.
Then came a tall student dressed in dark colors. His name wasn't even listed clearly in the academy records.
???:
"...Call me Vayne."
He raised his hand. A dark mist formed, transforming into jagged shadows that pierced through a reinforced dummy.
The class fell silent.
Instructor Varick (frowning slightly):
"Control that power, Vayne. We're watching."
Vayne smirked and returned to his place without another word.
The introductions continued. From flame summoners to blade dancers, healing specialists to tech-augmented fighters—each showed their unique style.
As the final student sat back down, Instructor Varick looked at them all.
Instructor Varick:
"You've all taken the first step in becoming hunters. Tomorrow, you'll receive gear based on today's performance."
He paused.
Instructor Varick (smiling faintly):
"...And next week—Squad Selection Trials begin."
Gasps echoed through the hall. The tension rose instantly.
Rio (whispering to Aethera):
"Squad trials... already? I'm not ready for this."
Aethera (calmly):
"Then we train harder."
Far in the back, Vayne's eyes glowed faintly. A soft whisper echoed in his mind.