”Welcome to the Arcadia Hunter Academy.”
The words echoed for the students; everyone’s eyes beamed with happiness. After all, it was the starter day for the students who had wished to become the best in this field by enrolling in one of the most, presumably the most prestigious academies in the entire Human Federation.
“Today marks the start of our 111th semester…”
The headmaster continued with his speech, and Ethan simply stood and watched the entire scene unfold. He couldn’t help but smile.
After all, if he wasn’t awakened, he would never get the chance to be in this place.
As the headmaster spoke, Ethan’s attention shifted to his friends, who were scattered throughout the auditorium. Julia, with her distinctive white short hair, sat beside her twin brother, Lucas. Irina, with her usual grumpy expression, occupied a seat not far away.
Lilia, always busy chatting with her workers, had managed to secure a seat as well. Carl, with his quiet demeanor, was seated in a corner, observing the surroundings.
After the opening ceremony, the friends gathered in a courtyard, finding a spot to talk amongst themselves about the new academy year and exchanging thoughts and expectations.
Julia spoke with enthusiasm. “Can you believe we’re finally here? Arcadia Hunter Academy! It’s like a dream come true!”
Lucas nodded in agreement, “Yeah, and we’re in the same class again. It’s going to be awesome.”
Irina, wearing her trademark grumpy expression, couldn’t hide a small smile. “Well, let’s hope they’ve got more challenging assignments this semester. I don’t want to be bored.”
Lilia, who had momentarily paused her conversation with her workers, joined in, “I heard there’s a new instructor for combat. I hope they’re better than the last one.”
“Ah, you are talking about Eleanor White? One of the Rankers?”
“Yes.”
“Well, considering her rank…..”
Carl, the quiet one in the group, didn’t say anything and just watched.
Ethan chuckled, “Well, I hope we make the best out of this year. Who knows what challenges and adventures await us?”
“Shut up, you late bloomer. You really worried us last time, you know?”
“Sorry, sorry….I just wanted to see how it was really in the dungeon.”
“Do it after you get your license, bastard.”
As the friends continued their discussions, the courtyard buzzed with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming semester.
******
“Hello. Ethan Hartley.”
“Dylan Miller.”
As time passed in the academy, Ethan found himself in front of the young man with a bulky build.
He was one of the students who also ranked lower like him. He was pretty loud and always hung out with his group of four.
Ethan had become aware of Dylan primarily due to the attitude of his group. They were often obnoxious and loud, creating an air of annoyance for those around them.
Now, in the combat area of the academy for the practical combat lesson, Ethan found himself facing Dylan.
Today’s lesson focused on unarmed combat, and as the instructor explained the exercises, Dylan shot Ethan a sneer, his expression filled with a hint of disdain, and his eyes were looking for someone.
Ethan, sensing the tension, couldn’t help but wonder what had caused Dylan’s displeasure.
As they paired up for the exercise, Dylan mumbled under his breath while looking at one of the pairs. “Lucky that guy didn’t meet me here.”
Ethan followed his gaze and noticed that he was looking at one of the students who were standing away. followed
It was the gloomy student who always sat behind and never talked with others. His hood was always down as well.
‘What does this mean?’
He wondered to himself, but the instructor’s signal cut his thoughts off.
As the signal came, he decided to focus on the spar and forgot about everything in one go.
******
“Welcome to the Spear Club.” The club president greeted Ethan and the other freshmen with a warm smile on their faces. Ths chapter is updated by Novlꜰre.nt
The room buzzed with excitement as introductions were made, and the president outlined the club’s activities and goals for the semester.
Ethan felt a sense of camaraderie among his fellow club members, and he looked forward to honing his skills in spear combat. The Spear Club seemed like a place where he could learn, grow, and forge new connections in the challenging yet fulfilling journey at the Arcadia Hunter Academy.
********
SMACK!
“Dumbass….Why are you dozing off again?”
As a sound smack echoed, Ethan felt like his back was hurting like crazy.
“Hey! Why do you keep hitting me?”
Turning his face, Ethan saw Julia smirking. This girl was always like that, after all.
“Because it is funny. I like it when you flinch even from a small touch.”
“You are saying this is a small touch? Are you crazy?”
“A bit?”
“More than a bit.”
“….”
He couldn’t answer at all.
“Hey, shut up! It is annoying.”
“Tch. You are no fun.” Julia spoke as she retracted her hand.
“How is it fun to hit others?” Irina replied. Ethan seemed troubled by the two that were grumbling, but he just stood there.
Thankfully for him, help came sooner than he thought.
“Hey there, everyone!” Jim’s cheerful voice echoed through the air, cutting through the banter. He strode towards us with easy confidence, his presence commanding attention.
“This is the first day of our Adventurer and Exploration Club’s orientation.”
It was Ethan’s second club.
********
“Today, we will start with our first dungeon exploration.”
Ethan, along with two other students, prepared for their first dungeon exploration. As they stood at the entrance, the air was thick with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation.
The dungeon’s entrance loomed before them, a dark and mysterious portal leading to unknown challenges and treasures.
Well, that was an exaggeration, but essentially, the concept was the same.
Ethan adjusted the grip on his spear, feeling a surge of determination.
One of his companions, a girl with vibrant red hair named Mia, exchanged a quick glance with Ethan and nodded, her eyes reflecting a blend of curiosity and readiness.
Beside them stood a tall and quiet boy named Oliver. His stoic expression betrayed little emotion, but there was a certain intensity in his gaze that hinted at his focus on the task at hand.
As the trio stepped into the dungeon, the atmosphere changed instantly. The air inside felt dense, and the echoes of their footsteps reverberated through the narrow passageways.
This was the first day that Ethan had started making his name in the academy.
*******
“Today will be different from other days. We will be having a joint dungeon exploration.”
Ethan, along with the rest of the class, awaited further instructions. As the instructor explained the details, he realized that today’s exploration would involve partnering with students from other classes, fostering teamwork and collaboration.
*******
“Julia! What happened!” Ethan exclaimed, rushing into the room where Julia was supposed to be resting.
As he entered, the sight before him was jarring. Julia lay on the bed, her body battered and bruised. Her face, once vibrant with energy, was now beaten and marked with signs of a fierce struggle. The room felt heavy with an air of distress.
Ethan’s eyes widened in shock and concern. He couldn’t comprehend how Julia, one of his closest friends, ended up in such a state.
Lilia, who was in the room attending to Julia, turned to Ethan with a somber expression. “She encountered a real yeti in the dungeon.”
“A real yeti? What? How is that possible? Aren’t the monsters in the dungeon are all copies?”
“We don’t know what happened yet. The academy is working on it right now.”
“Then, what happened to others?”
“…Many students died….”
It was the start of things going down…
*******
As the days passed, Ethan consistently improved himself. Yet, he himself didn’t know what the industry had folded in front of his eyes.
CLICK! CLICK!
“These features….Isn’t he from the Hartley Family?”
“Yes. He is the youngest member of Hartleys, Ethan.”
“Hmm? Ethan Hartley?”
“He is not that known yet since he is a rather late bloomer.”
“Ah…..He is the Scapegoat of Hartleys, right?”
“Ssh….Lower your voice.”
“Hick! Right!”
“The Middletons are here too? That’s Lucas Middleton, right? So striking.”
“Is that Carl Braveheart? Just as it was said, the blood of giants runs in his veins!”
“Ah, the esteemed representatives of renowned families. Welcome to the banquet of Blackthorn’s…
This day would mark the first time he had encountered a demon follower in his life.
********
“Earlier today, the Blackthorn Family’s grand banquet was thrown into turmoil as a group of unidentified intruders launched an assault. The security forces and the estate guards were quick to respond, and the situation is now under control. However, in the midst of this chaotic event, the heir, Kaiser Blackthorn, has gone missing.”
********
“As you all already know, it is the mid-term season for the academy.”
Even after the death of the students, the academy continued with the semester. It was a decision made by the government and the headmaster, after all, and today was the day when the students conducted their mid-terms.
“You will enter the dungeon all alone and will explore individually. You will be graded according to that.”
*******
“Ethan Hartley, rank 1110.”
The announcement after the mid-terms left a buzz in the air, and Ethan’s eyes widened in surprise. His rank had seen a significant jump, and he couldn’t believe the sudden leap in his standings.
He tried his best and certainly was sure that his rank would increase after the second test they subjected him to, but he never thought it would be this much.
As the news spread among the students, whispers filled the hallways, and curious eyes turned toward Ethan. The number 1110 had become a topic of conversation among the students, and Ethan found himself at the center of attention.
Julia, with a proud smile, patted Ethan on the back. “You did it, Ethan! That’s an incredible improvement. Looks like your efforts are paying off.”
Lucas clapped Ethan on the shoulder. “Man, you’re climbing up the ranks like a rocket! Teach us your secrets, yeah?”
Even Irina, with her grumpy demeanor, couldn’t hide a small smirk. “Not bad, Hartley. I guess you’re not just a dreamer after all.”
However, amongst that attention, he failed to notice a pair of lifeless purple eyes looking his way at all…
********
“Yo, guys.” Jim approached the club members. “Are you ready for today’s location?”
Excitement filled the air as the Adventurer and Exploration Club members geared up for their trip to one of the seaside cities. The prospect of exploration and adventure added a spark to their usual routine.
As they arrived at the city, the vibrant sounds and scents of the sea surrounded them. The group explored the picturesque streets, taking in the unique atmosphere of the coastal town. Jim led the way with his usual enthusiasm, sharing interesting trivia about the city’s history and landmarks.
Ethan and Julia found themselves in a charming little restaurant, enjoying a moment of respite. The aroma of freshly cooked seafood filled the air, and the sounds of the bustling city outside provided a lively backdrop.
However, the tranquility was shattered when the restaurant suddenly erupted into chaos. Demon followers, their dark presence palpable, barged in with malevolent intentions. The patrons screamed, and tables were overturned in the panic.
In the chaos that ensued, the two of them became an unwitting focal point of resistance against the demon followers.
Word of the incident spread quickly through the city. The Adventurer and Exploration Club’s intervention became a tale told among the locals and, after that, in the news.
Ethan’s fame continued to soar more and more.
*******
“This brings us to this semester’s last class. I hope every one of you enjoyed the classes and your first semester here,” the instructor addressed the students, her tone reflecting a mixture of nostalgia and encouragement.
As the students exchanged glances, a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie lingered in the air. The challenges, lessons, and friendships formed over the semester had left a lasting impact on each of them.
“Now, before we conclude, I’d like to remind you all that the finals are just around the corner,” the instructor continued, bringing the students’ attention back to the imminent challenges. “The finals will test not only your knowledge but also your practical skills and application of what you’ve learned throughout the semester.”
She emphasized the importance of thorough preparation and encouraged the students to approach the upcoming exams with diligence and determination. The atmosphere in the classroom shifted as the reality of the impending finals settled in.
“Use the remaining time wisely, review your notes, and don’t hesitate to seek assistance if needed. Your hard work and dedication throughout the semester will undoubtedly reflect in your performance during the finals,” the instructor concluded, her words carrying a motivational undertone.
*******
“Why does it have to be you? Why can’t it be me?”
And now, in the final exam, where the duels were conducted between students while everyone was watching, Ethan’s eyes met with the hollow black-purple eyes.