Chapter 170: Chapter 161 : Introductions (Part 1.2)

“Thanks, Edgar, that was a fascinating story. Okay, now,” Gerard’s blue eyes locked onto Yuki in the back row, “lady in the white, please introduce yourself.”

Yuki was slow to respond but eventually did. Having no interest in anyone’s introductions, she, like a few others, had rested her head on the desk. Pushing herself up with her palms, she couldn’t help but squint as she was greeted by the plethora of eyes zeroing in on her. Drowsy and irritated, she rushed to get her introductions over with. She slid out of her seat and…

Winter Empress!

A sleek and elegant white full-body ice armour materialised around her figure, enveloping her totally. True to its name, the Psi armour was majestic in design and garnered many awed reactions from the onlookers. Yuki didn’t care to impress anyone though; the summoning of her combat attire was for practical purposes only. In it, she flew towards the podium and then, not bothering to undo her Psi armour to reveal her face, she began speaking.

“My name is Yuki Bai, of clan Bai. I’m a Rank 5 ice Mimic and have come to this Academy to get stronger…that is all.” Saying this in one breath, she flew back, dismissed her Psi and plopped herself back down.

“I see,” Gerard said simply in the aftermath.

He didn’t linger on her and instead moved to call upon the next student, that student being a certain princess. In a slyish gothic-esque black, purple and white outfit accompanied by black boots and black tights, Violet strode to the podium.

How one approached the podium was half their introduction.

Most students were brimming with self-confidence, and even those like Emma and Illuya who seemed shaky on the surface had an undercurrent of confidence to them. Violet too walked with such confidence. It was quiet, and yet no one could claim to not sense it.

Reaching the podium, she didn’t rush to speak. Rather, she shut her eyes and introduced herself in a way most befitting her title.

*Bzzz*

Several lightning orbs and snakes materialised near her. They swirled and swam around her figure, crackling with delight and warning. At the same time, Violet used light EM force pulses to have the winds pick up around her. Doing so in tandem, she generated an electrifying sight, which jolted many hearts in the auditorium.

Holding a poised look all the while, she maintained the effects for several seconds before dismissing her Psi. When the winds settled, her eyelids opened and her lips parted to deliver her introduction.

“I am Violet Astor and…as you’ve witnessed, I’m a lightning Mimic. I’ve come to this Academy to experience new things…that is all.”

“Experience new things, huh” Gerard repeated with a nod. “You’re in luck then, Violet. The Hunter Academy is the perfect place for one holding such a desire. There is much to experience on these sacred grounds, and plenty of things that will be new to you…and everyone else sitting here. The good, the bad, the unique; you and your fellow students will leave this Academy with no shortage of experiences, of that, I can guarantee.”

Violet’s eyes showed a flash of delight at the words. Hiding it with a blink, she nodded and then made her way back to her seat. Gerard waited until she was comfortably in place before moving on. “Okay, young lady, please introduce yourself.”

“Gladly,” Charlotte said with a merchant’s smile and walked up. The confident/the-world-is-mine stride she entered with showed itself again as she approached the podium.

“I am Charlotte Evans, a Rank 5 Onic Master and heiress to the 8th Merchant Pillar,” she declared, a subtle smile hanging from her face.

Those ignorant of her identity till now, had their eyebrows shoot to their foreheads. Ralf’s reaction to the news was less drastic, but his eyebrows ticked up nonetheless.

He had pegged her as someone important, but not this important. Still, important as she was, Ralf quickly returned to his previous equilibrium. Merchant Pillar, princess, prince; he cared little for these titles. Her Onic Master status though, now that stirred his interest and thoughts.

“I’ve come to the Hunter Academy for both business and pleasure,” she said, placing subtle emphasis on the latter.

Charlotte’s right hand moved to the podium, not to rest, but to play. Starting with a tapping motion, she then began strumming it on the wood, all the while wearing a smile and gaze befitting a predator as she eyed her peers/prey.

A mass of eyeballs stared back at her but she didn’t falter before it. Where Emma and Illuya shied away from the spotlight, she forcefully grabbed it and had it illuminate her best parts…which turned out to be every part. Taking it all in, Ralf had to stop himself from whistling out loud.

Charlotte’s gaze swept over the room to land on a certain princess before showing a friendly smile.

“Just like Violet before me, I’ve come here to experience new and exciting things. At the same time. I’m here to broaden my horizons and connections, especially the latter, and especially those more personal in nature.” Charlotte narrowed her eyes as a mischievous - no lewd light swirled within. “And last but not least, I’ve come to grow stronger. Fighting and competition have always been in my blood…though my twin brother over there would make you doubt that,” the merchant said, flashing a playful smile towards her brother.

Skye merely sighed at the comment, already too used to the shade at this point. Charlotte shifted her attention off him, and dragged her gaze across the room, lingering on a few individuals, with Ralf being one of them.

“Anyway, that’s it for my introduction,” Charlotte concluded before heading back to her seat.

“I see, you’ve got your goals lined up neatly, good to hear. Now, let’s move on to the other twin. Young man, take it away.”

The air Mimic headed to the podium. Donning a handsome smile, he started. “My name is Skye Evans, and as you’ve heard, I’m Charlotte’s twin brother. You can call me Skye or ‘The Better Half’, whichever one works for you.” Charlotte shot him a look at these words but Skye ignored it with a shrug. “I’m an air Mimic.”

Saying this, his hands moved to his sides. Then, on his open palms, spherical vortexes of wind appeared. Starting out no bigger than tennis balls, they quickly became volleyballs in size. Skye had it stop there while also capping the wind speed. Still, even holding back, the auditorium began swirling and whistling at the spheres’ presence.

Seconds later, the whooshes were joined by a familiar crackle, as electricity began racing through the spheres. Seconds after that, the spheres transformed into blue fireballs, and seconds after that, they burst apart in a tiny explosion before scattering as wisps of smoke. Skye helped the process along, creating a gust of wind to clear out the toxic air.

Eyes widened and flickered at the young man’s feat, Ralf’s included.

[[He’s an air Mimic, not a wind Mimic so it makes sense,]] Ray spoke up as he observed the phenomena. [[There are plenty of different gases making up a single segment of air, so by combining them in various ways, you could end up with all sorts of effects. His power is quite versatile.]]

[[And deadly,]] Ralf added, his heart rate quickening. The introductions had exercised his vital organ well and good. Thoughts of competing against all these strong psionics pumped him up; he loved a challenge, and several had already cemented their places as sturdy walls.

While the two traded words, Skye continued. “My goals for coming here are more or less the same as my sister’s, though, I’m more interested in pleasure than business,” he said as his gaze darted to several faces, sending subtle signals with his eyes, most of which were reciprocated with glowing expressions and winks.

Gerard watched this play out with a wry smile. “I see, very good. Three Mimics present, that’s something. I don’t think we’ve had such a gathering since the days of Raven Tail. I expect much from you three...and the rest of you too. Anything else?”

“Nope, that’s all I wanted to say,” Skye said, giving one last round of winks before returning to his seat.

“Okay, now moving on to…” Gerard’s eyes softened as he took in the next student. Unlike so many other students that were present, he was familiar with the student in question.

“Young man in the red scarf, please introduce yourself.”

The former assassin nodded and approached the podium.

Once Ralf became aware of the sequence, he asked Lane to swap seats with him so that he could go last. Lane didn’t care for his placement and swapped seats without issue.

Where Skye ended his introduction with a bang, Lane started with one.

“My name is Lane and I’m a former assassin.”

The confession caused the room to jolt in shock. Strong reactions were aplenty. Skye went pale while Charlotte showed a sliver of interest. Violet and Yuki showed disgust and anger, with the former even releasing lightning snakes into her surroundings.

Ralf reacted as well, though not as sharply. His brows lowered after a second’s ponderance.

[[Well figures, he felt like one inclined to the shadows,]] he said, remembering the feeling the other gave him when they first met.

[[What now?]]

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Ralf shrugged. [[Nothing. As I said, the friendzone is impossible to escape, and that goes both ways. Plus, I can tell, he’s a good apple.]] Saying this, he refocused his attention on Gerard, who was currently trying to pacify a stirred-up Violet.

“Miss Astor, rein in your Psi. Harming other students won’t be tolerated,” the instructor said, his voice filling with sternness.

Violet didn’t respond nor relent. As soon as she heard the word ‘assassin’, she froze in place. Wearing a pensive expression, her eyes remained fixed on Lane. The room grew tense as her lightning snakes continued to roam; more and more people erected Psi barriers just in case. Only five seconds later did she manage to break out of her daze. She didn’t dismiss her lightning snakes nor apologise though.

Instead…

“What assassin faction did you belong to?”

“The Shadow Snakes,” Lane answered at once, and dryly at that; his blank face showing not a hint of worry or anger…or anything. The former assassin hadn’t reacted to her lightning at all, not changing his stance or even erecting a barrier. He just watched her with his blank eyes, awaiting her next action, whatever that may be.

“I see,” Violet lost her fire - or rather lightning at the answer. Dismissing her lightning snakes, she refocused on her book.

A few seconds of silence followed before the collective tension finally petered out. Once everything cooled down, Gerard clapped his hands and said, “Lane, please continue.”

Lane nodded and did. “I was rescued from my previous life by Psionic Association Hunters. It’s been three years now. During this time, I thought about what to do with my life going forward. In the end, I decided to be a Hunter myself. To be one who brings light to those in darkness; that’s why I’m here,” Lane said, wearing his usual blank mask. His voice and appearance were bland and uninspired, though his words more than made up for it.

Sensing the sincerity behind it, many looked at the young man differently. Ralf showed an approving look, Skye’s face filled with colour, Charlotte nodded, and Violet and Yuki’s clenched fists relaxed.

Gerard broke into claps, nodding repeatedly as he did. “Excellent, what a marvellous goal. Lane, you’re exactly the type of person this Academy needs and wants. I’m sure you’ll achieve many great things in the future.”

“I’ll do my best,” Lane said before returning to his seat.

“I have no doubt about that. Now,” the middle-aged man turned to Ralf. “one last student to go. Young man, I noticed you swapped seats with Lane; is this a case of best for last?”

“Indeed,” Ralf affirmed with a nod and smile. “This room is filled with many stars, no doubt, but none as dazzling as myself.” The declaration prompted a wave of scoffs, harrumphs and squints.

Ralf rolled his shoulders and approached the podium. Instead of going behind it as others did, he chose to stand before it. And not just in any manner, but that of a classic mafioso - or at least, that was what he was picturing in his head as he leaned back against the podium with his arms before his chest, one holding his elbow while the other held his chin.

He didn’t rush to speak and instead moved to retrieve a cigarette from his coat. His movements were slow and nonchalant, as though he had all the time in the world. His mental profile quickly rose in the students’ minds as they watched him in entertained silence. But no sooner would it fall when his Rank 3 Psi slithered from his figure.

“Huh, a Rank 3, are you serious?”

“Why’s he here?”

Such questions swirled around the room as people picked up the Psi signature.

“Need a light?” Skye asked, snapping his fingers and producing a small blue flame at the end of his pointer finger.

Ralf shook his head. “Thanks, but there’s no need, brother. My blood is filled with fire…so I’ll manage.” Saying this, Ralf brought the cigarette’s end near. He shut his eyes and inhaled. The students watched his performance with intrigue thick in their eyes. After a slow build-up, the Transmigrator held his breath for a few seconds before suddenly parting his lips to release a spurt of flames.

Fwoosh!

As intended, the cigarette’s end caught on the flash fire. Satisfied, Ralf then brought the lit cigarette close and took a puff, exuding a gangster’s mannerisms to a shocking degree. Gerard and the students watched on with incredulous looks, some in awe at the spectacle while others, confused at how Ralf could breathe fire.

“Aaa, I’m all for aesthetics, but only to a certain extent. This shit is as putrid as I remember.” Ralf broke character - he had to, the ‘taste’ invading his mouth was just foul. He snuffed out the cigarette and put it back in his coat.

He didn’t stop there and used his telekinesis to clear the odour from the surrounding air. Ralf then moved to wash away the taste with something better; he dug into his coat and retrieved a lollipop. After freeing it from its wrapper, he plopped it in his mouth. ‘Mmm, much better.’

Having the thought, Ralf removed the lollipop and introduced himself.

“My name is Ralf Fawkes, and as you’ve witnessed, a descendant of the Fire Spirit.” He let his words simmer for a bit before continuing. “But more importantly, I’m a member of the illustrious Silver Path faction.”

The room was jolted again. Most didn’t recognise the term, but all who did were important. Seeing these people react this way caused those ignorant to react sharply in response. The astonishment they directed towards Ralf deepened significantly.

“So you’re a Pather then?” Charlotte spoke up, her body leaned forward.

“Hm, yes,” Ralf affirmed, amused by her and the others’ agitation.

“So you know who made those cubes and anime?”

“Yep, I know them…very well, actually,” he said slyly.

Eyes sparkled at the confirmation. The questions on why Ralf, a Rank 3 was allowed here, all but fell away in the students’ minds at the revelation.

Charlotte’s lips moved to ask more questions, but she stopped herself from doing so, realising that this wasn’t the time or place. She kept silent but nevertheless directed a heated gaze Ralf’s way.

As if in response, the Transmigrator shut his eyelids and took a breath.

“I was born in northern Setsuna but didn’t stay there long enough to embrace the culture,” he continued his introduction. “This is basically the story of my life. Since my younger years, I’ve been to no less than ten nations. If I had to pick a home out of the bunch, I’d say Zudrad. It’s the place I stayed at the longest and the one I came from.”

His words prompted many to ask about ‘Zudrad’ and its whereabouts, clearly, the small landlocked nation wasn’t on many people’s personal maps.

“Enrolling into the Hunter Academy wasn’t initially on my radar, but after receiving an invitation from Sigurd, Head of the Psionic Association, I considered it…and as you can see, I accepted.”

The students didn’t even question the matter of the invitation, feeling it only made sense.

“Anyway, here I am. Just like many, I’m looking to challenge myself and get stronger while also having a good time. Have fun, make new friends, and experience new things, all the while representing my faction to the best of my ability. And speaking of it…oh, I guess I should explain them first.” Ralf summoned two Psi clones on either side of him. “As absurd as it may seem, the truth is, this body of mine holds three different personalities, me, being Ralf, and two others called Ray and Silver. Unfortunately, the other two don’t wish to introduce themselves at this time, so you’ll have to suffice with just me. Whether this changes in the near or far future, well, who knows—the future is uncertain. Anyways, that’s it from me. To learn more about me, my other selves or faction, you’ll have to do it the old fashion way.”

Saying this, Ralf dismissed his Psi clones, plopped his lollipop back in his mouth and swaggered back to his seat.

“Ah, what an introduction - or rather, what introductions,” Gerard said after taking a few seconds to recover. “This batch of students is something else. No doubt, this year will certainly be one to remember. Okay, introductions are complete, well the first part.”

His words provoked brows to quirk up. Gerard’s face suddenly welcomed a devious smile. “Yes, just the first part. Words are hardly enough to truly introduce oneself. In my experience, the best method is through one’s fists,” he said, slamming his fist into his palm.

He smiled as he took in the various reactions, most of which were raring to go. ‘Ah, so confident, they always are. Well, let’s see what they’re made of then.’ Following the thought, he walked to the entranceway. “Let’s go, the second part of the introductions awaits.”

The students quickly left their seats and followed along, eager to display their skills and talent.

However, for all but a few, a bitter reality awaited.

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