The Hunt, the first and most important assessment for students of the Blood Academy. This one task can determine one's future success and influence within the academy until they graduate. It is not wrong to say that failing this one task can result in a horrifying reputation of below mediocrity, that one may even end their life because of.
However, The Hunt is something rather ceremonial in the academy, symbolising the birth of the elite and the separation of the diamonds from the dust. All geniuses are filtered during the assessment, and sent into fitting teams to hunt fitting targets. Without the help of any seniors or teachers, the students have to survive the environment that they are assigned to and eliminate their targets. Some may call this a simple hunting trip, but in reality, this hunt can bring out the beast in students.
Often, the targets are devil puppets. These puppets are made to mimic devils of certain tiers and can cost thousands upon thousands of gold coins. With each puppet being able to perfectly mimic the combat potential of a devil of the same rank, the puppets are easily the best way to gauge a student's skills and power. Knowing that puppets have always been the traditional targets, many students have tried to find ways to cheat and disable the automatons without using proper techniques, however, such ideas tend to fail.
In any case, the aim is to eliminate their target and come back to an extraction point within a set amount of time. All the other details are not as important. Simon knew this very well since he had designed the assessment in the original novel. But whether he would end up with a difficult team or not, was something he was yet to know of. At the very least, he had hopes that he would be in a group with strong students that are not conceited.
"Everyone knows what the assessment is about. The academy sent the details to every single one of you two weeks ago, so I expect no excuses when it comes to knowledge of the rules. But I will remind you that killing other students is forbidden, the only other students that you will encounter are your comrades." An older looking devil announced to a room full of students.
"I will now announce the two ace hunting teams that will take on a 5th rank puppet."
Simon seemed very interested in these words. Knowing that he had created a decently good reputation, he expected to be put in one of the ace teams, but he just hoped that he did not have to be in a team filled with arrogant idiots.
"Tusk Team: Kur Blizzard, Wendigo, Talos Talon, Yask Diarch, and Yorn Coal."
'Ugh, that stupid one is not in my team at least.'
"Fang Team: Rieza Blaiz, Talise Valcor, Hecate Reaper, Cortasia Darl, and Simonifirac Crypts."
"..."
'I believe I know why I am not in the 'male only' team. This is obviously my punishment.' Simon sighed as he thought this, all the while many male students shot him glares of jealousy and hatred. But as they did this, Simon simply blinked and they looked away, frightened.
'The witch still wants to punish me for a problem that she created. Welp, such is life.'
"Oho... it is the older twin." Hecate said, referring to Simon.
"Well, I did not get a chance to meet you before your twin brother's death, and I do feel incredibly guilty as a member of House Reaper for failing to ensure a guest's safety. I offer my condolences for your incredible loss." Hecate said with a somewhat bitter expression.
"Save your condolences for the many children and servants that also died that night. Just remember that my brother was only one such fatality." Simon said with a cold voice as he turned around and walked towards a group of three.
'This one should be Talise, naturally the others belong to the team.'
"O, if it isn't Mr Crypts? You still haven't given me that duel, I am still waiting." Talise spoke as she saw Simon approaching the group. The group finally had 5 members together, with Simon being the only male. A skilled master could probably sense Simon's annoyance at this point.
"I am too tired to duel you, I would rather save my strength for the hunt." Simon said as he yawned.
"Simonifirac Crypts? My father has told me many things about you! I have no doubt that this hunt will end with spectacular success because of you, my father never over exaggerates any detail. I am your biggest fan, I cannot believe I have the chance to see you today!" A girl joyfully said with excited expression.
"Who might you be?" Simon asked with a puzzled expression as he browsed his eyes up and down. Looking at the girl, she had scarlet red skin and white hair. Possessing blue eyes and a beautiful face, she indeed did not seem in any way familiar to him.
"I am Cortasia Darl, my father's first name is Lenn." The girl explained.
'Lenn's daughter? Isn't he old...? Hmmm....I always thought that he was at least 150, but I guess he is just naturally senior.'
"Nice to meet you, I will be in your care." Simon gave a brief bow of his head and looked towards the last member of the group.
"You must be Rieza."
"Yes, a pleasure to meet you, I think. Not sure if you will slit my throat if I be too friendly." She joked as she gestured towards her neck.
"Do not worry, that guy insulted the Blood Monarch's guards. I could not take an insult to her Bloodness, so I executed him. I am sure that no one here would do something treasonous, no?"
Simon lied as naturally as he breathed.
"Of course not. I fully understand what you mean. That guy was a jerk anyway. He tried to grab my butt when I first got here. I ended up smashing his head into the wall." Rieza recalled with a devilish grin.
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