*** Flashback ***
Before Scarlett met Laquifa and became her foster guardian.
The red velvet-haired orphan went to different kinds of hardship and suffering.
From being physically abused to emotionally tormented by her previous guardians, she endured all the pain and misery in her life.
In one rainy day, after fighting back and running away from a man who dared to use his authority to get what he wanted from her.
All she could do was run away from that man and hide until the authorities would find her despite the bad weather.
Hiding behind a huge metal container of garbage dump, Scarlett shivered from the cold wind and was completely soaked from the rain.
As the young Scarlett was curled down from the frightful night, all she could think of was her survival and the promise to herself.
"I will never let anyone use their authority to harm me. I will not give up! I will keep hoping for a better future, just like Scarlett Pride in the Legend of the Pride Family!" Scarlett mumbled in quivering breaths.
"Live! Live! Live!" Scarlett repeatedly mumbled as the rain kept ravaging her vision.
Her clothes were soaked wet and filthy from the dirt around her.
Next thing she knew, a bright light from a flashlight glared her sight.
The authorities and social services officers found her bruised, wet, and cold.
"She's here! Found her!" the man in a police uniform announced to his peers who were also looking for the young poor Scarlett.
He approached Scarlett with caution and pity.
"Don't worry, you are safe now!" the police man removed his jacket and covered around the young red velvet-haired girl.
His words were like a foreign whispers to Scarlett's ears, something she already heard countless times. The words of do not worry and safe were things she has already heard before but she always end up in misery and pitiful state.
A faint smile was Scarlett's response, mocking the words of reassurance of the guy trying to rescue her. Because she knew, unless she fight for her own life and lower her guard, only death awaits to her.
"No one can keep me safe. No one can protect anybody," she told the man in uniform with soft voice but haunting choice of words.
She added, "There's no one…"
Haunting words from a young girl.
*** End of Flashback ***
Everyone was surprised after Scarlett punched the gray-haired member of the faculty.
"Welcome my ass! How dare you put our life at risk as if it was something easy to dispose of?" Scarlett complained.
The other faculty wanted to approach their colleague who just got punched by Scarlett. But the gray-haired veteran hunter raised his hand.
He gestured for others not to interfere.
After he recomposed himself from the sudden violent greeting of Scarlett, the gray-haired faculty member introduced himself.
"I am Creed Rivers, the head faculty member of the Hunters Academy and the most senior hunter amongst the faculty members. And you are?" the head faculty member introduced himself to the woman that punched him.
There was no reply from Scarlett. Only fuming anger and panting was her response to him.
She clenched her fist in frustration as she remembered her painful past through the life and death task they just survived.
"Is that how your father taught you? Disrespect elders?" Creed Rivers patiently waited for Scarlett's reply.
"My name is Scarlett Pride…" Scarlett finally introduced herself.
"Oh, the only daughter of Richard Pride if I am not mistaken. What an honor it is to see another member of the Pride Family to grace our presence. It has been a long time since we saw a member of Pride Family accept our invitation," the head faculty member shared his thoughts to her.
He continued talking to Scarlett, "I guess you are not pleased with our deadly twist for the opening ceremony."
Before Scarlett could further complain, Creed Rivers gentle and calm demeanor disappeared as he turned serious in his tone.
"All of you must be reminded about the details of the invitation we have sent to your families. That it is not for the weak but for the strongest and the one with the most potential amongst your family must represent for the Hunters Academy. Meaning, you were informed that we are not here to play games and emphasized the gravity of the weight of the duties as an official hunter!"
Creed Rivers, the head faculty member of the Hunters Academy, further explained to everyone.
"Becoming an official hunter would take you to different life threatening situations. Risking your life to many missions. Living by the principle of your own purpose in life. This is just the beginning of the path that lies ahead of you,"
"Remember also, we also gave everyone the chance to retreat before we released your opponents,"
"If you think this is too much, I guess you are in the wrong place. But the mere fact you stayed and fought for your life, all of you wanted to become a hunter in your own reasons. Others may have failed and lacked in certain quality or luck in becoming a true hunter. Though, there were still those who were successful in showing what it takes to survive and fight for what the heart desires," Creed Rivers spoke with wisdom as he looked at those who survived while answering Scarlett's complaints.
It made Scarlett realize and understand the reason behind the decision of the faculty of Hunters Academy to put them in such life threatening test.
"To live and survive! We offer you the chance to hone your skills and knowledge in becoming greater than who you are today. So, Miss Pride… do you still think it was too much for us to put you in such precarious situation?" Creed Rivers further elaborated.
There was only silence from Scarlett as she was enlightened from the speech of their head faculty member.
Though, Scarlett was still upset from what she just went through.
Killing a number of lives.
Her hands were trembling as she held her bow covered in blood. Scarlett tried to hide her own shock from everyone.
"Everyone can return to their homes and tomorrow we will begin with your orientation. For now, this is what you will be expecting from your training in Hunters Academy," Creed Rivers announced to everyone.
Compared to Scarlett, the other invited newbies who survived were not shaken and as if killing was normal to them.
There were even some newbies snickered at the sight of Scarlett fuming in anger.
…
After the opening ceremony in the Hunters Academy, Scarlett Pride made her way back to the vehicle where Sir Dominguez was waiting for her.
Sir Dominguez was relieved to see Scarlett survive the selection process as the opening ceremony in the Hunters Academy.
At the same time, he understood the look on Scarlett's eyes as she walked to his direction.
No one told her about this part of her training and what to expect in Hunters Academy.
Richard Pride told everyone to let Scarlett experience everything on her own without giving her prior notice or warnings. Because this was the decision she made for herself. And the path she chose to take.
"Miss Pride, where shall we go?" Sir Dominguez asked Scarlett as he started the engine of the vehicle.
Instead of replying to his query, Scarlett opened her window and looked at the bright full moon. Letting the wind breeze on her soft skin.
And immediately, Sir Dominguez understood that Scarlett wanted to have a peaceful long ride before returning to the Pride Mansion.
'I guess this is what it takes to live and survive… once again!' Scarlett thought to herself as she stared at the bright full moon.
Thinking of the things she has to go through in order to live and change her miserable fate.
Closing her eyes as she uttered to herself,
"To live and survive… Game on!"
…
<<<_TO BE CONTINUED_>>>
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