It took Emir a moment to process her question.
'Although she claims to trust me, I can't say the same about them yet,' he thought.
'And if I ever needed information related to hunters, Lyra would be my go-to source.'
'They could help me get used to ruin diving, but I need to experience it alone to prepare myself for what lies ahead with the organization.'
'No benefit.'
After that thought crossed his mind, Emir replied, "I appreciate the offer, but I think I'd prefer to handle things on my own for now. However, feel free to ask if you ever need my help."
Emma nodded, a hint of disappointment in her eyes, but she understood his decision.
"I see. Well, we'll still be around if you change your mind. And we'll definitely keep in touch."
They spent the rest of the journey talking about their plans and her sharing stories of her past adventures.
As they approached the academy, Emir felt a mix of excitement and nervousness.
This was the start of a new chapter in his life, and he had no idea what to expect.
They both went back to their respective rooms to pack up their luggage and get some quick shuteye, but with the sector fast approaching, they didn't get much sleep.
After being woken up by Lyra, Emir's personal alarm, he freshened up and went to meet with his family.
Spotting Lily and Laura, he waved at them and sat next to them.
"Hey Mom, sis. Are you excited? We're just a few minutes away from reaching the academy."
Lily was practically bouncing in her seat with excitement.
"Yes, I can't wait!" She exclaimed.
Laura smiled and put a hand on Lily's shoulder.
"We're proud of you, Lily. You're going to do great things at the academy."
Emir looked around the meeting area and saw that other families and individuals were waiting as well.
As they waited, the excitement in the air was palpable.
The academy was in sight, and everyone was eager to start their journey towards becoming a hunter or a student.
Emir couldn't help but feel a sense of pride, knowing that he was already ahead of the game, having honed his skills as a hunter for years.
In a matter of minutes, the intercom crackled to life, heralding their arrival at the academy.
Shortly thereafter, a contingent of academy officials approached them to acquaint guardians with the protocols for incoming students.
Donning formal garb, they exuded an air of solemnity.
The chief among them, a tall man sporting a severe countenance, launched into a discourse on the academy's codes and conventions.
"As new students, you are expected to follow the rules at all times. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion from the academy." His voice firm.
During his address, he touched upon the compulsory three-year hunter camp, which all trainee hunters would undergo, and then proceeded to elaborate on the standard three-year curriculum for non-hunter students, enumerating the diverse classes they would be attending.
Upon concluding his speech, he requested that they accompany the officials.
Subsequently, they all rose to their feet, collected their bags, and trailed the other passengers out of the truck.
As they disembarked onto the platform, a feeling of wonderment washed over Emir.
The academy was even more awe-inspiring in person.
It was a massive structure, towering above him, intimidating and grand, with towering spires and gleaming white walls, completely contrasting the desolate area surrounding it.
They followed the signs to the registration area, where they were greeted by a group of officials.
All families were separated, with each family talking to one of the agents, and the one that came up to them introduced herself as Mia.
"Miss Laura, your children received invitations to enroll in the academy. If I'm not mistaken, your daughter Lily will join the standard three-year program, while your son is slated to attend the hunter course in two years. Is that correct?"
Laura nodded in agreement.
"Yes, that's correct."
Mia checked her tablet and then looked back at them.
"Great. Now, please fill out these forms and provide us with all the necessary information," she said, handing the family of three a stack of papers and pens.
'Let's just get this over with.' He thought.
They spent the next hour filling out forms, providing personal contact information, and going through a medical checkup.
Once they were done, Mia led them to the rest of the academy.
"We have separate dormitories for male and female students. Your daughter's room has already been assigned. Please follow me."
She led them through a maze of corridors.
While they walked, a wave of nostalgia swept over Emir, evoking memories of his time in school.
However, this time around, he was fulfilling the role of a guardian rather than a student.
Eventually, they arrived at Lily's dormitory, where Mia presented her with a watch.
"Your assigned room is located on the third floor, specifically in room 315. You can locate the elevator by proceeding down the hall to your left. It's imperative that you keep your watch with you at all times, as it serves as your access key to the room. In the unfortunate event that you lose it, rest assured that it's programmed to identify its rightful wearer, so no one else will be able to enter your room. Nevertheless, please be mindful not to misplace it, as our supply is limited." Mia explained, punctuating her words with a stern gaze aimed at Lily.
Lily nodded her expression a mixture of intimidation and excitement.
"Thank you. I promise not to let you down," she asserted confidently.
Mia then redirected her attention to Emir and Laura.
"Regarding your living arrangements, your quarters have already been designated in the family housing district, which is just a brief stroll away from here. If you require assistance, I'd be more than happy to accompany you," she offered.
They thanked her but declined, opting to find their own way.
As they made their way to their quarters, they couldn't help but marvel at the academy's impressive architecture.
It was like nothing they had ever seen before, and it was easy to see why it was considered one of the best hunter training institutions in the world.
'Well, it is the only proper hunter academy in existence, so there isn't much competition, is there?' Emir thought with a chuckle.
Once they reached their living quarters, they unpacked their things and settled in.
They had a small living area, a kitchen, and their own bedrooms.
It was basic but comfortable.
Saying goodbye to Laura, Emir left the flat and headed towards the Hunter Association, wanting to collect his earnings.
After a long walk, he arrived at the Hunter Association and went straight to the reception desk.
But before reaching the receptionist, someone called out to him.
"Hey Emir, come here."
As those reached his ears, he turned to his left, spotting Alex, waving him to come over.
Approaching Alex, he shook his hand.
"Hey! Alex, what are you here for?"
"I'm here for the payment, same as you," he replied.
"One of the managers of this hunter's office is responsible for the protection of Ava, he requested to meet us and discuss our payment directly, your friends Emma and Jake are coming too."
"Speaking of, here they are," Emir said waving at them.
As they waited for the other hunters to join them, they exchanged greetings and engaged in small talk.
Eventually, three additional hunters arrived, and they set off towards the manager's office.
Both Emma and Jake appeared thrilled to collect their earnings, just like Alex and Emir.
Upon arriving at the manager's office, he greeted them cordially and requested that they take a seat.
After a few pleasantries, he got down to business and sent them their payments.
"Congratulations on a job well done. You all showed great bravery and skill in protecting the convoy. We would be happy to work with you again if the need arises."
"As for you, Emir, I wish to further talk with you, so can everyone else leave the room?"
Emir nodded, as they all got up, giving him reassuring pats on the back before leaving the office.
Once alone, the manager redirected his attention towards Emir and commented:
"Emir, I've heard some truly impressive things about you. I'm also aware of your plans to attend the academy two years from now."
He continued:
"But I don't see you needing to attend as a trainee, all the non-elite students there would be green, not someone with skill like you, actually, with a bit more time, you could even become comparable with elite students. So is that what you have in mind?"
"You guessed correctly, sir, I plan to join the academy as an elite-level student, after gaining two years of experience as a hunter."
The manager looked at Emir for a long while, his green eyes narrowing, and then nodded thoughtfully.
"That's a good plan. The academy could certainly use experienced young hunters like yourself to join them, it might even spice things up."
"Although experience is important, that is not the only thing that you would be required to have to become a part of the elite at the academy, do you know what else?"