Alex took a deep breath and said, "I'm glad we're helping each other. Everything will be fine. Let's focus on making our days better."
Simon responded enthusiastically, "Agreed... but by the way, where are your glasses?"
Alex replied with a bit of tension in his voice, "Well, you see, I... uh... I don't think I need them anymore...!"
Simon looked at him with curiosity but decided to ignore it for now.
Their conversation eased Alex's tension and strengthened the budding relationship between him and Simon, giving them both a sense of comfort and reassurance.
After the class ended, Alex and Simon headed to the university cafeteria for lunch. The cafeteria was crowded with students exchanging conversations and laughter, while the two chose a quiet table in the corner, away from the noise.
As they were eating, Alex noticed a group of guys approaching their table. One of them whispered to his friends and then laughed loudly, saying with obvious sarcasm, "Alex and the black cloud that follows him! And his buddy Simon, who has nothing but wasted time!"
Alex tried to ignore them; this kind of harassment was nothing new to him, but today he felt like he was on the verge of exploding. He gripped his fork tightly in his hand.
Simon felt extremely embarrassed and shrank in his seat, trying to ignore the mockery. But he noticed how Alex was starting to boil inside, his eyes showing an angry glint as if he was getting ready to respond to the insult.
Before Alex could do anything, a young man with dark skin and strong features approached them. It was Jude, one of the well-known students at the university.
"Get out of here," Jude said firmly, directing his sharp gaze at the group of bullies. "Don't you have anything better to do than harass others?"
The group quickly backed off, muttering their apologies before leaving. Then Jude turned to Alex and Simon, smiling slightly, and said, "Sorry about what happened. This place is full of idiots."
Alex looked at Jude coldly, showing no sign of gratitude. Instead, he said in a calm and tense voice, "Are you here to mock us too?"
Jude was a bit surprised by the harsh response, but he continued smiling and sat down at the table next to them. "No, on the contrary. I just can't stand seeing this kind of behavior."
Alex remained aloof, continuing to eat his food without looking at Jude, as if his presence didn't matter. "If you're expecting thanks, you're wasting your time."
Alex's cold responses piqued Jude's interest, noticing Simon's obvious tension as he avoided eye contact. Jude tried to break the icy wall between them, saying, "I don't need thanks, I just want to make sure you're okay. The university can be tough sometimes."
Alex finally raised his eyes toward Jude, emphasizing his words with a slight challenge, "We're fine, no need to worry. We've gotten used to dealing with people like them."
Jude realized that Alex wasn't the type to easily open up, and he smiled understandingly. "I understand that. But if you ever need anything, you can count on me."
Alex paused for a moment, then replied in a colder tone, "We'll see."
Jude continued his attempt, ignoring the coldness, "Anyway, why don't we start over? My name is Jude, and you are?"
Simon answered in a low voice, "I'm Simon, and this is Alex."
Alex didn't bother to respond again and went back to eating his food. Jude felt there was something intriguing about Alex's personality, perhaps a challenge in earning his trust. But at that moment, he realized that any attempt to break the icy wall between them would take longer.
In the end, Jude stood up and said, "Nice to meet you both. I hope we can talk again sometime."
Jude left them, feeling curious about what Alex was hiding behind that cold exterior, while Alex continued to act as if nothing had happened, lost in his thoughts.
A heavy silence fell between Alex and Simon. Finally, Simon broke the silence, pointing anxiously at Alex. "Why did you act that way with Jude? He seemed like he wanted to help us, and you met him with coldness."
Alex looked at Simon coolly, as if he didn't understand what the problem was. "I didn't ask for his help. I have no reason to trust anyone here."
Simon, showing signs of frustration, replied in a tense voice, "But Jude came to stop the mocking about us. We could have given him a chance. Why don't you try to be more open?"
Alex shrugged indifferently and said, "Not everyone here is kind. My experiences have taught me to be cautious. I don't want to be vulnerable to exploitation."
Simon took a deep breath, trying to control himself. "I understand you have your reasons, but not everyone is bad. Jude seemed sincere, and maybe we can trust some of them."
But Alex cut him off coldly, "We don't have time. Lunch is over, and it's time for the next class. We can't be late."
Simon felt a bit disappointed as he prepared to stand up. "Alright, let's go to class. But don't forget that there are people who deserve a chance."
As they were heading towards the classroom, Simon felt discouraged. It was clear that Alex was not ready to open up, which made Simon feel that his previous attempts had been in vain.
As Alex and Simon walked down the hallway leading to the training hall, they both felt a mix of tension and excitement building up inside them.
Simon said with a slight smile, "This will be our first time attending a training session with weapons made from dungeon monsters. I wonder what it will be like?"
Alex nodded while looking ahead, "Yeah, I heard that this training is different from anything else. Maybe we'll have a chance to see if our abilities can complement these weapons."
Simon was clearly curious, so he said, "I've heard some students talk about how amazing this class is. It could be an opportunity to learn more about how to use these weapons effectively."
Alex smiled a little, feeling excitement creeping in, "Yeah, why not? It could be a chance for us to discover new things about ourselves and what we can do."
Simon grinned enthusiastically, "And also, this will be the first time we're dealing with something as direct as this. I mean, we might be able to apply everything we've learned so far."
Alex looked at Simon with eyes filled with interest, "Yes, I can't wait to see how we'll handle this new challenge. It's something completely different from the previous training."
As they approached the door to the hall, the two exchanged a look filled with positive tension and curiosity. The upcoming session represented a new and exciting step in their journey as hunters, and each of them felt like they were on the verge of a unique experience.
When Alex and Simon entered the hall, they paused for a moment, looking around in amazement. The hall was vast, filled with all kinds of weapons: sharp swords, curved bows, long spears, shining daggers, and glowing magic staffs. Each weapon was made from the remains of dungeon monsters, giving it a unique and mysterious appearance.
The weapons were not the only things that caught their attention. The hall was equipped with advanced technology they did not expect. Huge screens were mounted on the walls, displaying details about each weapon and its uses. There were also combat simulators and electronic control panels that allowed them to analyze their abilities and performance in real-time. It was clear that the place was meticulously prepared to provide a comprehensive training experience that combined combat skills with modern technology.
However, this exciting scene was not the only thing that caught their attention. They also noticed the looks of the other students, which were full of disdain and mockery. Some were whispering and exchanging sarcastic glances, making Alex and Simon feel like they were under scrutiny.
But instead of feeling discouraged, Alex quickly regained his composure. He knew these challenges were part of the journey. He turned to Simon and said in a firm voice, "Don't mind them. We're here to learn and improve, not to worry about what they think."
Simon smiled nervously but with enthusiasm, "Yeah, let's focus on what we're here for. There seems to be a lot to discover."
Then the two headed towards one of the weapons, their eyes shining with increasing curiosity about what awaited them in this hall filled with intriguing weapons and technology.
Alex walked over to a corner of the hall where a shiny dagger hanging on a display wall caught his attention. The dagger was unlike any other he had seen before. Its handle was made of a dark material, resembling bones mixed with black and blue, giving it a mysterious look. It was intricately carved, with fine details forming strange symbols on the handle.
The blade itself was thin and long, polished to a silver shine. It seemed to have fine grooves running along the blade, which might be a place to store some kind of energy or magic. The edge was exceptionally sharp, and the tip of the blade was pointed in a way that made it perfect for precise stabbing.
Alex moved closer to the dagger and gently touched the handle. He felt the balanced weight of the dagger in his hand and found that its design made it feel like an extension of himself. He had a vague feeling that it might be a powerful tool that could prove to be very useful.
While Alex was examining the dagger closely, a man with unique features approached him. The man was tall and athletic, with dark skin and curly hair tied back. His eyes were sharp, giving off a piercing look as if they were watching every move. He wore a distinctively designed athletic outfit with decorations that reflected familiarity with advanced technology.
The man approached Alex and smiled slightly, then said in a calm voice, "I see you're particularly interested in this dagger. Is there something that attracts you to it?"
Alex raised his eyes and looked at the man with a calm but curious expression, "Yes, the dagger seems different from any other weapon here. There's something mysterious about it, and it might be useful."
The man smiled flexibly and said, "You're right, this dagger has a unique design. It was made from the remains of a rare dungeon monster. It has the ability to generate magical energy when used in a certain way. Do you have any experience with similar weapons?"
Alex shrugged and said in a balanced voice, "No, but I'm looking for a tool that matches my own abilities. This dagger seems like it could be helpful in teaching me how to control better."
The man looked at Alex intently, then said, "It seems like you have a good idea of what you're looking for. Perhaps you'll find in this dagger something that will help you improve your skills. If you need advice on how to use it, I'm here to help."
Alex took another look at the dagger, then looked at the man and said, "Thank you. I'll need to learn how to make the best use of its energy."
"Make sure you're aware of how the weapon integrates with your own abilities," the man replied, "because the harmony between them can make a difference in battles. And if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask."
With these words, the man nodded and walked away, while Alex continued to examine the dagger, immersed in thought about how to combine this weapon with his own abilities.
The man moved to the center of the hall, where the platform he was standing on slowly rose to form a moving podium. He stood there, with an impressive aura around him, and began to speak in a strong and majestic voice.
"Welcome, everyone. I am John Smith, the instructor for this class. I am a Level 4 hunter, and I will be your guide during this session. My special ability may remain a secret for some time, but you can expect a lot from this experience."
The students listened attentively, and the hall was filled with an atmosphere of curiosity and excitement. John added, pointing to the weapons hanging around the hall, "Today, we will focus on using weapons made from dungeon monster remains. Each weapon here is not just a tool but a piece of art with unique properties derived from the monsters it was made from. Our goal is to learn how to exploit these properties in battles."
One student raised his hand and asked curiously, "How do we determine which weapon suits our style?"
John smiled gently and said, "Great question. You should first consider your abilities and fighting style. Try different weapons to discover which one resonates with you. You can always change the weapon if it doesn't suit you."
Another student asked, "Are there any special rules for using weapons during the session?"
John replied, "Yes, there are a few rules. You must keep the weapons in excellent condition and avoid damaging them. You must also return them to their place at the end of the session. Responsibility is a crucial part of the training."
This answer intrigued the students, and a female student asked, "What if we're not sure how to use the weapon?"
John enthusiastically responded, "Don't worry. There are instructional screens on the walls providing comprehensive information about each weapon, as well as simulation models to help you understand how to use them effectively and perfectly."
Then he added energetically, "If you want to experience the weapons more realistically, you can head to the virtual reality capsules available in the hall. These capsules allow you to face dungeon monsters or opponents with different abilities stored in the system. It's a perfect opportunity to apply what you've learned in a simulated environment very close to reality."
A student asked curiously, "Can we choose the type of monsters we want to fight against?"
John replied, "Yes, you can choose the types of monsters you want to face through the capsules. You'll be able to test the weapons in various combat scenarios."
John looked at the students with an encouraging smile and said, "Remember, this session is an opportunity to learn and discover your abilities. Make the most of this experience and be prepared for new challenges."
With these inspiring words, the students rushed toward the weapons and capsules, testing the new equipment and feeling excited to explore all that was to come, determined to make the most of this unique session.
As the students roamed around the large hall, Alex grasped the dagger, examining it closely, noting the mysterious engravings on its handle and the edges that glowed with a faint sheen. A nearby instructional screen lit up as soon as he touched it, displaying details about the dagger.
"This dagger is made from the remnants of a rare dungeon monster and contains a special venom that can weaken your enemies and slow their movements," the screen said in a calm voice. "It is considered an ideal weapon for tactical combat."
Alex took a deep breath, feeling a mix of anticipation and excitement. This type of weapon made from monster remnants was entirely new to him, and he was trying to imagine how this weapon could change the course of a battle. "Will this be better than the previous attempt in the 'Punishment Trial'?" Alex thought, recalling his earlier experience filled with frustration and panic.
Determined to explore this weapon further, Alex headed toward one of the virtual reality pods scattered around the hall, feeling a mix of eagerness and nervousness. As he opened the pod, he felt a moment of hesitation, remembering the past "Punishment Trial." "I hope this simulation isn't like the punishment where I didn't look like a hero but rather like a baked cake."
Once he closed the door behind him, Alex found himself inside the pod, preparing to test the weapon. He looked at the control screen inside the pod, which offered various options to test weapons against different types of monsters. Alex chose to face a monster similar to the type from which the dagger was made.
"Okay, Alex, time for the real trial," he whispered to himself nervously, watching as the virtual environment began to form around him. The space transformed into a dark forest, as described by the screen, and the colors shifted to match the upcoming battle scenario.
He tried to lighten the tension with some humorous thinking, "If the monster here is like the ones I saw in the 'Punishment Trial,' maybe I need to rethink my escape plan."
As the preparations concluded, Alex felt his excitement grow. "Let's hope this experience is less chaotic and more controlled. If I succeed, I might be able to convince myself that I'm not just an easy target."
He took a deep breath and gripped the dagger tightly, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
To be continued...