DCP

It didn't take long until the students began to fill the auditorium.

Soon, every seat was occupied, and the buzz of conversations filled the air.

During the past few days, most students managed to form friendships and establish connections with their peers hence the excited chatter and laughter that now echoed through the auditorium.

Ash, however, just sat quietly in his corner.

He didn't get acquainted with the others during those days as he just spent time doing his own thing - reading, training and enjoying food.

Even now, with his lips pressed into a thin line, he just stared straight ahead, his solemn gaze fixed on the stage.

As the time drew closer to the start of the event, the lights illuminating the entire auditorium dimmed until only a soft, ambient glow remained. The murmurs also died down to a hush, leaving only an eerie silence that hung in the air.

Tap… Tap…

Suddenly, the sound of high heels tapping against the stage resonated through the auditorium, breaking the silence and capturing everyone's attention.

All eyes turned to the figure that emerged from the curtain, striding confidently towards the center of the stage.

A strange ripple ran through all the males in the audience as they caught sight of her.

Even Ash found himself momentarily captivated by her presence.

She was literally the most stunning woman he had ever laid eyes on.

If Lyra was beautiful, then this woman was a goddess.

Her long, flowing ebony hair cascaded down her back in waves of glossy darkness, accentuating her porcelain skin and delicate, doll-like features. Two different colored eyes, one an enchanting shade of emerald green and the other a captivating deep sapphire blue pierced through the dim lighting, sparkling with an otherworldly allure. The Academy Uniform also failed to hide her elegant figure, hugging her curves in all the right places.

She was so attractive that most didn't even notice the oppressive aura that radiated from her.

"Dangerous…"

However Ash felt it. He couldn't quite pinpoint what it was, but there was something undeniably dangerous about her.

Usually, the most beautiful things are the most dangerous.

'Who is she?'

He asked his Hunter Band, but all he got in response was a few lines of information.

[ She is the second year student in the Hunter Academy, fifth highest ranked in the Academy, current disciplinary committee President ( DCP ), Cordelia Yurian. ]

It was enough to send a shiver down Ash's spine though.

If he was ranked 1788 in the Academy, then being the fifth highest ranked meant Cordelia was an incredibly powerful and skilled Enchanted Human.

How big was the difference between them? Would he even be able to move a finger if he were to cross paths with her?

A droplet of sweat dripped down Ash's forehead.

He felt very vulnerable in her presence.

"Welcome everyone!"

He was so immersed into his thoughts that he almost missed Cordelia's greeting.

Her voice, like a melody from a faraway land, filled the auditorium, its soothing tones captivating everyone's attention.

"For those of you unfamiliar with formalities, I am Cordelia Yurian, your Disciplinary Committee President, and a humble student like yourselves."

A ripple of surprised murmurs ran through the crowd.

Cordelia continued, her voice turning somber.

"Over five hundred students perished during the first trial, reaching the Academy through the forest. Those who stand before me today are the survivors, the chosen ones who possess the potential for greatness."

A heavy silence descended upon the auditorium. Ash felt his heart stop for a second, he was also almost one of them, who died while trying to reach the Academy.

Cordelia's lips curved into a reassuring smile, however.

"But fret not. Here at the Academy, you will be honed into the protectors humanity needs. Lectures will commence tomorrow – your AI assistants within your Hunterbands will answer any questions you may have. However, remember, this is a place of learning, not a battlefield. Fights between students are strictly forbidden. Disagreements will be settled through sanctioned duels, with both parties in agreement. Those who disrupt the peace will face severe consequences."

Her gaze swept across the student. A cold glint flickered in her mismatched eyes, sending shivers down everyone's spine.

"Consider this a fair warning."

Cordelia continued, her voice hardening.

"I have enough disciplinary matters to deal with. Don't make me add unnecessary trouble to my workload."

"Once again, congratulations on reaching the Academy."

She concluded, her voice returning to its previous melodic tone.

"May your time here be both fruitful and enjoyable. Now, dismissed."

With that, she turned and disappeared behind the curtains, leaving the students buzzing with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. The weight of her words hung heavy in the air, a constant reminder of the Academy's purpose and the consequences of failing to uphold its order.

Ash was also lost in his own thoughts.

However, instead of thinking about the disciplinary matters or the potential consequences, his mind was focused on more important matters…

One of them being how he would survive with so many powerful beings nearby.