Take Break

For a long time, Omega and Alexandre just stared each other silently in the eye. When it became clear that Alexandre was just going to wait for him to talk, Omega finally spoke up. "Who are you?" he asked. "I saw what your strike did to Professor Finlay's arm. I've seen a lot of people with tricks up their sleeves in my ten years as an examiner, but never someone hiding as much strength as you did."

Alexandre simply replied, "I have nothing to gain by telling you. Just wait and see what happens tomorrow."

Omega raised his eyebrows. "Nothing to gain? How about what you've got to lose? Doesn't matter how strong you are when I can disqualify you with a snap of my fingers. I'll ask again. What's your deal? How'd you get so powerful? This isn't something you can achieve just by getting your hands on a black market shot of Virus Z."

Alexandre's voice was calm and cold. "Sure, you can disqualify me. But I know where to find you. Kick me off the island, let me out of your sight, and you'll be wondering exactly where I am for the rest of your life. However long that might last."

Despite the absurdity of a candidate threatening him, an unexpectedly icy wave of fear flooded Omega's body. 'This little asshole!' he thought to himself. 'I've seen combat in the Black Zone. What the hell is up with this maggot? Why do I get the feeling that he's not bluffing?'

But Omega didn't let any of this show on his face. He simply gave a smirk and let Alexandre walk away. "Alright, have it your way," Omega muttered once he was alone again. "You'd better give me some entertainment tomorrow! Let's see what happens when you face the proper students tomorrow."

***

Once Alexandre returned to Hunter's Paradise, he purchased a hotel room and took a brief shower. Before going to bed, he glanced at his watch and saw that it was 2 AM. "I wish I had time for more sleep tonight," he said to himself. Ordinarily, he'd only need a couple hours, but his wounds needed extra time to heal.

Unfortunately, there was no extra time to spare. Alexandre set an alarm for 4 AM, knowing that it would be disastrous to miss the final test. Then, he laid down and closed his eyes.

***

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

Alexandre opened his eyes and pressed the button on his watch to stop the alarm.

He rose, took another quick shower, and pulled some food and drink from the hotel room's minibar. got up and went quickly to the shower, then opened the mini-bar in his room and found something to eat. Before he could take a bite, there was a knock at the room's door.

Alexandre moved to the door and looked through the peephole. Unexpectedly, William was on the other side. Alexandre stepped away to quickly dress, then returned to open the door. "What are you doing here?" he asked. "How'd you find out my room number?"

William stepped in and closed the door behind him. "I found it out quite simply, actually." Alexandre shot him a glare, and William grinned. "When you left town along the main road yesterday, I assumed you weren't just going for a little evening stroll. I told the front desk you were my friend and asked them to let me know when you checked in.

"They agreed, though they said that, due to privacy reasons, they wouldn't be able to give me your room number once you did check in. Well, I had the hotel website active on my phone all night, and I kept track of when each room was no longer available for reservation. They called me to let me know my 'friend' had checked in just a minute after a certain room became no longer available, so I knew that it was yours. And I was right!"

Alexandre couldn't help but laugh. "Well done. You know, I like you, William. You're a good and pure person. Exactly the wrong sort for this world you want to compete in. You really should just quit now, for your own sake."

William's smile vanished. "Don't worry about me. I have my own reasons for wanting to become a Hunter and I'm not backing down."

Alexandre replied, "Interesting. Do what you want to, then, and try to stay alive. On that topic, you're right—I wasn't just taking a walk last night. I've obtained vital information about the final exam trial we'll be attending in an hour. For a number of reasons, the least of which is the amount of trouble I had in getting it, this information isn't free. I'll happily share it with you… so long as you have something of equal value to offer in exchange."

William seemed perplexed. "Value? What sort of value? You know I'm rich, but somehow I doubt that's what you have in mind. Though I can't imagine what else you'd want that I can offer."

Alexandre replied, "No, not money. Information. When I snatched your wallet from Marlon in the forest the other day, I saw your ID. I know that your full name is William Walton… son of the famous billionaire Mac Walton. I know about your father's numerous contracts with the American military, particularly regarding the bio-genetics research which eventually produced on the Hunters. And, based on comments you've made over the last few days, I know that you have a surprising amount of knowledge concerning your father's work." Alexandre's eyes narrowed. "Am I wrong?"

William's eyes grew wider with every word. He'd known Alexandre was incredibly strong, of course, but he hadn't quite realized how focused and intelligent his new friend was. "No, you're not wrong. I know… well, more than I should. And I hope you understand that I wouldn't share some of what I know in exchange for anything. But still, I'll hear your request! What do you want to know?"

Alexandre's cold smile returned. "The Genesis Project… You're going to give me the names of everyone who took part in it."