Atticus was heading back to his room, and he decided to call Ember to check in on her.
He waited for the call to connect, but there was no response.
‘She must be busy,’ he thought. Resolving to catch up with her later, he returned to his room to focus on his training.
While training, he recalled the details he learned about the beast division.
He knew that after the test, he would be assigned to a group of usually five people. It was unfortunately compulsory to hunt as a group for at least a month, they do this so that the first years could gain experience gradually and get used to the hunts.
After a month, if you could get a recommendation from the captain of the team, you can be allowed to hunt alone if you so wish. Most prefer to hunt in groups as it was safer and faster.
The camp post bounties in the division building, so they were responsible for choosing the type and level of beasts they want to hunt.
As he sparred against the robot, Atticus couldn’t help but think, ‘I hope I end up with good teammates.’ However, a lingering feeling made him ponder, ‘Why do I have a feeling that I’ve just jinxed it?’ Despite these thoughts, he kept his focus on his training.
The next day, Atticus stuck to his routine by engaging in his personal morning training routine, attending the training session, and finally making his way to the beast division, ignoring all the stares.
As he arrived at the counter, he greeted the woman and inquired, “Hello. Are they here yet?”
The woman, engrossed in her paperwork, glanced up and recognized Atticus. She replied, “Oh, it’s the little genius. No, they’re not here yet. Just sit and wait a bit.”
Atticus nodded and expressed his gratitude with a simple “Okay, thank you.”
He then found a place to sit and patiently waited for the rest of his new team members to arrive.
After roughly half an hour had passed, Atticus noticed the arrival of two boys and one girl. Among them, he recognized one of the boys – Nate, one of the duo he had seen during the test.
The trio engaged in a conversation with the woman at the counter, who then gestured towards Atticus, prompting all three of them to turn their attention his way.
Atticus maintained a neutral stare as the trio approached. Nate initiated the conversation with an exclamation, “It’s you! My rival!” Atticus regarded him with a slightly perplexed expression, thinking to himself, ‘How?’
The girl, introduced herself next, cheerfully, “It’s nice to meet you! My name is Sophie! Welcome to our squad.”
Sophie was a vibrant presence. Despite her petite stature, there was a confident air about her, as if she held an unwavering belief in her abilities.
Atticus observed a number ‘2’ on her wrist, indicating she was a second-year student.
In response, he simply replied, “I’m Atticus.” Sophie beamed and responded with, “It’s nice to meet you!”
The guy, however, interjected with a rather brusque tone, “Listen, I am the vice captain of this team. I expect you to follow every single instruction given, do you understand?”
There was an undeniable presence about him, one that screamed “bully” without him even having to say a word.
After increasing his perception stats, Atticus was able discern the subtle environmental cues people emitted. It was even more easy as he had connection to the four elements.
He was able to perceive a certain heaviness to him. ‘Intermediate- and earth element’ he concluded. He also noticed the number ‘3’ on his device, indicating he was a third-year.
Glancing at the others, Atticus picked up on their wry smiles, and then turned his gaze back to the guy, regarding him silently for a while.
After a moment, he responded in a measured and neutral tone, “Or else?”
The boy’s frustration grew as he exclaimed, “I am the vice captain of this squad, and you have to listen to me!”
Atticus furrowed his eyebrows, “No, I don’t.”
Just as the boy seemed ready to physically confront Atticus, a girl intervened, “Calm down, Helodor.”
Her intervention caused the boy, Helodor, to back down while looking away, clearly angry.
The girl then turned her attention to Atticus, “Hello, I am Hella. The captain of this squad”. Atticus noticed that she had the number ‘3’ on her device, indicating she was also third-year student.
She had an assertive demeanor. There was no mistaking her for anything but someone who took charge.
‘Intermediate and air element. Not bad.’
She explained, “Now, what Helodor was trying to say is that as third-years, we’re more experienced. It’ll be in your best interest to listen to our instructions.”
Atticus acknowledged her point with a nod, and replied, “I understand you guys have experience doing this, and I’ll be sure to listen to whatever advice you give. However, the thing is that no matter how much experience you think you have, you’re still 13-year-olds. Even veterans make mistakes. If I feel like your instructions are going to compromise my safety, I’d probably ignore them.”
Helodor couldn’t contain his anger and wanted to shout at Atticus, but Hella’s stern gaze silenced him. She then turned her attention back to Atticus, attempting to intimidate him with a stern look. However, Atticus’s expression remained unchanged.
Hella smiled slightly and said, “Okay then. As long as your actions don’t threaten the group, then it’s okay. Agreed?”
Atticus nodded and replied, “Yeah.”
“Okay, go get your equipment from Belle at the counter and meet us by the south gate.”
With that, she turned and walked away.
Atticus proceeded to approach the woman at the counter, Belle, requesting his assigned equipment.
Belle handed him a body suit. The body suit was crafted from sturdy beast skin, hugging the wearer like a second skin. Its sleek black design not only provided functionality but also made for a visually appealing attire.
The suit was equipped with essential hunting tools securely fastened to its waist area, including a coiled rope and various other necessities.
Along with the suit, he received a space storage ring, intended for storing any kills or items obtained during the hunt and one healing potion.
She offered him a weapon, but Atticus declined, his Katana being more than enough.
Those were the basic equipment each 1st years would be given upon joining the division. After that, any change in equipment or potions needed has to be bought.
Clad in his equipment, Atticus headed to the South Gate, where they were already gathered and equipped for the hunt.
Without wasting any time, Hella scanned her device, prompting the others to do the same. As they did, a small door opened, leading to the outside.
They stepped through the door, which closed behind them.
***
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