Chapter 2: The Hunter's Path

The initial beams of morning light spread over the horizon as Nix secured the frayed straps of his mended school bag. Each movement caused a dull pain to course through his body, a bitter reminder of the beating he endured yesterday. Jared and his crew didn’t hold back, but Nix didn’t linger on it. Pain had turned into a permanent aspect of his existence, something he had learned to tolerate without complaint.

He climbed onto Scootie, his trusty scooter. The engine sputtered before settling into a steady hum. The ride to school was quiet, the familiar buzz beneath him serving as a small distraction from the lingering soreness. Nix kept his eyes on the road and his grip firm on the handlebars. There was no point in thinking about anything else. He just needed to get to school.

By the time he reached the school gates, the bell had already rung. He parked Scootie beside the other bikes. Its dented frame and patched seat stood out among the newer, sleeker models. Tugging his bag over his shoulder, he hurried toward the building. His ribs ached with each step, yet he endured the pain and maintained his steady pace.

As Nix slipped into class, Mr. Arvind paused mid-lecture, his sharp eyes locking onto him. “Late again, Mr. Grimwald?” he said, his tone a mix of disappointment and weariness.

Nix scratched the back of his head and offered a sheepish grin. “Sorry, sir. I got caught up on the way.”

Mr. Arvind sighed, clearly unconvinced but too tired to argue. “Take your seat.”

Nix quickly made his way to his usual spot at the back of the room. As he passed, he felt the stares of his classmates, followed by the soft, cutting whispers.

“Always late. Probably digging through trash again.”

“Look at his clothes, doesn’t he own anything else?”

“Bet he doesn’t even try. Just sits there doing nothing.”

He ignored them, keeping his head down as he slid into his chair. The words stung, but he knew better than to react. He had learned long ago that responding only made things worse.

Today’s lesson wasn’t the usual routine of equations or historical dates. Mr. Arvind clapped his hands to silence the chatter, his expression unusually serious. “Listen carefully,” he began, his gaze sweeping across the room. “You’re all nearing graduation, and over the past weeks, we’ve talked about the different paths available to you. Farming, engineering, research, logistics, all critical to our nation’s survival.”

The students nodded, some exchanging glances. These career paths had been drilled into them for months, each one emphasizing the importance of contributing to their country’s recovery and growth. Nix sat quietly, his focus sharp despite his bruises.

“But today,” Mr. Arvind continued, “we’ll introduce you to something different. A job class unlike any other. It’s risky, challenging, and not for the weak-hearted. However, it is among the most vital roles in our society. Today, you will learn about the Hunter class.”

The room stilled. Even the usual whisperers in the back straightened up, their curiosity piqued.

“This isn’t just another job,” Mr. Arvind added. “Hunters are tasked with protecting us from the monsters that roam the wilds, gathering rare resources from dangerous zones, and ensuring our cities remain safe. It’s not a choice to make lightly, but for those who qualify, it’s a chance to become something extraordinary.”

At that moment, a new figure entered the room, Professor Atheris. His heavy boots echoed with authority as he walked to the front, his presence commanding immediate attention. Nix straightened slightly, his curiosity growing.

“Thank you, Mr. Arvind,” Atheris said with a slight nod. Turning to the class, he spoke with a steady, commanding tone. “Today, we’ll begin with an introduction to what it means to be a Hunter. This is more than just a lesson, it’s an insight into what some of you might become.”

The holographic projector flickered to life, casting the room in a cool, bluish glow. The image of a Monster Beast appeared, towering and fierce, its glowing eyes and muscular frame radiating power.

“This,” Atheris began, gesturing to the hologram, “is what we stand against. Hunters are humanity’s shield and sword, the ones who venture beyond the walls to ensure our survival.”

The Catalyst: The Great War

The hologram shifted to a fiery explosion, a nuclear blast tearing through a city. “The Great War,” Atheris said, “was humanity’s greatest failure. Driven by greed and fear, nations unleashed nuclear weapons, scarring the planet and decimating entire populations. Billions perished, and those who survived retreated into bunkers and safety caves, hiding from the devastation above.”

The screen displayed images of ash-filled skies and desolate wastelands. “But the war’s true legacy wasn’t just destruction. It was transformation.”

The image changed to a microscopic virus glowing faintly under magnification. “Buried deep within the earth were ancient viruses, genetic remnants of colossal beasts that once roamed this planet. These viruses, exposed to radiation, mutated and began infecting modern animals. What followed was a nightmare.”

The Rise of Monster Beasts

The hologram transitioned to a lion morphing into a massive, glowing creature. “Animals,” Atheris explained, “have always been born from eggs in this world. When they hatch, they emerge as fully grown adults. But after the virus, their lifecycle changed.”

The timeline on the screen showed an animal aging into a Monster Beast. “As animals matured, they began transforming into something more, something far beyond their original forms. Monster Beasts are twice as large, twice as strong, and twice as fast as their predecessors. Their hides became nearly impervious to conventional weapons, their senses sharper, their instincts deadlier.”

The screen displayed a battle between humans and Monster Beasts. Tanks fired at the creatures, some falling, others shrugging off the attacks. “At first, we were able to fight back,” Atheris said. “Our weapons worked, and humanity defended its settlements with tanks, missiles, and firearms. But over time, the monsters adapted. They grew stronger, more resilient. While we lost soldiers and resources, the beasts reproduced rapidly. Their numbers grew faster than we could handle.”

The hologram faded, and Atheris turned to face the class. “Hunters are more than warriors. They are explorers, trackers, and protectors. They risk their lives to keep our cities safe and to gather resources that no one else can. It’s a role that demands courage, skill, and adaptability.”

He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. “Becoming a Hunter isn’t for everyone. It’s dangerous. Failure means death. But for those who succeed, it’s a chance to shape the future.”

The bell rang, signaling the end of the lesson, but it wasn’t the usual rush of students packing up. The class sat in silence for a moment, the weight of what they had learned settling over them. Nix’s mind raced, but not with fear or uncertainty. He already knew about the Hunter class. Granny Laurie had spoken about it countless times, weaving tales of bravery and survival into his childhood.

Her stories had fueled his drive to become stronger. Every scavenged item, every piece of equipment he crafted, every push-up and climb, he had been preparing for this all along. Atheris’s words weren’t new to him; they were a reminder of what he had been building toward.

As the students finally began to leave, no one remarked on how the hours had flown by. Even Jared and his gang walked out quietly, their usual bravado absent. Nix stayed seated for a moment longer, excitement stirring inside him. Tomorrow’s class was going to be about Hybrids and monsters.

He picked up his bag and stepped into the hall. His classmates murmured around him, but all Nix could think about was what they might learn next. Tomorrow couldn’t come soon enough.

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The next morning, Nix woke up an hour earlier than usual. The faint light of dawn seeped through the cracks in the shutters as he stretched and rolled his shoulders, his muscles still stiff from the previous day. He had planned this carefully the night before. Today’s lesson about Hybrids was too important to risk being late. Avoiding Jared and his gang was a necessary precaution.

He slipped into his worn-out clothes and quietly grabbed his school bag, careful not to make any noise. Scootie was waiting for him outside, its patched seat damp from the morning dew. He wiped it off with a rag before climbing on, the engine sputtering to life with its usual rattle. The streets were quiet, the early hour giving him a rare moment of peace.

Nix took a longer route to school, winding through back alleys and empty roads to steer clear of places where the bullies usually hung out. The detour added time, but the lack of tension in his shoulders was worth it. By the time he reached the school gates, the sky was brighter, but the usual crowd hadn’t arrived yet.

For the first time in weeks, Nix walked into class without rushing or an aching chest. He chose his seat at the back and settled in, pulling out his notes. The room slowly filled with his classmates, some yawning, others chatting about their mornings. Jared and his gang eventually sauntered in, but their eyes barely scanned the room. They looked too groggy to notice him.

When the bell rang, the room quieted. Mr. Arvind entered, followed closely by Professor Atheris. The weight of their presence settled over the room, pulling everyone’s attention.

“Good morning,” Mr. Arvind began, his tone brisk. “As promised, today we’ll delve into one of the most significant aspects of the Hunter class: Hybrids and their connection to Monster Beasts.”

Professor Atheris stepped forward, his commanding voice cutting through the silence. “Yesterday, we discussed the origins of Monster Beasts and the rise of the Hunter class. Today, we’ll explore what sets Hunters apart, the ability to become Hybrids.”

The classroom hummed with the eager energy of students. The centerpiece of their attention was the glowing hologram of a Monster Crystal Core, rotating slowly as Professor Atheris began his lecture. The room, filled with aspiring Hybrids, was abuzz with quiet conversations about their futures, dreams of power, speed, or unmatched defense. In the far back corner of the classroom, Nix sat alone, silent, and unnoticed.

“Listen carefully!” Professor Atheris commanded, his deep voice silencing the chatter. He gestured to the core on the screen. “This is your key to becoming a Hybrid, to unlocking the power of the beasts. But make no mistake, this is not a gift. It is a challenge.”

He paced, his boots echoing against the floor. “You only get one chance to fuse with a Monster Crystal Core in your lifetime. One decision. One transformation. It will define your abilities, your strengths, and your limits. So choose wisely.”

Nix’s eyes were glued to the screen, even as the students around him whispered to one another about their chosen paths. He remained quiet, his thoughts swirling. What would he choose if he could? If he somehow found a way to get a core?

Classes of Hybrids

The hologram shifted, displaying a series of animals grouped into categories: Strength, Defense, Speed, Lethality, Venom, and Unique.

“Let’s start with the basics,” Professor Atheris began.

Strength Class: The hologram displayed a gorilla. “Strength types are built for raw power. Fusing with a strength-based core amplifies your physical capabilities, immense muscle growth, increased stamina, and devastating attacks. But,” he added sharply, “this class demands a body already conditioned for strength. A weak body won’t survive the fusion.”

Nix’s mind wandered. Years of scavenging and climbing Trash Mountain had built his endurance and strength. He wasn’t bulky, but he was lean and powerful. Could strength be his path?

Defense Class: A turtle and a pangolin replaced the gorilla. “Defensive types excel in durability. Thick skin, reinforced bones, the ability to withstand immense damage. However, this is not an easy path. Fusing with a defensive core requires years of preparation, strengthening your bones and training your body to endure.”

Nix frowned slightly. Defensive sounded ideal for survival, but it lacked the aggression he felt bubbling inside him. He didn’t want to just endure, he wanted to fight back.

Speed Class: The hologram changed again, showing a cheetah and a peregrine falcon. “Speed types are for those who value agility and precision. Quick reflexes, lightning-fast strikes, and unmatched mobility. But speed is not for the untrained. If your body hasn’t been conditioned for balance, flexibility, and reaction time, you’ll never reach your full potential.”

Nix considered this carefully. He was fast, years of evasion and survival had taught him that. But was speed enough? Could it carry him through a world that demanded more than just agility?

The Elite Classes: Venom and Unique

The hologram now displayed venomous and unique creatures: a king cobra, a black widow spider, a poison dart frog, an electric eel, and a bombardier beetle.

“Venom and Unique classes,” Atheris said, his voice dropping to a more serious tone, “are not for everyone.”

Venom Class: “Venom Hybrids are deadly, but there’s a catch: their venom is 50% less effective in a human-sized body. The potency doesn’t scale with size, and the fusion process dilutes the venom further. To compensate, you must master the biochemistry of your venom. Without that knowledge, this class is more of a liability than an asset.”

Nix had to admit, the idea of venom intrigued him. But chemistry wasn’t his strength, and he knew it. The thought of relying on complex knowledge to make his abilities useful made him uneasy.

Flight-Type Class: Scout

The hologram shifted, displaying a series of animals grouped into categories: Strength, Defense, Speed, Lethality, Venom, Unique, and now, Flight Types.

“Let’s continue,” Professor Atheris said, his voice steady.

Flight Class: The hologram displayed a hawk, an eagle, and a bat, their powerful forms soaring through the air. “Flight types are a rare and specialized class,” Atheris explained. “Fusing with a flight-based core enhances your agility, balance, and aerial perception. Your body becomes lighter, your reflexes sharper, and your mobility unmatched. However,” he said, his tone hardening, “there’s a significant limitation.”

The hologram zoomed in on the wings of a hawk, illustrating their span and structure. “Flight types cannot grow wings large or strong enough to support human flight. The fusion process amplifies traits, but even with the strongest flight core, the human body is too heavy. At best, you’ll gain gliding capabilities over short distances or incredible jumping power.”

Some students murmured in disappointment, while others leaned in, intrigued.

Professor Atheris continued, “This is where technology bridges the gap. There are Specialized Hunter weapons designed to pair with flight-type Hybrids, allowing them the ability of flight and dominate aerial combat. But that’s a lesson for another day.” He paused, letting the class absorb his words before adding with a slight smirk, “And tomorrow, we’ll dive into how Hunter weapons work and how they complement Hybrid abilities.”

The students whispered excitedly, speculating about what Hunter weapons might look like and how they could enhance their chosen paths. The buzz of anticipation filled the room, but in the far corner, Nix sat quietly. His mind latched onto the idea of flight, leaping through the air, gliding between obstacles, and maneuvering faster than his enemies. The thought thrilled him, even if the reality of wings was out of reach.

As the lesson concluded, Atheris left the class with a final remark. “Hybrids are powerful, but they aren’t invincible. Tomorrow, we’ll discuss the weapons that turn Hunters into humanity’s most versatile warriors.”

The students filed out, their energy spilling into the hallways, already speculating about the possibilities. Nix lingered for a moment, the vision of the holographic wings etched in his mind. His excitement for tomorrow’s lesson only grew. The thought of combining Hybrid abilities with weapons sparked a new fire in him. Maybe the limitations of one’s body weren’t the end, but just another challenge to overcome.

Unique Class: “Unique Hybrids offer extraordinary abilities: electricity, explosions, camouflage. But these cores are the rarest of all, and the animals they come from are difficult to hunt. Furthermore, their fusion process is dangerous, most who attempt it fail.”

The hologram displayed an electric eel sending a bolt of energy through water. Nix’s eyes lingered on it. He couldn’t deny the appeal of something unique, something that set him apart. But the rarity of those cores made it clear, they were far out of his reach.

The Students’ Excitement

Around him, students whispered their dreams:

“I’m going for strength,” one boy said confidently. “My family’s already lined up a gorilla core.”

“Speed for me,” a girl replied. “My falcon core arrives next week.”

The class buzzed with anticipation, but Nix remained silent. No one asked him what he wanted. No one believed he could afford a core, let alone have a choice in what path to take.

He clenched his fists under the desk, his mind racing. If he could get a core, just one, what would he choose? Strength? Speed? Something else? The thought consumed him, even as the professor continued.

As the lesson ended, Professor Atheris turned to face the class. “Remember, the fusion process doesn’t just transform you. It reveals you. A strength core won’t make you strong unless you already are. A speed core won’t make you fast if you’re slow to begin with. Evolution amplifies what you are, not what you wish to be.”

The students filed out, their conversations trailing behind them. Nix stayed behind, staring at the now-empty hologram. He felt the weight of those words. What was he now? What could he become? Without money, connections, or resources, his path seemed impossible. But impossibility had never stopped him before.

The beast within him stirred, restless and hungry. One day, he will find a way. And when he does, the world would see what he was capable of. Because if evolution amplified what you already were, then the fire in his chest would make him unstoppable.

As he stood to leave, he made a silent vow. They could laugh now, but one day, he’d show them what the beast inside him could become. Because when he finally fused with a core, the world wouldn’t just see a Hybrid.

One day, he would find a way to get his core. One day, he’d show them all what he was capable of. Because while they looked down on him now, he knew one thing for certain: the beast inside him wasn’t done fighting.