Chapter 147 Start Of A New
"I quite like this CEHA uniform," Nathan said, admiring his reflection in the mirror. He wore a dark gray suit with a blue shirt and collar, and the silver belt added a coolness to his ensemble. "It really looks cool!"
"Master Nathan," Polly said, her face beaming with admiration as it gazed up at him. "I like it. You look great in that outfit!" It then walked over and nuzzled its head against his leg affectionately.
Nathan looked down, his brow furrowing, "Really? I like it too."
He then strode out of the room and made his way down the hallway and staircase to the ground floor.
Nathan felt a wave of power surge through him as he regained all the stat points that had been taken away as a penalty. For the past week, he had deliberately kept to himself, knowing that getting into trouble would not be in his best interests. Fortunately, he still had Rowena, who he could summon and rely on.
Nathan still had enough troops to rely on; Fang, Geen, his golems, and his friends, who frequently checked in to ensure he was in good condition.
He confirmed the total number of stat points he had, then carefully allocated them across a few of his stats with a satisfied smile, admiring the impressive results.
[19 Stat Points -> Strength]
[10 Stat Points -> Dexterity]
[5 Stat Points -> Agility]
[11 Stat Points -> Magic]
[9 Stat Points -> Constitution]
[19 Stat Points -> Stamina]
[Status]
[Name: Nathan Gardner]
[Race: Half Human]
[Level: Beginner Lv. 80]
[Exp: 45,601/110,303]
[-]
[Strength: 100]
[Dexterity: 75]
[Agility: 70]
[Magic: 100]
[Constitutions: 80]
[Stamina: 100]
[Stat Points: 0]
[Skill Points: 1,105,998]
[Death Tokens: 141]
Nathan descended the stairs and spotted Linda beaming at him with a sweet smile and waving her hand. "Hi, Oppa...." she said.
Linda was wearing a women's uniform of the same color as his, a long-sleeved dress that reached up to her thighs, with the bottom slightly folded. The dress was a combination of dark gray and dark blue, beginning at the chest and extending to the sleeves. The collar was a vivid blue.
"Hi, Linda…." Nathan said and walked to her.
The students would live in the academy's dormitories from Monday to Saturday, taking advantage of the learning process during the week. On Sundays, they would be able to either go out or remain overnight.
This was why Nathan decided to leave his house, which was fairly close to the academy, unoccupied. This idea encouraged Polly to follow Nathan to the dorm too.
"I've made breakfast for you," Linda announced, taking a seat at the dining table with Nathan.
As they began to eat the sausage and eggs she had prepared, Nathan remarked quietly, "It seems you've gone back to your old self, Linda."
"Really?" Linda replied with a cheerful smile. "But don't worry, I won't be easily provoked like before," she added, nodding determinedly.
Nathan laughed softly and then grinned. "Are you sure? Can you handle it if someone teases you?"
He was met with Linda's amused chuckle, "You should trust me, Oppa. I'm determined to get better, plus I'm the chosen one of the gods when it comes to patience. There's no one on New Earth more tolerant than me. You don't need to worry." She said with a cheerful smile.
Polly, who had initially been walking on the floor, suddenly jumped onto the dining table and took a seat near those who were eating. "I'm so happy to be able to accompany you to the academy," it then said cheerfully.
Linda, however, immediately huffed and gave Polly a stern look. "Hey, pup, why did you climb onto the dining table? Don't act like an animal; I know you can transform into your human form. So, why do you still feel comfortable sleeping in Nathan Oppa's room?" she asked.
Polly looked taken aback, then it walked over and leaped onto Nathan's lap. "Linda," she apologized, "didn't you just say you were going to be good a few seconds ago? Why are you scolding me?" it asked.
"Ch." Linda answered in an angry tone. "How could I possibly believe your pretense of innocence, Polly? You're a heartless fae-beast that has used your illusion skills to kill dozens of people, aren't you?"
"Just try it," she said with a sharp look at Polly. "If it turns out that you can turn into a human form but you still sleep in the same bed with Nathan Oppa, I will slit your throat."
She took a step towards Polly, who then hid under the table, still in Nathan's lap.
"Kuh," Polly said pleadingly. "Linda... No, don't do that to me!"
Nathan carried on with his breakfast when he heard the sound of Linda and Polly bickering in the background.
A few minutes later, Nathan and Linda arrived at the large gate leading to the academy building. As they drew nearer, he noticed that Meriel and the others were already waiting for them. The group of them walked together towards the main building, where all of the new students would meet for the first time on this day.
Several people who had seen Nathan and his group from afar were talking about it. "What a bastard! He purposely left at a crucial moment and only came back when our opponents had grown weak. He took the win single-handedly. Assholes!" one of them said indignantly.
"I'm sure he'll use the reputation he's earned through that to make more profit for himself. I want to teach that brat a lesson," another one added.
"Are you sure?" someone interjected. "He is a heartless person. He even deliberately cut Dallan's leg and disabled him, even though he had admitted his guilt and turned himself in."
"Sure, maiming someone is worse than killing," another one chimed in. "I hope he dies soon and his remains are devoured by the monsters in the dungeon. He was just a low level novice Hunter, he had too high an opinion of himself. He just needs to wait until bad luck comes to him."
Nathan and the others must have overheard some people speaking about him deliberately in a loud voice, but he remained stoic and unruffled.
He could hear Linda inhaling and exhaling quickly as she understood the conversation the passersby were having.
"Is this your first test this morning, Linda?" Meriel asked, smiling as they walked together.
Linda abruptly halted, causing the others to stop as well. At that moment, Nathan knew that their first day here would be in disarray due to her actions.
Polly, held in Nathan's arms, looked at Linda with surprise. "Are you going to let Linda serve those irritating people, Master Nathan?" it inquired.
Nathan gently set Polly down and then walked up to Linda. Taking her wrist in his hand, he tugged it ever so slightly, and she complied.
"Linda..." he murmured, his voice low and contemplative. "I know some people will come after me because of the choices I've made. The higher I climb, the more people will attempt to bring me down. But, for now, let's just focus on us being here at CEHA and put the lessons aside for another day, alright?"
However, Linda still remained silent, not responding to Nathan's words.
They kept walking towards the main building of the CEHA, the same place they had congregated before entering the pocket dimension a few days ago. By the time they had arrived, the room was completely filled. Nathan noticed Gydarra and Gaem seated in the far corner and gave them a wave.
Gydarra stood up, waving his hands excitedly at Nathan, prompting a few onlookers to stare. He shot them a wary glance and challenged, "What are you looking at? You want to fight, huh?" But Gaem quickly stepped in, grabbing his arm and gently pushing his back down into his seat.
"That elf man is really embarrassing," Polly whispered quietly.
After several minutes of anticipation, Pascal Rigal arrived, standing tall in a black suit and fedora hat. He immediately began his welcoming speech, becoming the focus of many.
"Welcome to the Columbus Elite Hunter Academy! I am the Acting GrandMaster Pascal, and I am more than proud to announce that this is the strongest group of Hunters we have had the honor of training." he said.
"You all have diverse backgrounds, yet you have worked diligently to make it here. Now, you are on the path to becoming the most powerful Hunters in New Earth and Yunatea. This is no easy feat, and you may face numerous trials and tribulations as you progress.
The journey ahead will be arduous, but I can guarantee that with a strong work ethic, dedication, and resilience, you will be able to reach your goals. We are here at the Hunter Academy to assist you on your mission and to make sure that you become the greatest Hunter you can be.
I implore you all to stay driven and to push even harder. The tests and obstacles you will encounter will put your skills, determination, and courage to the test, but remember that all of you are capable of greatness.
I cannot emphasize enough how imperative it is to be a Hunter. It is not only a great privilege but also a major responsibility. As a Hunter, you will be tasked with protecting the citizens of New Earth and gaining your strength.
Do not take this task lightly, and strive with all your might.
Thank you all for being here, and I hope you have a successful and rewarding journey. Let's make this year the best one yet!"