<Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Angela Skyfall and I'll be your host for this evening of fun and awards.>
Angela looked over the large gathering with a bright smile before continuing her address to the audience.
<Now before we start, we'll have a small word from our very own head: Principal Seraph Yiny. Let us all welcome her with a round of applause.>
The audience applauded as they watched the principal make her way over to the podium before facing everyone.
<Good evening, students, everyone. It's been a while since I addressed the first years.>
Her eyes darted around looking at the numerous faces of the students before landing on Alex's who was seated at one of the many front role tables.
<It's been a wonderful year having so many talented youths train under the guidance of our instructors. Through it all, you have toiled and given it your all. The academy is proud of your achievements.
<Congratulations on making it through the first year.>
Claps of applause resounded when the principal reached this point and after the applause died down, she continued.
<But this is just the beginning of your long journey to become powerful hunters to defend humanity against the dangers of our universe.
<Things will not always go as planned but know that they will always get better if you keep moving.
<And in all of this, don't forget to live your life as well…> She ended her message here with another round of applause.
Angela returned to the podium once the principal returned to her seat among the high-ranking guests.
<Without further delay, let's proceed to the award ceremony…>
....
After many names and awards later, it was Alex's turn to go up and as the overall best student and the elite amongst elites, he was naturally the last to go.
<And to our very best student of the first years, please help me welcome Alexander Gray!>
The applause resounded louder than all the previous ones, especially with the female students. Alex tried to adopt an aloof expression but he couldn't help the smile that graced his features.
He stood up, buttoned his suit and walked towards the podium like the real man he was. His gait solicited louder cheers from the students.
"Hmph! I'm sure he's enjoying himself right now." Julia commented with mock displeasure. Getting recognition for your efforts has a way of making people feel like pompous pricks.
But she also knew Alex was different from the rest. He had always kept to himself and remained true to his ideals.
The award was personally presented by the principal herself as anyone else wouldn't do it justice. It was a peak moment Alex didn't imagine himself at a few years back. His life had taken a drastic change ever since his experience one year ago.
'Still ways to go… If only I could find a way to increase my level.' He thought in silence while assuming a bright smile for the cameras.
He soon returned to join his friends at their table as the awards ceremony was brought to an end.
<Okay ladies and gentlemen, for the rest of the night, enjoy yourselves!> Angela concluded and swiftly disappeared from the stage with the music returning shortly after.
With food and drinks in abundance, it was time to fill their stomachs and then move to the dance floor.
...….
"How do you find the boy?"
Principal Yiny asked the middle-aged man who sat by her. He was a normal human and had dark hair with grey spots and an expression that showed he meant business.
He went by the name of Sawn Exlaw, and was the envoy sent by the boss Seraph reported to a few days ago.
"At a glance, he appears to be nothing special." He stated with his eyes following Alex and Julia on the dance floor.
As someone of a high clearance within the empire, he was privileged to some information most people didn't know about; like what Alex described to have experienced when he was taken by the cosmic mana wave.
When Hunter Zol sent the reports to them, they had dismissed it as the dreams of a kid who thought he saw something. But things don't seem to look like that anymore.
There was something and this piqued their curiosity in the boy more and more. But they also couldn't just take him away. Too many eyes were around and he was talking about the people or Hunter Zol.
'I'm sure they are here in this very space.'
"I want to have a chat with the boy. Arrange that for me, and do it right now. I'll be waiting in the receiving room." Sawn commanded and then stood up to leave.
"Yes, of course." She nodded and also got to her feet and called one of the attendants and gave him instructions to summon Alex and guide him to the receiving room.
"Yes, Principal Yiny." The attendant nodded and moved to carry out the order.
...…..
Hunter Zol and Mason observed the happenings of the ceremony with their attention focused on Sawn. They both knew who he was and what he was here for.
"You think he'll try something funny?" Mason inquired, looking at Zol.
"No. He knows we're here." Zol replied and watched the attendant go fetch Alex. His senses were locked on the event to ensure nothing out of expectation happened.
This was his domain after all, more so, his home planet. Nothing was going to happen under his watch.
....
"Alexander Gray…" The attendant called to Alex, prompting him to turn around along with Julia.
"Yes?"
"Sorry to interrupt your time, but the principal would like to have a word with you."
"The principal?" Alex furrowed his brows in confusion. He was under the impression that the academy was already on the break after the conclusion of the event.
"Yes, if you'll kindly follow me this way." He stepped aside and gestured for Alex to join him. He was just doing his job and had no explanation for the questioning gaze Alex gave him.
Alex exchanged a glance with Julia who just shrugged in response. It wasn't as if she could stop the principal from having a talk with Alex.
With a sigh, Alex instructed the attendant to lead the way, and under the curious gazes of Ross and Julia, Alex disappeared from the dancefloor.