The new year of the empire's calendar came quickly as the empire went into a festive mood.
Despite the chaos in their universe, humanity needed to keep living and one of the many ways they came together was during the festivities.
It marked a new beginning for many people, especially the new badge of first years headed to the various academics to begin their training to become powerful hunters.
"Finally, I'll be joining the Hunters Academy! I can't wait to meet Alexander. He's my hero!"
"Yeah, me too!"
Some of the new students bellowed with shining eyes, everyone knowing the living legend called Alex.
With the inception of the Manastorm state, humans had grown more powerful than ever.
Hunters no longer feared battling void creatures at the same level as them and some of the stronger and more talented ones could even fight above their level to a degree.
Many of the past first years had already broken through to the Class E rank and with the addition of the Manastorm state they had, they felt more confident than ever, some with renewed vigour to challenge Alexander in a fight.
Gradually, that time of the year came around and every student, regardless of where they came from, returned to the academy grounds that would serve as their home for the next year.
......…
"How was your vacation?"
"Hehe… wouldn't you like to know?"
"Come on, spill it already. You know what I did, why don't you tell me yours?"
Alex smiled briefly overhearing the various conversations happening around him.
They still retained their class and moved to a new and even bigger classroom and while their dorms remained the same, it wasn't an issue.
'Can't say I've missed this… but I like the atmosphere.'
As Alex thought to himself with Julia and Ross on his left and right, instructor Horvey walked in.
Abruptly, everyone stopped what they were doing, rose to their feet and greeted their instructor.
"Good. I see most of you have already broken through and the rest on the verge to do the same." He spoke and looked at his students with a hint of pride.
The kids didn't disappoint, however, when he looked at Alex and noticed his gloom and aura, he understood his situation.
'He's still stuck at the same level, huh? Is void energy that difficult to get?'
He thought silently and then looked away. He didn't want the boy to feel gloomier than he already was.
At this point, everyone knew what made Alexander different and also the cause of his level remaining stagnant.
The phenomenon that had made him different and far superior to everyone was also the cause of his stagnation.
Without the energy to cultivate, he was stuck at his level and no one knew how long it would last.
"Now then, a few things before we get started officially."
Instructor Horvey crossed his arms and looked directly at his students. "New faces will be joining us.
"If you recall, the points you earned during the event can be used to elevate your status and since some students have the necessary points, they're moving up to class A."
He looked over to the entrance and everyone followed his gaze as they watched students enter their classroom with careful strides and heads held high.
'I expected as much.'
Alex thought looking at the new faces. Well, not really new faces as he had met most of them during the competition for the Celestial Sigil.
One of them was the idiot who challenged him for the Celestial Sigil, 'Kenneth.'
"Introduce yourselves and then find places to sit," Horvey Doe said and the students obliged and then went to find suitable seats.
"Then, we have another student joining us by special privilege from another solar system."
Once again, everyone turned to the entrance and watched as the person stepped through the doorway, eliciting loud gasps of shock and admiration especially from the girls.
Their eyes lit with clear interest, but not everyone shared the same expression.
'So this was what he had been up to…'
Julia narrowed her eyes with folded arms as she glared at Henry Younge. The boy had not returned to his system once his stay at the Mansion was over.
Instead, he bought a house in the city and stayed there for whatever reason. Now it was clear to Julia why the perv stayed behind.
Henry appeared as if he hadn't noticed the glare from Julia and focused on his new classmates and introduced himself.
And the entire time, some of the girls had dreamy expressions as they admired how handsome he was.
Naturally, the boy pretended not to notice the gazes as they were something he was used to seeing.
"Good. Now find a place."
Horvey Doe was not one to waste time and watched with a calm gaze as Henry moved forward to find a spot.
"Ouch! What did you do that for?"
A boy whispered the question in confusion and outrage at why his sitting partner would push him out of his seat.
"Over here!"
The answer was given shortly after as he noticed his sitting partner and other girls wave at Henry to come sit by them.
'The fuck?'
He and the other boys looked on with bitter expressions as their mates sold their seats to the newcomer.
Henry continued to smile broadly and finally settled on a just-opened seat that was right behind the seating spot of Alex, Julia and Ross sat.
Of course, the ones who were left hanging could only lower their heads in defeat and also take the heavy scolding of their sitting partners.
"Thank you.'"
Henry thanked the girl who replied with a beaming smile. "Anything for you~"
Alex and Ross heard all this and just shook their heads. And when Alex looked over at Julia, he noticed how her expression was dark and gloomy, like someone had wronged her.
'She's mad.'
Alex couldn't help but chuckle and then placed a hand on her tight, bringing her out of her dark thoughts.
"I'm good, Alex. Thanks."
"Always…"
Watching the little bit of commotion caused by the females, instructor Horvey remained quiet despite some of the boys bitterly complaining.
He was here to teach them, not direct them on how to go about their private matters. Besides, there were more open seats available.
"Okay, let's get straight to business. You know how to take attendance already. Do that and I can get on with explaining what the second year is all about."