A leader

With the hunt starting tomorrow, Ray decided to visit a blacksmith. There were many in the city, but Avrion Academy had a specific one reserved for current students.

As a second-year, he was now allowed to take his own gear on hunts. He had two intermediate-tier crystals—one obtained from the system, which he wanted to save, and another carved from a Fanged Boar.

He entered through a pair of double doors, stepping into a spacious workshop. It was larger than he expected. Rows of weapons lined one wall, neatly arranged, while various sets of armor were displayed on the other side.

Ray approached the counter at the far end of the room.

Behind it stood a skinny man wearing large, round glasses. He didn't fit the stereotypical image of a blacksmith, but Ray didn't dwell on it. On the counter in front of the man, beast crystals of various types were displayed. Most were basic-tier, though a few intermediate ones were scattered among them.

"How can I help you?" the blacksmith asked.

Ray took out the Fanged Boar crystal and placed it on the counter.

"I was hoping you could make something from this for me."

The blacksmith nodded and pulled out a strange-looking object from beneath the counter. It had a flat circular base with another hollow circular top, resembling a lamp.

He placed the crystal onto the bottom base, and the top part began to glow, displaying floating text in the air.

"Oh, I didn't expect this to be an intermediate-tier crystal," the blacksmith muttered. "It's from a Fanged Boar. Best option? Turning it into a chest piece. It'll provide a decent amount of protection."

Ray was surprised. He hadn't realized crystals could reveal so much information. Though crystals varied in shape and size, the blacksmith's device could instantly analyze and identify them.

He was slightly disappointed that he couldn't get a weapon, but a chest piece was better than nothing.

"So, how much will it cost?" Ray asked.

The blacksmith adjusted his glasses.

"With your student discount… 1,000 should be fair."

Ray's eyes nearly popped out of his skull.

"1,000?! You don't mean 100?"

"I'm afraid so," the blacksmith said with a polite smile. "If you don't have the money, you can always trade. A basic-tier crystal is worth 100, and an intermediate-tier is worth 1,000. It costs the same to process them into weapons or armor."

Ray frowned. If this were anywhere else, he might have suspected a scam, but this was Avrion Academy—they wouldn't allow something like that.

"I'm sorry, I don't have the money right now. I'll have to come back later," he said, taking back the crystal.

He would have to wait until he had more funds.

The next morning, the students woke up early. They were instructed to meet at the south city gate by nine o'clock.

Ray noticed that Gary still had dark bags under his eyes. It seemed like he wasn't sleeping well.

The group arrived at the south gate, where around two hundred students had gathered. At the front stood someone Ray hadn't seen in a while—Squire Master Lancy.

Next to Lancy stood two other Squire Masters, one woman and one man. The students were then split into three separate groups, each led by a Squire Master.

Unfortunately, Lancy was in charge of Ray's group.

Each group headed in a different direction, listening closely as their respective instructors gave them instructions.

"There are a total of three hunting grounds safe enough for second-years," Lancy explained. "The Forest, the Foothills, and the Swamp. There are other areas where magical beasts breed, but unless you have a death wish, I strongly advise against going there."

He continued, "Today, our group will hunt in the forest. In the coming weeks, we will rotate locations, allowing you to experience different types of magical beasts."

As they walked, Ray observed the different equipment the students wore. Some had intermediate-tier weapons and armor, while others had basic-tier gear. Many, like him, still used standard equipment.

Even within their own group, the differences were clear.

Sylvia had an intermediate-tier shield strapped to her back. Dan wielded a basic-tier spear. Martha wore intermediate-tier boots. Ray, Gary, Monk, Ian, and Kyle had only standard weapons and armor.

Lancy suddenly halted just outside the forest's edge.

"You will split into groups of eight," he announced. "I know some of you think you can handle yourselves alone, but let me remind you—unexpected things happen.

"Every year, students die on the hunting grounds. Everything we do is for a reason. Once you have formed your group, select a leader and report back to me."

Forming groups was quick. Most students naturally teamed up with their roommates. Ray's group did the same, adding Kyle as their eighth member.

Finally, they needed to choose a leader.

Gathered in a circle, they began to discuss.

"So, who should be leader?" Monk asked.

"I think it should be the strongest member," Dan suggested, looking at Gary.

"Huh? If you want the strongest, that's not me," Gary said, shaking his head before glancing at Ray.

"I think our leader should be smart, caring, and able to make the best decisions," Ray said, turning to Sylvia.

Sylvia's face immediately turned red.

"Wh-what?! Me?!" she stammered.

"I think Sylvia would make a great leader!" Martha said excitedly, bouncing on her feet.

Monk grinned. "All those in favor of Sylvia being our leader?"

One by one, everyone raised their hands.

Sylvia's eyes widened. "Wait, are you guys serious?!"

"It's settled then," Monk said with a smile.

Sylvia took a deep breath before slapping her cheeks lightly.

"Alright, I promise I'll do my best, guys!" she said.

With their leader chosen, it was finally time to begin the hunt.