Back to Class

After experiencing the helplessness of the first invasion of the alien races and the emergence of Hunters, Blue Stars ushered in a new era, the era of martial arts.

The majority of people started pursuing martial arts as their main interest, and while the advancement of culture, science, and technology was still prevalent, its development took another course toward the pursuit of betterment and applicability with martial arts.

The field of education wasn't spared by this trend either, as courses related to martial arts and combat science received unprecedented attention.

The private sector rushed to invest in the business that catered to hunters. Many had founded private hunter guilds and private training institutions to develop the next generation of capable hunters. Some conglomerates even joined hands to established universities or academies specifically aimed at young geniuses with extraordinary talent, hoping to get their hands on the "golden goose" in the future.

There were also Institutes or vocational-colleges where people could learn about Hunter gears and technological engineering, but they could be counted on fingers.

The long-established Universities also didn't want to be left behind and followed the general trend by setting up their own hunting-related department, widely known as the Combat Department, while merging all other departments under the banner of the Supporting Department.

White Whale Hunter University, which was formerly called White Whale University, where Julian studied, belonged to the latter category.

In the Combat Department of White Whale Hunter University, the proportion of theoretical knowledge courses was minimal, and students spent most of their time on martial arts and combat courses and self-cultivation. Their schedule was relatively flexible and loose.

On the other hand, the supporting department mainly studied theories and managerial and administrative aspects of Hunters and governmental organizations, which was the common career trajectory after they graduated from the University.

It was a public secret that the Supporting Department was where the less talented people gathered after failing to enter the Combat Department.

Julian stepped into the classroom, which was so ordinary that he might mistakenly think that he was still living in his previous world.

Dusty blackboard, several rows of long wooden study desks, and the smell of boredom. The only difference was a panel-like device attached to the table where a holographic projection could pop up whenever needed. Other than that, it's just your classic campus classroom.

When Julian came to the classroom, most of the students hadn't arrived yet, only a dozen or so people were sitting scattered, chatting in twos and threes together in a low voice.

'Back in the day, I spent most of the time sleeping on the lesson or flirting with my ex-girlfriend. Oh youth…'

Julian couldn't help but chuckle inwardly as he recalled the good ol' days.

"Hey Julian, this way!"

A familiar voice came into his ear.

Julian turned toward the direction of the voice, and a young man with a rather broad shoulder sat in the back waving at him.

The moderately good-looking man with the slick hairstyle was Ryan Choi, the only person who was barely passable enough to be called a close friend by his predecessor and with whom he could speak comfortably. They often hung out together just because he was the only person who approached him when Julian first entered the school. Just like him, his talent in martial arts was mediocre at best.

Julian nodded and headed toward Ryan's seat. Placing his bag on the seat next to Ryan, he greeted him with a light smile.

"So early. Was the sun rising from the west today?"

From his memory, he came to know that Ryan was a typical student who often came to class in a pinch and was almost late several times. This kind of guy came earlier than him? There was definitely something fishy going on here.

"Oh, so rude." Ryan bumped Julian's shoulder with his fist. "Am I that kind of person in your eyes?"

Julian slumped in the chair, rolling his eyes at his deskmate. "Why ask something so obvious?"

Ryan waved his hand and quipped in an exaggerated tone. "People change, dude. People change."

People change, your sister!

Hearing a hint of smugness in his tone, Julian could easily guess what happened to this old bachelor dog friend of his. Raising one of his eyebrows, he scoffed.

"This is what people called every dog has its day. I pity the unlucky girl."

"You're the dog! A single dog!"

Julian and Ryan broke into laughter as they exchanged light banter with each other.

"Well. Introduce me to your girlfriend when you have the time later."

Ryan nodded and patted Julian's shoulder.

"Well, when is your turn? Clearly, a lot of girls in our class seem to have a crush on you? Why don't you date one or two?"

Julian could hear a hint of envy in Ryan's voice.

To be honest, while his talent in martial arts was not worth mentioning, Julian's looks were definitely in the top 10% of White Whale Hunter University's male students.

He was quite tall at 185 cm. Although not buff, he had a well-trained body no less than famous athletes in his old worlds, which were quite common in this martial arts-centric world. His face, smooth and unblemished like a baby, with sharp eyebrows and a well-defined jaw, could put most of the male gods and idols on earth to shame. Definitely a 9 out of 10.

If not for his shy and introverted nature, he could easily become a guy who changed girlfriends every day, like changing clothes.

Of course, Julian wasn't an herbivore like his predecessor. If he were just an ordinary guy without the system, he might be selling his face for a living. But now that he had this privilege, he was in no hurry to get into romantic relationships. Borrowing the system's words, it would only be a hindrance to his personal development at this stage.

Speaking of girlfriend… Hannah's gorgeous figure suddenly flashed in his mind.

'Crazy! Why did I suddenly think of her?'

Julian shook his head to dispel the unnecessary thought.

What he should do now was got stronger as soon as possible. Until then, he would put the matter of love and stuff at the back of his mind.

"Well… maybe later when I feel like it. I've got no time for dating for the time being."

Ryan groaned, his face crumpling like someone who just ate a bug. "What's wrong with you, dude. Are you still hanging up on martial arts? We're not even in Combat Department. Get real, brother. Don't you want to be an office worker after graduation?"

"Just enjoy your youth, man! Get a girlfriend already! If you don't want that, just hook up with some ladies and enjoy the night together! Go party, go wild! If I have your looks, I'll definitely be late in every morning class, if you know what I mean."

Julian rolled his eyes, pretending he didn't hear it.

Ryan still argued about this and that, but after getting no response from Julian, he shut up resentfully.

What's with that look? Not every boy is a horny dog like you, dude!

After a few minutes of awkward silence, Ryan sized Julian up, squinting at him.

"Hey Jul. I don't know if it's just me, but is there something different about you today?"

Julian was taken aback for a moment when Ryan called him out, in fear that the fact that he wasn't the old Julian would get exposed, but quickly regained his composure, knowing that it might not be necessarily the case.

It was just natural for Ryan to sense the change in him because they were always together in the past. However, Julian and his predecessor had a lot of similarities in personality. So, there shouldn't be any problem that aroused his suspicion.

The most probable explanation was that he himself had changed.

Just like a poor man who suddenly became rich, he, who was once helpless and powerless due to his lack of talent, recently overcame his limit and became a level 2, naturally exuding an air of confidence.

It was simply a change in state of mind.

But of course, Julian didn't have the slightest intention to explain this matter to Ryan, so he simply gave him a flat smile and casually brushed the matter off.

Just as Ryan was about to push further, the class bell rang and the professor entered the classroom, so he stopped bothering Julian and started paying attention to the lesson.

*

If the whole class could be summarized in one word: it was boring.

No. Let's add one more word. It was fucking boring.

Rather than learning what kind of curves he needed to draw for a certain scenario of supply and demand, Julian preferred to learn how to draw a sword cleanly to kill invading alien races. Or maybe he just spends more time clearing his daily missions. It might be more worthwhile.

"Maybe I should apply for a transfer?"

Julian felt it was quite a good idea.

White Whale Hunter University had a department transfer system. As long as ordinary students met the requirements, they could apply for transfer to the combat department. Although it was rare, there were some cases of late-bloomers who moved from Supporting Department to Combat Department in the middle of their academic years.

If his memory didn't fail him, the requirements for inter-department transfer were having their life energy level reach level 2 and mastering at least one adept-level martial arts skill.

He had already satisfied half of this condition, and soon he would reach level 2 to satisfy the other half of the requirements.

It was almost guaranteed that his transfer would be successful.

"After the life energy level breaks through to level 2, let's immediately apply for a transfer!"

After the class bell rang, signifying the end of the lesson, Ryan immediately dashed out of the classroom, leaving Julian behind without saying bye.

That guy must be in a hurry to meet his new girlfriend.

Such a heartless bastard.

Julian shook his head and laughed, following the crowd out of the classroom.

After getting off campus, Julian went directly to the city center to visit one of the martial arts clubs. It wasn't that far from the university, only around 15 to 20 minutes by foot, so he decided to walk there.

He hadn't gone that far yet, and as he passed by a dark alley, his step halted abruptly.