Hunters Academy (7)

[Classroom lessons would cover teachings and facts about the universe before and after the universal calamity, survival lessons, hunters' biology, void creature biology and theories about their origin and existence.]

Xex briefly explained to Alex. His attention was instantly captured by the study of a hunter's biology, void creatures, and theories regarding their origin.

'Origin, huh? I guess I already have an answer to that. But for its disclosure… Well, only the government can do that now.

'For the hunter's biology study… Hmm, just maybe…' He thought to himself and refocused on what Xex was explaining.

[Additional materials would also be covered on other humanoid lifeforms discovered in the early years when the Cosmic Mana Waves were at their highest.]

"Humanoid lifeforms?" He questioned with a perplexed look.

The only other humanoid lifeforms were the other human race branches discovered thousands of years ago, or at least that was what was known to the public.

[Affirmative. Other humanoid life forms similar to humans were discovered thousands of years ago, at the start of the universal calamity.]

[Although information about them can be found with a search, their rare occurrences have lessened their significance to people.]

"Interesting… Looks like there is a lot to learn about." As he muttered, his mind drifted to the dark space he had ventured into and recalled the multitude of universes that existed out there.

"Maybe they came from other universes?" He pointed out to which Xex agreed.

[That is one of the possibilities. However, if your experience when you survived the cosmic mana wave is anything to go by, I would argue that the likelihood is greater than 70%.]

"Mm… Well, thinking about it now wouldn't change anything. I'd learn about them anyway." He shrugged. "Is there anything else included in the curriculum?"

His curiosity about the other lifeforms had been awakened, and while he was tempted to learn more from the network, he chose to leave it to his instructors to teach him, as they would know better than what someone might have posted on the network long ago.

[The section on combat lessons addresses fighting against humans, beasts, and void creatures. This is important because engaging with humans necessitates a distinct set of movement techniques and forms, while magical beasts and void creatures require a different fighting style.]

Alex sighed as he glanced at the VR pod situated near his bed.

Although he has had his fair share of fights from his previous VR experiences, he wasn't all that good when it came to hand-to-hand combat, not to mention the use of weapons.

'For Ross, I know he's well-trained in the martial arts. Julia on the other hand...

'Her background should have made arrangements for her before she even awakened. Most of my classmates should also be well-trained.'

When his thoughts reached his classmates, he remembered the incident with that Zen fellow and sighed, putting a hand on his forehead.

"Ah… this is going to be a nightmare." He let out another sigh. "Xex, if I fought that Zen fellow I met today, what do you think my chances are of beating him?"

[…]

Xex was momentarily silent, and Alex understood that it was conducting its analysis. While he did not possess any information on Zen Henjok, he had all the details about himself.

[While I do not have data on Zen Henjok, if his combat skills are on par with your friend, Ross, then your chances of victory would be at 43%.]

The analysis did not please Alex at all. He knew his friend's strength all too well, having sparred with him numerous times.

However, in all those encounters, the number of times he won could be counted on one hand.

But forty-three per cent?

Compared to Ross, he should have a lower chance than what he was observing.

"Why 43%?" he asked, and the response he received made him realise why.

[Your physical stats are superior to every first-year present. So, theoretically, if you use your superior strength and speed, you can quickly put him down.]

[However, achieving peak speed and strength necessitates specific actions and forms, and you already understand that strength is not the sole factor needed to win a fight.]

"Yeah, I know."

'I still have a long way to go if I want to become strong enough to change things.' He quietly reasoned and renewed his vow to grow stronger.

"That should cover everything, right?"

[We haven't gone over survival lessons included in the curriculum.]

"Urgh… Just give me an overview of it." He instructed, already drained from thinking about various things.

He had a lot to catch up on if he wanted to stay ahead with the physical stats he had.

[Survival lessons would include ways to navigate an unknown environment, utilise surrounding resources, and create portable SOS devices to signal for rescue.]

All of that sounded lovely and all, but at this stage, he was beginning to feel exhaustion creep into his very essence.

"Thanks, Xex. You can end it here." Alex instructed and got up from his seat, taking off his smartwatch.

[Yes]

He made his way to the bathroom to tidy up for the night. Upon reaching the mirror, he blinked and activated his vision, making his sclera dark against the brown of his pupils.

He admired the unique beauty of it and switched between the various wavelengths. This was the result of months of practising how to utilise his full vision prowess.

He settled on a combination of radio waves and infrared vision to mimic magnetic resonance imaging, using it to examine his mana channels, and noticed once again how different they were from those of others.

Initially, he had thought it was nothing significant, but as he studied more people, it became increasingly apparent just how much his system differed.

The flow of mana in others demonstrated how the mana generated by all individual body cells was then channelled to various body parts as required. However, his own exhibited a different arrangement.

While mana was generated in the cells, it never flowed into the mana channels for direction. The mana channels appeared dried up.

Instead, the mana generated was infused within his cells, remaining there. The process was incredibly slow, yet still ongoing.

When he channelled his energies to activate his light ability, a surge of energy coursed through his mana veins, seemingly originating from somewhere outside his body.

It was as if his body were a vessel, pulling energy from somewhere.

'Hopefully, it won't affect my cultivation and level up.'