OLD-WORLD EXTRA-Chapter 517: Student’s Future

"Rank seventy-two: -

With that, the last rank was revealed, and the leaderboard was fully clear, on display to all through their watches.

But they didn't have much time to look at it, because now, it was time for a big reveal.

A yearly event that all students went through.

"All right, everyone... focus on me for a minute."

Emir glanced around at their faces.

"I've got some news. Today, you'll be looking at the hunter groups you could potentially join." The holoscreen behind him flickered, revealing the names of the ten most famous-and notorious-hunter groups on Earth.

"You've got options."

He pointed at the first of the list.

"Take a good look, because these names carry weight."

Once a few seconds had gone past, he began to introduce them one by one:

"First up, there's 'Shinobi.' If you like stealth and don't mind working in the bunker, dirtying your hands while handling 'sensitive' matters, they're your group. Check the data package I sent for the specifics."

A few students murmured, but most remained silent, eyes focused on Emir's every action. "''Kremlin', is a little more... selective. Same as Iron Reich. Both have their own philosophy and often work close to government circles. You'd better be ready for some political dance moves if you end up with them. They're loyal to a fault but play by their own rules. But a slight warning, if you join them you'll have to get used to heavy-duty operations that could take days to complete."

A couple of the more rougher students exchanged glances, visibly intrigued.

"'Lionheart. If you're interested in humanitarian missions, they're a strong choice. They're more popular overall because of their good image, so if you want to take the 'high road,' enjoy a quieter life, try them out."

The list continued, each name sparking a new wave of murmurs and nods.

"''Kalahari' is another great if you're focused on survival and scouting in difficult terrains. They handle the uncharted and the wilderness. You'd better be comfortable in hostile

environments if you're aiming to go there."

"And then there's 'Southern Cross,' known to be the bulwark of the sector. Their missions more or less remain the same. They pick a highly contested point and bunker down, protecting whatever's behind them from monsters, constructs, and rogues. Definitely not your standard ground operations."

He glanced at the last four names on the list, his expression shifting slightly as he read the next one.

"''Phoenix.' They're the youngest hunter group among those in the alliance and have yet to establish one thing to be known for and specialized in, but they're shaping up to be something great, younger talent breeds innovation after all. Though... right now, they're not exactly the best group to join. The disaster two months ago hit their leader hard."

The mention of the Major Disaster earned a few glum gazes and lowered heads.

Though most of them weren't exactly close to those who died, they were still affected by their deaths, even those whose actions led to it happening were affected as well.

It was contradictory of course, but perhaps somewhere inside their twisted minds, they believed that those two girls wouldn't die, a naive and selfish belief.

However, Emir didn't care about any of that and continued, ignoring it like he did two months ago:

"Same thing happened to 'Maharajah,' only much worse, as their leader actually died. Their current status is up in the air. They haven't elected a new leader yet, so if you're interested, you'd have to be prepared for a little uncertainty. But they're still respected, and they've got deep roots in this line of work."

"Next, we have 'Red Dragon.' There are many of them, so competition will be fierce if you want to join the main force. These lot have their hands dipped in everything, though are mostly playing second fiddle with the Eagle."

Finally, reaching the last name, Emir's tone turned a bit brighter, ensuring that Aquila wouldn't have any complaints with his endorsement.

"And speaking of the 'Eagle'-they're great if you're interested in dealing with high-risk, high-reward missions. If you want constant action and a chance to make a name for yourself fast, this might be your shot. But joining them is a life commitment, a web that'll be hard to get out of. Though I say that, I still recommend them more than the others... they're top one after mine for a reason."

As he finished going through the list, he stopped speaking for a few seconds, allowing the students the time to take it in.

Some were whispering to each other, clearly sizing up which groups they'd like to join, while others made comments, attempting to rate them, but most remained as they were, silent, waiting for one more.

Picking up on that, Emir smirked and said:

"Oh, sure. And last but not least... My own hunter group, Azazel. We're always open to new recruits. But don't tell anyone I said that."

The room went still, those who talked especially, only now understanding what almost everyone was waiting for.

All knew the name Azazel-Emir's group had made waves over the past two years, shaking things up in a way that even the top brass in the UEF couldn't ignore.

"I don't think I need to explain what Azazel does."

Emir gave a small smirk.

"You've all seen the headlines, watched the news, and heard the rumors. We don't exactly keep a low profile. And I'm sure you're aware it's one of the most demanding groups out there. But we get things done."

He watched their reactions, enjoying the mix of awe and nervousness on their faces.

There was a particular weight to Azazel's reputation-it was the kind of hunter group that made you, or broke you.

"Now, some of you might be thinking about going the government route. Maybe joining the UEF Army instead, maybe the Guard even."

He let that option hang in the air for a moment.

"Just remember, the pay might be higher, but they'll work you to the bone, more than any other group. And political games are the worst over there, similar to Iron Reich and Kremlin, only more problematic since you're directly dealing with Corpo. Overall, it's a different kind of life, more above board, at least publicly. To me, if you're aiming for hell, that's your

ticket."

A few students chuckled, but the rest didn't let out a sound, preferring to absorb all that they heard in silence.

Emir's expression softened a little, and he waved his hand, commanding the names to

disappear from the holoscreen.

"One more thing before you get to your classes. I want to remind you that the work you put into these trials doesn't just affect you. It affects your clubs too."

He let that sink in, watching most of them perk up, already understanding what he was

getting at.

"Your clubs get a few points to increase their spending budgets depending on how you do. So,

if you're thinking your hard work stops with you, think again. You're all carrying the names of

your clubs with you."

The holoscreen flickered again, and the names of several clubs appeared, each one representing a different 'named' student in the class.

Emir glanced at them one by one, his mind bringing up their clubs alongside their names.

Sofia was in the {Troopers Club}, and if the name didn't make it obvious enough, it was a gathering for Rangers, though slightly discrete.

It suited her efficient first personality to join such a basic club, and if she could, she wouldn't have even joined them, as every student was forced to join one way back then, the day Emir

was 'invited' to Setrenc.

This incentive didn't really matter to her.

The same was true for many of the other students.

They barely went to their clubs before, and now, after the Major disaster, that had gotten even

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worse.

They were members in name only, too caught up in their training to care for anything else.

Elijah, a member of the {Chess}, was the same, as was Aria and Quinn, who were members of {Tea}, a well-known club for those who just want to tick the box.

Junior of the {Truth}, was different, however.

He actually enjoyed what he did, attending the club meetings and events regularly, defending

the truth and spreading it, whatever that meant.

{Gun Nerds} was, expectedly Ava's, and she enjoyed it too, though her attendance rate left a

lot to be desired.

Max, represented {Fight}, as he was somehow the president of that club, whether by extortion, name, or any similar means, he had gotten the position and abused it to its full

extent, using the club room as the place where he'd goof off.

Finally, Emir looked over at Arthur, revealing the last 'named' club.

Surprising no one at all, the boy had joined his four-eyed friend in Fantasy.}

It was all about novels, mangas, manhwas, cartoon shows, animes, and the like.

But that was only in the first month, as he, right after the tragedy, suddenly joined {Garden}

while cutting all contact with his four-eyed buddy.

It was a well-known place where loners gathered, wallowing in their pity together.

Being associated with them often brought shame to any student, and that image didn't

change even after Arthur's supposed transformation.

Chuckling at that, Emir shook his head and scanned the students one last time.

"Now, with all that said..."

He grinned.

"Get ready to make your choices. Your future's in your hands."