Ch 16

It was morning of the first day of classes. Areth walked out of his dorm and saw many students in uniform pouring from the entrance. There were freshmen and sophomores, one could identify them from their uniforms and facial expressions.

By the gate, several people were handing out fliers to the students, recruiting for club members. Areth did not see Lian and Rachel among them.

He checked his schedule and headed to the room of his first class, titled "Introduction to Rifts."

Nothing much happened aside from some introductions. The Retribution Guild Club gathered together during their break as stated planning to recruit more members.

Anne spoke first. "I've found out three outstanding guys."

Areth did not doubt her, as he knew that her eyes were really good.

"First, this guy." Anne handed them a picture, the background was in the school gate, and from the looks of it, it was taken sneakily.

Others did not ask where Anne got the picture, simply staring at the handsome guy being portrayed.

"This is Julius Hals, he's a popular target of recruitment for combat and Hunter related clubs. It is said that he's been trained as a mana bender since he was a child. His background is very impressive, son of a famous S rank Hunter. In short, we must get him."

Lian and Rachel were the most concerned about this, they were the only mana benders in the group.

Anne was powerful in swordsmanship, and although she taught them the fundamentals, they were still quite lacking compared to those who already specialized.

If they were able to recruit him, they would have someone to consult to.

Anne showed them another picture. Just like the previous one, it was taken secretly. It was a girl in the image, blonde hair, blue eyes and with a cold expression.

"So gorgeous." Kyle murmured and his face flushed slightly. "I will invite her to the club!"

Anne ignored him and resumed the introduction. It felt like they were briefing about some secret mission.

"This girl is Florence Rose. She is a Special class."

Many were immediately amazed and curious at her. Even Areth, he knew about Special class, but had never encountered one personally.

Anne introduced the last one, she didn't have a printed picture to show. She just pointed towards the spacious garden. Seated there were students enjoying their lunch and snack, or simply Minsk g their own business.

Everyone turned to where she was pointing and saw a girl. She looks normal, her eyes were round and filled with curiosity. She was chatting with others, and she didn't seem to be the type that others would go for recruitment.

Areth couldn't help but ask. "What's special about her?"

Anne smiled. "Intuition."

"So, how do we get them to join us?" Shiela asked.

"I will convince her." Areth gestured towards the last girl. The girl seem to be timid at glance, and going at her with everyone would probably intimidate her.

"I'll go for miss Florence." Kyle said.

Richard, the vice president of the club, gave a knowing smile. "I'll go with you."

Anne turned to Lian and Rachel. "The three of us will accompany Julius then. He seems to be the prideful type, it would be hard to deal with him."

Anne looked at the time and informed the others. "I have classes, I have to go."

The rest dispersed and went to plan their move.

Areth went to the garden, say on the bench and stared playing on his watch.

Finally, when the girl stood up and separated from her friends, Areth stood up and approached her, feigning it to be an accidental encounter.

"Excuse me, I'm here to recruit members for our club, do you have time?"

"Y-yes?"

The girl, Lina, was surprised at his sudden appearance. She didn't think that she would be invited to a club at the first day. Realizing that she stuttered, she blushed in embarrassment.

"Our club's name is Retribution Guild Club, our leader..."

Areth took time to introduce the club to the girl.

Lina felt that the club sounds awesome, and it seems that the members are easy to get along with. Besides...she secretly took a glance at Areth. She thought that he looked cool and kind.

Areth handed her the registration form. "How about it? Our club is not large compared to others but we are all friendly."

Areth did not tell her that they were all students who got special admissions. She might just get pressured and reject him.

"I-I'll think of it."

"That's fine. You can find us at the training area at 4pm. You are welcome to join us."

Areth proceed to distribute fliers, but it was from other clubs this time, before going to his next class.

Areth enjoyed the lessons, he also made friends along the way.

At 4 pm, everyone gathered at the training area, except for Richard who hasn't finish his classes.

Areth saw the three new members, Julius and Florence and the girl from this morning. The new members seem to be getting along with the rest.

After everyone introduced themselves, Anne announced the goal of the club, help train the members become skilled hunters, and become the strongest hunter related club in the school.

They talked for a while and got to know each other. After their meeting, Areth returned to his dorm while some went to the gym to train.

---

On a secluded place, there was a strange rift with violet edges, the air was heavy and cold.

Jack Wolsen, the guild master of a well known guild in city E, "Ruby", stood in front of the rift surrounded by his trusted aides.

There was a fluctuation within the rift and a large black hand reached out. The temperature dropped down a notch and the air was filled with rotting stench.

Jack stepped back in apprehension, his hand was clenched so hard that his joints were visible. Though an S rank, the fear in his heart could not be suppressed.

"Greetings, great being." Jack kneeled down, along with his men.

A large, disproportionate body emerged from the rift. It was dark and covered with spikes at the back. One hand was larger than the other, and it grew sharp claws that were stained with dried blood.

The creature stared at the clear blue sky, the trees, and towards the humans that were kneeling before it.

"You have done a great job." The voice was inhuman, as though a male and female were speaking at the same time.

"For this, you will be rewarded." The being spoke.

Jack revealed an expectant gaze at the mention of the reward. For a long time, he and the guild master of the Guardian guild has been at odds at each other. The later has been able to suppress him and even pointed out his attitude of being selfish and cruel.

His eyes flashed with viciousness. He had heard about demons from rumors, but what he cared about was his interest. The demon had granted him power unimaginable powers for his cooperation.

From the beginning, he never saw them as a threat. If he mobilized his entire guild, it was possible to destroy these down these demons. Though many lives would be lost in the process. That was why he chose compromise, something that would benefit him.

The demon approached him and touched his forehead.

"I bestow upon you the power of our great god."

Jack could feel an overwhelming flow of energy pumping towards his body. This energy rampaged within and altered his physique. Jack could feel his strength recover, some of his white hair regained their black color, his wrinkles faded away and he regained his youthful vigor. This miraculous display of power had awed his men.

The demon's body twisted and distorted, soon turning into a handsome man with red eyes.

"Now then, please let me have a look at your world." The demon spoke.

"Certainly." Jack said. "You will surely love our diverse culture. Allow me to guide you around."

The demon silently followed Jack, his lips twisted into an evil smile.