The Encounter

Max was engrossed in a book when his eyes were drawn to the graceful entrance of Emily into the classroom. A radiant smile effortlessly graced her lips, illuminating the room with her beauty. Her captivating presence captured Max's attention, and he couldn't help but feel a flutter in his heart.

Approaching his desk, Emily moved with a gentle elegance, her eyes sparkling with warmth as she greeted Max. Her smile, like a sunbeam breaking through clouds, instantly lifted his spirits. "Hey, Max," she cheerfully said, her voice melodic and inviting. "Would you like to have lunch together today?"

Max's excitement surged within him, like a bubbling spring of joy. He couldn't believe his luck as he eagerly accepted her invitation. "Of course! I would be absolutely thrilled to have lunch with you!" His voice, filled with genuine enthusiasm, conveyed the depth of his happiness. This unexpected opportunity to spend time with Emily filled his heart with anticipation and excitement.

"Okay, don't forget. See you after class!" Emily said, her words dancing on the air like a sweet melody, before gracefully returning to her group of friends.

Just as Max was on the verge of immersing himself in the overwhelming joy of the moment, his gaze was captured by the entrance of Alex into the classroom. In an instant, his elation transformed into a sense of unease as he observed Alex approaching Emily and her two friends. They engaged in a conversation, their heads leaning closer together, exchanging hushed words.

A wave of apprehension washed over Max as he contemplated the possibility of Alex extending an invitation to Emily for the upcoming end-of-year ceremony. Although the event was still distant, today marked the first day of the official announcement, and his heart couldn't help but tremble with worry. Attempting to mask his growing unease, Max tried to appear composed, knowing it was too early to display his concern openly. Nevertheless, observing the interaction between Alex and Emily ignited a flicker of nervousness within him, an unsettling thought taking root in his mind.

However, Max's elation was momentarily dampened when his gaze caught sight of Samantha settling into the seat beside him. Her radiant golden locks cascaded around her shoulders, framing a face that seemed to possess an ethereal glow. Samantha's elegance and poise were captivating, and Max couldn't help but be captivated by her beauty.

"Good morning, Max," Samantha greeted him with a smile that could rival the sun's brilliance. Her voice was as melodious as a songbird, adding to her undeniable charm.

Max returned the smile, feeling a warm connection forming between them. "Hey Samantha, how are you doing?"

A faint blush painted Samantha's cheeks, enhancing her natural allure. "I'm doing fine, thank you for asking," she replied, her voice soft and enchanting. Her eyes sparkled with a mix of confidence and vulnerability, making her all the more captivating.

Max couldn't help but be drawn to Samantha's presence, appreciating the delicate balance of her beauty and grace. "Did you see they posted the date for the end-of-year ceremony at the entrance?" Samantha asked, her gaze fixed on him.

Max nodded, his eyes never straying from her captivating features. "Yes, I noticed. Has anyone already asked you to be their partner?" he inquired, genuinely intrigued.

A soft giggle escaped Samantha's lips, adding a touch of playfulness to her charm. "No, ahahah, no one has extended an invitation just yet. I'm still available... for now," she replied, a subtle hint of anticipation in her voice.

Max's admiration for Samantha grew, and he couldn't help but express his appreciation. "I never knew this side of yours. You should embrace this side of yourself more often. And don't worry, I've heard that you're quite popular. I'm sure there will be a long line of suitors vying for your attention."

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, each moment allowing Max to further appreciate Samantha's allure and inner beauty. However, as their interaction came to a pause, Professor Harrow entered the room, signaling the start of the class. Max's gaze drifted towards Emily, his heart sinking momentarily as he saw her seated next to Alex, their connection tugging at his emotions.

"Good morning, class," Professor Harrow's voice resonated through the room, commanding the attention of the students. His presence exuded authority and wisdom, instilling a sense of respect among the class. As he scanned the room, his eyes met the eager gazes of his students, their anticipation palpable.

"I hope everyone is settled in, and I trust you all had a productive first week here at EIL," Professor Harrow continued, his words lacking genuine concern. His tone carried a hint of formality, indicating the obligatory nature of his statement. "Remember, if you encounter any challenges or have questions, I am here to assist you. As your headteacher, it is my duty to ensure your success."

Turning towards the chalkboard, Professor Harrow reached for a piece of chalk with deliberate movements. As the white dust kissed the surface, his voice resonated with anticipation. "Today, we will explore a system devised by the church to apprehend and bring to justice those who have chosen to defy the law. Our topic for the day is the bounty system."

The atmosphere in the classroom shifted, with students leaning in closer, their curiosity ignited. The concept of bounties, a means to track and capture outlaws, was not foreign to them. They had already glimpsed the bounty hall and engaged in discussions about the most notorious outlaws. Some outlaws had gained a level of notoriety surpassing even high-ranking church officials, developing their own fan base. Black Lightning was the biggest among these infamous figures, with his posters being sold as memorabilia. The students understood the significance of maintaining order and justice, and the idea of a system designed to apprehend those who defied it resonated deeply within their minds. They were aware that some of them, in the future, would venture into the wilderness to hunt down these outlaws and deliver justice.

" The bounty system serves as a vital mechanism to bring justice to those who defy the law," Professor Harrow began, his gaze sweeping across the attentive faces before him. "It is a carefully structured framework that allows individuals to undertake quests in pursuit of outlaws and reap the rewards for their success."

He explained that the bounty system operated on a hierarchical basis, with various ranks dictating the level of quests one could undertake. "Only those who have attained the Adept rank or higher are eligible to access and participate in the bounty system," Professor Harrow clarified, emphasizing the significance of progressing through the ranks.

"The Adept rank serves as a testament to an individual's skills, knowledge, and commitment to upholding the church's principles," he continued. "It signifies that you have honed your abilities to a level where you are deemed capable of facing the dangers and challenges that come with pursuing outlaws."

As the students absorbed this information, their ambition and determination swelled within them. The prospect of becoming an Adept, of gaining the eligibility to undertake quests in the bounty system, filled them with a sense of purpose and direction.

Professor Harrow proceeded to outline the rules and regulations that governed the bounty system. He emphasized the importance of understanding and adhering to these guidelines to ensure safety, fairness, and the efficient execution of justice. The rules ranged from guidelines on reporting findings and providing evidence to the procedures for claiming rewards and the protocols for collaborating with fellow bounty hunters.

He then addressed the students' curiosity about encountering outlaws accidentally. "If you chance upon an outlaw and successfully apprehend them, not only will you be rewarded with their respective bounty, but your rank will also increase," he explained. However, he cautioned against intentionally seeking out high-ranking outlaws to expedite rank progression. "Attempting to take on high bounty outlaws for the sake of rank advancement is ill-advised," he warned. "Many past students have fallen victim to experienced killers listed in the bounty hall. Even if you are more powerful, their expertise and cunning can be your undoing."

Professor Harrow highlighted the importance of collaboration and team dynamics in the pursuit of clearing missions. "The most efficient and fastest way to climb ranks is by working together in groups," he advised. "Clearing missions involve facing formidable creatures known as teras, rather than human outlaws who may deceive you. With a coordinated team effort, you can successfully overcome these challenges and progress in your ranks."

As the students absorbed the information, a sense of caution and understanding settled within them. They realized that the bounty system required strategic thinking, measured actions, and a focus on growth rather than rash pursuits.

"Remember, the bounty system is not a mere game or pursuit of personal gain," Professor Harrow emphasized, his voice carrying a tone of solemnity. "It is a solemn responsibility to uphold the values of justice and protect the innocent. You are the guardians of order, and your actions within the bounty system reflect the integrity of the church and our commitment to maintaining a just society."

With these final words, Professor Harrow concluded his explanation of the bounty system. The students sat in silence, their minds processing the weight of their newfound responsibilities. Max, in particular, felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination. He understood that the bounty system was not just a means of personal gain but a crucial tool to uphold justice and protect the innocent.

As the students left the classroom, Max's thoughts turned to his upcoming lunch with Emily. The encounter with Alex lingered in the back of his mind, but he resolved not to let it dampen his spirits. Instead, he would focus on getting to know Emily better, cherishing this opportunity to spend time with someone who ignited his heart.