In my final year, I had climbed to fifth place in our class. We had completed our training, academics, and the pledge ceremony, which marked our graduation.

  “As hunters we duties has changed we aren't the humans bloodhounds that commit genocide on they whims; we are now protectors of the supernatural committee and we hunt down those who would seek to do harm on them. Every hunter during the entrance exam before training begins. Each starts with 40,000 points, and your performance determines how many points are deducted. Only those with more than 28,000 can attend. Once enrolled, you accumulate points to advance. To graduate, you need over 6 million points. Here’s what they don’t tell you: those who score above 8.5 million become honorary members of the hunter faction, and hitting 11 million grants you a chair position. There are 15 subjects, each worth 20,000 points for the year. This point system applies to theory; field training has an additional 20,000 points before the entrance exam. Don’t forget, the 40,000 points are split between field and theory, with field training having 20 courses, each worth 15,000 points. The total points tally never changes. Everyone in this room jas passed and now I will list this year's top 10 hunters.

  1. Irma: 6,020,000 points for theory + 6,020,000 for fieldwork = 12,040,000 perfect score, making her the third hunter to achieve a chair after graduation and the first with a perfect score.

  2. Klaus: 10,763,665 points

  3. Gugu: 10,705,954 points

  4. Theo: 10,591,675 points

  I placed an "L" on my forehead and looked at Theo, “LOOOSSSSEEEE.”

  “Gugu…” Mr. Johnson warned.

  “Sorry,” I muttered.

  Mr Johnson continued.

  5. Bianca: 10,499,245 points

  6. Bruce: 10,402,578 points

  7. Zac: 10,389,814 points

  8. Lindo: 10,312,494 points

  9. Nbu: 10,223,025 points

  10. Zion: 10,121,070 points

  For the commencement of the ritual, The box in front of you contains rubies that house the energy you've accumulated throughout your studies. Next to it is the key to breaking the seal. When you open your boxes, you’ll find a necklace bearing your family’s crest. Your parents instructed you to wear this necklace daily—it houses your energy, aiding in the creation of these rubies. Remove the crest, place it in the center of the box, and arrange the orbs around you. Once complete, use a portion of your energy to break the seal covering the crest, and the ritual will begin. The rubies have been distilled to enhance your physical capabilities and slow down your aging without the risk of combustion. Afterward, you will awaken anew, as the connection between two worlds solidifies.”

  The ritual began, and we officially became hunters.

  Afterward, Irma shared her plans for the future, her eyes shining with excitement.

  “I want to be head of both the human and hunter fractions.” Irma confessed.

  “What?” I was taken aback, “That’s impossible, even for you. Firstly, it hasn’t been done, and secondly, the human fraction groups us with the supernatural now that we’re officially hunters.”

  Irma simply smiled, “After talking to several vampires, demons, and werewolves, I realized the biggest threat to peace on Earth is human fear—especially when it comes to mortality. The head of the human faction can manipulate that fear to bend countries to their will, leading us straight to war. That’s why I should... no, I will be the head of both factions.”

  I stared at her, “I don’t know how to respond to that.”

  Her expression turned serious, “I know it’ll be tough. But humans need to be kept on a leash. I know how crude that sounds, but it’s the truth.”

  “That may be true, but there’s a reason it hasn’t been done.”

  “I’m aware of the severity of this path.” she replied, “I understand the indignities I’ll face. But in the end, it’ll bear fruit.”

  “Life is always interesting when I’m with you.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” Irma asked.

  “You just naturally attract people.” I said.

  Irma shrugged, “I never really thought about that.”

  “I guess I can’t talk you out of it. We just graduated and still have one more city to party at.”

  Irma grinned, “I know! I’m planning on having that Cosby special—that’s how inebriated I want to be.”

  “Maybe don’t take a massive shit this time around.”

  Irma looked offended, “That has never happened to me.”

  “Really? You defecated on the toilet sink last year at the Christmas party.”

  Irma blushed, “I had a bottle of vodka.”

  “After having thirty-two beers.”

  Irma rolled her eyes, “Fine, I promise.”

  “It’s a deal then.”

  Irma sighed, “I’m hungry.”

  I stood up, stretching. “I think the meal’s been prepaid. Should we get going?”

  Irma nodded, “Yep. And I have to say congratulations, Gugu.”

  “For what?”

  “You’re third in our class. I always knew you could do it.” Irma explained.

  This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

  “It was nothing.” I extended my hand to her, “Truthfully, I wouldn’t have made it without you.”

  As Irma took my hand and I pulled her up, I noticed how close we stood, “You’re a beautiful woman.”

  "Whatever." I said as I walked away.

  “I’m serious.” she replied as she followed me into our room.

  “Alright.”

  “What are you wearing to the party?” Irma asked.

  “I’m not a huge fan of dresses. Best I can do is black jeans and an oversized jersey, maybe some heels.”

  “So, just heels with your regular outfit?” Irma asked.

  I shrugged, “I look cute. I’ll only wear uncomfortable shoes if necessary.”

  “Alright.” She headed toward the shower.

  “How long will you take?” I asked.

  “Two hours, I think.” Irma said.

  “Okay, wake me up when you’re done.” I flopped back onto the bed, drifting off to sleep.

  A few hours later, I woke up to Irma trying to get my attention. I couldn’t hear her, so I washed my face and walked back to the room. There she was, in a mustard-colored dress. I was stunned, “Wow, you look beautiful.”

  “I’ve been trying to wake you up for twenty minutes!” she exclaimed, clearly irritated. “We should leave, and you haven’t changed yet.”

  I sighed, tying my hair into a bun. I changed into black leather pants, a satin black shirt, and a three-piece necklace, finishing off the look with a brown coat. “Happy now?”

  “You forgot to brush your teeth.” she said, crossing her arms.

  “I’ll use the ball thing.” I grabbed the metal ball, popped it in my mouth, and after a few seconds, spat out multi-colored foam. “We can head out now.”

  Irma smiled, “Thank you for changing, and you look lovely as well.”

  We headed to the hall where the graduation ball was being held. As soon as we walked in, Irma grabbed everyone’s attention.

  “Looks like some potential leaders of the werewolf fraction are here.” I noted.

  “I can see that.” Irma said, scanning the room, “But I don’t see any vampire nobility.”

  “Good. Vampires are insufferable.” I muttered.

  “You should say some can be insufferable, and there are some that you love being around.” she countered.

  “They're all assholes with god complexes.”

  “Again, some may have developed a god complex, but I believe you’ll meet a vampire you want to be around one day.” Irma said.

  “And I’m the queen of Earth.” I joked.

  “Life has a funny way of coming full circle.” she replied.

  “Trust me, that will never happen.”

  “Shall we go mingle with our guests?” she asked.

  “Fine.” I sighed, following her.

  As we walked toward a table, I could feel the aura of one guest radiating off them.

  “Irma, you look ravishing!” Bile greeted, all smiles.

  “Thank you! And you remember Gugu, my best friend?” Irma introduced me.

  “How could I forget your tail?” Bile grinned.

  I wrinkled my nose, “That’s funny because I could smell wet dog from my room, which is on the other side of the fort.”

  “Wow, I’m glad Irma finally gave you permission to speak.” Bile replied.

  “Well... damn, can’t top that.” I said, laughing.

  “What’s my name?” Bile asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

  “THE BIG BAD WOLF!” I responded, slapping hands with her multiple times.

  “LET THEM KNOW! And this is my best friend Anele.” Bile added.

  “Hello, nice to meet you.” Anele said, visibly nervous.

  “Hey, I’m Irma, and this is Gugu. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Irma smiled warmly.

  “So, you’re graduating. What are your plans now?” Bile asked, her gaze switching to Irma.

  “I’ll be leading both the hunters and human factions.” Irma replied, keeping a subtle eye on Anele.

  “Wow, that’s unexpected.” Bile raised an eyebrow.

  “You asked.” Irma shrugged.

  “Is she serious, Gugu?” Bile turned her attention back to me.

  “Unfortunately, yes.” I said, feeling a strange sensation in the pit of my stomach.

  “I mean, they say dream big, but that’s massive…” Bile trailed off, noticing Irma’s curious look at Anele, “No big deal, but Anele is half werewolf, half vampire.”

  Irma and I exchanged shocked glances.

  “Before you start with any borderline derogatory questions, Anele’s parents went to Neptune and used the birth program.” Bile clarified.

  “What’s that?” I asked, still trying to catch up.

  “When two beings from different species have intercourse and one of them ends up pregnant, the baby has a high chance of not making it to term, even if the parents come from the same genetic lineage. Vampires and werewolves are a good example—they both share human lineage but differ in physiology. That’s why vampire-werewolf hybrids have been nicknamed ‘bipolar’—it’s extremely disrespectful, but the name comes from the fact that vampires are more analytical while werewolves are more emotional. The birth program blends the child’s DNA, making it possible for the child to be born without defects unless one of the parents is a carrier.” Irma explained.

  “Okay, Anele, do you have a near unattainable goal like being chair of the vampires?” I asked, trying to lighten the conversation.

  “No, nothing like that. I plan on joining Shield’s ecosystem department.” Anele replied.

  “That’s the department that focuses on animals and our ecosystem, right?” I asked.

  “Yeah, protecting wildlife on our continent from poachers and environmental changes.” Anele nodded.

  Bile turned to Irma, “Irma, can I steal you for a second?”

  “Sure.” Irma said, following Bile outside. “What do you want?”

  Bile placed several cycle balls in a circle around them and whispered something into her wristband. A blue field surrounded them both. “Now we can talk in private.”

  “About what?” Irma asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

  “A right-wing terrorist group calling themselves Predators.” Bile replied, her voice steady but urgent.

  “Okay, but why not report this to ARMS?” Irma pressed.

  “Two reasons. First, they’re based in Eastern Europe, and second, they’re hunters.” Bile explained.

  “So their are Supremacist. But this isn’t new; there’ve been several terrorist groups since the Holy Crusades, most of which barely got off the ground.” Irma said.

  “My sources say they may have a benefactor within the human faction.” Bile added.

  “That sounds ominous.” Irma replied.

  “Indeed. But the group’s numbers are below 300 for now.” Bile reassured her.

  “One question. Why approach me with this instead of my father?” Irma inquired.

  “To build ties with the future head of the hunters’ fraction and to gauge what your reign might look like based on your plans.” Bile replied.

  “Bile, I know hunters have committed unspeakable atrocities against the supernatural community, especially during the Holy Crusades. We’ve been paying for those sins ever since. But that’s not enough to atone for what we did. Humans, when faced with fear, tend to destroy what they don’t understand. I wouldn’t be any different if I’d been born back then. All I can do now is promise to shed light on these events and stop both factions from whitewashing their sins when I take charge.” Irma’s voice was firm, resolute.

  “That’s good to know.” Bile nodded, handing Irma a portable hard drive, “This contains all the information you need about the group.”

  “I’ll make the preparations and shut this group down.” Irma said, accepting the hard drive.

  Bile touched her wristband, deactivating the cycle field, and the device floated back into her hand. She paused at the door, looking back at Irma, “I’m eagerly waiting for your reign to begin.”

  Lost in thought, Irma walked toward the balcony, staring out into the moonlit sky. A shadow moved beside her, and she turned to see me, “Oh! Gugu, it’s you. I thought I was alone.”

  "And then you dragged me to the function, only to go all reclusive?" I teased.

  "Please, Gugu! I just had an uncomfortable conversation with Bile." she replied.

  "One conversation, and now you're bummed out? Don’t be like that. Tomorrow’s problems are tomorrow’s problems." I pointed out.

  "Sorry, I just got lost in my thoughts for a minute." Irma admitted, rising to her feet.

  "What were you two talking about?" I asked.

  "I’ll tell you later. Now let’s dance." she said, slipping her hand over my shoulder. We returned inside, and the rest of the ceremony was filled with laughter and celebration.