CHAPTER 81: [81] NO PEEKING, VALENTINE

The week passed quickly between classes and training. His daily workouts with Aurora at the gym became a fixed point in his schedule, though he made sure to never show his full capabilities. He’d let her win occasionally—just enough to keep her ego intact while learning her fighting style.

Monday morning brought Professor Valdez’s class on gate monster classification. The temperature in the room hovered just above uncomfortable as she paced before the class, her light blue hair pulled back in a ponytail.

"Gates produce monsters," Valdez said. "This isn’t news to any of you. What you might not understand is the hierarchy within these entities."

She tapped the crystal display, bringing up a holographic classification system.

"Like us, monsters have tiers. E through S, with additional gradations within each rank." She pointed to the bottom of the chart. "An E-rank monster from a Tier-1 gate might be handled by a civilian with basic combat training and decent weapons. A D-rank monster requires a hunter, though even an E-rank Awakened could manage it."

"C-rank is where things get dangerous," Valdez continued. "A C-rank monster from a Tier-2 gate is approximately equal to a C-rank hunter. The math isn’t perfect, but it’s a useful rule of thumb—monsters typically outrank hunters the higher the level."

She brought up images of various creatures—some resembling twisted versions of Earth animals, others completely alien.

"B-rank monsters require team approaches unless you’re an A-rank hunter. And A-rank monsters..." Her voice softened slightly. "Those are the ones that kill hunter teams. Even a coordinated A-rank hunter squad can struggle against a single A-rank monster if they’re not prepared."

Kyrie raised his hand. "What about S-rank monsters?"

The room grew noticeably colder. Valdez’s eyes shifted to a pale, icy green.

"S-rank gate monsters are why we have S-rank hunters," she said simply. "When they break, evacuation protocols activate for the surrounding areas. If you ever hear about an S-rank emergence, run the other direction unless you want to die."

Her bluntness silenced the class.

"Any questions?" she asked, scanning the room.

Xavier raised his hand. "Professor, do monsters have their own versions of Essentia, or are they using a different type of energy?"

Valdez studied him for a moment. "An excellent question, Valentine. The answer is complicated. Some monsters appear to have systematic abilities similar to Essentia. Others wield raw dimensional energy with no apparent structure. The distinction matters because systematic abilities can be predicted and countered. Raw energy is more chaotic. This is why observation is crucial during gate operations. Identifying patterns in monster behavior can mean the difference between success and death."

Tuesday’s session with Professor Fox proved considerably more entertaining.

"Today, darlings, we’re discussing the Hunter Guild Wars of 2037," she announced, perching on her desk rather than standing behind it. "Not the sanitized version from your textbooks, but the actual blood-soaked corporate backstabbing that shaped our current system."

She sipped her coffee.

"The Big Five corporations didn’t always play nice together. When gate rights were still being established, Phoenix Imperium and White Wolf engaged in what historians politely call ’competitive clearance operations.’ What they don’t mention is the sabotage, assassinations, and outright battles between hunter teams."

This matched what he’d observed about corporate behavior in his previous life.

"The Nagoya Incident was the turning point," Fox continued. "Two A-rank teams—one from each corporation—encountered each other in a Tier-3 gate. Neither would back down. By the time it was over, nineteen hunters were dead, the gate had destabilized, and half the Shibuya district was destroyed."

She pointed at Naomi. "Phillips, what would you say was the corporate response to this disaster?"

Naomi straightened in her seat. "Public apologies, private celebrations. The destruction cleared valuable real estate, and both corporations used the tragedy to push for exclusive gate rights under the guise of ’preventing future conflicts.’"

Fox smiled. "Someone’s been reading beyond the assigned materials. Correct."

The lesson continued with Fox detailing how the current regulatory system emerged not from concern for public safety, but from corporate desires to establish monopolies while appearing benevolent.

"Remember this, students," she said as class ended. "History isn’t what happened—it’s what those in power want you to believe happened. Question everything, especially the convenient narratives."

Wednesday brought Phantom’s practical class in the training arena. The masked instructor had them practicing Essentia sensing with blindfolds, moving silently through a maze he’d constructed.

"Valentine," Phantom’s voice came from directly behind Xavier, though he hadn’t heard the man approach. "Your awareness is good, but you’re still relying too much on your eyes."

Xavier nodded, adjusting his blindfold. "I’m working on it."

"Try this." Phantom’s gloved hand touched Xavier’s shoulder. "Instead of trying to sense others’ Essentia, focus on how your own responds to their presence. Like ripples in a pond when a stone drops in."

Oh, so just like echolocation.

Xavier concentrated, feeling the subtle shifts in his energy when Luka passed nearby. The Russian’s Essentia felt like a furnace—hot and expansive.

"I can feel them," Xavier said, surprised at how distinct each classmate’s energy signature felt once he knew what to look for.

"Good," Phantom replied. "Now navigate the maze without removing your blindfold. And Valentine? No peeking."

The exercise proved challenging but illuminating. By focusing on the disturbances in his own energy field, Xavier could map the positions of walls, obstacles, and other students. He finished third, behind Alexander and, surprisingly, Sayuri.

"Well done," Phantom said when everyone had completed the course. "This skill will save your life in gates where visibility is compromised. Practice it daily."

Thursday’s class with Professor Rousseau focused on gate manifestation patterns.

"Gates are not random!" he declared. "They follow complex probability curves influenced by ley lines, population density, and essentia saturation levels."

He brought up a map showing gate emergence patterns across North America.

"Notice these clusters? The Midwest Convergence, the Eastern Seaboard Chain, the Pacific Rim Circuit? These aren’t coincidences, mes amis! They’re mathematical certainties!"

Xavier studied the patterns, noting how they aligned with major population centers but also followed strange geometric formations across seemingly empty terrain.

"The Global Gate Authority maintains predictive models for gate emergence," Rousseau continued. "The accuracy is approximately 63% for location and 47% for timing. Not perfect, but significantly better than random chance."

Nolan raised his hand. "P-professor, are the predictive algorithms publicly available?"

Rousseau laughed. "Officially? No. They’re classified as national security assets. Unofficially?" He winked. "Certain academic journals publish research that, when combined properly, allows one to reconstruct similar models. For purely theoretical purposes, of course."

Nolan nodded, clearly taking mental notes.

Friday afternoon found Class 1-D gathered for their final session of the week. Professor Valdez entered the room precisely on time, her expression unreadable as always.

"Before we dismiss for the weekend, you have an assignment," she announced. "Each of you will design your hunter combat outfit."

An excited murmur ran through the classroom until the temperature dropped sharply. Frost formed on the edges of the windows, and everyone fell silent.

"This is not a fashion exercise," Valdez continued, her breath visible in the suddenly cold air. "Your gear can determine whether you live or die in the field. You will submit detailed designs by Monday morning."

She brought up a list of requirements on the display.

"Your designs must account for mobility, protection, Essentia compatibility, and practical storage. If you already own hunter gear, you may incorporate it, but be aware that Catalyst-produced equipment typically surpasses commercial options."

Xavier glanced at Calypso, who was already sketching ideas in her tablet.

"Monday morning, we’ll visit the Support Department studio where you’ll be paired with support students who will help refine and eventually produce your designs." Valdez’s eyes swept the room. "This is not a theoretical exercise. You will wear what you create during future practical sessions."

She tapped her tablet, sending the full requirements to everyone’s devices.

"Class dismissed. Have a productive weekend." As students began gathering their things, she added, "Xavier Valentine, you’re wanted at the Director’s office. Immediately."

Xavier felt every eye in the room turn to him. He kept his expression neutral as he packed his bag.

"What did you do?" Calypso whispered.

"No idea," he replied quietly.

As the class filed out, Naomi brushed past him, her fingers briefly touching his arm. "Let me know if you need anything," she murmured.

Xavier nodded, watching as she joined Ashley and Margaret by the door. The three of them had been increasingly friendly toward him all week, though each in their own way—Naomi with direct flirtation, Ashley with subtle gestures of support, and Margaret with thoughtful questions about his ability.

"Want me to go in with you?" Calypso asked as they reached the hallway.

"No need," Xavier said. "Stay within range, though."

She rolled her eyes. "As if I have a choice."