CHAPTER 86: [86] HUNTER COUTURE

The Monday morning sunlight filtered through the classroom windows, slicing across Xavier’s desk in bars of white. He leaned back in his chair, watching the door and checking the time on his phone. Eight minutes past, and still no Professor Valdez. After his morning workout with Aurora, where she’d asked about his weekend. When he mentioned that he and Calypso stayed home alone all weekend, Aurora pushed him twice as hard. He felt mentally alert but physically tired.

Across the room, Calypso sat with Margaret and Selena, showing them something on her tablet that made Margaret’s eyes widen. Probably the combat outfit designs they’d spent all of Sunday finalizing, after their Friday night... detour.

And Saturday detour...

And Sunday morning detour...

This can’t be healthy for me.

"She’s going to love it," Margaret said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "The classical elements with modern materials is brilliant."

"I can’t believe you designed it yourself," Selena added, her blue-tipped blonde hair falling forward as she leaned closer to the screen.

Calypso caught Xavier’s eye and winked. He shook his head slightly, the corner of his mouth lifting. She’d been insufferable all weekend after he’d admitted her design skills were actually decent.

Luka dropped his massive frame into the seat next to Xavier, the chair creaking in protest.

"Morning, my friend! Sleep well?" He clapped Xavier on the shoulder.

"Easy, big man." Xavier steadied himself. "Yeah, slept fine."

Luka’s grin spread across his face. "Excellent! I have been working all weekend on my outfit design." He lowered his voice to what he probably thought was a whisper. "I am incorporating classic Russian military elements."

"Sounds good," Xavier said. "You sketch it yourself?"

"My cousin help. She designs clothes in Saint Petersburg." Pride filled Luka’s voice. "What about you?"

Before Xavier could answer, Kyrie Walker stood up from his seat and dramatically covered his tablet screen when Beppo tried to peek over his shoulder.

"Back off, camera boy," Kyrie snapped. "No one sees this until it’s finished. I’m not having anyone steal my concept."

"Chill, man. I was just curious."

"Well, be curious about someone else’s design," Kyrie said, eyes narrowed.

Xavier caught Calypso’s gaze from across the room. She rolled her eyes and mouthed, "Drama."

"Like anyone would want to steal your trash design anyway," Naomi said without looking up from filing her nails. "What’s it going to be? ’Angry man in black’? How original."

Kyrie’s pink eyes flashed. "You don’t know anything about original, Naomi. Your entire personality is a corporate catalog."

"At least I have a personality," Naomi replied smoothly. "Unlike your one-note angry routine."

Okay... I can almost guarantee these two have dated before.

Alexander stepped in before things escalated further. "Everyone’s on edge because this is important. These outfits will be our first real step toward being professional hunters."

"Alexander’s right," Ashley said from her seat near the window. Today she wore her blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail. She looked good. "This isn’t just a school project. These designs will be what people associate with our brands."

"Exactly," Aurora called. "It’s our first chance to show who we are as hunters. Of course everyone’s being protective."

Xavier glanced around the room, noting how animated everyone had become. Even the usually reserved students like Nolan and Sayuri seemed energized. He hadn’t considered how very significant this project was to them—to these kids who had dreamed of being hunters their whole lives.

For him, it was just another cover, another costume. But for them...

"What about you, Valentine?" Kyrie called out, interrupting Xavier’s thoughts. "Let me guess—something with too many pockets and zippers to look cool?"

"You’ll see later like the rest of the class. But I went with something simple."

"Boring," Kyrie scoffed.

"Effective," Xavier countered. "The outfit’s just a tool. It’s what you do while wearing it that matters."

"Says the guy who’s never cleared a gate in his life," Kyrie said.

Xavier just shrugged, letting the barb slide off. In his previous life, he’d survived situations that would have Kyrie pissing his pants. But explaining that wasn’t an option.

"I think Xavier’s approach makes sense," Eliza spoke up. "Our outfits should emphasize our abilities and fighting styles, not distract from them."

"Thank you," Xavier nodded to her.

"But aesthetics matter too," Margaret added. "Hunter brands are built on recognition. Look at Virgil Constantine’s red coat or Miyuki’s cherry blossom motif. People remember those elements."

The conversation splintered as everyone began sharing opinions about their favorite professional hunters’ outfits.

The door opened suddenly, silencing the room. Professor Luna Valdez stepped in, her light blue hair perfectly styled despite the wind outside.

"Good morning, Class 1-D," she said, her voice cool and professional. "I apologize for my tardiness. I was finalizing arrangements for our field trip."

A ripple of excitement moved through the students. The promised trip to the controlled gate environment was finally happening.

"Before we discuss that," Valdez continued, "I want to see your combat outfit designs. These will be developed with the Support Department over the next two weeks, so they’ll be ready for your first practical gate experience."

She tapped her tablet on her desk. "I’ll call you up individually. When I do, please explain your design concept and how it enhances your particular Essentia abilities."

Xavier glanced at Calypso, who gave him a thumbs-up. They’d spent hours getting their designs right, arguing over details and practicality versus style. In the end, they’d compromised: Xavier’s outfit was primarily practical but with one distinctive element, while Calypso’s balanced aesthetics and function.

"Mr. Shepard," Valdez called first. "You’re up."

Alexander stood, pulling his tablet from his desk. His design featured a navy blue tactical outfit with reinforced armor panels. The color scheme and angular panels gave him a commanding, authoritative look.

"The reinforced sections channel my strength enhancement while providing extra protection," Alexander explained. "The material allows for full range of movement while maintaining a professional appearance."

"Practical and aligned with your leadership style," Valdez noted. "Good work."

"Ms. Miller," Valdez called next.

Selena glided to the front. Her design featured a streamlined bodysuit that is a mix between white and blue.

"The fabric is hydrophilic in nature," she explained. "It absorbs water without becoming heavy, allowing me to store and channel my element more efficiently."

"Very elegant," Valdez nodded. "Though I question the practicality of those open sections at the shoulders and back."

"They’re vents," Selena replied. "When I channel large amounts of water, the pressure needs release points."

That doesn’t even make any sense.

Valdez seemed satisfied with this explanation and called the next student.

One by one, Xavier’s classmates presented their designs. Beppo had created an all-around good outfit complete with a bodycam setup. Margaret’s featured a transforming coat that adapted to various weather conditions. Luka’s Russian-inspired combat wear included reinforced gauntlets that amplified his Essentia.

When Kyrie’s turn came, he swaggered to the front of the room. His design was surprisingly restrained—a sleek black and dark pink outfit with strategic reinforcement at joints and vital areas. The only flashy element was a stylized "K" worked into the chest design.

"The color scheme harnesses my ability," Kyrie explained. "As I build power, the pink elements will glow more intensely, showing my current level."

"Resemblance to Stormfront’s design is... notable," Valdez observed dryly.

Kyrie’s confident expression faltered slightly. "It’s an homage, not a copy."

"Hmm." Valdez made a note on her tablet. "Make sure Legal doesn’t see it that way. Next—Mr. Valentine."