Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Angela Skyfall and I''ll be your host for this evening of fun and awards.

Angela looked over the large gathering with a bright smile before continuing her address to the audience.

Now before we start, we''ll have a small word from our very own head: Principal Seraph Yiny. Let us all welcome her with a round of applause.

The audience applauded as they watched the principal make her way over to the podium before facing everyone.

Good evening, students, everyone. It''s been a while since I addressed the first years.

Her eyes darted around looking at the numerous faces of the students before landing on Alex''s who was seated at one of the many front role tables.

It''s been a wonderful year having so many talented youths train under the guidance of our instructors. Through it all, you have toiled and given it your all. The academy is proud of your achievements.

Congratulations on making it through the first year.

Claps of applause resounded when the principal reached this point and after the applause died down, she continued.

But this is just the beginning of your long journey to become powerful hunters to defend humanity against the dangers of our universe.

Things will not always go as planned but know that they will always get better if you keep moving.

And in all of this, don''t forget to live your life as well... She ended her message here with another round of applause.

Angela returned to the podium once the principal returned to her seat among the high-ranking guests.

Without further delay, let''s proceed to the award ceremony...

....

After many names and awards later, it was Alex''s turn to go up and as the overall best student and the elite amongst elites, he was naturally the last to go.

And to our very best student of the first years, please help me welcome Alexander Gray!

''I''m sure they are here in this very space.''

"I want to have a chat with the boy. Arrange that for me, and do it right now. I''ll be waiting in the receiving room." Sawn commanded and then stood up to leave.

"Yes, of course." She nodded and also got to her feet and called one of the attendants and gave him instructions to summon Alex and guide him to the receiving room.

"Yes, Principal Yiny." The attendant nodded and moved to carry out the order.

........

Hunter Zol and Mason observed the happenings of the ceremony with their attention focused on Sawn. They both knew who he was and what he was here for.

"You think he''ll try something funny?" Mason inquired, looking at Zol.

"No. He knows we''re here." Zol replied and watched the attendant go fetch Alex. His senses were locked on the event to ensure nothing out of expectation happened.

This was his domain after all, more so, his home planet. Nothing was going to happen under his watch.

....

"Alexander Gray..." The attendant called to Alex, prompting him to turn around along with Julia.

"Yes?"

"Sorry to interrupt your time, but the principal would like to have a word with you."

"The principal?" Alex furrowed his brows in confusion. He was under the impression that the academy was already on the break after the conclusion of the event.

"Yes, if you''ll kindly follow me this way." He stepped aside and gestured for Alex to join him. He was just doing his job and had no explanation for the questioning gaze Alex gave him.

Alex exchanged a glance with Julia who just shrugged in response. It wasn''t as if she could stop the principal from having a talk with Alex.

With a sigh, Alex instructed the attendant to lead the way, and under the curious gazes of Ross and Julia, Alex disappeared from the dancefloor.