The days and weeks slowly ticked by as Alex and the first years learned all they could to become professional hunters.
From lessons covering combat applications, survival tactics, the state of the universe, and the biology of void creatures and beasts.
Throughout this entire time, Alex and his friends remained together and had even made a few acquaintances among their classmates, including some from other classes.
Naturally, their cultivation was progressing smoothly as well.
Alexander also made sure to keep in touch with his family. Occasionally, he would video call them and share all about his experiences at the academy.
His brother Aaron was also growing up nicely, wishing to follow in his footsteps.
...…
It was noon, just after recess, and everyone was now seated, waiting for their next instructor to arrive and continue their lessons on the biology of void creatures.
The instructor overseeing this lesson was a female human with dark sclera and long dark hair. She was named Janet Estress and was a known Class B hunter.
Once she entered the classroom and greeted everyone, the lesson commenced.
"Okay… so far, we have examined how the void creatures appeared two thousand years ago. We have also explored the behaviour of these creatures.
"Today, we will be looking at the actual biology of the void creatures. Before I begin, can anyone tell me how we came about the term 'void' for these creatures?"
Once again, this class demonstrated why they were one of the top classes among the first-year students.
"Yes, you." She pointed to the girl who was on the same desk as Alex and his friends.
This girl sat right beside Julia, at the edge of the desk and went by the name of Sophia Patel, a normal human girl.
"The term was coined because the creatures literally have nothing inside them except for the fluid we call blood and their cores.
"And from what they do, that is devouring all things, the question arose as to where the things they devoured went since they had no organs like a stomach. As such, they were likened to a void."
"Exactly. Research carried out on the 'tissues' of these creatures showed a completely different biological make-up." She said, bringing up the display with a tissue image of a void creature.
"Living beings―humans, animals, microbes- are all carbon-based organisms. Wherever in the universe you go, all life forms discovered were carbon-based.
"But this changes when you consider void creatures. Though they are 'alive' and move on instinct, they are not made of cells.
"In fact, their makeup is nothing like any element ever discovered. It's not found on the periodic table."
The class was silent as they took in the information.
While there was information on void creatures available on the network, it did not encompass everything, as some details were intended solely for hunters.
Although this information could be shared with others, it did not significantly impact their lives. Hunters, on the other hand, had to know exactly what they were fighting.
"Their entire mass is mostly their blood and body tissues. No bones and no nervous systems." She added.
Reaching this point, most of the students had confused looks on their faces.
"Indeed. No nervous systems." Instructor Janet nodded. "So, the question is, what drives their behaviour? This is a question that has remained unanswered."
'Maybe it's because they're a part of the universal birth and rebirth cycle.' Alex thought silently but still listened to what the instructor had to say.
This was the conclusion he came to after many nights of thinking about his experience, and the more he analysed, the clearer things became.
After giving the students time to digest her words, she continued, "Now, back to the biological make-up of void creatures.
"As stated before, they are not cells. Their makeup is like a unique material that exhibits extremely good conductivity with mana and has many applications, as we've already studied.
"Adding to that uniqueness, they were impervious to humanity's weapons at the time, and only after we began creating weapons from their cores and the new elements that emerged after the mana influx did humans start fighting back earnestly.
"Of course, the awakening of skills also added to that."
From the use of their bodies in creating clothing with unique properties, to spacesuits that could recycle air and maintain normal body pressure even in deep space, they made the impossible possible.
Their core contained so much power that they could be used in powering ships, cities and other power-requiring activities.
As for the unique trait that was very useful to hunters?
"Every void creature is unique, with its own specific abilities. Much like us hunters, some have fire-based skills, while others possess abilities related to light, ice, wind, metal, and more.
"Moreover, when their blood is used in weapons, they gain the attributes of the blood.
"So, what happens when a hunter with the fire skill uses the blood of a void creature that has been processed into what is called a serum?"
The question she posed was pretty simple, as most, if not all of them, knew of this. This time, Julia was called to answer.
"They get a boost to their awakened ability"
"Correct. And while that is the case, there are exceptions as well. For instance, some void creatures appear to be neutral, and their serum can be used by anyone, regardless of their ability.
"But the boost is also rather minimal compared to those possessing an attribute."
Alex digested everything he heard, making plans to test out the effects of these serums. However, his plans were quickly thwarted before they had a chance to take root and manifest.
"Sorry, only Class D hunters and higher are allowed to use them." She said, as if expecting them to think in that direction.
And to be fair, she had seen this numerous times, knowing what students would do.
"The effects are powerful, you see? Your body is still too weak, even for the smallest doses."
Naturally, she didn't mention that the blood needed to be heavily diluted and processed with other materials before hunters could use it, a reason they would discover as they progressed.
Sometime later, the lesson came to a close, as combat lessons were next on the timetable.
However, unlike before, they would be sparring, and the class eagerly anticipated a particular clash that was simply waiting to occur.