The Legendary Ghost Hunter

The next morning, Finn and Iris woke up early.

The entrance exams to enter the Ghost Hunter Academy was today, happening at 8 AM. Apparently, that was the legitimate name of the school… which was lame, to be honest, and was quite reminiscent of the various facilities in the underground city. That was not a good thing.

In any case, Evelyn let Finn and Iris know where the exam's location was via text message. Apparently, it was to be held at a special facility newly constructed in the clouds, and we were to use a teleporter to get there. Of course, since Finn and Iris were still in District B, this meant Evelyn simply lent them a hand herself, and allowed the two to use the teleporter in her Squadron building.

"Remember, once you get there, don't end up getting exposed again," Evelyn said coldly in her surface persona, folding her arms. "I can't help you if it happens once more."

"You're not coming along?" Finn asked.

"Of course not. I have many other things to take care of, though…" She suddenly smiled seductively and dropped her tone to an alluring whisper. "… We may meet again in the near future, if fate allows."

"Um… guys? There's only five minutes until the exam begins," Iris said from a short distance away, and Finn tilted his head in her direction briefly. Then, turning back to Evelyn, he lowered his tone a bit.

"… Before I go, there is a favor I'd like to ask of you."

"Oh?" Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "You, asking me for a favor? I never thought a day like this would come."

Finn ignored her comment and cut straight to the chase, taking her response as a yes.

"I need you to pay close attention to whoever accepted your request to clear our names from the database," he said. "Something about this doesn't feel right to me… it's too convenient."

"And yet, you are still willing to go to the academy?" Evelyn sighed. "I don't get you sometimes."

"An opportunity is an opportunity. Let whatever comes come."

"Awfully confident, huh… well, sure. I'll keep a tab on that official… but I can't promise you I will be able to learn much. I am a somewhat well-established figure in the organization, but nowhere near the top."

Finn nodded. "That's fine. You have my thanks."

Evelyn smirked. "Yes, yes… now, if you don't want to squander that 'opportunity', you might want to get going."

Finn paused briefly, then turned his back to Evelyn and prepared to head off—though not before leaving one final line.

"… I'll be counting on you."

*****

After taking the teleporter, Iris and Finn were brought to the academy in which they'll be taking the exams at, and also the place where they would stay if they passed.

It was a magnificent sight.

A shame that Finn could not witness it, but it was awesome nonetheless. Just like the Phantom Slayer Headquarters, this academy was built high above the clouds, on a chain of sky islands that were connected to each other. There appeared to be seven in total — six smaller islands connected to a big, central one. There weren't any actual stairs, though, so the islands were presumably connected through teleporter devices.

The destination today was the big central island, where the academy's main campus was. Upon arrival, Finn and Iris noticed there were tons of students who had came here to try their luck. Of course, they had no doubt the numbers gathered here was going to be cut down by a lot once the exams were over, but then again, who could blame these people?

This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If one could make it into this academy, they would receive the best of the best training and education in terms of fighting against Ghosts, and not only that, but all their living expenses would be taken care of. It was like a dream come true for Ghost Hunters.

Very soon, the teleporters closed off, and the exams were set to begin. An old man wearing a monocle and a professional soldier's outfit stepped out of the academy's entrance, which was guarded by guards—all experienced Ghost Hunters in their own right, but without Angelicas to actually fight on the frontline.

"Welcome, everyone, to the opening of the Ghost Hunter Academy," the old man said, spreading his thin arms. "My name is Lionel, a SS-Class Hunter belonging to the Phantom Slayer Corps. I am a teacher here at this academy, and one of your future instructors—that is, should you pass this entrance exam."

Immediately, a string of murmurs passed through the crowd of gathered young Hunters.

"Commander Lionel? Is it really him?"

"One of the legendary figures of the Phantom Slayer Corps…"

"I heard he confessed to the Guildmaster of the Phantom Slayers a long time ago, but got rejected…"

"It seems this Lionel person is somewhat of a famous character, huh?" Iris asked quietly beside Finn, who gave a nod.

"I will not lie," the man named Lionel continued. "This exam will not be easy. It will not be like any tests you may have taken in the past. All of you gathered here today are the same age—18. Therefore, none of you should have any more experience than another, correct?"

The crowd stirred a bit, some nodding along, while others said yes.

"Wrong!" Lionel suddenly yelled, making a scowl on his aged face. "You are not equal! Just because you are the same age, does not mean all of you are at the same strength level! You will do well to remember that… in this world, and out there, only the strong survive. The weak will perish, just like how the weak will fail this exam. If you understand that, then nod. We do not take weaklings. But remember, there is no shame in backing off of a challenge you cannot overcome."

The crowd all nodded, signaling that they were ready for the exam. Of course, Lionel's words brought some hesitation into some hearts, but none were willing to give up an opportunity like this that easily.

"… Good," Lionel said after witnessing the Ghost Hunters' reactions. "In that case… let's see if you are all able to back up that confidence of yours."