"I'm sure you've already heard this from your seniors, but the second year is all about gaining practical experience.
"You are done using training wheels and will be facing the real world very soon. As such, how you handle yourself and dangerous situations is important.
"Knowing how you'll act before going out into the universe is crucial"
The students remained quiet and took in his words. And just as he said, they were already aware of what the second year was all about.
The use of the VR world would be very limited, especially for class activities. They would not be able to hide behind the safety the simulations provided.
"For the most part, what you'll be doing this year is to go on beast hunting all over the planet, Earth included.
"There are areas on each planet that are hot zones for magical beasts at varying levels, mostly with the more dangerous ones deeper inside their habitat."
The instructor then made a gesture as a display popped up for everyone to see.
The display projected a map of the planet Mars and highlighted areas where the magical creatures could be found.
"At these locations are set up points acting as a guild where you will have to go and check in. They will also be responsible for keeping a record of your activities and achievements.
"With some hunting missions, only one student is required to take the mission and another cases, a team will be required.
"Do note that, it's also a requirement to take at least three team missions before the end of the year as it is known that some of you prefer going in alone."
And just like he said, some of the students grunted in dissatisfaction.
"If you do not have a team to go with, the academy will provide one for you. Also, a team is four students together."
His words sounded as if it was meant for a particular group of people and like clockwork, some students turned to the famous trio that was Alex, Julia and Ross.
Ignoring the implied gazes, instructor Horvey continued his explanations, switching what was displayed into what looked like the armoury.
"While some of you already have your suits, for those who do not own one, the academy will loan you a suit you can pay for it in deposits with your earned points."
It was a system designed to help students acquire suits for protection.
The suits were not very powerful as their limits were set at the peak of Class E, but it was enough for their level and would serve them till they graduated.
"For those who brought their suits and weapons, the academy would have to perform a safety check as a precautionary measure.
He brought the first part of his message to a close.
Henry put his hand down once he was called and proceeded to ask his question.
"For the team hunting missions. Suppose I don't have a group but I know a few people who could add me to their group to make the numbers, will the academy step in to make it happen?"
Julia narrowed her eyes the moment Henry finished his question, and this time she didn't sit still as she slowly turned around and glared at Henry with piercing eyes that promised punishments.
Of course, Henry played the fool and continued looking forward with a straight face.
The straight answer made Julia smile in victory, but that soon changed when another possibility was opened for what she didn't like.
"The whole prospect of teamwork is to encourage you guys to work together while covering for each other's weaknesses.
"If a member who is not wanted by the others is forced to join, it could disrupt the teamwork.
"However, you must also understand that you can't do everything your way once you're out in the universe. In some instances, you'll have to work even with your enemies to have a chance at surviving.
"Hence, in addition to the three compulsory teamwork missions, there will be two more that randomly shuffle students to encourage them to work together."
Henry nodded and thanked the instructor once he got his answer.
'With the authority my family has, I can make that a reality.' Henry smiled inwardly and glanced at the trio before him, focusing on Alex and Julia.
"Any other questions?"
No one raised their hands as they were clear on what to do.
Moving on, instructor Horvey changed the image once again and showed the image of a void creature; one of humanity's plagues.
"I don't have to say much about this here. But what you should know is that at a certain point throughout the academic year, all second years will be shown a real carcass of a void creature.
"You will personally stand before the creature and feel just how deadly its aura is. But don't worry, it's only the lowest level of them; a Class F void creature"
He added the last bit to calm their rising fears but still noticed the majority of them recoil
Some of the students' faces turned dark after hearing those words. This was what they were training to do, but meeting a void creature for the first time was something no one ever forgets.
However, to achieve greatness, they must be able to stand against that aura and overcome their fears. What they faced in the simulation was just a poor imitation of the real deal.
Alex remained calm and did not react to the revelation much.
'If they saw what I saw in the origin space, small void creatures would be the least of their worries.' Alex thought somberly, recalling the experience that changed his life.
Several minutes later, instructor Horvey went over what the second-year outline was about and then brought his explanations to an end.
"Good day, students. You have the rest of the day off." He added and then left.
Of course, he did not mention that in the hunting missions, there would always be professionals keeping an eye on them and would not interfere until the students reached a point of no return.
The students didn't need to know that as it would subconsciously give them a safety net they could rely on and take away their ability to think and come up with solutions when under pressure.