Directly behind the stage stood Dante clutching and twisting his relic. A black onyx ring called "blink" back in forth in deep contemplation. His thoughts rushed, trying to decide whether not escape was possible. He hates these kinds of events more than anything else.
Dante would rather be knee-deep in enemy territory surrounded by "S" class criminals. Then give another infernal speech.
Dante hates these kinds of events in general because he believes there wastes precious time. A majority of these so-called brighter futures were already the son or daughter of some influential jackass, to begin with. Dante thinks that all this institute has done is validate their egotistical thoughts of how much better they are than everyone else. He is frankly appalled at the fact any of these kids are gaining the opportunity to make a contract.
At best, they could only fully bond with an ego that is rare and below. "It's almost funny if you think about it because if they are our brightest future, we are in a golden age of weaklings," Dante says in a low, grumbled tone.
If he were to slip out the back while the Director gave her opening speech, who would notice, he thought. Alexander steps in front of him almost as if reading his mind.
"Don't even think about it," Alexander says with a devilish grin. Showing off his freakishly straight pearly white teeth.
"The director told me to paralyze you with a horse tranquilizer if you look like you were planning to escape," Alexander purses his lips.
"Honestly, that might be preferable to me having to sit through another moment of this boring speech," Dante stretched out his arms and yawned.
Alexander's grin fades and is replaced with a more sinister smirk " If you wanted to be my lab rat, all you had to do was ask my friend." Alexander takes a step forward and pulls at his white gloves.
"No, I am alright," Dante says adamantly. None of Alexanders' experiments end with any of the test subjects retaining their sanity.
"Fine, I will stay and do the speech," Almost on cue, the Director introduces Dante and calls him to the stage.
Now I would like to introduce the man you have all been waiting for "The legendary hunter and the famed super rookie within the institute. The man who clawed his way up the Crimson Ranking at the age of 21. He is the leader of the retrieval unit's elite strike force, the Predators. I would like you to give a warm round of applause to your alumni and upperclassmen, Dante Elceed!".
The applause was deafening as Dante walked across the stage to the podium. He starts to remember why he hates ceremonies. The crowd always anticipates you making a great speech that moves minds and hearts. So he figures he should give them a speech they will always remember.
"Today marks the start of the rest of your lives. Some of you will go out and do great things and make groundbreaking accomplishments." Dante smiles briefly before speaking again. "Although most of you will leave today and live the life of comfort and shelter you have always been afforded. Most likely at your parent's place of business or their district. After graduating today, you can contract with a relic breaking the boundaries between humans and gods. Many of you will take that bond for granted and even disregard that contract as a stepping stone in your political staircase or ladder. However, I challenge you to look beyond what you know to be accurate and seek something higher than what is already attainable. Do not waste this opportunity by thoughtlessly choosing a relic and moving on to another metaphorical chapter in life. Instead, dedicate yourself to perfecting the chapter you are still currently writing. Other than that, anyone who joins anything except for the Apex blue guard or the elite strike force is a bunch of puss.."
Director Diez quickly bumps Dante out of the way, snatching the microphone. "Okay, thank you, Dante, for that enlightening and inspirational speech."
Dante can feel the daggers in her eyes ripping at his skin. Only in this case, his arms actually are bleeding as if an actual dagger had cut him. Under normal circumstances, looks can't kill, but Director Diez's looks are a terrifying exception. The Director has a unique bloodline trait called "esper" The trait gives her abilities akin to an actual psychic. She can move things with her mind and manifest things from just her thoughts, pulling them into reality. The Director is also among the only contractors with unique flying abilities.
So, in this case, her eyes are like real daggers piercing into his skin, not metaphorically but literally. This is ironic because most normal weapons, like an ordinary steel dagger, can hardly penetrate a contractor's skin.
Dante can feel his arms bleeding from the Director's attack as he walks off the stage. She is by far the only person that Dante knows not to make angry. Alexander standing there waiting for his best friend, slapped Dante coincidentally on the arm that was bleeding. Alexander laughs when Dante winces. "I could have told you that the last part was not going to go over well with Michele," Alexander says in a playful tone.
Irritated, Dante starts walking toward the emergency exit. "Shut up! Everyone knows I hate to give speeches."
Following closely behind, Alexander whistles, "Yea, yea, let's go get a drink, captain?"
"Okay, but your buying," Dante replies, still irritated.
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