Read Shadow Bug :: The Hunter Force Academy

Hunter Force Academy had finally opened its doors for the new class of students, who would either train to become Hunters, destined to fight Shadows and protect the world, or pursue the General Training Course to become police officers, tasked with managing crimes committed by humans.

The Academy was split into two courses:

Hunter Training Course – Open only to Lighters who were willing to risk their lives as Hunters.
General Training Course – Available to both humans and Lighters who did not wish to become Hunters but sought other important roles in society.

Marlo and Joshua were assigned to guide the students in the General Training Course, while Jason and Lisa took charge of the students enrolled in the Hunter Training Course.

As Lisa and Jason reviewed the list of Hunter trainees, Lisa felt relieved to have a partner this year.

Lisa: This is going to be perfect. Having to teach these kids all by myself was so stressful last year. But with you around, it's going to be so much fun!!!!

Jason: I doubt it. Kids are such a drag. (He scans the list, suddenly stopping at a name.) FOR REAL??? THAT KID ENROLLED????

Lisa: Huh? What are you talking about? Who enrolled????

Meanwhile, at the gate of the academy, Takimo hesitated, looking at the building where he would begin his journey. He recalled his promise to Mira on graduation day, his reason for coming here. After a deep breath, he walked inside, heading towards the designated area for Hunter Training Course students. There were already five others waiting, along with Jason and Lisa.

As he approached, Takimo immediately recognized Jason from his previous encounter during his interrogation.

Takimo: (to himself) What’s he doing here? Are the Hunters going to be our teachers?"

Jason: (noticing Takimo) So, he showed up after all...

Lisa: Alright, it looks like everyone’s here. Let’s head inside.

The students were led to a classroom, where Lisa began roll call. The number of students in the Hunter Training Course was noticeably smaller this year—just six compared to previous years, as fewer were willing to risk their lives fighting Shadows.

The students in the Hunter Training Course were six in number and they are:

1. Kazemaru Kaneko (Male, Age: 19)

2. Rin Aikawa (Male, Age: 20)

3. Silva Momo (Female, Age: 18)

4. Takimo Zenoshi (Male, Age: 18)

5. Tendo Koizumi (Male, Age: 18)

6. Karla Yoshida (Female, Age: 19)

Lisa: (addressing her students with Jaosn standing beside her) Eyes forward everyone. My name is Lisa Arimoto. And this is Jason......

Kazemaru: (cutting in) JASON ENDERBY?! THE LEGENDARY ‘JASON THUNDERBOLT’?! THE STRONGEST LEVEL 1 HUNTER RIGHT NOW?! IT’S AN HONOR, SIR!

Takimo: (to himself) A fan boy?

Rin: Dude, calm down!

Lisa: (laughs and looks at Jason)

Jason: (groaning inwardly): "This is why I hate kids... Glorifying me in front of everyone? What a pain.

Lisa: (laughing): As I was saying, we’ll be your instructors for the next two years. Our job is to train you in harnessing your Lighter energy and developing your techniques. Jason will also handle weapon training for those of you interested.

Jason: (to himself) Wait... I am?

Lisa: We're going to teach how to use your skills and techniques and have you show them off in the Battle Exams.

Takimo: Battle Exams???

Lisa: Yes, on October 5th, 2021, you’ll face off against the second-year students to measure your progress. It’s an important test to evaluate your potential.

Karla: Isn’t that unfair? They’ll just beat us, right?

Jason: Not necessarily. The point isn’t to win every fight, but to show how you handle stronger opponents. It’s about strategy and battle IQ, not just raw strength. But that’s no excuse to avoid fighting. You’re here to be better—so be better.

Kazemaru: (starry-eyed) He’s so cool!

Rin: (smacking him) Knock it off!

Jason: (sighs)

Lisa: Well, that's all for today's class. You'll be shown to your dorms. Training starts tomorrow so use this time now to socialize and get to know each other. CLASS DISMISSED!

As they left the classroom, Jason couldn’t hide his frustration.

Jason: I really hate kids. They’re such a hassle!

Jason: I JUST HATE KIDS! THEY'RE SUCH A PAIN!

Lisa: (giggles) There's even one who worships you. I knew this is gonna be so much fun. But earlier You mentioned someone on the list earlier—who were you talking about

Jason: Yeah. It's the Takimo kid. Remember the Kato Hamura incident from last month? He was Kato’s best friend. Back then, he couldn’t accept that Kato had become a Shadow. Now, he’s here, and I’m curious—has he accepted the truth, or is he still in denial?

Lisa: Looks like you’ll have to find out for yourself.

Jason: Yeah. I will.

Back in the classroom, the students began to socialize, knowing that the real challenges would begin the next day. They had only a short time to form bonds before the intense training started, preparing them for the dangers ahead.