Relic Hunters: The Apex Predators

The applause was deafening as Dante walked across the stage to the podium. He remembered why he disliked ceremonies: the crowd always expected him to deliver a speech that moved minds and hearts. So, he decided he would give them a speech they would never forget.

"Today marks the beginning of the rest of your lives. Some of you will go on to achieve great things and make groundbreaking accomplishments," Dante said, smiling briefly before continuing. "However, many of you will leave here today and live a life of comfort and security, likely in your parents' business or district. After graduating today, you will have the opportunity to form a contract with a relic, breaking the boundaries between humans and gods.

Many of you may take that bond for granted, viewing it merely as a stepping stone in your political journey. However, I challenge you to look beyond what you know and strive for something greater than what is easily attainable. Do not waste this opportunity by thoughtlessly choosing a relic and moving on to another metaphorical chapter in your 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 could feel the dirty look she shot at him, like she was imagining daggers flying out from her eyes and 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." This trait gives her abilities akin to those of a 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 was ironic because most conventional 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. Standing there waiting for his best friend, Alexander slapped Dante coincidentally on the arm that was bleeding.

Alexander laughed as Dante winced in pain. "I could have told you that the last part wouldn't go over well with Michele," he said playfully.

Irritated, Dante started walking toward the emergency exit. "Shut up! Everyone knows I hate giving speeches."

Following closely behind, Alexander whistled a tune. "Yeah, yeah, let's go get a drink, Captain?"

"Okay, but you're buying," Dante replied, still annoyed.

The two walked over to an all-black building with an "X" marked on the side in what looked like red spray paint.

"They really should find a better location for the Black Owl," Dante said casually as he walked into the entrance.

A woman's voice booms out behind the door. "Why don't you both fuck off and find a better bar." Alexander walked over to the stool closest to the young, red-headed woman behind the bar.

"Awe, don't be like that, Cherr. You know he doesn't mean it. He's just in a bad mood." Alexander pulled off his white gloves and placed them on the table.

Dante sighed and plopped down on the stool next to him. Dante willed his second relic, the "cloak of Nightingale," to change shape into the form of a biker jacket. Dante pulls a hair tie from his pants pocket and pulls his dreadlocks back into a ponytail. His brown skin glowed in the dark room littered with neon lights.

The woman standing behind the bar pulls out two whiskey glasses. "Speech or no speech, you talk shit about my bar again, Dante. I'm going to kill you," She said, pushing her bright red hair from her face and laying the glasses on the bar.

"Yeah, sorry, Valerie. I was just pissed off," Dante replies. "Well, I'm not the type to hold grudges," Valerie says, pulling a bottle of Jack Daniel's from the wall. She poured the glasses and pulled out two lemon slices. " So, boys, do you think there will be any promising kiddos to adopt?" Valerie asked.

Alexander took a sip of his drink, thanking Valerie for her generous pouring. Dante sighed and then downed his entire glass in one go. "I don't intend to bring in any new members, especially not some inexperienced pups," he said, slamming his empty glass onto the table.

A woman across the bar noticed the commotion and looked over. Dante smiled at her, causing her to blush and wave back.

Valerie stepped in front of Dante, blocking his view. "I'm tired of running missions with just the two of you. It's exhausting! Every other task force has at least five members, and that makes it safer and more productive," she said, clearly exasperated.

"Well, those rules were meant for standard task forces," Alexander said, taking another sip of his whiskey. "In our situation, we don't necessarily need five members. With our combat skills and your healing abilities, I can handle tanking and support while Dante focuses on eliminating everything in our path."

Valerie interrupted, "I'm tired of wasting energy healing injuries that could've been prevented with just a few extra members."

Dante reached for the Jack Daniel's bottle and poured himself another glass. "We have a 100% mission completion rate, which is higher than any other team in the Retrieval Corp."

Dante stood up, grabbing his full glass from the bar. "I don't want any new members, and we don't need any. End of discussion. Now, if you'll excuse me, a gorgeous blonde needs a drink."

Valerie sighed as Dante walked over and sat beside the girl who had waved at him earlier. She playfully slapped the side of Alexander's head. "You were no help," she said jokingly.

Alexander rubbed his head. "I'm sorry, love. He's hard to persuade once he has made up his mind." Valerie slammed her elbows down on the bar, holding her chin up with her hands.

"It's alright, love. He will come to his senses eventually. He knows we can't keep going like this forever. He's still struggling." Alexander reached out to run his fingers through her bright red hair.

She smiled as his hand came down, caressing her face softly. "I know he's grieving. But it has been almost three years, and now that he no longer has Monica, I fear he is going off the rails," Valerie said, pressing her face into his hand.

"It will take time. As his friends, we owe him that, at least for now." Alexander glanced at Dante, who was laughing and holding a woman around her waist.

"In the meantime, my love, you should stop by my lab for some experimentation and exercise," Alexander said with a devilish smile.

She ran her fingers vigorously through the top of his blonde hair. "Come on, lover boy," she said, grabbing his hand and leading him to her room above the bar. "Your lab is clear across campus, and this is closer."

Alexander smiled as he followed her upstairs.