"Unlike those of other classes, when a human is bitten by a lycanthrope, they begin to manifest some strange symptoms over time, thus affirming their lycanthropy, eventually turning into a man/woman wolf. The transformation phase usually lasts fifteen days, but depending on the bitten person, it can take up to two months."
Jonathan didn't seem to be joking as the class went on. Everyone became immersed in the detailed explanation, which was delivered in a way that didn't feel heavy.
"That's…" Enid felt that as the class went on, she was feeling worse.
Everything Jonathan was saying was true.
She aspired to be a werewolf, to be able to fully transform and have a life within the pack. That was who Enid was—her nature, her culture, and her way of living.
Being a werewolf wasn't bad. Humans had been forced to accept alliances with supernatural beings in order to gain control over other species.
In parts of the world, werewolves were guardians—powerful predators who defeated vampires. Their very existence restrained the growing race of vampires, whose only function was to devour human blood.
But there were also clans of werewolves that had decided to live peacefully with humans. Many of them abandoned their nature and only drank animal blood, learning to live.
"In this world, you are not normal—and that's fine. But humans, without your abilities, see you as a threat. That's why it is important to learn about your powers, master them, and understand those around you."
The harsh reality sank in among the students. Some who used to laugh at their werewolf classmates fell silent. They were no different from them; all had the same rights and shared the same fate.
"When the bitten person sleeps under the moonlight on a full moon, they disappear during the night and do things like attack livestock. When the bitten one wakes, they're naked and don't know what happened or how they ended up where they are, since they wake up in a different place from where they fell asleep."
Enid nodded. That was exactly what happened if one of the qualified werewolves bit a normal human.
"The reflexes and strength of the bitten one increase spontaneously as the transformation phase progresses," Jonathan said while walking through the narrow aisles where the students sat.
Many in normal schools had been showing these improvements in their sports teams, which to their benefit had earned them popularity.
"In moments of great tension or stress, the eyes of the bitten one turn yellow-orange, and when in danger they awaken a kind of animal sense that warns them of the threat."
Jonathan, who was about to finish this small introduction, added: "During full moon nights, the fangs, teeth, and nails grow, and the bitten one becomes very aggressive."
"What do wild werewolves eat?" Wednesday asked, earning the gaze of the entire class.
Enid grew nervous and muttered: "Just out of curiosity…"
"Lycanthropes can eat anything like a human, but unlike them, lycanthropes are more carnivorous while humans are omnivores. Lycanthropes have an unusual, almost irresistible attraction to red meat—especially human flesh—though they can eat other types of red meat as a substitute without any problem."
Jonathan returned to the front of the class and said: "But some favor different prey—criminals, young women, children, or the elderly. The obsession with hunting increasingly skilled beings becomes their sport, and that is where we come in."
As Jonathan said these words, an agent entered carrying a flag with the symbol of The Healing Church.
"Our thirst for blood quenches us, soothes our fears. Seek the ancient blood, but beware the fragility of men."
That was the church's most used prayer for its hunters.
"If you are interested in being part of my workgroup, you will have the rights of a hunter, and outside these walls you will no longer be seen as different." Jonathan's words sparked the students' interest.
Wednesday understood one thing: everyone wanted to be a hunter. "Killing your own brothers for the position is the coolest requirement I've ever heard of for admission."
"We'll only kill those who are uncontrollable," Bianca said with a slight smile.
"And what does that make you? Just another tool for that church," Wednesday said, unconvinced about being part of a church that killed its hunters.
Jonathan noticed this and said: "You won't follow the church's orders, but mine. You may accept or reject missions. That freedom is what I offer you."
When he finished speaking, Larissa, who had been waiting at the door, walked in and said: "Resume your regular classes. Anyone who wishes to accept working for a hunter, send in your application, and we'll see if you're accepted or not."
Everyone left the room, murmuring and looking at Jonathan with fear.
If they made a mistake or harmed a human, a man as dangerous as him would be at their doorstep, ready to kill them.
That was the fear they all lived in—and that could change if they joined him.
Wednesday was the last to leave. Enid lingered behind her, nervously watching the silent Jonathan standing before them.
"Hello again," Enid said nervously as she walked behind the rigid Wednesday. She felt that as long as she followed her friend, nothing bad would happen to her.
Wednesday, on the other hand, with her cold and dry personality, said: "I thought you'd kill a werewolf in front of the class, like a science experiment with frogs. That would have been more interesting."
"I don't think scaring the students is the best way to win them over for my fight," Jonathan said with a soft smile. His outfit, though it bore some red, always reflected the black of his eyes and hair—something that looked striking next to Wednesday.
That was why he chose red, besides the fact that the color hides blood.
"I don't think you need them. You fought well even with a beam through your heart," Wednesday said before leaving the room.
Enid, visibly nervous, said: "I have a proposal for you."
Jonathan, curious about what this little werewolf girl wanted to say, listened attentively. "Tell me."
"I'll be your eyes and ears in this place. You have no idea how many stupid things students can do, especially when they're in love." Enid told him how once the students tried unsuccessfully to summon a demon on New Year's.
Jonathan, inexplicably, felt something strange.
Could another anomaly be coming?