Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest

Chapter 962 222.2 - The Antagonist

"Says the one who's about to throw down with Lilia like it's a national event."

Irina didn't miss a beat. "This is how I am," she said simply, her voice composed and unapologetic.

Lilia smirked, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. "Indeed. You like to show off, Irina. You're no different from Julia when it comes to that."

Irina arched a brow, almost amused. "Guess I am."

"Oh? In denial too?" Lilia countered with a half-laugh. "You strike with a flourish every time. It's basically choreography at this point."

"Elegance isn't showing off," Irina replied, lifting her chin slightly. "It's efficiency with flair."

Julia snorted. "You two bicker like high-fashion assassins."

At that moment, footsteps approached, steady and familiar, Ethan arrived beside them, his expression unreadable, arms loose at his sides as he took in the group dynamic.

Julia's eyes sparkled instantly. She tilted her head toward him with a grin already forming. "Well, well, look who's here. Ready for your big debut, Mr. Hartley?"

Ethan gave her a wary look. "Debut?"

"With Victor," Julia gestured dramatically across the room, where the golden-eyed prodigy stood calmly adjusting his gloves, radiating quiet menace. "The matchup of the year. You versus the academy's golden myth. I've got front-row tickets and everything"

A faint bead of sweat traced down Ethan's temple, betraying the composure he tried to hold. His gaze flicked across the room once more-Victor still stood motionless, almost statuesque, like he had nothing to prove... yet everything to dominate.

Ethan exhaled quietly. "You can talk like that because you're not the one standing across from him."

Julia grinned. "Exactly. That's why I can talk like this."

But Ethan didn't sound bitter. If anything, there was a spark beneath the words. He rolled his shoulder, loosening the tension in his arm, eyes still fixed on Victor's frame as it caught the light like something carved from old war legends.

"Still," he said, voice quieter now, almost thoughtful, "I've wanted this."

Irina turned slightly toward him, arms still crossed. "You mean, to test yourself?"