Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest

Chapter 965 223.1 - Mage and Archer

The echoes of Victor's final step hadn't even faded before Instructor Verren raised a hand,

"Next match. Irina Emberheart-Lilia Thornheart."

Another ripple passed through the room-not thunderous like before, but sharp. Focused.

Even those still murmuring about Victor fell silent.

Because now came a different kind of duel.

Not one of overwhelming force... but of pressure and precision.

Irina and Lilia.

Two names that had long since carved their way into the academy's combat rankings -not with brute displays of power, but through dominance of rhythm and field. Control. Calculation. Command.

They stepped toward the central platform without a word, their paths converging at opposite sides.

Lilia moved like a shadow on still water. Unhurried, Balanced. Her bow already summoned and drawn across her back-silver limbs etched with faint runes that shimmered under the overhead lights. Her long coat fluttered lightly with each step, and her emerald eyes never once left her opponent.

Irina, in contrast, walked like a flame in still air. Poised, but dangerous. Her braid swept behind her with each measured stride, combat jacket catching glimmers of ambient mana. She said nothing as she ascended the stone steps to the elevated platform. Her hands remained at her sides, relaxed-no weapon summoned. But her presence was already igniting the space.

Amber eyes met emerald.

The audience-both student and instructor-tightened in.

Victor's fight may have stolen the spotlight.

But this?

This was the duel they were going to study.

Two battlefield generals in the making. Rank-2 against Rank-5.

Control versus control.

Lilia reached the top of the platform first and turned, drawing her bow in a smooth arc across her body. It gleamed with practiced familiarity, the string thrumming softly as she notched an arrow-not to fire, but to wait.

She did not speak.

She did not need to.

Irina stepped onto the platform a breath later, her footfalls light against the stone. She faced Lilia fully now, a thin smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

Not taunting.

Acknowledging.