Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest



Chapter 976 226.2 - Future

The afternoon sun hung lower now, casting golden beams through the tall windows of the training hall as the final echoes of the last spar faded. The mana barriers surrounding the platforms dimmed one by one, signaling the end of the day's practical lesson.

Students began to gather near the central open space-some stretching, others

chattering excitedly about the matches they'd witnessed or fought in. Weapons were sheathed, towels slung over shoulders, and the ambient tension gradually eased into the casual buzz of worn-out satisfaction.

Most of the group regrouped as usual near one of the marble pillars at the edge of the dueling floor.

Ethan was already there, seated on the bench, arms resting on his knees. Irina stood nearby, speaking quietly with Carl. Lilia approached last, water bottle in hand, eyes sweeping over the group before zeroing in on Julia.

Julia stood with her arms crossed, weight shifted onto one leg, brows knitted together as she stared at nothing in particular. Her usual fire had dimmed into a faint scowl.

Lilia tilted her head. "What's with the grumpy face?"

Julia didn't answer.

Lilia leaned in slightly, smirking. "You won against him, didn't you? Just like you wanted. Why so sour now?" Her tone turned playful. "Don't tell me you're mad because you couldn't prove your ladylike charm?"

That earned a visible twitch from Julia, who scoffed audibly and looked away. "Tch. Don't be annoying."

"Oh, come on," Lilia teased, but didn't press further when Julia's eyes didn't meet hers. Irina glanced over, sensing the edge in Julia's mood but choosing to stay silent. She understood that expression well enough. It wasn't pride. It wasn't anger. It was something else-deeper. She made a mental note to keep an eye on her later.

Before the conversation could stretch thinner, the side door to the instructor's hallway opened, and Astron emerged.

He looked no different than usual-uniform neat, expression unreadable, steps calm. His silver hair caught the light, his eyes half-lidded with that same distant

attentiveness he always wore.

But the moment he entered the room, several cadets turned toward him.

"That was amazing-seriously, I thought Julia had you at one point"

"Your reads were unreal. You didn't even cast and still kept up."