Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 1022

The quiet hum of the evening settled over Sylvie's dorm room like a soft blanket. Outside, the faint glow of lamplight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting gentle lines across the floor. Her books lay untouched on the desk. The notes she had once reviewed religiously now sat half-open, forgotten.

She sat at the edge of her bed, her knees pulled in slightly, arms resting on them as she stared at the silent mana tablet on her nightstand. The events of the evening played on repeat in her mind—the scouts, the praise, the weight of it all.

Irina's words, though few, had been steady in her ears all night.

"You're being watched now. So tread with purpose."

Sylvie had taken those words to heart. Even now, as she sat alone, she could feel the shift. The way people had looked at her—evaluated her—was different. She wasn't just "promising" anymore. She was a candidate. A name. A prospect. And that meant... things would change.

'What should I do?' she wondered, her green eyes distant.

It wasn't just about choosing a guild. It was about deciding who she wanted to be. What kind of healer. What kind of cadet. What kind of person.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the soft vibration of her mana-engraved communicator—an artifact like most advanced students carried, tuned to key channels.

The name on the projection made her straighten instantly.

Headmaster Jonathan.

Or, as she still called him in private—

"Master," she whispered, her hand already moving to accept the call.

The faint outline of his figure appeared above the tablet: tall, composed, every line of his presence as sharp and immutable as a blade unsheathed. Even through the haze of the projection, his eyes were unmistakable—piercing, focused, and unwavering.

"Sylvie," he greeted, his tone low but not cold.

Jonathan's gaze didn't soften, but his tone did—just slightly. "It appears," he said, "you've made quite the impression today."

Sylvie flushed, her fingers tightening where they curled over her knees. She looked down, trying not to fidget, though the quiet flutter in her chest betrayed her composure.

"I've received a number of calls," Jonathan continued, voice even. "From scouts. From representatives. Some more professional than others. All of them very eager."

Sylvie's lips parted faintly, unsure whether to apologize or bask in the quiet warmth she felt rising in her cheeks. "I… didn't expect that many."

"I did," he said simply.

That made her look up.

Jonathan studied her through the projection, his expression unreadable. "You've spent the last two months sharpening more than your magic. You've been learning how to move. How to think. How to trust yourself. All I did was remove the excuses."

Sylvie felt her throat tighten, her chest filling with something close to pride—but steadier, quieter. "Still… I wouldn't have made it here without your guidance. Master."

Jonathan didn't respond immediately. He let the word settle, as if measuring its weight, before inclining his head ever so slightly.

Jonathan's projection remained still for a moment, the edges of his figure flickering faintly with stabilized mana. Then he spoke again, his voice low and deliberate.

"You've earned attention," he said. "And you'll earn more."

Sylvie listened carefully, her posture straightening unconsciously.

"It won't stop here," he continued. "In fact, this is just the beginning. That's why you must get used to it. The weight of being watched. Of being evaluated. Admired. Tested."

He paused, letting the words sink in.

"You already know your talent. Better than anyone else. That's why you cannot let their words define you. Not yet."

Sylvie nodded slowly, her fingers tightening slightly around the edge of her blanket. "I understand, Master."

Jonathan studied her a moment longer, then gave a faint nod of approval. "Good."

His hand moved slightly out of frame—adjusting something on his end—and then he said, "For the time being, I'll block incoming contact requests routed to you from external guilds or organizations. You'll still receive updates, but there will be no direct pressure. As you already suspect… the best course is to wait. To watch."