Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 297

Chapter 297 70.2 - Award Ceremony

For Irina, from the moment she was born, she had never had a good relationship with her parents.

Her mother, who held the strongest position in the family as the matriarch, had just recently subdued her sisters and brothers when she was born. It was a very long successor fight, according to the words of her nannies.

Therefore, when she was born, her mother was a lot busier than compared to before. Considering the fact that she needed to stabilize the family and the finances, it made sense, but as a child, she was deprived of her mother's love.

Yet, there was someone there. A person who could be called a parent to her. A woman who gave her the care that she needed, a woman who was beside her when she was a child and sought parental love.

She had filled the emptiness that came from the lack of parental interest, and naturally, the young Irina couldn't help but somehow connect her figure with her mother.

It was like she was her second mother.

Yet, the reality crumbled really fast. As she passed the age of the certain threshold, suddenly, that person left her side.

Then, Irina realized. Even from the beginning, she had never been a parental figure for her. The person she thought of as a second mother was, in fact, just an attendant who was sent by her mother.

That was all she was for her. And, naturally, the young Irina didn't take it well. Her mother might have wanted to teach her the harshness of life, and she was successful at it. Maybe the biggest reason for her acting like an arrogant noblegirl was this.

Yet, now, that said person stood there, facing her in the back of the crowd.

'Esme.'

The memories flashed in front of her eyes as her face hardened.

'Why is she here?'

She asked herself as she saw one of her childhood figures. Yet, just as she was about to drown in her thoughts, she felt a touch on the right side of her waist. A pair of fingers grabbed her from there, making her squirm a little.

–FLINCH!

'Hick!'

She exclaimed inwardly, barely suppressing the moan that was about to escape from her mouth. Turning her attention to the source of the touch, her eyes met with a pair of purple ones.

[Calm down.]

As his lips moved silently, she read what he said and realized the face she was making in front of a crowd.

'That is right. I mustn't show any weakness.'

Whatever the reason that woman was here, she could care less. With that thought, she once again steadied herself, looking directly at the crowd with her usual arrogant expression.

'How did he realize that quickly?'

Yet, she couldn't help but ponder inwardly. That guy's perception was surely one of the most dangerous aspects of him, to the point it was scary.

As she tried to shake off her feelings, the commentator's voice once again filled the air.

"And now, let us acknowledge two more outstanding students who have demonstrated remarkable bravery. Astron Natusalune and Sylvie Gracewind, please step forward!"

His introduction for them was blatantly less, as the two were fairly less known compared to Irina, and naturally, the commenter was aware of that as well.

'Just as he said.'

Irina observed the crowd's reaction and noticed nobody was even paying attention to Sylvie and him aside from some scouts. Most of the eyes were on her.

The commentator continued with the ceremony, "And now, to present the reward to our extraordinary students, let us welcome a distinguished guest from the association, a seasoned Hunter who has been a guiding light in our community."

The crowd hushed, and a distinguished figure stepped forward, his posture radiating authority. As he approached, Irina's attention sharpened. The man, known for his formidable reputation, was none other than Captain Melwin "Abyssal Tide" Howell.

Irina maintained her composed exterior, but an unsettling feeling gnawed at her as Captain Howell reached her side. His smile, though seemingly pleasant, sent shivers down her spine.

"As we honor Irina Emberheart for her outstanding bravery, we believe the future is in good hands with individuals like her," Captain Howell declared, his voice carrying an undertone that Irina couldn't quite decipher.

–FLINCH!

As he handed her the commendation and reward, his fingers brushed against hers, sending a chill through her.

'This…..'

The smile on his face remained, but Irina couldn't shake off the creeping sensation that there was more behind it than mere courtesy.

'What is this feeling?'

"Congratulations, Irina Emberheart. Your actions have showcased remarkable potential. The association is proud to have individuals of your caliber," he continued, his eyes holding an intensity that made Irina uncomfortable.

"Thank you, Captain Howell," Irina responded politely, though her mind raced with an unspoken unease.

As if insects were crawling on her skin, she wanted to scratch it so badly. The urge to puke was raised, and she averted her gaze to the side.