Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 338

Chapter 338 Chapter 78.5 - Crossing Tables

"Senior Maya, I have a gift for you."

Astron reached into the ether of his spatial ring, his movements deliberate, and when his hand reemerged, it clasped a small, unassuming box.

Maya, her senses still heightened from their intimate exchange, watched with curiosity and an unexpected flutter in her heart.

The taste of Astron's blood lingered on her lips, a vivid reminder of the depth of their connection.

"A gift?" she echoed, her voice tinged with surprise and something akin to wonder. Astron nodded, his gaze earnest.

"It's nothing as extraordinary as Starbloom Essence," he admitted, "but I believe it will be beneficial to you." His humility and the thoughtfulness behind the gesture only served to deepen Maya's appreciation for her junior.

A warm smile spread across her face, reflecting her gratitude and the special bond they shared.

Taking the box from Astron's hands, she carefully lifted the lid, revealing a bracelet nestled within. It was a simple design, yet there was an elegance to its simplicity.

The bracelet was black, its surface smooth and unadorned, save for subtle, intricate patterns that seemed to absorb the light around it, giving it an almost ethereal quality.

"This is beautiful," Maya whispered, genuinely touched. The bracelet, while unassuming, held a weight of significance. Her intuition whispered of its value, not in material terms, but in the protection and advantage it could offer her.

"But, I can't accept-"

However, she knew this junior of hers was someone with a relatively hard condition. Of course, how could she haven't checked his past after all this time? From the start, she knew about his situation as an orphan, and she knew his savings wouldn't be much.

Thus, she didn't want this to financially burden him. For her, spending money may not be an issue, but that didn't mean she didn't know about the money itself. If this happened one year ago, she might have been seen as ignorant, but that wasn't the case now.

"Senior." However, his voice made her stop her thoughts.

"Ah…" Looking into his eyes, she remembered the times when she gave him the Starbloom Essence.

'He initially refused as well, yet then he accepted it. I remember how it feels for one's gift to be rejected, yet why am I doing it now?'

Realizing that her act of 'looking after him' would only hurt him more, she decided to drop the act.

"Sorry. I was being inconsiderate."

"It is fine." Astron waved his hand as Maya looked at the bracelet.

"It's a special artifact," Astron explained, watching her reaction closely. "It's highly resistant to magical energies and can protect the wearer from certain status effects, especially those related to internal changes. I thought it might come in handy, considering your... unique circumstances."

Astron's explanation shed further light on the bracelet's unique properties. "In the future, should there be an instance where you might lose control or feel overwhelmed by your nature, this artifact will help suppress those urges to a certain extent," he said, his tone serious yet gentle. It was clear he had thought deeply about what would truly benefit Maya, considering her unique challenges.

Maya was taken aback by the specificity of the gift. It was as if the bracelet had been crafted with her in mind, addressing a fear that lingered in the back of her consciousness—the fear of losing control.

The realization that Astron had gone to such lengths to find something so profoundly suited to her needs touched her deeply. She looked up at him, a mixture of gratitude and wonder in her eyes.

"How long have you been searching for something like this?" she asked, her voice soft with emotion.

Astron met her gaze, his own eyes reflecting a sincerity that was rare in the competitive environment in which they thrived. "I dislike being in debt to others, especially when it involves favors," he confessed. "So, from the moment you gave me the Starbloom Essence, I began searching for something that could be of equal value to you."

His words resonated with Maya. The idea that Astron had spent so much time and effort, possibly even since the moment he received her gift, in finding something so thoughtful for her amplified the significance of the bracelet.

It wasn't just a protective artifact; it was a symbol of Astron's dedication and gratitude.

Maya felt a warmth spread through her heart, a feeling that went beyond the usual camaraderie expected between seniors and juniors.

Astron's gesture was a clear indication of his respect and care for her, qualities that were often overshadowed by the competitive and sometimes ruthless nature of their world.

"Thank you, Astron," she said, her voice laced with genuine appreciation. "I will treasure it."

As she fastened the bracelet around her wrist, she felt a subtle shift, a sense of feeling that she hadn't felt before.

'It is getting a lot harder for me to hold it in. Did you know it, Junior?'

She thought inwardly. Whether it was intentional or not, Astron's even small gestures and his habits looked good in Maya's eyes.

She locked into his lips, a small fire being lit in her eyes.

'I want to do it….'