Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 394

Chapter 394 91.2 - Duels [2]

The amphitheater erupted in surprise and confusion as Astron's calm declaration echoed through the arena.

"I surrender."

The audience had been on the edge of their seats, expecting the duel to continue, especially after Astron's impressive deflection of Liam's advanced skill. Whispers and murmurs filled the air as the spectators tried to make sense of what had just happened.

"What? He surrendered?"

"Why would he give up now?"

"He was doing so well. I thought he had a chance!"

Liam stood frozen, his expression a mix of disbelief and anger. He had expected a drawn-out fight, but Astron's sudden surrender had caught him completely off guard. His blade wavered, the tension in his stance dissipating as he lowered his weapon.

In the stands, the more experienced observers nodded in understanding, recognizing the strategic brilliance of Astron's decision. Among them, Eleanor stood with her lips curved into a small, approving smile.

'Not bad.' She thought.

"He's smart," she murmured to herself. "He knew exactly when to bow out."

But that alone wasn't enough to put a smile on her face. There were several students with such qualities.

What made him stand out at that moment was…

'He particularly read Liam Wayne's intentions.'

There was a reason why he was able to block the second slash this perfectly, even while he was still at a disadvantage in a direct physical confrontation.

'From the start, those responses can not be with reflexes alone. He understood his opponent's feelings. What Liam did wasn't something that the majority would do. If the past me were in his shoes, I would definitely defend myself from getting knocked down, yet he risked it.'

And the fact that he realized Liam was targeting him for petty revenge and trying to humiliate him, and he surrendered to not give him what he wanted.

'This kid….He really resembles her.'

The same decisiveness and the shrewdness.

Something inside her warned Eleanor. She shouldn't make the same mistake again.

'Right.' With that thought, she turned back, walking back to her office. After all, she would be grading a lot of students in the afternoon.

*******

"Wow….That was cool."

While Eleanor was leaving the arena, a couple of people were watching the event.

"Really? I am glad you liked it."

A woman with a smile stood there, looking at her daughter. They were conversing normally, yet many people were paying attention to them.

The reason? Probably was their distinct blue hair and hazel eyes. Adding the fact that the two looked really beautiful, like a model, it was evident that they would draw attention.

But, aside from that, the biggest reason was their names.

Particularly their family name.

"But, mother. Why did he surrender just now?"

The girl asked, her eyes twinkling. She looked curious, ready to absorb any knowledge.

The woman knelt to be at eye level with her daughter, her expression gentle and thoughtful. "He surrendered because it was the smartest thing to do in that situation," she began, her voice calm and measured.

"That student knew that continuing the fight wouldn't benefit him. He had already demonstrated his skills and resilience by holding his ground against a much higher-ranked opponent."

The girl tilted her head, her brows furrowed in concentration. "But he was doing well. Why not keep fighting?"

"Because, sometimes, knowing when to stop is just as important as knowing when to fight," the mother explained. "Astron showed everyone that he could stand his ground, and by surrendering when he did, he avoided unnecessary injury or a humiliating defeat. It's a sign of maturity and intelligence to recognize when you've achieved your goal and to step back."

The girl nodded slowly, taking in her mother's words. "So, it wasn't about winning the duel, but showing he was strong?"

"Exactly," the mother replied, her smile widening. "In this world, no one can always guarantee that they can win. There are certain moments when one's life will be in danger. In those times, it is always important to realize that and save their life. That student had what it takes to think strategically, which is just as important as being able to fight."

The girl's eyes sparkled with understanding. "I get it now. He's really smart."

The mother nodded. "Yes, he is. And you, my dear, should remember this lesson. Strength is not just about power; it's also about wisdom and knowing when to use it."

"Un…." She said that the girl hugged her mother and looked at the student departing from the Arena. "But, mother. It feels like I had seen him before."

"Hmm?"

But her words awoke a reaction from her mother. The woman's eyes were narrowed, looking at the student.

"You had seen him? Why do you think so?"

"….Just….I don't know. I just feel like it."

Normally, any mother would naturally brush such words off. After all, it was quite possible and common for a child to mistake someone they had seen. Some even mistook their own parents.

But.

That wasn't the case for Jane Hartley.

The kid who had the lineage of the Hartleys. The blood flowing through her veins was filled with countless powers, and one of the most important ones was intuition.

Jane, of course, didn't remember everyone she encountered. Contrary to that, the fact that she remembered someone unfamiliar meant that the encounter wasn't something normal. It was evident that it left a print in Jane's consciousness. Therefore, Kaya's eyes were narrowed. The student had already left the arena and returned to the changing room. She replayed the fight to see any possible clues.

'Dagger and bow. There wasn't anything else interesting either…..Maybe that mana?'

She pondered a bit, trying to find a connection. Yet, she failed.

Determined to get more information, Kaya took out her phone and quickly sent a message to her assistant. "Do a quick check on the student Astron Natusalune, Rank 1729. I need details."

As she sent the message, a notice came from the announcer, drawing the crowd's attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the next duel will feature Ethan Hartley, ranked 970, versus Samuel Greaves, ranked 740."

Kaya's expression softened slightly, a hint of pride appearing. "Jane, look. Your cousin Ethan is up next."