Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 45

Chapter 45 Chapter 11.4 - Sylvie

"You need to get a grip on yourself."

'I am trying.'

"This level of fear will make you a liability, not just to yourself, but to your future party members. If you can't control your emotions in a combat situation, you'll be a burden, and that's dangerous."

'I know. I know it is dangerous. I know I will be a burden. But I am scared. I am scared that I can't do it.'

"You're acting pathetic,"

'What do you know? What do you know about me? Do you think it is easy?'

"If you continue like this, you're setting yourself up for failure. In a real combat scenario, there's no room for hesitation or panic. If you can't handle that, then you're in the wrong place."

'Why? Why are you speaking like that? How do you know me? What do you know about my circumstances?'

"If you're not willing to confront your weaknesses head-on, then perhaps you should reconsider being a part of the academy."

'Why? Why are you this cruel? What did I do to you?'

Those questions filled Sylvie's head as she ran back, leaving the training grounds.

She remembered the look Astron was giving her, the emotions that were inside.

'Why are you being this sincere while saying such harsh words? Why? Can't you see they are hurting me?'

She couldn't understand.

Just why? Why did he need to speak that harshly? Why did he need to remind her of those times? Why?

Just as she was finally about to forget about those times, forget about that memory that was haunting her all the time….

TINGLE

Her ears started tingling. It was a constant sound of ringing that constantly pressured his ears.

'Ah….Those memories are coming again…'

The memories she tried so hard to suppress were now revealing themselves once again.

TAK TAK TAK

She just ran. Ran and ran until she reached a place no one could be seen.

It was her place when she wanted to get away from the things that were bothering her and when she wanted to take a break from the heavy lessons of the academy.

THUD

"Huff…Huff….."

As she fell down and sat on the grass inside the forest, she started breathing heavily.

"Haaaaa…..Haaaaa….."

No matter how deep her breathing was, she felt like her lungs were being crashed….A knot was inside her chest….

She brought her knees to her chest and gripped them to the maximum.

"Hick!"

TAP

And a small tapping sound could be heard from the leaves, as the silent cry of the girl echoed inside the academy grounds….

******

In front of a situation where one sees their beloved in agony, not every person's response would be related to vengeance.

Not every person would be brimming with anger.

Everyone would have a different type of reaction to such a thing.

And Sylvie was one of those.

Even though Sylvie was a very good-natured kid that liked to help others, there was also another reason why she was feeling such a way and was living such a selfless life.

It was related to a memory of her childhood.

She lived in a borderline city that wasn't much developed. Her childhood was not that eventful as, just like any normal person; she played with the kids from her neighborhood.

Since she was a beautiful girl with a happy smile, most kids were happy to play with her, and she was also happy seeing others with smiles.

Her parents were doting on her; her brother always loved her, and her family was basically a happy family.

However, things had changed in one night.

One night in summer, she was playing with her friends. Since the weather was very hot, rather than playing in the morning, they preferred to play at night. They were enjoying themselves, laughing and chasing each other around in the dimly lit streets.

But then, the joyful atmosphere shattered when a sinister presence swept over the neighborhood. In a moment, everything changed. The air grew cold, and the sounds of laughter turned into cries of fear.

She still remembered the first words she had heard.

"Ah…Delicious...Human children are delicious…"

It was a monstrous voice that sent chills down her spine. It was not only her but other children as well.

A Demon had emerged from the shadows, its monstrous form casting terror into the hearts of all who saw it. Its eyes glowed with malevolence, and its twisted grin sent shivers down the spines of anyone who dared to look at it.

It was a creature that she had never seen before, but it was something that would never leave her alone in her dreams. She knew that.

Chaos ensued as people fled in panic, and Sylvie found herself frozen in place, her heart pounding in her chest. She watched in horror as the Demon's gaze fixated on her, its intent clear. The world around her seemed to blur as fear consumed her senses.

"Will you be my prey?"

She remembered the vicious-looking mouth that spilled salvia….The demon's teeth looked sharp…

It slowly approached the girl, that was frozen in fear. She wanted to move her body, but her mind went blank….

She wanted to call for help, but she couldn't….

"Ah…..Humans…."

That ruffly voice constantly entered her ears, making her shake in the feeling of fear as the demon approached.

"Stop."

But then, a figure appeared before her, standing tall between her and the monstrous creature. It was her brother, his eyes determined and his stance unwavering. He was armed with a simple sword, but his expression held a fierce determination that inspired Sylvie even in her terror.