Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 471

Chapter 471 105.7 - What it means to be a Genius

<Acrobatics Training, 11 A.M, Fifth day of training>

Within minutes, Astron completed the fourth stage exam, landing softly and standing with his usual composed demeanor.

Tianna walked over to him, her voice filled with genuine praise. "Astron, your progress is extraordinary. You've completed the fourth stage with remarkable ease."

Astron nodded, acknowledging her words but staying focused.

Tianna continued, "For most of the trainees here, this would be the end of the course. Most of them are either fighters or mages, and they do not need to go beyond the fourth stage. However, your training goal is to master all seven stages, which means you will be different."

She paused, ensuring Astron was absorbing the gravity of her words. "From now on, you will be in the advanced course. You will learn more advanced techniques for the fifth, sixth, and seventh stages. It will be more challenging, and it's crucial that you keep your focus at all times."

Astron nodded his head in understanding. "I understand, Instructor Tianna. I will keep my focus and continue to train hard."

Tianna smiled, a rare expression on her usually stern face. "I have no doubt you will. Prepare yourself for the advanced training. The next stages will test you in ways you have not yet experienced."

With that, she dismissed him as she prepared herself for tomorrow's training. As for the other cadets...

They looked at him as if they were looking at a monster.

*********

<Stealth Training, 12 A.M, Fifth day of training>

"Good morning, Astron," he greeted, his tone neutral yet expectant. "Today, you will work on mastering the [Veil of Shadows]. Are you prepared?"

Astron nodded, his resolve clear. "I am ready, Instructor Kennet."

"Excellent. Let's begin," Kennet said, stepping back to observe.

Astron closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to center himself. He focused on extending his sensory awareness, feeling the ambient mana in the room. Slowly, he projected his mana, creating a subtle ripple that blended with the surrounding energy.

He began to move, each step deliberate and controlled. His breathing was shallow, his heartbeat steady, syncing perfectly with his movements. The ripple of his mana expanded, forming an almost imperceptible barrier around him. Astron's presence seemed to melt into the shadows, his form becoming one with the environment.

When he reached the end of the course, Astron turned to face Kennet. The instructor's expression was one of approval.

"Well done, Astron," Kennet said, nodding. "You've demonstrated a remarkable understanding of the [Veil of Shadows]. You're starting to grasp the essence of stealth."

"Thank you, Instructor Kennet."

Kennet stepped forward, his tone instructive. "It seems you've begun to understand how things need to work. Before, your main focus was always on how to keep yourself invisible, but now you are starting to understand the importance of other senses as well."

He placed a hand on Astron's shoulder, a gesture of both guidance and acknowledgment. "That was something that I had been planning to inform you about today, but with how things are going, it seems I no longer need to do that."

He could feel the truth in them, as the subtle shift in his approach had made a significant difference in his training already.

'This instructor. He is really earnest.'

Astron thought as he looked into Kennet.

"Continue to practice this technique," Kennet advised. "Expand your awareness, deepen your connection with the ambient mana. The more attuned you are to your environment, the more effective your stealth will be."

"Understood, Instructor," Astron replied, his determination evident. "But there is one thing I am curious about."

Kennet raised an eyebrow, waiting for Astron to continue.

"The manual you mentioned," Astron said carefully. "Is there a more advanced version of the [Veil of Shadows] technique?"

Kennet's face darkened slightly at the mention of the manual. "I thought we had closed that topic yesterday," he said, his tone cooler.

Astron immediately responded, his tone respectful. "If my question was offensive, I apologize. I'm just curious as to what the next stage would be."

Kennet studied Astron's face, his gaze cold and piercing, searching for any hidden intentions or ulterior motives. Astron met his gaze steadily, his expression open and sincere. After a long moment, Kennet seemed to relent, though his expression remained guarded.

"There was a next technique," Kennet began slowly as he stood up. "But, it was not about stealth."

Astron felt a pang of curiosity but remained silent, waiting for Kennet to continue.

Kennet's expression was thoughtful as he chose his words carefully. "The next technique focused on something beyond just blending in or erasing one's presence. It required a deeper understanding and a broader perspective."

He turned away slightly as if contemplating how much to reveal. "Remember this, Astron," he said, his voice low but firm. "One must never forget that traits or arts do not always have to follow the same direction. Many traits have a wider coverage than you think."

With those cryptic words, Kennet began to walk away, leaving Astron to ponder his message.

The moment Kennet's words sank in, something inside Astron shifted. It was as if a veil had been lifted, revealing a broader horizon. He began to realize that his understanding of his abilities had been too narrow, too focused on a single path.

'That is right. Why had I not thought of that before?' He asked himself.

The techniques and arts he had learned did not have to be confined to one purpose. There were multiple ways to apply his skills and multiple directions to explore. The [Shadowborne] arts, for instance, might encompass more than just stealth and invisibility. They could be tools for manipulation, protection, or even attack, depending on how he chose to use them.

'The next stage of my [Shadowborne]. It may not have been related to stealth at all. And the same is valid for [Lunar Enigma].'

While this was something that he had already known, that did not mean his subconsciousness thought the same.

'Because how I was focused on the fact that the [Shadowborne] of the usual game and [Shadowborne] of the easter egg was different, I did not think of the possibility that they may have crossed paths at some point.' He thought as he realized he was once again limiting himself.

'I need to reflect once again. Broaden your horizons, Astron.'

With that thought, he continued his training while making a small mental note.

******