Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 510

Chapter 510 115.8 - First Mission

As the team began to disperse, I took my time gathering my thoughts, making sure I didn't appear too eager to leave the room.

Shanks had given me a nod of approval, but I knew that my words were only the first step in gaining the trust and respect of the team. I needed to prove myself in action, not just in conversation.

I left the meeting room and made my way down the quiet corridor, my mind still turning over the details of the discussion. The investigation was complex, with multiple layers to unravel, and I was certain that the truth was lurking somewhere beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered.

As I reached the exit, I noticed a figure waiting just outside. Lira stood there, her posture relaxed but with a sharpness in her gaze that suggested she wasn't just idly lingering. She was waiting for me.

I met her eyes as I approached, and there was a brief moment of silence as we both assessed each other. Lira was the first to speak, her voice calm but laced with a hint of scrutiny.

"I requested someone capable from headquarters," she began, her eyes narrowing slightly. "And they sent you?"

It was clear that her words weren't just a casual inquiry—they were a challenge, a subtle questioning of my qualifications. I knew this was a test, one that I had to navigate carefully.

"Why would you think I'm not capable?" I replied evenly, meeting her gaze without flinching. There was no point in deflecting her question; it was better to address it head-on.

Lira studied me for a moment longer, her expression thoughtful but guarded. "You're just a newbie," she said, her tone direct. "For someone who's new to the field, these types of missions aren't exactly the best place to start. You have much to learn, and it's usually better to send someone in your position to a more controlled environment—somewhere they can observe and grow at a steady pace."

I nodded slightly, acknowledging the logic in her words. "That would indeed be better," I agreed, "if someone were learning at a slow pace. But that's not the case for me."

Lira's eyes narrowed slightly, intrigued by my response. "Why is that?"

"Because I'm a fast learner," I said, my tone confident but not arrogant. "I'm here because I can adapt quickly, analyze the situation, and contribute effectively, even under pressure. I understand that this mission is complex, and I'm aware of the risks. But I wouldn't be here if I wasn't ready."

Lira's eyes narrowed slightly as she continued to assess me, her mind clearly working through what I had just said. The silence hung between us, heavy with the weight of her scrutiny. Finally, I decided to add a bit more context to my situation.

"To add context," I began, my tone calm and measured, "it's only been three weeks since I entered the organization."

The moment the words left my mouth, Lira's expression shifted. Her eyes widened slightly in surprise, and she couldn't hide the disbelief in her voice as she responded. "Three weeks? And no prior training?"

I shook my head, keeping my expression neutral. "Not in the traditional sense. But I'm also a student of Arcadia Hunter Academy."

The mention of the Academy had the effect I anticipated. Lira's eyes widened a fraction more, and for a brief moment, she seemed taken aback. "Arcadia Hunter Academy?" she echoed, her tone now tinged with a mix of respect and understanding.

I nodded. "Indeed."

Lira released a quiet sigh, her earlier skepticism giving way to a more measured consideration. "I see. If you're from Arcadia, that explains a lot."

The Arcadia Hunter Academy was known for its rigorous training and the high standards it set for its students. Graduates of the Academy were often among the best in their fields, and the fact that I was currently enrolled there clearly shifted Lira's perception of me.

'Though you would not think if you were to see it from inside.' But let's not mention that.

"If that's the case," Lira continued, her tone more thoughtful now, "then it makes sense why you were assigned to this mission so quickly. The Academy doesn't produce novices. Even if you're new to the organization, you've already undergone some of the most intense training available."

I could see the gears turning in her mind as she recalibrated her expectations. The mention of Arcadia had changed the dynamic between us, and while I could still sense a degree of caution in her, there was also a newfound respect.

"Alright," Lira said finally, her tone decisive. "I'll be watching to see how you handle yourself on this mission. Arcadia or not, this is a different environment, and the stakes are high. But if you're as capable as I think you might be, then this should end sooner rather than later."

"That will indeed be the case," I mumbled.

Lira's eyes narrowed slightly at my mumble, her curiosity clearly piqued. "What? Did you find something?" she asked, her tone sharp with interest.

I met her gaze, weighing my words carefully. "Well, let's just say you should look forward to tomorrow's meeting."

Lira wasn't satisfied with that. "If you know something, it's better for you to share it now," she pressed. There was an edge to her voice, a mix of concern and impatience. She wasn't someone who liked to be kept in the dark, especially when the stakes were this high.

I held up a hand, trying to reassure her without giving too much away. "I have something in mind," I admitted, keeping my tone measured, "but I need to gather more evidence before I can be sure. It's a theory that could change how we approach the situation, but I want to make sure it's solid before I bring it to the table."