Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 532

Chapter 532 119.2 - Guild

The train began to slow as the first light of dawn peeked over the horizon, casting a soft, golden hue across the landscape. Nexoria City was coming into view, its towering skyscrapers a stark contrast to the wilderness that surrounded it.

The city was waking up, but the atmosphere was already charged with a sense of purpose—a city of hunters, always ready, always on edge.

As the train came to a halt, I gathered my belongings, my mind already shifting gears to the task ahead. The cabin door slid open with a soft hiss, and I stepped out into the brisk morning air. The platform was surprisingly quiet, with only a few early risers moving about.

Standing near the exit, a woman caught my eye. She was dressed in a sharp, tailored suit, her posture rigid and her expression serious. Her dark hair was pulled back into a tight bun, and she held a tablet in one hand, her eyes scanning the crowd with practiced efficiency.

As soon as she saw me, she straightened even further, if that was possible, and approached with a measured stride. "Astron Natusalune?" she asked, her voice calm but carrying an underlying tone of authority.

I nodded, meeting her gaze evenly. "That's me."

"Welcome to Nexoria City," she said, extending a hand in a gesture that was more formal than friendly. "I'm Liana Marcellus, the assistant to the Guild Master of Vanguard Haven. I've been assigned to escort you to the guild and brief you on the situation."

I shook her hand, noting the firmness of her grip and the cool professionalism in her demeanor. "Thank you."

She nodded curtly and turned on her heel, leading the way out of the station. "The guild is expecting you, Mr. Natusalune. We've prepared everything for your arrival. The situation here is tense, as you might have been briefed. We're facing significant pressure from rival guilds, and your presence is intended to bolster our position."

As we walked, Liana continued to provide a succinct overview of the current state of affairs in Nexoria. The streets were beginning to fill with people, most of them hunters and those who supported the hunting industry. Nexoria was a city built on the edge of danger, and its inhabitants were accustomed to the constant threat that came with living so close to untamed fields.

"Our primary concern at the moment is maintaining control over several key gates and fields," Liana explained as we exited the station and made our way toward a sleek, black car parked nearby. "There have been increased movements from rival guilds, and while the Vanguard Haven has held its own, the competition is fierce."

I listened carefully, taking in the details she provided. The car door opened with a soft click, and I slid into the back seat. Liana took the front passenger seat as the driver nodded in acknowledgment and pulled away from the station.

"The Guild Master is looking forward to meeting you," Liana added, her tone slightly softer now that we were inside the car. "Your reputation as the Arcadia Hunter Academy Student will certainly help us; at least, that is what we wish for."

I simply nodded in response to that since she was just briefing.

The city's skyline passed by outside the window, a mix of towering buildings and the distant silhouette of the wilderness beyond.

It was a place of contrasts, where civilization met the wild and where survival often depended on the sharpness of one's skills and the strength of one's resolve.

'But still similar to that time.'

The Nexoria City Trip somehow held quite a bit of time in my memories. That attack that happened in the museum, the first Moonstone and seeing Kaya Hartley in action.

In one way or another, this place was where I had experienced my first deviation from the storyline of the game.

"We'll be at the guild shortly," Liana said as the car turned onto a wide boulevard lined with modern buildings. "If you have any questions or need anything, please don't hesitate to ask."

I considered her words for a moment before asking, "What's the general plan? You must have been informed that I won't be able to stay here for long."

Liana nodded, her expression shifting to a more businesslike demeanor. "Yes, we've been informed. You'll be with us for three days only. But that's sufficient for our purposes. Following next week, many other interns from various institutions will also be joining us. Your presence here is actually laying the groundwork for the future manpower that's about to come."

"So you're planning to use me as a face?" I asked, my tone more observant than questioning.

Liana didn't hesitate, and her tone was straightforward. "That's indeed the case. While you might not be one of the most famous students at Arcadia Hunter Academy, simply having a student from such a prestigious institution lends us credibility. It makes others believe that we're capable of attracting top talent, even at the intern level."

She paused for a moment, glancing back at me before continuing, "This will open up the potential for more manpower from the organization. By using you as a figurehead, we can bring in more young Adepts without raising too much suspicion. It's a strategic move—both for the guild and for the organization you represent."

I nodded, absorbing the information. Their plan was sound, leveraging my presence to bolster their standing and attract additional resources. It was a tactic I could respect—efficient, with a clear goal in mind.

"I understand," I replied, my voice calm. "As long as the mission objectives are clear and I can operate effectively, I have no issues with that."

Liana allowed a small smile to tug at the corners of her mouth, perhaps in relief at my straightforward acceptance of the situation. "Good. I think you'll find that our guild operates with a similar mindset. We value efficiency and results above all else."

The car continued its smooth ride through Nexoria City, the tall buildings giving way to a more specialized district filled with facilities clearly geared towards hunters and guild operations. It was evident that this area was dedicated to the business of monster hunting—training grounds, equipment shops, and medical facilities lined the streets.

As we neared our destination, Liana added, "The Guild Master will brief you personally once we arrive. He's eager to meet you and discuss how we can best utilize your skills during your time here."

"Looking forward to it," I replied, my mind already turning to the tasks that awaited me. The next three days would be crucial, both for the guild's immediate needs and for the longer-term strategy they were putting into place.