Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 543

543 /1033

Chapter 543 122.1 - Fame

The team moved swiftly through the Linear Gate, the dark, winding corridors of the dungeon stretching before them. The atmosphere was tense but focused, with each member falling into their respective roles. It was a stark contrast from their earlier expeditions—now, their movements were sharper, more synchronized, with an unspoken trust beginning to form under Astron's guidance.

The first wave of monsters came quickly—Vaurask Reapers, twisted, wolf-like creatures with glowing eyes and jagged teeth. Their fur was matted, and their bodies exuded a dark, corrupted energy that filled the narrow passage with a foul stench. They were fast and vicious but not overwhelmingly strong. However, their numbers were significant.

Astron signaled to the group without missing a beat, his voice calm yet commanding. "Kurt, Gareth—hold the line at the front. Dorian, Elena—flank them. Lila, keep your golem on defense for now; we don't want to get overwhelmed."

Kurt and Gareth stepped forward, their combined defenses forming a solid wall against the Reapers' initial charge. Kurt's shield absorbed the impact of the creatures' snapping jaws while Gareth's barrier flared up, deflecting their claws.

"Dorian, now," Astron called, his sharp eyes tracking the flow of the battle.

Dorian moved swiftly, his dual swords flashing in the dim light as he slipped around the side of the Reapers, targeting their exposed flanks. His strikes were precise, severing tendons and limbs with efficiency.

Elena was right behind Dorian, her magic already charged. She unleashed a burst of lightning, arcing through the pack of Reapers and stunning several of them. Their bodies convulsed as the electricity coursed through them, leaving them vulnerable to follow-up attacks.

Meanwhile, Lila stood back; her eyes focused as her golem held the rear, ready to intercept any stragglers. She could see the difference in how they operated now. 'It's subtle,' she mused, watching as the team moved almost seamlessly. 'But there's a rhythm now—a flow that wasn't there before. Astron's control is subtle but undeniable.'

Astron, standing at the back, nocked another arrow and scanned the battlefield. The Reapers were relentless, but their chaotic movements were predictable to him. His [Eyes of Hourglass] allowed him to see the weak points in their formations, the areas where they were most vulnerable. He could see the threads of mana that connected the monsters, and he used that knowledge to direct the team's strikes.

"Kurt, step left! Dorian, cut off the Reaper on the right before it circles back!" Astron's voice was steady, and each command was given with precise timing.

Kurt shifted his stance just as a Reaper lunged at his shield; the force of the creature's impact redirected as Kurt used his bulk to push it off balance. Dorian moved in, slicing through the beast's exposed flank with ease.

The coordination was seamless now. The team had always been competent, but now, under Astron's watchful eye, they were more than that—they were a unit, their movements sharp and efficient, with each member trusting the other to handle their role.

As the last of the Reapers fell, its body dissolving into dark mana, the team paused for a moment to catch their breath. The passage ahead was quiet for now, but they knew more monsters were lurking deeper within.

"Good work," Astron said, lowering his bow as he surveyed the battlefield.

'This team…..They really have quite a potential.' He did not remember their names from the game, nor did he have any information about them. But, one thing was becoming more and more clear as he saw their progress.

While their talent as a singular Hunter or as an Awakened was not top-notch, they were talented at working together.

'They can act as a good proximity.' *******

Liana stood before the team once again, the holographic map of the next gate displayed on the table. The blue and white hues of an icy landscape illuminated their faces, a stark contrast to the fiery Infernal Nexus and dark corridors of the Linear Gate.

"This next gate is known as Frostfang Lair," Liana began, her voice crisp and efficient. "A winter-themed dungeon. Expect low temperatures, ice hazards, and creatures that rely on speed and cold-based attacks. The monsters here are mid-stage-5, mostly Frostfang Wolves. They move in packs like the Reapers, but they're much faster and harder to detect due to their ability to blend with the environment."

She pointed to the final chamber on the map. "At the end, you'll face an Ice Revenant. It's resistant to physical attacks, but vulnerable to fire and earth-based magic. Elena's magic will be crucial here, as well as any fire-based attacks you can use. Don't let the cold slow you down—timing will be everything."

The team listened closely, already mentally preparing for the next challenge. Astron simply nodded. 'Ice environment—easy to predict their movements. Let's see how they adapt.'

The team moved swiftly through the icy caverns of Frostfang Lair. Cold mist filled the air, making visibility low, but the team was undeterred. The Frostfang Wolves attacked in packs, their white fur blending seamlessly with the snow-covered ground.

Astron remained at the back, eyes focused on the battlefield. His green-tinted arrows glowed briefly before disappearing into the mist, taking down wolves before they could even get close. The team followed his cues, moving in sync to take down the fast-moving creatures.

"Elena hit the next wave with fire! Dorian, be ready for flanking," Astron directed.

With each command, the team executed with precision, and soon, the final chamber loomed ahead, the Ice Revenant waiting in the distance.

The battle was intense, the cold biting at their movements, but Elena's fire magic, combined with Astron's pinpoint strikes, quickly shattered the Revenant's icy defenses. Within minutes, the lair was cleared, the cold slowly dissipating as the team gathered near the exit.

Liana met them outside the gate, her eyes scanning the group with satisfaction. "Well done. We'll move on to the final gate of the day."

***********

Liana pulled up the final map for the day. This time, the holographic display showed a dark, eerie forest. "This is Shadowed Hollow," she explained. "It's a stage-5 dungeon, but the main difficulty comes from the terrain and the creatures' ability to cloak themselves in shadows. Expect ambushes from Shadow Stalkers and Wraiths. They're weak to light and mana-infused attacks."