Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 554

Chapter 554 124.1 - Fame (2)

The cold air of the dungeon slowly gave way to the more familiar warmth outside as the team neared the exit of the second rank-6 gate. Their breaths were heavy, their bodies aching from the grueling battles they had endured. Frost and dirt clung to their armor and clothes, and despite the exhaustion etched on their faces, there was a quiet sense of accomplishment among them.

Kurt limped slightly, his shield showing signs of heavy use. Gareth's barriers had flickered out long ago, and he was leaning on his staff for support. Dorian had a fresh cut along his arm, the result of a close call with one of the creatures they had faced, and even Elena's usually sharp, pristine appearance was dulled, her robe singed and covered in soot from her magic.

Lila's golem had sustained visible damage but still hovered near her protectively, and Astron, while standing tall, showed signs of strain. His breath came in slow, deliberate exhales, and the fatigue in his muscles was palpable, though hidden beneath his usual calm exterior.

Just as they were about to step fully out of the gate, the sudden noise of voices and the flashing of cameras greeted them. A crowd of reporters—far more than they had seen before—stood at the entrance, their faces alight with curiosity and excitement. Several drones hovered in the air, recording the scene from every angle. Reporters from different agencies were jostling for position, eager to get the first words from the team.

The team exchanged weary glances, taken aback by the sheer number of reporters waiting for them.

"Didn't think we'd have this kind of reception," Dorian muttered under his breath, glancing at the sea of cameras with a mix of surprise and annoyance.

Kurt wiped a streak of dirt from his forehead, his voice low. "I thought the first interview was intense… this is on a whole other level."

Before anyone could react further, the reporters surged forward, their voices overlapping as they bombarded the team with questions.

"How did you manage to clear two rank-6 gates in one day?" "What challenges did you face inside?" "Is it true that this is one of the most difficult gates under Vanguard Haven's jurisdiction?"

Astron's sharp gaze quickly scanned the crowd, his exhaustion tempered by his instinct to assess the situation. 'This was no coincidence,' he thought. 'They were waiting for us.'

Liana had mentioned the increased attention, but this—this was more than he had anticipated.

One reporter, her face familiar from their previous encounter, pushed forward. It was Shira Fenn, her expression alight with excitement as she addressed the team. "Vanguard Haven's rising stars! How are you feeling after completing yet another successful dungeon clear? What can you tell us about the difficulties you faced this time?"

Astron glanced at his team, noting their exhaustion. He could tell they weren't in the mood for an extended media session, but this wasn't something they could avoid. He stepped forward slightly, his presence drawing the attention of the reporters, just as Liana had expected.

"Today's clears were difficult," Astron said, his voice steady despite the weariness. "Rank-6 gates aren't easy, and the challenges we faced were real. But we prepared, we worked together, and we pushed through."

Astron's gaze didn't falter. "This team has been pushed to grow quickly, and they've risen to every challenge. We're doing what needs to be done, but every victory comes with its cost. We're just focused on continuing to improve."

Dorian, standing behind Astron, couldn't help but smirk despite his weariness. "Yeah, you could say we're putting in the work. But let me tell you—rank-6 gates don't go easy on you."

As the reporters saw the team's haggard state, many of them seemed to pause for a brief moment, taking in the exhaustion and battle-worn expressions. But the pause didn't last long. The rush for answers, the drive to get a scoop on the latest rising stars, overpowered any sense of empathy.

Questions began to fly from all directions, overlapping in a chaotic barrage:

"What kind of training regime does Vanguard Haven put you through to prepare for rank-6 gates?" "How do you manage your personal life while handling such intense challenges?" "Do you ever get time off, or is it all work for Hunters like you?"

The team, overwhelmed and visibly tired, exchanged uncertain glances. The relentless attention was a stark contrast to the quiet moments they had shared during their time inside the dungeon. Dorian, Kurt, Elena, Gareth, and Lila all seemed to hesitate, unsure of how to respond to the sudden flood of questions.

Astron, sensing the rising tension among his teammates, stepped forward calmly. His expression remained composed despite the exhaustion. Without saying a word, he gave a small nod toward the team and gestured for them to continue, silently encouraging them to answer. His steady presence seemed to ground them, offering a quiet reassurance that they could handle this, too.