Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 555

Chapter 555 124.2 - Fame (2)

As Astron returned to the group, the barrage of questions from the reporters resumed almost immediately. But this time, the tone shifted. Instead of focusing on the team's accomplishments or the intense battles they'd just fought, the questions began to veer into more personal territory.

A reporter from a lifestyle magazine leaned in with a playful grin. "Astron, you've got quite the fanbase growing. Everyone's wondering—how do you keep your face looking so flawless after all these intense dungeon clears? Is there a secret behind your striking appearance, especially those unique purple eyes?"

Astron's eyes flickered slightly, but he maintained his calm demeanor. He wasn't unfamiliar with these kinds of questions, but it was clear they were digging for something more. Before he could answer, another reporter jumped in.

"And speaking of your appearance, we've been hearing rumors that your romantic life has caught some attention. Can you share if there's anyone special? Maybe someone from your time at Arcadia Hunter Academy?"

Astron remained silent for a moment, but he could already sense where the questions were heading. The reporters, now emboldened by the relaxed atmosphere, continued.

"Word is you were seen with Irina Emberheart, one of the most powerful heirs in the Federation. There were even pictures of you walking with her—anything you'd like to share about your relationship with her? Are you close with the other heirs as well?"

The mention of Irina Emberheart made Astron pause internally, but outwardly, he kept his expression neutral. He had expected the media to dig into his past eventually, but the personal nature of these questions was clearly designed to provoke a response.

'So, they did their research.'

He took a slow breath before addressing them, his voice measured and calm. "As for my appearance and eyes, there's no special secret. It's just a result of being an Awakened, like many others. We undergo changes as our bodies adapt to the use of mana. The higher our rank, the more our appearance shifts due to the elimination of impurities."

The reporters listened attentively, but it was clear they were waiting for him to address the more personal questions.

"As for my time at Arcadia Hunter Academy," Astron continued, his tone steady, "I'm focused on my training and mission there, just as I am here. Yes, I've crossed paths with many people, including heirs like Irina Emberheart. But my priority is my growth as a Hunter, and that's where my focus remains."

He deliberately kept the mention of Irina vague, not offering any details about their relationship. The truth was far more complicated than any of the reporters could understand, and Astron had no intention of feeding the media frenzy around it.

One of the reporters, however, wasn't ready to drop the subject just yet. "So you and Irina are just… acquaintances? There's been a lot of speculation, especially with her reputation in the Federation. She's not someone who spends time with just anyone."

Astron's expression remained neutral, but there was an underlying firmness in his reply. "Irina Emberheart is a powerful figure, and I respect her abilities as a Hunter. Beyond that, I have nothing more to add."

His calm and controlled response didn't give the reporters the reaction they were hoping for, but it was clear that Astron wasn't going to indulge in any rumors or personal details.

The crowd buzzed with whispered discussions as the reporters scribbled down notes, but the focus began to shift again. They realized they wouldn't get much more from him on the topic of his personal life. Instead, they returned to safer ground, asking more about his time at Arcadia Hunter Academy and how his training there had shaped his abilities.

Just as Astron finished answering another question about his time at Arcadia Hunter Academy, the air shifted. A sudden tension crackled through the crowd, barely noticeable at first, but Astron's heightened senses picked it up immediately. His eyes flickered to the suspicious figures he had marked earlier, and in that moment, everything happened at once.

The group of saboteurs, all Awakened, sprang into action. Shouts filled the air, cutting through the chatter of the reporters. "Vanguard Haven, know your place!" one of them yelled, their voice laced with fury. The crowd erupted into chaos as the attackers launched a direct assault, targeting the reporters and anyone associated with the interview.

It was a blatant act of terrorism.

The first blast of mana surged toward the cluster of reporters, knocking some of them back with a forceful shockwave. The drones that had been hovering overhead for the live broadcast wobbled and crashed to the ground as the crowd scattered in fear. Several saboteurs, their bodies radiating dark mana, charged forward, their intentions clear.

Astron's instincts kicked in immediately. He moved like lightning, positioning himself between the saboteurs and the panicked reporters. "Everyone, get behind me!" he commanded, his voice cutting through the chaos.

Dorian, despite his exhaustion, was already drawing his blades, his expression sharp as he assessed the attackers. "Damn it! These guys are Awakened!" he cursed, moving to cover the other flank of the team.

Kurt and Gareth were quick to form a defensive line, raising their shields to protect the retreating reporters. Elena and Lila, though equally drained from the dungeon, were already gathering their mana, preparing to support the team.

One of the saboteurs, his eyes wild with rage, lunged at the nearest reporter with a glowing fist, but Astron intercepted him with a swift, precise movement. His dagger flashed in the air, deflecting the attacker's blow before delivering a calculated strike to the side, sending the man sprawling into the ground.

More shouts erupted as the attackers pressed their assault. "Vanguard Haven has overstepped its bounds! Daring to resort to illegal tactics like sacrificing people in the dungeon!" They aimed not just at the reporters but at anyone wearing the guild's insignia, turning the situation into a full-on skirmish.

Astron moved fluidly through the chaos, issuing orders as he fought. "Dorian, cut off their right flank! Gareth, reinforce the barrier—keep them away from the non-combatants!" His voice was calm but commanding, even as he engaged another attacker, his daggers flashing with deadly precision.

The saboteurs, though clearly skilled, were reckless, relying on brute force and rage to fuel their attacks. One of them, a larger man wielding a club of condensed mana, charged at Kurt, bellowing angrily. "You think you can stand above us?!"

Kurt gritted his teeth, his shield barely holding up against the ferocious strike. "I've had enough of this," he growled, shoving the attacker back with a powerful counterstrike, sending the man stumbling.