Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 588

Chapter 588 131.2 - Alden Evergreen

Maya stood outside the dining room, taking a moment to compose herself before entering. The weight of what was about to unfold pressed against her chest, though she kept her face calm, masking the emotions swirling beneath the surface. Her family had always been a source of strength for her—a lineage filled with pride, duty, and unspoken responsibilities. Yet, they had also been a source of love, something many wouldn't have expected given the Evergreen family's prominence.

She let her mind drift for a moment, thinking about her parents, her upbringing, and her brother. It was strange, really—how the world saw them as distant, noble figures, yet behind the scenes, they had always shown her kindness and care, even if it had been cloaked in the weight of their duties.

Her parents had raised her in the mansion, surrounded by the ancient traditions of the Evergreen family. There had been love, yes, but it had always been tempered by the expectations placed upon her from a young age. They were leaders of their people, descendants of the Elven Royal Line, and that came with its own set of challenges. Her father, a stoic figure with a sharp mind, had always been busy managing the vast responsibilities of their household. Yet, whenever he had the chance, he'd find time to smile at her, to ruffle her hair, and remind her that despite everything, she was his little girl.

Her mother had been more affectionate, a gentle presence who guided her through the intricacies of their heritage. Maya remembered the way her mother's voice would soothe her when the weight of their responsibilities became too much, how she'd weave stories of their ancestors, of the strength that ran through their blood. Her mother had always spoken with warmth, but her eyes had always carried the same burden of duty.

Yet, despite the affection, there had been an unspoken distance as well. Their love had always come with conditions—expectations that Maya would uphold the Evergreen name and carry on the legacy without question.

And then, there was her brother.

"You are here."

The moment they entered the room, the familiar voice of her brother echoed in her ears. Though it had been a month since she last saw him, thanks to the fact that he was busy, the voice remained the same.

Elegant and calm.

And those words, though calm and elegantly spoken, carried with them a pressure that was unmistakable. Maya felt it immediately—the weight behind her brother's voice. It was subtle, but it was there, a constant reminder of who he was, of the responsibilities he carried. Alden had always been like that. Even in the most casual of moments, there was an unspoken authority in his presence, an intensity that never wavered. His words alone had the power to shift the entire atmosphere of a room.

Maya took a deep breath, steadying herself as she and Astron stepped into the dining room. The room itself was grand, with high ceilings and soft lighting, the Evergreen family crest prominently displayed on the far wall. But all of that faded into the background as her brother stood at the head of the table, his gaze locked on them.

Alden Evergreen. Tall and composed, his figure draped in the traditional dark green and gold robes of their family, the intricate Elven embroidery shining faintly under the light. His silver hair was neatly tied back, his sharp features framed by an expression that was calm yet unreadable.

His blue eyes—those same piercing eyes that had always seen through her—were focused on her now, studying her in the way only an older brother could. But beneath the surface, she could feel it—the weight of his expectations, the silent judgment that accompanied every interaction with him.

It had been a month since she'd last seen him, but that pressure was the same as ever. The kind that made her stand a little straighter, choose her words a little more carefully.

"Brother," Maya greeted, her voice calm, though she couldn't help but feel the subtle tightening in her chest as she met his gaze.

He nodded in acknowledgment, his eyes flicking briefly to Astron before returning to her. The scrutiny in that brief glance was palpable. Though he hadn't spoken a word to Astron yet, Maya could already sense that Alden was sizing him up, assessing his worth, his intentions. That was just the way he was—always watching, always calculating.

"You've brought a guest," Alden remarked, his tone even, though Maya knew him well enough to catch the undercurrent of curiosity mixed with caution. "I wasn't expecting that."

Maya smiled slightly, keeping her composure. "Yes. This is Astron, my Junior from the academy."

Alden's gaze shifted once more to Astron, this time lingering a moment longer. The air in the room seemed to grow heavier, the pressure more noticeable now. Maya could feel it in the way her brother's presence seemed to fill the space—his authority, his scrutiny.

"Astron. A unique name," Alden said, the name rolling off his tongue with the same calm elegance as everything else he did. "It is a rare occasion for Maya to bring someone from the outside into our home."

Astron remained composed, meeting Alden's gaze with his usual quiet confidence. "It's an honor to be here, Lord Evergreen," he replied, his voice steady.

The formal title seemed to amuse Alden, if only slightly, as a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips. But the weight of his presence did not lessen. If anything, it intensified.

Maya felt a flicker of anxiety, though she kept it well hidden. This was the moment she had been bracing for—her brother's evaluation of Astron. Alden had always been protective of her, and though he wouldn't outright say it, she knew he wanted to ensure that anyone she brought into their lives was trustworthy. He wouldn't make it easy.