Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 592

Chapter 592 131.6 - Alden Evergreen

"It's the same for me. I won't endanger the people I hold close."

For a brief moment, the room fell into a deep silence, Alden and Maya both caught off guard by Astron's words. Alden's blue eyes widened slightly, not from surprise at Astron's boldness but at the sincerity of his statement.

He had dealt with many people who wielded power and influence, but few were so direct about their intentions, especially when it came to someone as important to him as his sister.

Alden recovered quickly, his sharp gaze softening into something almost thoughtful, though the half-smile from earlier returned. "I see," he said slowly, nodding as if weighing Astron's words in his mind. "Direct, aren't you?"

Meanwhile, Maya felt a sudden warmth rush to her cheeks, her heart skipping a beat as Astron's words echoed in her mind. The people I hold close. She lowered her gaze for a second, her fingers tightening around her fork as she fought to regain her composure. A faint blush spread across her cheeks, though she hoped no one would notice. It wasn't that she was embarrassed by what he had said—it was more the realization of how much Astron's words meant to her. There was an intimacy in his statement that stirred something within her.

Alden noticed the faint shift in his sister's demeanor. His sharp eyes flicked between Maya and Astron, catching the subtle change in her expression. The blush on her cheeks did not go unnoticed. Though he said nothing, his curiosity deepened. There was clearly more between the two than just camaraderie.

'Heh….Little sister. I guess you are no longer a little child….'

He could not help but shake his head inwardly.

'But, this guy is not that bad.'

Alden sat back in his chair, letting the soft smile linger on his lips as he studied his sister and Astron more closely. He had always been protective of Maya, ensuring that the burdens of their family didn't crush her spirit. But now, watching the subtle, almost imperceptible exchange between the two, he understood something he had been reluctant to admit: Maya was no longer the little girl he had always sought to shield. She had grown into a capable woman, one who deserved the chance to experience life on her own terms—even if it meant opening herself up to risks he couldn't control.

Alden took a slow breath, allowing the realization to settle. His gaze softened as he turned his attention back to his sister, noticing the way her eyes flickered between him and Astron, a mixture of resolve and vulnerability in her expression. She had always been strong, but this was different. This wasn't just the strength born of duty or the need to uphold the Evergreen name. This was something deeper, something personal.

"Life and youth," Alden muttered under his breath, more to himself than anyone else. He had been so focused on protecting her that he had nearly forgotten that Maya, too, deserved to experience the joys, the heartbreaks, and the risks that came with living fully.

And perhaps, in Astron, she had found someone who understood her—not just as the sister of Alden Evergreen, but as Maya, an individual in her own right.

Alden shook his head slowly, the soft smile still lingering, though a hint of resignation touched his features. He could see the change in his sister, how much she had grown, and how much she had come to depend on Astron, not just as an ally but as something more. And while his protective instincts hadn't entirely faded, he knew that it was time to let go—at least a little.

Maya, sensing the shift in Alden's demeanor, composed herself. She straightened in her seat, carefully controlling her expression. Her face, once soft with emotion, returned to the calm and poised look she was known for. She had always been good at hiding her deeper feelings, especially around Alden. But now, she wasn't sure if she needed to hide as much. His acceptance, though subtle, was more than she had expected.

Maya, sensing the shift in Alden's demeanor, composed herself. She straightened in her seat, carefully controlling her expression. Her face, once soft with emotion, returned to the calm and poised look she was known for. She had always been good at hiding her deeper feelings, especially around Alden. But now, she wasn't sure if she needed to hide as much. His acceptance, though subtle, was more than she had expected.

Alden glanced between the two of them one last time, a flicker of curiosity still in his eyes. He had uncovered much tonight—more than he had intended—and while there were still questions, particularly about Astron and his true abilities, Alden knew when to press and when to step back. He wasn't done with Astron, not by a long shot, but for now, it was enough.

"Well," he said, his voice steady, "it seems we've talked quite a bit, and I've learned enough for the evening." He pushed his chair back and stood up, adjusting his robes with a deliberate motion. His eyes lingered on Astron for a moment longer, still assessing but less scrutinizing. "I'll leave you two to the rest of your evening."

Maya blinked, surprised by how suddenly her brother was ending the meal, though she quickly masked her reaction. "You're leaving already?" she asked, her voice calm but with a hint of concern.

Alden smiled warmly at her. "I've kept you long enough. And truth be told, I have matters to attend to in the morning. A good night's rest is what I need." He turned toward Astron, giving him a nod. "Though I'm still curious about what you're truly capable of, Astron, that will have to wait. You'll have to forgive me if I leave you with more questions than answers tonight."

Astron met Alden's gaze, his expression composed and respectful. "Of course, Lord Evergreen," he replied smoothly. "There will be plenty of opportunities to address those curiosities in the future."

Alden chuckled softly, appreciating Astron's tactful response. "I'm sure there will be," he said, his voice carrying a subtle weight that hinted at future encounters. "But for now, I'll bid you both good night."

With that, Alden offered one last smile to his sister before turning and making his way out of the room. His steps were steady, and though he seemed calm, there was a part of him that still carried the weight of the evening's revelations. But for now, he needed rest—and time to think.

As the door closed softly behind him, the room fell into a quiet stillness. Maya exhaled softly, a faint sense of relief washing over her now that her brother had left. She glanced across the table at Astron, her expression softening ever so slightly. There was still so much left unspoken between them, so much that had been left simmering beneath the surface throughout the evening.