Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 70

Chapter 70 Chapter 17.5 - Normal Life

"There is no such person left."

Looking at him leaving, those words echoed in Ethan's head. His lonely figure and the emotions in his eyes at that moment remained on his head.

A mix of frustration and concern swirled within him. He knew Astron had his reasons for being closed off, for keeping his emotions hidden behind that stoic facade. But his response to that question... was a glimpse into something more.

'To be honest, I didn't even ask that question expecting an answer.'

Remembering that his niece was about to lose her life at that time, Ethan was slightly anxious. He had never felt the loss of someone he held dear, so he was scared of that feeling.

He wanted to be with his niece all the time, and he was sure her aunt felt the same.

'Is that what Astron feels? Has he lost someone dear to him?'

The thought lingered in his mind as he replayed their conversation in his head. There was a vulnerability in Astron's response, a rawness that hinted at a pain he was unwilling to share.

Why was he so guarded? What had happened to him? And what had prompted him to such a blunt and sad response to his question?

"Sigh…."

He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a mix of frustration and determination.

"Astron is right about one thing – we were not close. Sigh….What a complicated fella."

Ethan sighed, his steps slow as he made his way back to the training area. He realized that he couldn't force Astron to open up, just as he couldn't force his own emotions to settle.

The fear of losing someone you care about was a heavy burden, one that he was only just beginning to understand.

He didn't even think that his assumptions might be wrong for a second, but at the same time, he was not wrong either.

Just as he was lost in his thoughts, a familiar voice called out to him. "Ethan! Hey, Ethan!"

Turning, he saw Lucas and Julia approaching with their characteristic eagerness. The twins, with their matching smiles, were at it again.

"It seems you're lost in your world again. We called your name four times already," Lucas said, a playful grin on his face.

Ethan smiled apologetically. "Sorry, guys. I guess I was lost in thought."

Julia raised an eyebrow. "About what? You've been acting a bit strange lately."

Ethan hesitated for a moment, then decided to share a bit. "Well…"

Lucas chimed in with an understanding tone. "I see. It's about Jane, isn't it? Is she okay?"

Ethan nodded, a mixture of relief and worry in his expression. "Kind of. She said she's fine, but I'm still worried."

Julia sighed dramatically, shaking her head. "Sigh… Being a worrywart won't work. You're not helping her by worrying like that."

"I know," Ethan admitted with a sheepish grin.

SMACK

A familiar rough hand smacked his back once again. The sting was familiar, but this time Ethan refrained from retorting.

"Let's grab something to eat. The meal's on me today," Julia declared, her voice cheerful. Her intentions were clear, and Ethan appreciated the gesture. "Maybe you can even talk about him, you know? That edgy mister?"

Ethan simply smiled at Julia's playful teasing and chose not to correct her. This camaraderie, the light-hearted banter, was exactly what he needed right now. He was content to let her think whatever she wanted.

And so, the trio headed off, leaving the training grounds behind. As they walked together, Ethan felt a sense of warmth, a reminder that he wasn't alone in this world.

*****

"There is no such person left."

The one that heard those words was not Ethan only. There was another person who was there listening to the conversation Ethan and Astron were having.

'Is it related to his emotions?'

She was just leaving; since she was a healer, most of the time, her combat training ended before others since her 'body' couldn't keep up.

Just as she was about to leave, she couldn't help but hear the conversation, and her interest got piqued. Because the boy who always shone brightly was now looking slightly troubled, his emotions were a mess too.

It was intriguing because she had never seen Ethan this worried before. But the following words were something she didn't expect.

'There is no such person left, huh?' When she heard those words, she could see the emotions boiling inside Astron. The emotions that were eating him alive momentarily went past his barrier of indifference; she could see it.

'Something must have happened in the past.' She wondered what it was.

But at that moment, she heard a voice.

"Hey, Sylvie. What are you doing today?" Her friend asked, looking at him with a smile. "If you are free, want to hang out after the classes end?"

Looking at the offer, it didn't seem so bad, to be honest. For the past week, she was busy with her clubs and her assignments, so she didn't have much chance to hang out.

She was slowly getting tired, and she wanted to relieve her stress. "That sounds nice," Sylvie replied with a small smile, already feeling her fatigue catching up to her. "I could use a break."

However, the words that followed were something she didn't want to hear.

Her friend's eyes twinkled with excitement as she continued, "Great! You know, there's a mixer happening in the academy today. It's being hosted by the food club, and I heard they've prepared some amazing dishes. Plus, there will be some handsome seniors attending."

Sylvie didn't even hesitate for a moment. The thought of hanging out and unwinding was tempting, but the prospect of mingling with a group that included the boys wasn't exactly her idea of relaxation.

As a girl with a fairly good face and beauty, she was, of course, offered by some boys for a date. However, being a person that could see what others were feeling underneath, she could feel the hideous emotions underneath.

Rather, saying hideous would be wrong, but it was not her cup of tea. She knew the carnal desire those people hid, and she rather preferred a more romantic approach.

And for some reason, when she heard the word mixer, someone's face appeared before her eyes, making her more uncomfortable.

"Thanks for the offer," Sylvie replied, her tone polite yet cautious. "But you know how I feel about mixers and all that. I'm just not really into that kind of scene."

Her friend's smile faltered slightly, but she remained undeterred. "Come on, Sylvie; it could be fun! Plus, there will be some handsome seniors there, and who knows, you might find someone interesting."

For some reason, Sylvie felt like she had seen a dark color in her friend's feelings, but that just passed after a second.