Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 701

Chapter 701 157.4 - The Trip

The soft hum of the train persisted as the cabin lights dimmed, signaling the approach of nighttime. Irina tapped the interface on the wall, activating the cabin's transformation for its sleeping arrangement.

The room responded instantly, the dining table and chairs shifting seamlessly back into the floor. The faint glow of runes lit up the walls as the bed emerged from a concealed compartment, a luxurious king-sized mattress draped in soft, plush linens.

Astron, standing to the side, watched the transformation unfold with his usual calm. But as the bed revealed itself—its singular, unmistakably shared nature—he raised an eyebrow, his sharp gray eyes flicking toward Irina.

"You…" He began, his tone as calm as ever but carrying a hint of incredulity. "…did you really book a single bedroom?"

Irina turned toward him, her hazel eyes widening in feigned surprise. "What? I—I didn't know it was only a single bed!" she said, her voice laced with just the right amount of indignation.

Astron's gaze lingered on her, his expression unreadable as he observed her for a long moment. The room fell silent save for the faint hum of the train as it continued its steady journey through the Arcadia Dominion.

Then, he spoke his tone as cutting as it was calm. "You're lying."

Irina stiffened, though she quickly tried to cover it by crossing her arms. "I am not!" she shot back, her voice firm, though her flushed cheeks betrayed her.

"You can't escape my eyes," Astron said simply, his sharp gaze unwavering. "You booked this room knowing exactly what it was."

Irina's lips twitched as she fought to maintain her composure. "I didn't," she insisted, turning her head away. "It's just a coincidence."

Astron didn't reply immediately, but his silence was deafening. His piercing gaze seemed to strip away any pretense, leaving her feeling uncomfortably exposed. Irina avoided his eyes, her mind racing.

So what if I'm lying? she thought defiantly. It's not like you can prove it. As long as I don't acknowledge it, what can you do?

She glanced at him briefly, her smirk returning as a faintly mischievous glint shone in her eyes. And even then, we're already in this room. What are you going to do, leave the train or find another room? Heh, you're trapped here with me. You can't do anything.

Astron sighed softly, his expression shifting into something between exasperation and resignation. "You're not very good at hiding your intentions," he remarked, his voice calm but tinged with dry amusement.

Irina turned to face him fully, her arms still crossed. "And you're not very good at minding your own business," she retorted, her tone haughty. "Besides, it's just a bed. What's the big deal?"

Astron raised an eyebrow. "It's not about the bed. It's about your inability to admit what's obvious."

"Well, I'm not admitting anything," Irina said with a huff, turning her back to him. "So, you can think whatever you want."

Astron shook his head slightly but didn't press further. Instead, he stepped forward, his calm demeanor unshaken as he approached the bed. "Fine," he said simply, his voice even. "I'll take the right side. You stay on the left."

The room was quiet save for the faint hum of the train, the soft lighting casting warm shadows over the space. Astron stepped away from the bed, grabbing a small bag he'd brought with him.

"Where are you going?" Irina asked, her hazel eyes narrowing slightly as she watched him head toward the bathroom.

Astron glanced back at her, his sharp gray eyes calm. "To change."

Irina huffed, crossing her arms. "Change here."

Astron raised an eyebrow, his gaze flicking briefly to her before he shook his head. "No."

"Why not?" Irina pressed a mischievous glint in her eyes. "What's the big deal?"

Astron gave her a long, almost incredulous look. "I'm not into these kinds of things," he said flatly, his tone calm but edged with mild disbelief.

Irina's cheeks flushed, and she immediately looked away, waving her hand dismissively. "Hmph! As if that's what I meant!" she muttered, though her voice betrayed her embarrassment. She shook her head, pretending to focus on the glowing runes in the room. "Whatever, just go."

Astron turned back toward the bathroom, pausing only when Irina's voice stopped him again.

"Wait."

He turned slightly, his expression as unreadable as ever.

"You should turn off the disguise," Irina said, gesturing vaguely toward him. Her hazel eyes flicked to the ring on his finger. "It's just us here. Why bother?"

Astron raised an eyebrow. "What happened to being careful?"

Irina rolled her eyes, letting out a soft huff. "It's just the two of us. No one's watching, and no one's coming in. Why are you being so uptight?"

Astron shrugged, his calm demeanor unshaken. "If something unusual happens, it's not my responsibility," he said simply, then stepped into the bathroom without further argument.

Irina watched him disappear, her gaze lingering on the closed door for a moment before she exhaled softly. So stubborn, she thought, her lips twitching into a faint smirk. But at least he listens… sort of.

A few minutes later, the bathroom door opened, and Astron stepped out. He had changed into his sleeping clothes—simple, dark, and practical—but his appearance was striking nonetheless. His black hair was slightly damp, glistening faintly in the light, and small drops of water clung to his sharp features, giving his skin an almost luminous quality. His piercing purple eyes, no longer muted by the disguise, stood out vividly against his calm expression.