Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 703

Chapter 703 158.1 - Coffee

When Irina stepped out of the bathroom, fully dressed and composed, she was greeted by the sight of Astron sitting on the couch. A steaming cup of coffee rested on the table beside him, and a small, well-worn book was open in his hands. The serene expression on his face only heightened her earlier embarrassment, though she forced herself to brush it aside.

The faint aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the cabin, and her eyes flicked to the neatly arranged tray nearby. He made coffee? Of course, he did. He always has something in the morning. She recalled noticing this habit before but hadn't paid it much mind until now.

Wordlessly, she grabbed a cup and poured herself some coffee. Taking a careful sip, she walked over and settled on the seat beside him, placing her cup on the table. The warmth of the drink and the calming silence of the cabin eased her lingering embarrassment.

After a few moments, she broke the quiet. "Where did you go?" she asked, tilting her head slightly to study him. "I didn't see you when I woke up."

Astron didn't look up from his book immediately, finishing the line he was reading before responding. "I took a stroll around the train," he said, his tone casual. "There's more here than just the rooms. I wanted to see what this place had to offer."

Irina narrowed her eyes slightly, sensing there was more to it than he let on. Her hazel gaze lingered on him, and she let the silence stretch as she thought about the kind of person he was. Calm, composed, and always assessing. And then, the realization struck her.

"You went out to see the interior… in case something happens, didn't you?" she asked, her voice carrying a note of certainty.

Astron finally glanced at her, closing the book with a soft thud. "You know me well," he admitted simply, taking a sip of his coffee.

"Heh." Irina smirked, leaning back into her seat with a small sense of satisfaction. "Typical. Always thinking ahead, aren't you?" free𝑤ebnovel.com

"It pays to be prepared," Astron said, his tone calm but with an undercurrent of seriousness. "Especially in a place like this."

She rolled her eyes, though a hint of amusement danced in her expression. "You really need to loosen up, you know? Not everything is a battlefield."

Astron didn't reply immediately, taking another sip of his coffee before setting the cup down. "Perhaps," he said finally, his tone unreadable. "But I'd rather not take unnecessary risks."

"You…."

Though she knew, that changing this guy wouldn't be easy. After all, he was like that all the time.

"You…."

Though she knew, that changing this guy wouldn't be easy. After all, he was like that all the time.

Irina's gaze shifted from Astron's calm expression to the book resting in his hands. The title caught her eye, and she tilted her head slightly, curiosity sparking. "What are you reading?" she asked.

Astron glanced briefly at the cover before responding, his tone as composed as ever. "A book about Psychic Magic."

Irina's eyebrows shot up. "Psychic Magic? Why?"

"I've been interested in it for a while," Astron replied, setting the book down on the small table beside his coffee. "I think I might be talented in that field."

Irina blinked, momentarily caught off guard by his confidence. "You think you're talented?" she repeated, leaning forward slightly. Her hazel eyes narrowed as she studied him. "You know… I was the one who taught you the basic blocks of magic, and that wasn't even that long ago."

Astron shrugged, his expression calm but thoughtful. "And? That doesn't mean I can't be talented. Everyone has their strengths."

Irina folded her arms, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "And what makes you think this is one of yours?"

Astron met her gaze evenly, his purple eyes unflinching. "Just a feeling," he said simply. "It's not like I have anything to lose by trying."

Irina chuckled softly, shaking her head. "You're unbelievable," she said, though there was no real bite in her words. "You've barely scratched the surface of magic, and now you think you're a prodigy in one of the most specialized fields?"

"Maybe I am," Astron said with a faint trace of amusement, picking up his coffee again. "Maybe I'm not. Either way, it's worth exploring."

Irina sighed, leaning back in her seat. "You're ridiculous, you know that?"

Astron didn't reply immediately, taking a slow sip of his coffee before placing the cup down again. "Maybe," he said, his tone calm and measured. "But if I'm right, it'll be worth it."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile that crept onto her face. "Fine," she said, resting her chin on her hand. "Show me when you finally learn to read someone's mind. Then I'll believe you."

Astron looked into her eyes, the faintest hint of a challenge flashing in his eyes. "Don't worry. You'll be the first to know."

Irina huffed softly, shaking her head, but the lightness of their exchange stayed with her as the train continued its journey through the Arcadia Dominion.

*******

The soft chime of the train's arrival echoed through the cabin, signaling that they had reached their destination. Irina straightened in her seat, smoothing the fabric of her coat as she glanced out the window. The city of Solren Heights came into view, its towering trees with glowing mana veins and crystalline spires glistening in the afternoon sun. The station was bustling with activity, a mix of travelers stepping off and new ones preparing to board.

Astron stood, his sharp purple eyes scanning the scene outside. "Busy," he remarked, his tone calm as always.

"Of course it is," Irina replied, flipping through her notebook as she reviewed the schedule she had prepared. "This train is designed for flexible travel. People can book rooms for specific legs of the journey, so there's always movement at major stops like this one."

Astron nodded, slipping his hands into his pockets. "Efficient."

"It is," she said, standing up and grabbing her bag. "Now, about the plan for today—listen up."