Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 717

Chapter 717 163.1 - Sanctum

Irina slowed her pace as they approached the museum, her hazel eyes lighting up with anticipation. The Stellamare Museum, though modest in size, stood proudly with its clean stone facade and intricate carvings of suns and mountains decorating its pillars. She glanced over her shoulder at Astron, her earlier frustration fading as her excitement bubbled to the surface.

"This place," she began, her voice carrying a sense of awe, "isn't just another museum. It's a connection to something far more extraordinary."

Astron raised an eyebrow, his sharp gray eyes flicking over the building. "A connection to what?"

"To Aurora Sanctum," Irina said, her tone reverent. "A place shrouded in mystery and ancient traditions, far to the west, deep in the Targorian mountain range. It's unlike anything governed by the Valeria Federation or any other known power."

Astron's expression remained calm, but Irina could tell he was listening intently. She continued, gesturing toward the museum as they stepped closer. "Aurora Sanctum is a nation that feels more like a legend than a real place. The people there-the Solarians -revere the sun as a deity. They believe it's the source of all purity, enlightenment, and divine power. Their entire society revolves around that belief, and they've developed customs and hierarchies that we can't even begin to understand."

"And this muscum?" Astron asked, his gaze sweeping over the entrance.

"It was founded by people who've had the rare privilege of visiting Aurora Sanctum or establishing relations with them," Irina explained. "There's a special exhibit here- artifacts, writings, and even replicas of their sacred items. It's not much, but it's the closest most of us will ever get to understanding that place."

She paused, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "The Aurora Sanctum isn't a place anyone can just decide to visit. Even the most powerful states under the federation can't dictate terms to them. They're completely self-governed, and isolated, and they only allow outsiders in under very specific circumstances. Most of what we know about them comes from the few who've been invited-or the even rarer few who returned with their lives and memories intact."

Astron glanced at her, his interest piqued. "And why does this muscum matter to you?"

Irina's expression softened, and for a moment, she seemed lost in thought. "Because it's proof that there are still wonders in this world-things we don't fully understand, places that remain untouched by all the chaos and greed out here. The Aurora Sanctum represents a kind of purity, a way of life that's entirely their own. And even if this museum is small, even if it's just a glimpse into that world, it's still worth

preserving"

They reached the entrance, where a modest plaque engraved with golden lettering read:

Stellamare Museum

Dedicated to the History, Culture, and Mysteries of Aurora Sanctum

Astron's calm gray eyes flicked toward Irina, a faint glimmer of amusement dancing in them. "You got all of that from Julia, didn't you?" he said, his tone more observational than accusatory.

Irina coughed, looking away toward the plaque as if suddenly fascinated by its engraving. "I... may have discussed it with her," she admitted, though she quickly straightened, brushing imaginary dust from her sleeve. "But that doesn't mean I'm not. genuinely interested in Aurora Sanctum. It's such a mysterious place, you know? Their traditions, their isolation, even their devotion to the sun-it's all so... different. I just wonder what it's really like there."

Astron remained silent, his gaze lingering on her for a moment. Sensing his pause, she turned back to him, her hazel eyes narrowing slightly. "What about you?" she asked, tilting her head. "Do you know anything about Aurora Sanctum?"

He shook his head slowly. "Not much more than you already mentioned. Just that it's a secluded place, difficult to reach, and the people there are highly protective of their way of life. But..." He hesitated briefly before adding, "I've heard there are some strong individuals among them."

Irina rolled her eyes with an exasperated sigh. "Of course there are strong individuals. If they didn't have the strength to back it up, the Valeria Federation would've crushed them ages ago. You think they'd just let a place like that 'govern itself' without reason?"

Astron shrugged, his expression neutral. "True enough."

With that, the two stepped through the museum's arched entrance. The air inside was cool and filled with the faint hum of murmured voices. Displays lined the walls, each carefully curated to highlight different aspects of Aurora Sanctum's culture. Artifacts rested on pedestals beneath protective glass, and large plaques offered detailed explanations in elegant lettering. ƒгeewebnovёl.com

As they moved further inside, Irina's gaze darted from one display to the next, her earlier frustration melting away into genuine fascination. The serene environment was almost meditative-until a cheerful voice interrupted their quiet.

"Hello there! Welcome to the Stellamare Museum!"

A young woman in a neat, modest uniform approached them, her bright smile suggesting she was accustomed to greeting curious visitors. "Are you here for the self-guided tour, or would you like a guide? We offer a volunteer service where our

guides can walk you through the exhibits and share some additional insights. It's all tip-based, so there's no set fee."

Irina glanced around, noticing several other guides already speaking to small groups of visitors scattered throughout the museum. The sight reminded her of other tourist-heavy locations she'd visited-where such volunteer services were common, if

not expected.

She turned back to the guide, her tone polite but firm. "We'll take a guide. If we're going to be here, we might as well get the full experience."

The woman's smile widened. "Wonderful! Let me just grab my notes, and I'll show you around."

Irina glanced at Astron, who merely gave a small nod, his expression unchanged. The guide quickly retrieved a small booklet and gestured for them to follow.

"This way, please," she said brightly. "We'll start with the history of Aurora Sanctum

and its founding myths. It's truly fascinating, I promise!"

As they followed, Irina leaned slightly toward Astron, whispering, "She seems enthusiastic."

Astron's gaze followed the guide for a moment before he leaned slightly toward Irina, his tone calm and matter-of-fact. "She's trying to impress us. That's essentially how

this works."

Irina raised an eyebrow, glancing at him. "Trying to impress us? You mean for the

tip?"

He nodded slightly. "Exactly. She'll make as much effort as she can, sharing detailed insights and going above and beyond. If we don't tip at the end of the tour, she can still use the situation to 'guilt trip' us-or, in other words, play on our conscience." Irina blinked, her lips twitching into a smirk as she considered his analysis. "What if we're ruthless?" she asked, her voice low but tinged with amusement.

"Then it's a pity," Astron replied evenly. "Her day will be ruined because of that, most likely."