Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 732

Chapter 732 Chapter 166.4 - Interrogation

One of the offices - Emberheart Estate

The room was dim, lit only by the faint flicker of the flames in the grand hearth. The warmth did little to soften the atmosphere, which felt heavy with unspoken intent. The Matriarch of the Emberheart family sat at her desk, her fingers steepled, her crimson robes glowing faintly like embers in the dim light. The papers before her lay untouched, her sharp eyes fixed instead on the dancing flames in the fireplace. ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com

Esme entered quietly, her steps measured, her expression calm but with a trace of concern visible in her furrowed brow, She bowed her head slightly as she approached, waiting for acknowledgment before speaking.

"Matriarch," Esme began, her voice as steady as ever, though her words carried a weight of uncertainty. "Will it really be okay? The measures you've set in motion-they are harsh, even for Young Lady. You've always tested her, but this... this feels different."

The Matriarch did not respond immediately, her gaze lingering on the fire as though it held the answer to some unspoken question. When she finally spoke, her voice was calm, deliberate, and laced with the authority that defined her every word.

"Esme," she began, her tone cool and measured, "a lion raised in captivity may grow strong, but it will never be prepared for the true wilderness. Irina has chosen her own path, one far removed from the controlled environment I meticulously crafted for her. She wishes to make her own decisions, to walk freely as she claims. But freedom is not without its cost."

Esme's lips pressed into a thin line. "But Matriarch, Irina has already shown strength. Surely, she has proven herself capable?"

The Matriarch's gaze shifted to Esme, her sharp amber eyes glinting with a mixture of curiosity and resolve. "Strength is not simply the ability to act, Esme. It is the wisdom to temper that action, the foresight to see beyond the immediate, and the resilience to endure the consequences. Irina is strong, yes. But she lacks understanding of the depth and scope of the game she has stepped into."

The Matriarch's sharp gaze softened briefly, an almost imperceptible flicker of something resembling regret. But as she raised her hand, the faint crimson glow surrounding her fingertips chased the moment away. With a graceful motion, she waved toward the hearth.

The fire surged. Its light expanded, casting long, dancing shadows against the dimly lit walls. As the flames roared to life, the office was illuminated, revealing a figure suspended from the ceiling.

The young woman hung limply, her wrists bound above her head by enchanted chains

that glowed faintly with Emberheart mana. Her body was a map of pain-countless burn marks marred her skin, and fresh welts painted her arms and legs. The tattered remains of her clothes clung to her frame, offering no protection from the cool draft of the room. Her head lolled forward, and her matted hair clung to her sweat-slick face. Though her lips were bound with a gag, her terrified, hollow eyes darted toward the Matriarch as the room came alive with the fire's glow.

Esme's breath hitched, but she maintained her composure. "Matriarch," she said quietly, a faint note of unease slipping into her tone. "Is this truly necessary? She has already suffered greatly."

The Matriarch's response was as cold as the flickering flames were hot. "It is not the suffering that matters, Esme. It is the lesson learned from it. And right now, this girl's purpose is to teach."

With that, the Matriarch extended her hand once more. A single ember floated toward the young woman, hovering just beneath her fingertips. The girl's body tensed as though sensing the imminent agony, her muffled cries turning frantic.

The ember descended, slipping beneath the nail of her forefinger. A sharp hiss sounded, followed by the smell of seared flesh. The girl's muffled screams tore through the room, her back arching as her entire body convulsed in pain.

The Matriarch's expression did not change. Her gaze remained steady, cold, and calculating as the ember lingered for a few agonizing seconds before she extinguished it with a flick of her wrist. The girl slumped forward again, her body trembling uncontrollably.

"Esme," the Matriarch began, her tone still calm but carrying an edge of warning, "Irina believes she understands control. She believes her fire is a tool she wields effortlessly, that her strength is enough to protect her from the consequences of her actions."

Esme inclined her head slightly, though her gaze flickered toward the young woman. "The Young Lady has shown extraordinary resolve, Matriarch. Surely-"

"Resolve is not enough," the Matriarch interjected, her voice sharp and commanding. She turned toward Esme, her amber eyes burning with intensity. "There is no information in this world that can remain hidden forever. Not from enemies. Not from allies. Not even from the Emberhearts."

She gestured toward the young woman with a flick of her fingers. "This one thought she could deceive me. She believed that her affiliations, her resources, and her secrets would protect her. But look where that belief has brought her."

The Matriarch leaned forward slightly, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Even Irina must understand this: there is always a possibility of a leak. No matter how well-guarded her plans, how meticulous her preparations, she is not infallible. She must learn that the Emberheart name does not grant immunity from the world's cruelties. It only makes the stakes higher."