Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 742

Chapter 742 -169.2 - Second Semester

Professor Eleanor stepped up to the podium, her sharp eyes scanning the room once more. The quiet rustling of papers was the only sound as she prepared to address the class, her movements precise and deliberate.

"Let's talk about this semester," she began, her voice calm but firm. "You've had your break, your time to recover and reflect. Now, it's time to move forward."

Her gaze swept across the room, lingering momentarily on a few students before continuing. "The first semester, as some of you may have guessed, was only the beginning. A prelude, if you will. It was designed not just to teach you, but to test you."

Julia raised an eyebrow, leaning back slightly in her chair. Ethan noticed and smirked- Professor Eleanor always had a way of phrasing things that made even the most confident students second-guess themselves.

"Some of you may have wondered why the focus seemed less on refining your combat skills and more on assessments-tests of your knowledge, talents, and adaptability," Eleanor continued, clasping her hands behind her back. "That was deliberate."

The room remained silent, the weight of her words hanging in the air.

"This academy does not believe in relying solely on an entrance exam to evaluate potential," Eleanor stated. "The first semester was designed to test you under varied conditions. Not just your strength, but your talents-your capacity for analysis, adaptability, studying, learning, and understanding complex scenarios."

Irina shifted slightly in her seat, her yellow eyes narrowing in thought. Lilia, sitting beside her, tapped her fingers lightly on the desk, clearly intrigued.

Eleanor's tone sharpened slightly. "Your progress, or lack thereof, was not just about your grades. It was about how you responded to challenges-academic, physical, and mental. How you performed under pressure, how you adapted to increasing demands, and how you carried yourselves in the face of mounting expectations."

Julia's playful grin had faded entirely now, replaced by a contemplative expression. Even Ethan felt a small ripple of unease-it was clear that every move they'd made in the first semester had been scrutinized far more deeply than they realized.

"Some of you excelled in ways that surprised us," Eleanor said, her gaze briefly flickering to Ethan, then to Astron in his corner seat. "Others struggled but adapted. And some, as you've noticed, are no longer here."

Her words hung heavily, a reminder of the students who hadn't made it to the second semester. Carl and Lucas exchanged uneasy glances, while Julia's fingers tightened on her pen.

Eleanor's expression softened slightly, though her tone remained steady. "The second semester, however, will not be as forgiving. What lies ahead will push you harder- physically, mentally, and emotionally. The expectations are higher, and the challenges are more intense."

She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in before continuing. "You will no longer be evaluated solely on your potential. This semester, we will begin to focus on refinement-of your skills, your teamwork, and your ability to operate under duress. Each of you has talents, but talents alone will not carry you."

Ethan leaned forward slightly, his brow furrowing. Julia glanced at him, her usual smirk replaced by an expression of rare seriousness. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓

"The curriculum," Eleanor said, picking up a sheet of paper from the podium, "will emphasize practical application. Tactical combat, advanced analysis, and real-world scenarios. You will be placed in situations that mirror the challenges you will face as hunters. These are not games or simulations. These are lessons drawn from reality."

Lilia raised a hand, her voice calm but curious. "Professor, does this mean we'll be entering dungeons or live combat zones?"

Eleanor nodded. "Precisely. Controlled environments, of course, but the danger will be real. You will not be coddled. The academy believes that only by facing true threats can you be truly prepared."

A ripple of unease passed through the room, but no one spoke. Irina's gaze sharpened, her focus narrowing on Eleanor's words.

Irina raised her hand, her sharp yellow eyes focused intently on Eleanor. The professor paused, nodding for her to speak.

"Professor," Irina began, her tone calm but carrying an edge of steel, "last term, there were several instances where cadets' lives were put at risk due to external influences."

Her words sent a ripple through the room. Though Irina didn't elaborate, everyone understood what she meant. The memory of the real dungeon disguised as a practice dungeon, the unexpected danger in the Phantom's Land, and the attack during the final exam duels loomed large in their minds. The tension in the room thickened as students exchanged glances, the weight of those events resurfacing.

Irina continued, her voice unwavering. "I understand that danger is part of being a hunter, but can the academy ensure the safety of its students in the face of such threats?"

Eleanor regarded Irina for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then, she inclined her head slightly. "You raise an excellent point, Miss Emberheart."

The room was silent, every student hanging on Eleanor's next words.