Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 760

"This attack. It would obliterate any of you below rank 200. Even cadets ranked higher would struggle to resist it."

The room remained heavy with silence as Eleanor’s words hung in the air, the paused image of Ethan’s devastating lightning strike still displayed on the screen. The students shifted uneasily in their seats, the weight of the demonstration pressing against them.

Though many had raised their voices in complaint moments earlier, the reminder of Ethan’s performance in that duel forced them to reconsider. The sheer power and scale of his attack had been almost unreal, and the reality that few among them could withstand such a blow was inescapable.

They nodded inwardly, begrudgingly acknowledging the academy’s judgment. Even if it had felt unfair at first, the reasoning behind Ethan’s ranking was now clear.

Still, the understanding didn’t erase the wariness. Several students cast furtive glances in Ethan’s direction, their gazes filled with a mixture of awe and unease. To them, he wasn’t just a peer anymore—he was something closer to a monster in their eyes, someone who could leap ranks in ways that seemed almost impossible.

Ethan, sitting quietly in his seat, said nothing. His face remained composed, but the intensity of the stares wasn’t lost on him. He felt the shift in the room, the weight of both admiration and fear settling onto his shoulders.

Julia, ever perceptive, leaned closer to him, her voice low but laced with amusement. "Well, Mountain Boy, looks like you’ve officially ascended to Mount Olympus. How does it feel to be a living legend?"

Ethan rolled his eyes, though a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "I think you’re exaggerating."

"Am I?" Julia smirked, propping her chin on her hand. "I mean, did you see their faces? Half of them look like they’re ready to bow down, and the other half looks like they’re wondering how to run in the opposite direction."

Lilia, seated near the front, turned slightly in her chair to join in. Her sharp green eyes sparkled with mischief. "She’s not wrong, you know. That attack? It was pretty insane. If you keep this up, people might start calling you Zeus instead of Ethan."

Ethan sighed, leaning back slightly in his chair. "Great. That’s exactly what I need—another nickname."

Julia’s grin widened. "Come on, Zeus. Embrace it. How many people can say they’ve turned a classroom full of skeptics into believers in under a minute?"

"Not many," Lilia added, her voice light but teasing. "But you better get used to it. With a rank like that, all eyes are going to be on you."

Ethan gave a faint shrug, his expression thoughtful. "Let them look. I’m not here for their approval."

Julia snorted, nudging him with her elbow. "And yet, you can’t deny it feels a little good, right? Just a little?"

He didn’t answer, his small smile the only indication that her words weren’t entirely off the mark.

Eleanor let the silence linger for a moment longer before speaking again. "Now, if there are no further complaints, we will proceed with the remaining rankings."

The room stayed quiet, no one daring to voice another objection. The rest of the rankings continued, but the earlier spotlight on Ethan—and the display of his duel—left an impression that wouldn’t fade anytime soon.

Eleanor tapped her tablet, her voice ringing clearly as she continued to announce the rankings. The room’s atmosphere remained charged, the weight of each name adding to the tension.

"Rank 82, Carl Braveheart."

Carl gave a small nod, leaning back in his chair. His usual laid-back demeanor didn’t change much, though Lucas leaned over and nudged him.

"Moving up, huh?" Lucas said with a grin.

Carl shrugged, his voice calm. "Better than dropping."

Eleanor’s voice cut through their brief exchange.

"Rank 54, Lucas Middleton."

Lucas raised an eyebrow, clearly satisfied. "Not bad," he murmured, leaning back in his chair with a pleased expression.

The next name drew more attention.

"Rank 32, Julia Middleton."

Julia’s reaction was immediate. She shot upright in her seat, her expression a mix of disbelief and protest. "Wait, what? Rank 32? Are you serious?"

Eleanor looked up from her tablet, her expression impassive. "Is there a problem, Miss Middleton?"

"Yes, there’s a problem," Julia replied, throwing her arms up dramatically. "I won against a rank 21 student in a duel. Why am I this low?"

Eleanor’s sharp gaze bore into her, silencing the whispers that had started around the room. "You did win that duel," Eleanor conceded, her tone firm, "but you also received a DC grade in one of your finals. That significantly impacted your ranking."

Julia froze, the words hitting her like a lightning strike. Her cheeks flushed as she sank back into her seat, visibly embarrassed. "T-That was one time," she muttered under her breath.

Lilia turned slightly, smirking as she added, "One time that clearly mattered."

"Shut it, Thornheart. I would have beaten you if I have studied." Julia hissed, though her embarrassment only deepened.

Eleanor continued without pause, her tone unwavering.

"Rank 4, Lilia Thornheart."

Lilia straightened in her seat, her green eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Heh."