Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 762

As Astron surveyed the swinging platforms, he turned to the group. "We’re not just going to brute-force this. Everyone plays a part. Elise, you’re the quickest and sharpest here. Find the rhythm of the platforms and lead us across."

Elise blinked in surprise at the directive but nodded. "Got it."

Astron’s gaze shifted to Simon. "Your strength will come in handy if anyone slips. Be ready to catch or stabilize anyone who needs it."

"On it," Simon replied, rolling his shoulders again.

"Julia," Astron said, meeting her gaze, "watch our backs. These platforms are likely enchanted. Look for signs of something unusual—a change in the rhythm, mana surges, anything."

Julia raised an eyebrow but smirked. "Understood, Captain Serious."

Astron stepped back, gesturing for Elise to move first. "You lead. We’ll follow your pace."

Elise crouched slightly, her sharp eyes locked on the swinging platforms. She waited, watching the rhythm of their movements, before leaping onto the first one with practiced agility. The platform wobbled slightly under her weight, but she maintained her balance and moved to the second platform with a graceful hop.

"Come on," she called back, her voice steady. "One at a time."

Simon went next, his heavier frame causing the platforms to sway more noticeably. Halfway across, the faint hum of mana pulsed through the air.

"Something’s off," Julia said, her eyes narrowing as she spotted faint ripples in the mana. "The platforms are moving faster."

Astron frowned. "Elise, hold up! Simon, brace yourself!"

As if on cue, a ghostly figure emerged from the shadows beneath the platforms—a translucent creature with clawed hands and glowing eyes. It darted upward, aiming for Simon’s legs.

"Ghostymonster!" Elise shouted.

Simon cursed, swinging his arm in a wide arc to knock the creature away, but his footing slipped. He wobbled dangerously on the platform, the ghostly figure lunging again.

"Julia!" Astron called.

"I see it!" Julia reacted quickly, drawing a dagger from her belt and throwing it with precision. The blade sliced through the ghostly figure, causing it to dissipate with an eerie wail. Simon steadied himself, muttering a quick "Thanks" as he moved to the next platform.

Astron followed, his movements deliberate. As he landed on the third platform, a sharp whistle filled the air. His instincts screamed danger, and he ducked just in time to avoid a dart flying past his head. It embedded itself into the platform behind him, a faint green mist hissing from the tip.

"Poison darts!" Astron called out. "Julia, cover us!"

Julia moved quickly, her eyes scanning the shadows for the source of the attack. Another dart shot out, and she deflected it with a quick flick of her wrist, sending the projectile harmlessly into the ravine below.

"Keep moving!" she shouted. "I’ll handle these!"

The team advanced with renewed urgency, Astron pausing briefly to steady Simon as he made the final leap. They regrouped on the far side of the ravine, breathing heavily but unscathed.

"Nice work," Astron said, his tone calm but firm. "We handled that well."

Simon smirked, wiping sweat from his brow. "I’ve gotta say, that was... something."

Elise grinned, catching her breath. "You’re pretty good at this whole teamwork thing, fearless leader."

Before they could continue, the path ahead shimmered, and the air around them grew distorted. The rocky trail seemed to bend and twist unnaturally.

"An illusion formation," Astron muttered, his purple eyes narrowing. "Stay close. It’s designed to disorient us."

Elise squinted, trying to focus. "How do we get through it?"

Astron scanned the area, his gaze sharp. "There’s usually a pattern—something that stands out. Julia, use your instincts to find the real path. Simon, stay ready in case this thing throws something physical at us."

Julia stepped forward, her eyes darting around the distorted landscape. "Alright, let’s see..."

She moved cautiously, her sharp instincts guiding her as the terrain shifted and shimmered. At one point, she nearly stepped onto what appeared to be solid ground, but the faint glint of mana stopped her. freēwebnovel.com

"That’s a trap," she said, motioning for the group to avoid it.

They followed her lead, the path ahead slowly unraveling as they moved deeper into the formation. Halfway through, a low growl echoed around them, and spectral wolves materialized from the shadows.

"Great, more ghosty things," Simon muttered, cracking his knuckles.

Astron stepped forward, his voice calm but commanding. "Stay together. Elise, focus on the path. Julia, Simon, and I will handle the wolves."

The team worked in tandem, Astron’s blade slicing through the spectral creatures with precision while Simon used his brute strength to shield the others. Julia darted between them, her daggers flashing as she kept the wolves at bay.

"Found the exit!" Elise called, her voice urgent. "This way!"

The team regrouped and followed her, the spectral wolves fading as they crossed the boundary of the illusion formation. They emerged onto solid ground, their breaths heavy but their spirits high.

Astron turned to the group, his gaze steady. "Good work."

"Yeah...We made it through because we relied on each other."

Julia grinned, her earlier teasing replaced by genuine respect. "Not bad, Captain Serious. Not bad at all."