Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 765

<Arcadia Hunter Academy, Sophomore Training Grounds>

The training grounds were alive with the sounds of students wrapping up their practical exercises, the clatter of weapons and chatter filling the air as the session came to an end. Maya, standing near the edge of the field, adjusted the straps of her training coat and glanced over the team she had led for the day. They had performed well, efficiently navigating the simulated dungeon formations, and she felt a quiet sense of accomplishment at their cohesion.

As she began to leave, a few of her team members called out to her.

"Maya!" one of them shouted, waving enthusiastically. It was a lively girl named Cassia, her cheeks still flushed from the exertion of training. She jogged up to Maya, followed closely by two other teammates—a taller, slightly awkward boy named Doran and a confident, sharp-eyed student named Caleb.

Cassia grinned as she caught her breath. "That was amazing today. Your leadership made everything so smooth. I don’t think we could’ve done half as well without you."

Maya gave a small nod, her lips curving into a polite smile. "Thank you. You all worked hard. That’s what made it successful."

"Well," Caleb interjected smoothly, stepping forward with a bright smile, "I think it’s only fair we celebrate, don’t you? How about we all grab a meal together? It’s the least we can do after working together so well."

Maya’s gaze flicked to Caleb, her sharp eyes catching the slight glint of something more in his tone. While the suggestion seemed casual, she could see the intent behind it. This wasn’t the first time someone had tried to use camaraderie as an excuse to get closer to her, and she doubted it would be the last.

Cassia nodded eagerly, clearly unaware of Caleb’s underlying motives. "That’s a great idea! Maya, what do you think? You deserve a break after all that hard work."

Dorian, shifting awkwardly, added, "Yeah, it could be fun."

Maya’s expression remained composed as she considered her response. She appreciated the team’s efforts and their enthusiasm, but she wasn’t oblivious to the subtle undertone in Caleb’s suggestion. Polite but firm rejection was the best course.

"I appreciate the thought," Maya said, her tone warm but resolute. "But I already have plans for the evening. Perhaps another time."

Cassia looked mildly disappointed but understanding, while Dorian nodded quickly, as if relieved he didn’t have to commit to an extended social engagement.

Caleb, however, recovered quickly, his charming demeanor unwavering. "Of course, no problem at all. Another time, then," he said smoothly, flashing her a smile that she could only describe as practiced.

Maya inclined her head slightly in acknowledgment. "Thank you for the offer. Have a good evening, all of you."

With that, she turned and began walking toward the exit, the faint sounds of her team’s continued chatter fading into the background. As she stepped away from the training grounds, the cool evening air greeted her, carrying with it a sense of relief and quiet satisfaction.

"Now….You must be there…."

The cool evening breeze swept across the academy grounds as Maya strode purposefully toward her destination. Her earlier words about having plans for the evening hadn’t been a lie, though she hadn’t disclosed the specifics to her teammates. There was someone she needed to speak with—her junior, Astron.

After yesterday’s missed opportunity, she wasn’t going to let another day slip by without having a proper conversation.

Her footsteps echoed faintly as she entered the sprawling training grounds. As she’d anticipated, it wasn’t particularly crowded. The semester had just started, and most students were still easing back into the academy’s demanding routines. Yet Maya knew one person who wouldn’t take it slower. He never did.

The faint hum of mana and the sharp sound of something cutting through the air reached her ears as she approached one of the deeper sections of the training area. It was quieter here, away from the hustle and noise of the more populated zones. And there he was, just as she’d expected.

SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

Astron moved with precision and focus, engaging with the PhantomGlide Dummy—one of the academy’s most challenging training devices. The construct was designed to simulate the speed and unpredictability of high-level enemies, its ghostly figure darting through the air with blinding agility.

Most students struggled to land even a single hit on it, but Astron’s strikes were methodical, his movements fluid as he adapted seamlessly to its patterns.

As the dummy launched another attack, Astron countered with a swift, clean strike, his blade cutting through its spectral form. The PhantomGlide Dummy shimmered faintly, resetting itself for the next sequence, but Astron lowered his weapon, seemingly satisfied with his progress.

It was the perfect moment.

Maya stepped forward, her voice clear but calm as she called out, "Junior."

Astron turned to her, his violet eyes meeting hers with the same steady focus he carried into every task. For a brief moment, surprise flickered across his features, but it was gone almost instantly, replaced by his usual composed demeanor.

"Senior," he replied, inclining his head slightly.

Maya walked closer, her expression poised. "How was it?"

"Training?"

"Yes."

"As usual."

"I see."