Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 769

Irina’s fiery yellow eyes narrowed as she watched Julia stride purposefully across the room, her every step oozing confidence. The scrape of Julia’s chair against the floor felt like a provocation in itself, and Irina’s irritation flared like embers catching wind. She didn’t miss the way the room fell silent, every student hanging on Julia’s bold declaration.

"Astron. Join my team."

Irina clenched her fists, her fiery hair shimmering faintly as her temper simmered. ’That snake,’ she thought, her gaze locked onto Julia. ’She’s already making her move. Brazen, arrogant, and completely ignoring who he is.’

She took a slow breath, trying to steady the fire threatening to erupt. Irina knew Astron—knew his preference for staying out of the spotlight, his deliberate attempts to keep his achievements subdued. Julia’s forwardness would only draw more attention to him, and that thought alone made Irina’s annoyance spike. ’He hates being the center of things, and this idiot is painting a target right on him.’

Astron’s calm response didn’t ease her frustration. His measured tone, the way he didn’t immediately reject Julia, made her jaw tighten. ’Of course, he’s not going to agree right away,’ she reminded herself. ’He won’t like how public this is. Still… I should’ve been faster.’

The thought grated on her. Irina had known from the moment the team assignment was announced what she needed to do. Astron and Sylvie were essential—no question about it. Neither of them deserved their low ranks. Astron’s precision, adaptability, and raw talent were undeniable. Sylvie’s unusual [Authority] and sharp instincts made her a wildcard with unparalleled potential. Together, they were game-changers.

’Astron and Sylvie must be recruited no matter what.’ The thought repeated like a mantra in her mind. They weren’t just valuable assets; they were the key to ensuring her team dominated. Their lower ranks meant there would still be room for stronger cadets, creating an unbeatable combination.

But now Julia had thrown herself into the mix, brazenly coveting Astron right in front of everyone. Irina’s frustration bubbled higher, but beneath it, a flicker of confidence remained. ’Astron won’t choose her. Why would he, when he can be on my team? I understand him better than she ever could.’

As the interaction between Julia and Astron played out, Irina’s sharp mind worked quickly. She had to secure her position, and she had to do it without appearing reactionary. Confidence was key, and she wouldn’t give Julia the satisfaction of seeing her rattled.

’Let her play her little game,’ Irina thought, her smirk returning faintly. ’Astron won’t be swayed that easily.’

Her focus shifted briefly to Sylvie, who sat quietly at the edge of the room. The girl’s sharp gaze flickered with curiosity as she observed the unfolding scene, her quiet presence a stark contrast to the chaos around her. Irina’s determination solidified further. ’Sylvie, too. She’s not just talented—she’s dangerous in the best way. With the two of them, my team will dominate.’

Irina straightened in her seat, her fiery aura settling into something more controlled as she formulated her next move. Julia’s theatrics might have drawn the room’s attention, but Irina wasn’t going to let her dictate the game.

’Let’s see how confident she feels when Astron chooses my side.’

Irina leaned back slightly, her sharp yellow eyes never leaving Julia and Astron. The embers of her frustration simmered, but the fire in her chest burned brighter than ever, fueled by resolve. It wasn’t just about securing the best team—it was about ensuring Julia knew exactly where she stood.

As soon as Professor Eleanor’s lesson ended, Irina stood with purpose, her fiery yellow eyes locked onto Sylvie’s desk at the far end of the room. Her competitive spirit burned brightly, and she wasted no time weaving through the dispersing students to reach her target. Sylvie, seated calmly as she packed up her things, glanced up in mild surprise as Irina appeared before her.

"Be on my team," Irina said directly, her voice steady and confident. There was no preamble, no room for negotiation in her tone. She wasn’t asking—she was offering.

Sylvie blinked, her sharp eyes flickering with a mix of curiosity and hesitation. She looked down at her hands for a moment before meeting Irina’s gaze again. "That… are you sure you want me on your team?"

"Yes," Irina replied without hesitation.

"But…" Sylvie’s brows furrowed slightly, her voice quieter now.

"Is something the matter?" Irina’s fiery hair shimmered as she tilted her head slightly. "Why are you hesitating? If there’s a problem, say it."

Sylvie hesitated, her fingers lightly tracing the edge of her desk. Finally, she sighed softly. "I promised Jasmine and Layla. We agreed to stick together."

Irina’s sharp gaze flicked to the student seated beside Sylvie—Jasmine. She recognized her, vaguely. The two of them were almost always together, their camaraderie clear in the way they worked and studied side by side. Irina had noticed them before, though only in passing.

’So that’s Jasmine,’ Irina thought, her eyes narrowing slightly. But then her mind snagged on the second name. ’Layla? Who’s that?’

It wasn’t unusual for Irina to miss details about her classmates. The academy was massive, and she didn’t waste energy keeping track of every single student. Still, Sylvie’s mention of Layla piqued her curiosity. Whoever she was, Irina hadn’t deemed her important enough to notice before now.

******

Sylvie blinked, caught completely off guard as Irina Emberheart—the Irina Emberheart—appeared at her desk, her fiery yellow eyes blazing with purpose. For a moment, Sylvie could only stare, unsure of what to say. Sure, she and Irina had worked together last semester and had done well as a team, but she never expected Irina to come directly to her like this. It felt surreal, almost overwhelming.

"Be on my team," Irina said, her tone steady and commanding. There was no hesitation, no uncertainty. She wasn’t asking; she was making a statement.

Sylvie’s mind raced as she processed the words. She glanced at Irina, her [Authority] humming faintly in the back of her mind, picking up on the cascade of emotions radiating from her. Pride—blazing and unshakable. There was an edge of arrogance too, but not in a way that felt dismissive. Trust, though surprising, was there, clear and solid. And beneath it all, a faint, unexpected warmth of happiness and expectancy. It was as if Irina saw her not just as a teammate, but as someone she genuinely wanted on her side.

It made Sylvie’s chest tighten in a way she didn’t quite understand.

"I…" Sylvie hesitated, her fingers brushing the edge of her desk as she tried to find the right words. "I didn’t expect you to… I mean, are you sure you want me on your team?"

"Yes," Irina said firmly, cutting through Sylvie’s doubt without a second thought. "Why wouldn’t I?"

Sylvie opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, Jasmine leaned forward from the desk beside hers, her wide eyes darting between the two. "That… Are you really Irina Emberheart?" she asked, her tone equal parts awe and skepticism.