Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 776

The door to the infirmary swung open with a sharp creak, and the air seemed to shift as Irina strode in. Her fiery hair shimmered under the sterile lights, and her yellow eyes blazed with a mixture of faux concern and unmistakable purpose.

"Astron!" she exclaimed, her voice carrying a dramatic edge that made the medics glance up briefly from their tasks. Without hesitation, she rushed toward him, her movements deliberate as she closed the distance.

Astron straightened slightly, his sharp purple eyes narrowing as he met her gaze. "Irina," he said evenly, his tone calm despite the sudden intrusion.

Ignoring his composed demeanor, Irina stopped right in front of him, placing her hands firmly on his shoulders as she inspected him. "Are you okay? What happened?" she asked, her voice dripping with exaggerated worry. Her amber eyes flicked over his bruised face and bandaged arms, lingering just long enough to sell the act.

Before Astron could respond, Irina pulled him into an embrace, wrapping her arms around him tightly. "You should’ve told me," she said, her voice muffled slightly as her fiery hair brushed against his cheek. "Do you have any idea how worried I was when I saw that video?"

Astron’s posture stiffened, his arms remaining at his sides as he endured the sudden hug. His sharp eyes flickered with a faint glint of amusement that he quickly masked. "I’m fine," he said calmly, though there was a subtle edge to his tone. "You’re overreacting."

Irina leaned back slightly, still holding onto his shoulders as she tilted her head to meet his gaze. Her lips curved into a faint smirk, her expression shifting to one of playful mischief. "Am I? Maybe. But isn’t it my right to worry?"

The medics exchanged glances, clearly intrigued but too professional to comment. Irina ignored them entirely, her focus solely on Astron.

"You didn’t tell me you were planning something like this," she continued, her voice softening slightly. "You just let yourself get beaten up like that? What were you thinking?"

Astron’s gaze remained steady, his expression unreadable as he replied, "I didn’t think it was worth mentioning."

Irina sighed, stepping back and crossing her arms, though her fiery presence still dominated the room. "Next time, mention it. Or at least let me in on whatever scheme you’re running."

She whispered the last part, looking at him right into his eyes.

Astron tilted his head slightly, his sharp eyes glinting with faint curiosity. "And why would I do that?"

Her smirk widened as she placed a hand on her hip. "Because I’m good at making an entrance. Imagine how much better it would’ve been with me in that room."

Astron didn’t respond immediately, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before he shook his head slightly. "That would have been impossible."

"Why?"

"You know why."

"Heeee...Really?"

"….."

Irina’s smirk widened as she leaned closer, clearly enjoying the fact that Astron couldn’t respond freely with the medics hovering nearby. Her fiery yellow eyes gleamed with playful mischief, her confidence radiating like the heat of a well-contained flame.

"Come on, Astron," she teased, tilting her head slightly as her fiery hair shifted over her shoulders. "You don’t have to be so secretive. Why not just admit that you needed my help?"

Astron’s sharp purple eyes narrowed faintly, his expression calm but betraying a flicker of exasperation. She was relentless, and they both knew she was pushing him for the sheer enjoyment of it. For a moment, he simply regarded her, his unreadable gaze steady as if deciding how to respond.

Then, without warning, his hand moved—quick and precise. His fingers found the vulnerable spot on her side and pinched gently but effectively.

"Hiick!" Irina yelped, her entire body jolting in surprise as the unexpected sensation sent her bolting backward. Her arms weakened, her confident posture faltering as she instinctively squirmed away from his touch.

Taking full advantage of the moment, Astron slipped effortlessly out of her arms, his movements deliberate as he stepped back. As he did so, he stumbled slightly, his body swaying as though the motion had exacerbated his injuries.

The medics immediately stepped forward, concern flashing across their faces. "Cadet, be careful!" one of them chided, reaching out to steady him.

Astron held up a hand, regaining his balance with practiced ease. "I’m fine," he said, his voice as calm and measured as ever. The faintest trace of amusement lingered in his eyes as he straightened, glancing at Irina.

Irina, on the other hand, was still recovering from the shock, her hands instinctively rubbing at her sides as she glared at him. Her earlier confidence had been temporarily replaced by an incredulous expression.