Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 784

"Student Astron. Student Taylor. As a representative of Arcadia Hunter Academy, I owe you both an apology."

The room seemed to collectively inhale, the weight of her words settling over the students like a heavy blanket. No one dared to move or speak, their eyes fixed on Eleanor.

"The academy’s negligence," she continued, her tone unwavering, "has allowed certain individuals to act beyond the boundaries of discipline and respect. These actions, which you have both endured, are not reflective of the values this institution claims to uphold."

Eleanor straightened, her gaze still fixed on Astron and Taylor. "What happened to you should not have been allowed to happen. And for that, I am sorry."

The silence in the room grew heavier, the tension palpable. Some students exchanged uneasy glances, while others remained frozen, unsure of how to react. Even Julia, usually quick with a quip or comment, sat quietly, her blue eyes focused intently on Eleanor.

Astron, for his part, didn’t move. His expression remained as calm and unreadable as ever, though his purple eyes seemed rather cold.

And for the students who had watched the video, a wave of unease rippled through them. They understood, at least partially, what Astron must have been feeling. The beating he endured had been brutal—far beyond anything that could be dismissed as mere hazing or a fight between students.

The image of Astron bloodied and battered but never retaliating, remained vivid in their minds. It wasn’t just the physical damage that struck them; it was the cold, unyielding look in his eyes, as if he had long resigned himself to such treatment.

Taylor, seated at the front, shifted slightly in her chair, her jaw tightened. She was also in such a situation, but those gazes felt burdensome.

Eleanor let the silence linger for a moment longer before continuing. "Let me be clear," she said, her tone sharpening slightly. "The academy does not tolerate such behavior, and measures are already being taken to ensure it does not happen again. Those responsible will face the appropriate consequences."

The room remained silent, the weight of her words settling over the students like a storm cloud. Some looked uncomfortable, while others seemed relieved that the issue was being addressed so openly.

Eleanor took a step back, folding her hands in front of her. "Now, let us proceed with today’s lesson. Open your tablets to page 42. We will begin with an analysis of advanced team dynamics."

As the students began to shuffle in their seats, reaching for their tablets, the tension slowly began to dissipate. But the impact of Eleanor’s words lingered, especially for Ethan, who glanced at Astron once more.

’What are you really thinking Astron.’

Ethan was really curious.

******

RING!

The bell rang sharply, signaling the end of Eleanor’s class. The students moved hesitantly, the atmosphere still thick with the weight of her earlier apology. Many shot uncertain glances at Astron, their curiosity simmering beneath the surface, though few dared to approach him outright.

As Astron stood and began packing his things, a small group of students finally mustered the courage to gather around him. Their movements were tentative, their expressions a mix of concern and nervousness.

"Uh, Astron…" one of them started, a girl with a hesitant smile. "I just… we wanted to ask… what happened? Was it… were you having issues with those seniors?"

Astron’s hands paused briefly as he zipped his bag, his purple eyes flickering up to meet the girl’s. His expression was cold, his gaze sharp enough to make her falter mid-sentence. He straightened slowly, his posture calm but radiating an unmistakable edge of annoyance.

"This topic is uncomfortable," he said, his voice measured but carrying a distinct chill. "I would rather not talk about it."

The firmness in his tone sent a clear message. The students surrounding him stiffened, their curiosity instantly dampened by the cold anger in his words. Astron’s usually composed demeanor now seemed darker, and the slight crease in his brow only added to the unease.

One of the boys in the group scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Yeah, of course. Sorry about that, man. We didn’t mean to—"

Astron’s gaze flicked to him, silencing him mid-apology. The students exchanged uneasy glances, realizing they had struck a nerve.

The girl from before forced a strained smile. "We just… we wanted to say that we’re glad you’re okay now. That’s all."

"Yeah! And if you ever need anything, we’re here. Just, you know, take care of yourself, okay?"

"I will keep that in mind."

The group took this reply as their cue to leave, backing away with murmured well-wishes and embarrassed smiles.

As the last of them dispersed, Sylvie, who had been watching the scene unfold from a distance, approached quietly. Her steps were careful, her gaze steady as she stopped a few paces away from Astron.