Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 827

"I trust you’ll do your part as well, Lilia."

Lilia drew a deep breath, forcing her composure to remain intact. She straightened her posture, lifting her chin slightly as her crimson eyes met Selene’s piercing brown gaze. There was no hesitation in her movements, only a calculated grace that reflected years of navigating power games like this one.

Her lips curved into a smile—polished, diplomatic, and unyielding.

"Of course," she replied smoothly, her voice carrying just enough warmth to veil the undercurrent of defiance in her tone. "It’s always a pleasure to contribute to the club’s success."

Selene’s smile widened, though it was anything but kind. Her eyes gleamed with amusement, as if she could see right through Lilia’s mask. She inclined her head slightly, an almost patronizing gesture that set Lilia’s teeth on edge.

"Wonderful," Selene said, her tone light and melodic, but with a sharpness that cut through the air. "I have no doubt you’ll rise to the occasion, as always."

The exchange was brief, but the tension lingered, thick and unspoken. Lilia refused to break eye contact, even as Selene’s gaze eventually shifted back to the crowd. Whatever game her sister thought she was playing, Lilia wasn’t about to let herself be outmaneuvered—at least, not publicly.

Adrian, sensing the moment had run its course, stepped forward with a clap of his hands, drawing the attention of the cadets once more. His confident smirk was firmly in place as he addressed the crowd.

"To celebrate Miss Thornheart’s generous sponsorship," Adrian began, his voice carrying with ease, "we’ve arranged a small party to mark the occasion. There will be appetizers, drinks—within the academy’s regulations, of course—and even a few games to keep things lively."

A ripple of surprise ran through the gathered cadets. The suddenness of the announcement caught many off guard, but few seemed inclined to protest. After all, Adrian’s confident delivery left little room for argument, and the promise of food and entertainment was enough to win most of them over.

Lilia, however, was less impressed.

’A party?’ she thought, her mind already working through the implications. It wasn’t just about celebration—it was about control. Adrian and Selene were solidifying their influence over the club, framing their actions as generosity while subtly shifting the power dynamics in their favor.

Around her, the cadets were already murmuring their approval, their initial surprise giving way to anticipation. And, of course, many of their gazes lingered on Selene, who remained the center of attention.

Selene’s choice of attire only heightened the effect. Her fitted dress, elegant and understated but designed to draw just the right amount of attention, accentuated her graceful figure. The subtle shimmer of the fabric caught the light as she moved, adding to the almost magnetic pull she seemed to exert on the crowd.

"She really is stunning," someone whispered, just loud enough for Lilia to catch.

"Yeah… I can’t believe she’s related to Lilia, though. They’re so different."

’Of course, we are. I am not a…..’

She was about to comment, but refrained from doing so. Since it was not needed.

Adrian clapped his hands again, silencing the whispers. "The party will start shortly," he announced. "Please feel free to enjoy yourselves and make the most of the new facilities. After all, this is just the beginning of what’s to come for the Archery Club."

The cadets began to disperse, some heading toward the canteen where the first trays of appetizers were already being laid out, while others gravitated toward the vending machines and seating areas. Lilia remained where she was, her sharp eyes following Selene as she moved through the crowd with effortless ease, her every step calculated to draw attention without appearing deliberate.

As the cadets began to disperse, laughter and chatter filling the air as they moved toward the refreshments and games, Lilia remained in her spot, her sharp eyes fixed on Selene. She knew it was coming—Selene never let an opportunity pass without twisting the knife just a little deeper.

And she was right.

Selene’s graceful figure wove through the crowd with practiced ease, her fitted dress catching just enough light to draw attention as she passed. Slowly but deliberately, she approached Lilia, her smile as serene as ever. But there was no mistaking the cold glint in her brown eyes, a gleam that made Lilia’s jaw tighten instinctively.

When Selene finally reached her, she stopped just a step too close—an unspoken act of dominance. Her smile widened ever so slightly as she tilted her head, her eyes gazing down at Lilia with the kind of condescension that made Lilia’s blood simmer.

"How is it, little sister?" Selene began, her voice as smooth as velvet but laced with mockery. "Do you like my new playground?"

The words hit like a subtle jab, not loud enough for anyone else to notice but sharp enough to sting. Lilia’s crimson eyes narrowed, the tension between them thick and palpable. She forced herself to take a deep breath before responding.

"Playground?" Lilia repeated, her tone deceptively calm as she locked eyes with Selene. "Is this all this place is to you?"

Selene’s smile didn’t falter, but the glint in her eyes grew colder. "What else?" she asked, her tone light, as though she were speaking to a child. "Do you think a tiny club like this is worthy of being called anything else?" She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping just enough to ensure only Lilia could hear her next words. "You should know better, shouldn’t you?"