Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 877

Sylvie stared at her academy portal screen, her breath catching slightly as she processed the names listed under her assigned team.

Sylvie Gracewind—Layla Everett—Ethan Hartley.

For a moment, she blinked in surprise.

I actually got lucky.

Layla was Layla. Someone that she was familiar with being her friend.

And then, there was Ethan Hartley.

Sylvie glanced toward the approaching figure, his familiar hazel eyes gleaming with friendly amusement as he made his way toward them. Ethan carried himself with an easy confidence, his relaxed stride making him stand out even among the clusters of cadets forming their teams. Unlike the more cutthroat students, Ethan had a reputation for being approachable, his tactical skills matched with a natural charisma that made him an effortless leader.

As he neared, his gaze flickered toward Sylvie, his friendly smile never faltering. "Hey, Sylvie," he greeted casually, giving her a nod. "Looks like we’re on the same team."

Sylvie nodded in return, adjusting the strap of her bag as she met his gaze. "Yeah, looks like it."

Ethan’s eyes shifted to the girl standing next to Sylvie. Layla was observing him with a neutral expression, her sharp blue eyes steady. Unlike Sylvie, who at least had some level of familiarity with Ethan, Layla looked as though she had no opinion on him whatsoever—simply analyzing him the way she would any other teammate.

Ethan chuckled slightly, rubbing the back of his neck. "I’m guessing you’re Layla, then?" He extended a hand, his expression apologetic. "Sorry for not knowing earlier. I’ve seen you around but never caught your name."

Layla stared at his hand for a brief moment before finally shaking it. Her grip was firm, her voice composed. "Layla Everett. And don’t worry about it."

Ethan grinned. "Well, now I know. And since we’ll be working together, I’m glad to be teamed up with you both."

Layla studied Ethan for a brief moment before offering a small smile in return. "Glad to be working with you too," she said, her tone more relaxed now. Despite Ethan’s easygoing confidence, Layla didn’t sense any arrogance from him—just a genuine, natural charm that made it hard to dislike him.

After shaking his hand, she turned to Sylvie, her green eyes lighting up slightly as she greeted her. "And you—it’s nice that we’re together for this. At least I know I’ve got someone reliable watching my back."

Sylvie smiled softly, nodding. "Yeah, I feel the same."

Of all the possible team assignments, this was one she was genuinely comfortable with. She had been prepared for the possibility of being paired with someone completely unfamiliar—or worse, someone difficult to work with. But with Layla and Ethan, she felt a sense of ease.

Layla, ever the energetic one, tapped Sylvie lightly on the shoulder. "Guess that means we’re both stuck making sure he doesn’t do anything reckless."

Ethan let out a small gasp, placing a hand over his heart. "Reckless? Me?"

Sylvie chuckled at his dramatics while Layla smirked. "I mean, you do have that ’natural leader’ vibe going on. People like you tend to get overconfident."

Ethan raised an eyebrow, tilting his head slightly as if genuinely curious. "Really? I come off like that?"

There was no irritation in his voice—just genuine surprise. He blinked, processing Layla’s words as if this was the first time anyone had ever told him such a thing.

Layla, who had been expecting him to brush it off with another joke, stared at him for a moment in mild awe. "Wait, you didn’t know?"

Ethan shrugged, running a hand through his dark blond hair. "I mean, I try to be confident, sure. But overconfident?" He shook his head with an easy smile. "That’s news to me."

Sylvie, standing beside them, instinctively glanced at Ethan’s emotional aura through her [Authority]. As usual, there was nothing dark or misleading there—no hidden arrogance, no irritation at being called out, no masked emotions trying to play off something deeper. Just pure anticipation, curiosity, and… mild amusement.

He really had been unaware.

Layla folded her arms, studying him with an expression of disbelief. "You seriously didn’t know? You walk into a room like you already have the whole situation under control."

Ethan laughed at that, shaking his head. "I think you’re giving me too much credit. I just go with the flow, really."