Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 897

"Tell me everything."

Harin sighed, adjusting himself slightly against the pillows. Pain flared up in his ribs, but he pushed through it, his mind far too occupied with what needed to be said. His daughter stood before him, her gaze sharp, burning with unspoken anger and worry. Ethan remained nearby, quiet but attentive, his presence steady as always.

Harin exhaled slowly. There was no point in sugarcoating the truth.

"I took Team 3 to a dungeon that required caution," he began, his voice low but firm. "As you know, Team 1 and Team 2 were already occupied with high-tier expeditions. They were handling more dangerous territories, leaving only Team 3 available at the time."

Emily’s brow furrowed as she listened. She already knew where this was going, and it only made the tension in her chest tighten further.

"The problem was," Harin continued, "Team 3’s strength alone wasn’t enough. The dungeon’s readings were fluctuating. I had concerns about potential distortions, so rather than risk sending them in alone, I decided to join them."

Emily’s fingers curled into fists, her nails digging into her palm. The air between them grew heavier.

"Father," she said, her voice trembling with controlled frustration. "You knew that you needed to stay safe!"

Harin met her gaze, his expression unreadable.

"With everything that’s been happening lately, the enemy is getting bolder," she pressed on, her voice rising. "The attacks are becoming more frequent, and now the enemy families are stepping in directly. How could you risk yourself like that?"

Ethan, sensing the rising emotions, glanced between the two of them but didn’t interrupt. This was a conversation Emily needed to have with her father.

Harin sighed, his fingers curling slightly against the hospital sheets. He knew Emily’s frustration, knew exactly why she was angry. She had every right to be. But what else could he have done?

"I know it was risky," he admitted, his voice quieter but unwavering. "But I couldn’t just sit there while my guild members were putting their lives on the line. I’m their guild master, Emily. If I start treating myself as more important than the rest of them, then what kind of leader am I?"

Emily’s jaw clenched, but she said nothing, waiting for him to continue.

"Besides," he exhaled, shaking his head slightly. "If I didn’t go, the dungeon’s rights wouldn’t have stayed with our guild. You know how it works—if we can’t clear a dungeon within the designated time, the association allows other guilds to bid for its rights." He looked up at her, his expression grim. "Do you think our enemies would have let that pass? There’s a high chance they were just waiting for us to fail so they could take it."

Emily’s grip tightened at her sides, her shoulders rising with tension. "And now what? You almost lost your life," she snapped, her voice sharper than before.

Harin fell silent for a moment before nodding. "You’re right," he admitted. "It was a bait."

Emily stiffened, a sharp breath escaping her.

"The dungeon’s sudden appearance, the fluctuating readings… and the fact that no one challenged us for the rights at this week’s bid. I should have suspected something," Harin continued, his voice carrying a heavy weight of realization. "It was too convenient. Too easy." His fingers curled into a fist on the bed, frustration flickering across his face. "And I walked right into it."

A heavy silence followed.

Then, slowly, Harin lowered his head, the weight of his exhaustion finally showing.

Emily opened her mouth, but before she could say anything, a hand landed gently on her shoulder.

Ethan.

His grip was firm, grounding. When she turned to look at him, his hazel eyes met hers with quiet understanding.

"Right now is not the time," he said softly.

Emily hesitated. Her anger hadn’t faded, the frustration still burned inside her—but Ethan was right. This wasn’t the time to argue, to pick apart every mistake. Her father was alive. He was safe, for now. That was what mattered most at this moment.