Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 958

Chapter 958 220.4 - Protagonist, and Heroines?

"Oh-Astron," he called out gently, not loud enough to break the library's hush, but clear enough to catch his attention.

Astron's gaze lifted slightly. Subtle. No surprise in his expression-just

acknowledgment. He turned toward Ethan, altering his course with a quiet shift of his stance, and made his way over to the table.

Jane noticed too. She straightened instinctively, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Emily blinked and looked up as well, clearly recognizing him from reputation alone, though she didn't say anything.

When Astron reached them, he stopped just beside Ethan's chair, his eyes flicking briefly to the open books, then to the two girls, and finally back to Ethan.

"...Why did you call me?"

Ethan blinked, caught slightly off guard by the bluntness. "Why?" He tilted his head with an easy grin. "Can't I just say hi?"

Astron didn't respond right away. He just looked at him. That same calm, unreadable stare-but there was a faint shift in his expression. Barely perceptible, but Ethan knew him well enough to catch it.

His eyes, level and unimpressed, carried the unspoken weight of: You called me over... for that?

Ethan let out a low laugh, raising his hands in mock surrender, "Okay, okay. Maybe I just wanted to see what you were doing here."

Astron's gaze remained fixed for a beat longer. Then, finally, he replied, dry as ever, "What am I doing?"

He glanced briefly at the empty space a a nearby table, as if to make a point.

"I'm going to study."

Ethan grinned, leaning back slightly in his chair. "I see. Guess even you need books now and then."

Astron didn't bother answering. Instead, his eyes drifted toward Emily.

Their eyes met, and for a second, the quiet between them felt different.

Astron gave a small, almost imperceptible nod.

Emily nodded back, her expression neutral, though a flicker of surprise crossed her face. It wasn't the first time they'd seen each other-but it was rare. Their relationship wasn't built on friendship, but necessity. The last joint operation Ethan had led into Azure Crest's territory had seen Astron accompanying him... and by extension, working with Emily's team.

He hadn't said much, of course. Astron never did.

They were acquainted, if nothing more.

"Emily," Astron said in greeting, voice quiet.

"...Astron," she replied, a touch of formality in her tone, but not unkind.

The exchange was brief, but Ethan caught the recognition in both their faces.

He tapped his pencil lightly against the table. "Small world, huh?"

"Pretty small, yes."

Ethan turned a little more in his seat, casually resting one elbow on the table as he looked up at Astron.

"Hey," he said, tilting his head. "Would you like to study with us?"

Astron blinked once. "Study with you?"

"Yeah." Ethan shrugged. "Why not?"

There was a brief pause-silent, yet heavy with Astron's signature brand of scrutiny. His eyes narrowed just slightly, as if trying to decode the offer from multiple angles.

"Why would I do that?" he asked, flatly.

Ethan grinned. "I don't know. Maybe we can help each other understand things better? That's the point, right? Isn't that why you study with your friends?"

His tone was light, but there was a quiet sincerity beneath the words-an unspoken acknowledgement of their camaraderie. Not forced. Not overly sentimental. Just there, like it always had been.

Astron didn't reply right away. His violet gaze drifted away from Ethan, scanning the room with that same meticulous calm. The library was starting to fill. Students moved between tables, books stacked in arms, low murmurs of discussion threading the air, A few spaces remained open, but none guaranteed the quiet. Astron preferred. The air buzzed faintly with midterm panic.

He could return to his dorm, of course.

It would be quieter. More isolated.

But then his eyes returned to Ethan.

To the relaxed way he leaned into the conversation, the subtle way he'd made space at the table without asking. To Emily, quietly flipping through her notes but clearly tuned in. To Jane, who simply nodded once in acknowledgment when his gaze passed over her-measured, unspoken welcome.