Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 172

Chapter 172 39.1 - A small incident

"Things are going in a different way than I expected."

I was walking to the cafeteria while thinking about the changes in the academy.

'The curriculum was supposed to change after the first year ended.'

In the game, the second year would be a lot more hectic than the first year, both in terms of villains that appeared and in terms of academic events.

'But, it is different now.'

There were many variables that could have possibly affected the game's scenario and would have changed. Small things could alter bigger events, and this is a butterfly effect, but at the same time, not every small thing changes everything.

'If I needed to point out one thing, that would be Sylvie's awakening.'

To make such a big change occur, some triggers for those big events would be needed, and there was only one thing that came into my mind aside from myself.

'Sylvie's awakening being a trigger makes sense.'

In this world, there are powers that go well beyond the imagination of a person. Dragons, mythical beings, otherworldlers, humans close to godhood, or maybe even gods.

And the power Sylvie held was one of those.

'First Lord's Authority.'

The moment it awakened, other beings and the [Venerates] must have already sensed the energy spread from the academy. The world had already started to change a long time ago, and the number of monsters is constantly increasing with each dimensional rift appearing.

The world is constantly striving to become chaotic, and the more chaotic it is, the more susceptible it is to change. The powers lying dormant in this world had long been plotting to become the best and strongest.

'The awakening of Sylvie just gave them the reason to act.'

It is highly probable that the academy wants to nurture students before things go awry, and knowing the headmaster's power and the position he held, it seemed he had already predicted things to some extent.

'But, this makes things a lot more riskier.'

The academy would certainly want to keep a hold of Sylvie's power and protect her from future dangers, but they also would know how important it is to nurture it. And they won't be able to lock her in the academy while she is growing.

'They would rather mix her in the academy students hiding her identity and let her grow in the chaos of nature.'

It was easy to see since this was exactly what happened in the game.

'But, if one thing concerns me, that would be her early awakening.'

With Sylvie awakening her dormant talent, she would be assigned to the newly rising star of the academy.

The player is Ethan Hartley.

At that time, we, as players, would have already acquired the top 10 ranks and would strive to be the best.

'Now, that is still not the case.'

However, right now, Ethan has yet to become that strong; neither does he have such a high ranking, and I doubt the headmaster would randomly assign Sylvie to Ethan.

That would practically mean the things concerning Sylvie are no longer the same as in the game. The personal dynamics and the people surrounding Sylvie will change, and that also means the events will possibly change.

'I need to be prepared.'

If Sylvie somehow gets kidnapped by the outside forces, that would make things a lot more hard. Even the government is very hard to trust, and if demons can get a hold of her….

'That would make everything almost impossible.'

My thoughts continued to wander off about the possible changes of the future.

As I approached the cafeteria, the familiar hum of student chatter gradually replaced the contemplative silence of my thoughts. The lively atmosphere, a stark contrast to the ponderous musings in my mind, signaled the bustling energy within.

The cafeteria doors swung open, and the lively symphony of voices enveloped me.

The clattering of trays, laughter, and animated discussions merged into a harmonious cacophony, echoing the vibrancy of academy life.

'It is the same as always.'

Looking at the students smiling without knowing the curriculum awaiting them, I shook my head.

Joining the queue, my eyes wandered across the diverse assembly of academy personnel.

The cafeteria staff worked diligently behind the counters, ensuring a smooth flow of meals to the hungry students. The rhythmic sounds of food being prepared blended seamlessly with the ongoing conversations.

Amidst the familiar faces, my gaze caught the absence of the woman I had frequently noticed in the bustling cafeteria.

Her absence immediately brought me back in my memory

—a woman who, despite her attempts to conceal it, bore the invisible scars of domestic violence only a discerning eye could see.

'I guess we won't be seeing her anymore.'

The world was such a cruel place. For those who were weak, nobody cared about the fate that awaited them.

Even for the authorities, such people were nothing but numbers in their reports.

It was the same for me. Neither did I have the time nor the desire.

Finding an empty table, I settled into a chair, the muted clatter of the cafeteria fading into the background as I focused on my meal filled with nutrients.

However, at that exact second, my senses picked up a presence behind me.

'Hmm?'

Mana was being used.

TAK!

Followed by the foot hitting something, the presence behind me stumbled clumsily, the contents of his plate cascading in a chaotic dance toward me.

'Should I play along?'

Since I had sensed what was happening beforehand, I had the time to evade. But I didn't since I needed to confirm something.

SPLASH!

The collision sent a splash of food onto my head, the sticky residue clinging to my hair and clothes.

As the bullies seemed to lose interest in their failed attempts to provoke me, Bully 1 abruptly stood up from his seat, shooting an imperceptible signal to his friends. The group moved with synchronized precision, following his lead.

I continued to sit calmly, feigning indifference, even as Bully 1 walked right past me.

'Now.'

In that fleeting moment, I sensed a malicious intent in the air. My instincts kicked in, warning me of an impending danger that I had been expecting.

TAK!

"Ah…"

Just as he was about to pass by, Bully 1 made a swift motion, attempting to stab me in my shoulder with a concealed object. His actions were deceptively casual as if it were a mere accident. However, I was already expecting this.

I leaned away, narrowly evading the concealed attack. The blade went past right before my arm, but I could see a small substance on the tip of the blade.

'Poison, huh?'

If I hadn't dodged it, I knew things would be different, and I would probably squirm in pain on the ground, and that would destroy my image more.

"You….I almost fell down because of you, you fucker ."

However, instead of walking away, the bullies decided to play a different card. Bully 1 turned around with a fabricated angry expression as he shouted.

"You! Watch where you're putting your feet, you moron. I almost tripped because of your clumsy ass!"

He walked toward me, his demeanor aggressive as he continued to hurl baseless accusations. "How dare you put your filthy feet on the path I was walking? You're just a piece of trash who doesn't know their place!"

Maintaining my calm, I met his fabricated anger with a composed expression. "I didn't put my feet anywhere near your path. You must be mistaken."

Now that the tables had turned, it seemed they were trying to make me the villain.

"Hey, did any of you see what this loser did?" Bully 1 called out to the onlookers, his voice filled with feigned indignation.

The onlookers exchanged uneasy glances, caught in the crossfire of a brewing conflict. But at that moment, the rumors surrounding me started playing their hand.

"He did look like he was up to something," one person murmured to another, their words carrying the weight of uncertainty.

"And, it is not like he is an angel. Isn't he the one that was the talk of the academy?"

"Yeah."

The bullies seized on the murmurs, using them as a semblance of validation for their accusations. "See, even they think you're guilty," Bully 1 sneered, a triumphant glint in his eyes.

'Certainly, a good way to pressure your opponent.'

This was a clear proof of how strong misdirected public perception could be.

'Sigh…..'

Things were getting bothersome, not because I couldn't do anything but because it was like a scene out of a movie.

Until a commanding voice echoed through the bustling space.

"That's enough!"