Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest

Chapter 726 165.2 - Fine

The questions from the reporters grew more insistent, their voices rising into a cacophony that grated on Irina's already thin patience.

"Miss Emberheart, is it true your presence here endangered civilians?"

"Are the Emberheart family's rivals responsible for this?"

"What does this say about your ability to protect those around you?"

Irina's flames flickered faintly at her fingertips, her hazel eyes blazing with barely restrained anger. She took a step forward, her frustration threatening to boil over as the barrage of accusations and insinuations refused to relent.

"Enough," she snapped, her voice sharp and commanding, but the reporters only surged closer, sensing an opportunity.

Before she could unleash her temper further, Astron moved smoothly in front of her, his steps deliberate and his presence unmistakable. His tall frame and calm, steady demeanor were enough to make the reporters hesitate for a fraction of a second-but it was his face that truly froze them in their tracks.

Gone was the unremarkable, forgettable visage of his disguise. His true face, with its sharp jawline, piercing purple eyes, and an almost ethereal quality, was now fully visible. The crowd seemed to collectively draw a breath, stunned into brief silence. One of the reporters, a younger woman, visibly blushed, her microphone trembling slightly in her hand. "Ah..." she stammered, her previously aggressive tone faltering. "W-who...?"

Astron's calm, unwavering gaze swept over the crowd, his sharp eyes cutting through their shock like a blade. When he spoke, his voice was low but carried an undeniable weight, silencing any murmurs that had begun to creep back into the crowd.

"Enough," he repeated, his tone firm yet controlled. "This is not the time for baseless speculation or harassment."

The reporters blinked, startled by the quiet authority in his voice.

"There are civilians recovering from a traumatic event

"There are civilians recovering from a traumatic event," Astron continued, his voice steady but carrying a quiet intensity that cut through the stunned silence. His sharp purple eyes swept over the reporters, each gaze held captive by his unwavering presence.

"The assailants who orchestrated this attack were vile," he said, his tone low but carrying an edge of restrained anger. "They had no regard for the innocent lives inside that museum. They sabotaged the security, targeted civilians, and created a situation that muscum. They savolagen une security, tai geitu civians, diu citattu a situation where their escape mattered more than the lives they put at risk."

The reporters shifted uneasily, some lowering their microphones slightly as Astron's words struck a chord.

He took a deliberate step forward, his calm demeanor unshaken as he continued. "Whatever their motives may have been, it's crucial to distinguish the evil ones from the victims. The civilians inside weren't targets-they were collateral to the assailants, disposable in their eyes. Yet you're here, questioning the people who stood between them and death?"

Astron's gaze moved to the younger reporter, who flinched under the weight of his stare. "This isn't about politics or rivalries. This is about lives-people who were terrified, injured, and could have died. Miss Emberheart and I risked our lives to protect them. If you're so eager for answers, maybe you should ask the people we shielded from falling debris and unchecked magic why they're alive right now."

He paused, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly as he pulled back his sleeve, revealing bruises along his arm. "Do you see this? These are from the fight. Both of us stood on the front lines against an enemy who came prepared to counter us. We didn't do this for fame or recognition. We did it because it was the right thing to do, because that's our job as Hunters-to protect."

The reporters murmured among themselves, their earlier fervor tempered by guilt and uncertainty.

Astron's voice softened, though the intensity in his gaze didn't waver. "So before you aim your questions at us, remember who the real enemies are. Direct your energy toward finding answers that matter-who orchestrated this, why they attacked, and how they can be stopped. That's your responsibility, not trying to vilify the people who stood in their way."

Irina watched Astron with a mixture of admiration and faint irritation as his calm, commanding voice rolled over the crowd of reporters. His sharp purple eyes carried a weight that seemed to silence even the most insistent questions, and the confidence in his tone left no room for doubt or speculation.

"This guy... He really is good at speaking to a camera,' she thought, her gaze lingering on his composed expression. She crossed her arms, feeling the faint ache in her shoulders and the persistent sting of her own exhaustion. The sparks of irritation she'd felt earlier ebbed as her thoughts turned inward.

I've seen this before. Back when he was working with that other guild."The memory came unbidden-a clip from an interview Astron had done just two weeks ago. Back then, he'd spoken with the same clarity, weaving his words in a way that left no cracks for critics to exploit. 'He was good then too-calm, precise. Like he already knew what they'd ask and how to answer.'

Her eyes narrowed slightly as she considered the similarities. 'And now he's doing the

same thing. Handling this mess like it's just another job, not even letting them get close enough to needle him. A flicker of admiration passed through her chest, quickly followed by a pang of irritation at herself for feeling it. I could do that too. But not now. Not when my body feels like it's been through a grinder.'

She shifted her weight, trying to ease the tension in her legs as the reporters fell quieter, their earlier fervor replaced by a hesitant, almost guilty silence. Astron's words had landed hard, cutting through the chaos with that maddening calm of his. Irina sighed inwardly, her gaze dropping briefly to her own hands. The faint flickers of flames at her fingertips had dimmed, a sign of how drained she truly felt. I'm not in the mood for this. My head's pounding, my body's screaming at me to rest, and here he is, standing tall like none of it even touched him.'

Her eyes flicked back to him, taking in the way the light caught on his features, accentuating the faint bruises on his arms and the sheen of sweat along his jawline. For some inexplicable reason, he seemed almost shiny, as if the chaos around them had only highlighted his presence instead of dulling it.

'He really is something,' she thought begrudgingly, though the corner of her lips twitched as if wanting to smile. Always calm, always steady. It's annoying sometimes, but in moments like this... it's reassuring.'

As Astron finished speaking, the reporters murmured among themselves, their microphones slowly lowering as guilt and hesitation tempered their aggressive questions. Irina let out a slow breath, her frustration giving way to a tired sense of

relief.

Astron turned slightly, his gaze meeting hers briefly. His expression was as unreadable as ever, but there was a faint flicker of something in his eyes-perhaps a silent check to see how she was holding up. Irina straightened instinctively, masking her fatigue with a sharp glare.

"I guess that's one way to shut them up," she muttered, her tone edged with mock

exasperation.

"It worked, didn't it?" he replied evenly.

Irina rolled her eyes, but her irritation lacked its usual bite. 'Of course it worked. It always works when he does it.' She crossed her arms again, her fingers brushing against the faint bruises along her side. Fine, let him handle this. I'm too tired to care

right now.'

As the reporters began to disperse, their questions quieter and less intrusive, Irina couldn't help but glance at Astron one last time. 'Shiny and annoying as ever,' she thought, a flicker of amusement softening her tired gaze. 'But I guess I'll let him have

this one.'

Irina pushed open the doors of the Stellar Vine Inn, the most renowned 5-leaf hotel in the city, its lobby a gleaming expanse of polished stone, soft golden light, and tasteful

floral arrangements. The faint scent of lavender lingered in the air, and the quiet murmur of conversation from well-dressed guests created a soothing background hum. She exhaled, feeling the tension in her shoulders ease slightly as they stepped

inside.

Astron followed silently, his sharp gaze sweeping over the opulent surroundings. His calm demeanor betrayed no particular reaction, but Irina couldn't help but glance at him, curious if he'd make some snarky comment. He didn't, his focus remaining on the wide marble staircase ahead.

The concierge, a young man with immaculate posture and a polished smile, greeted them warmly. "Welcome back, Miss Emberheart. Your suite has been prepared as requested. Shall I send up refreshments?"

Irina shook her head, her voice firm but polite. "Not now. Just ensure we're not disturbed unless it's absolutely necessary."

The concierge inclined his head. "Of course. If you need anything, don't hesitate to

call." They made their way toward the private lift that led directly to the upper suites. As the doors slid shut, enclosing them in the quiet, polished space, Irina leaned against the wall, letting out a soft sigh. Her amber eyes flicked to Astron, who stood with his usual

composed expression.

"This wasn't exactly how I imagined the day going," she muttered, crossing her arms

as the lift began its smooth ascent.

Astron tilted his head slightly, his sharp purple eyes meeting hers briefly. "TheNôv(el)B\\jnn

museum tour and a good restaurant, right?"

Irina snorted softly, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Yeah, well, we got the museum

part. Just not quite how I planned it." She glanced at him again, her voice softening.

"And now I'm starving and exhausted. Typical, huh?"

The lift chimed softly as it reached their floor. They stepped out into a hallway lined with elegant gold-and-cream wallpaper and plush carpeting that muffled their footsteps. Irina led the way to their suite, a double-door entry adorned with intricate carvings of vines and flowers. She pushed the doors open, revealing the spacious

interior.

The suite was luxurious but not ostentatious, designed with a refined elegance. Soft lighting illuminated the cream and gold tones of the walls, and the large windows offered a stunning view of the city skyline. A plush seating area with deep armchairs

and a velvet sofa sat near a polished wooden table set with a bowl of fresh fruit. To one side, a door led to a bedroom with a massive, inviting bed draped in crisp, white linens. A faintly glowing mana crystal set in a gilded frame cast a soft, warm light over the entire space.

Irina let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, walking over to the

seating area and dropping onto the sofa. She leaned her head back, closing her eyes for a moment. Finally... something decent after this chaotic day.' Astron remained by the door, his gaze sweeping the room briefly before he set down

his bag. "You went all out," he remarked, his tone calm but not without a trace of

curiosity.

Irina opened one eye to look at him, her lips quirking into a faint smirk. "You expected less? Come on, Astron. You know me better than that."

He gave a slight nod, stepping farther into the room and sitting in one of the armchairs. "It's impressive," he admitted. "For a five-leaf."

Irina huffed softly. "Five-leaf is the best this city has, so don't look down on it too much." She straightened slightly, gesturing to the seating area. "And before you ask, no, I didn't pick this place just to show off. I wanted somewhere decent to rest after all

the walking I thought we'd be doing."

Her smirk faded as her exhaustion caught up to her, and she leaned back again,

closing her eyes. "Didn't think I'd need it because I'd be sore from fighting off operatives in a collapsing museum."

"At least it's over for now."

"For now..." She repeated and then turned her head. "Do you have something in mind?"

It was a question she asked, as she knew that Astron wouldn't let them go just like

that.

"Indeed."