Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest

Chapter 703 158.1 - Coffee

When Irina stepped out of the bathroom, fully dressed and composed, she was greeted by the sight of Astron sitting on the couch. A steaming cup of coffee rested on the table beside him, and a small, well-worn book was open in his hands. The serene expression on his face only heightened her earlier embarrassment, though she forced herself to brush it aside.

The faint aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the cabin, and her eyes flicked to the neatly arranged tray nearby. He made coffee? Of course, he did. He always has something in the morning. She recalled noticing this habit before but hadn't paid it much mind until now.

Wordlessly, she grabbed a cup and poured herself some coffee. Taking a careful sip, she walked over and settled on the seat beside him, placing her cup on the table. The warmth of the drink and the calming silence of the cabin eased her lingering embarrassment.

After a few moments, she broke the quiet. "Where did you go?" she asked, tilting her head slightly to study him. "I didn't see you when I woke up."

Astron didn't look up from his book immediately, finishing the line he was reading before responding. "I took a stroll around the train," he said, his tone casual. "There's more here than just the rooms. I wanted to see what this place had to offer."

Irina narrowed her eyes slightly, sensing there was more to it than he let on. Her hazel gaze lingered on him, and she let the silence stretch as she thought about the kind of person he was. Calm, composed, and always assessing. And then, the realization struck her.

"You went out to see the interior… in case something happens, didn't you?" she asked, her voice carrying a note of certainty.

Astron finally glanced at her, closing the book with a soft thud. "You know me well," he admitted simply, taking a sip of his coffee.

"Heh." Irina smirked, leaning back into her seat with a small sense of satisfaction. "Typical. Always thinking ahead, aren't you?" n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"It pays to be prepared," Astron said, his tone calm but with an undercurrent of seriousness. "Especially in a place like this."

She rolled her eyes, though a hint of amusement danced in her expression. "You really need to loosen up, you know? Not everything is a battlefield."

Astron didn't reply immediately, taking another sip of his coffee before setting the cup down. "Perhaps," he said finally, his tone unreadable. "But I'd rather not take unnecessary risks."

"You…."

Though she knew, that changing this guy wouldn't be easy. After all, he was like that all the time.

"You…."

Though she knew, that changing this guy wouldn't be easy. After all, he was like that all the time.

Irina's gaze shifted from Astron's calm expression to the book resting in his hands. The title caught her eye, and she tilted her head slightly, curiosity sparking. "What are you reading?" she asked.

Astron glanced briefly at the cover before responding, his tone as composed as ever. "A book about Psychic Magic."

Irina's eyebrows shot up. "Psychic Magic? Why?"

"I've been interested in it for a while," Astron replied, setting the book down on the small table beside his coffee. "I think I might be talented in that field."

Irina blinked, momentarily caught off guard by his confidence. "You think you're talented?" she repeated, leaning forward slightly. Her hazel eyes narrowed as she studied him. "You know… I was the one who taught you the basic blocks of magic, and that wasn't even that long ago."

Astron shrugged, his expression calm but thoughtful. "And? That doesn't mean I can't be talented. Everyone has their strengths."

Irina folded her arms, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "And what makes you think this is one of yours?"

Astron met her gaze evenly, his purple eyes unflinching. "Just a feeling," he said simply. "It's not like I have anything to lose by trying."

Irina chuckled softly, shaking her head. "You're unbelievable," she said, though there was no real bite in her words. "You've barely scratched the surface of magic, and now you think you're a prodigy in one of the most specialized fields?"

"Maybe I am," Astron said with a faint trace of amusement, picking up his coffee again. "Maybe I'm not. Either way, it's worth exploring."

Irina sighed, leaning back in her seat. "You're ridiculous, you know that?"

Astron didn't reply immediately, taking a slow sip of his coffee before placing the cup down again. "Maybe," he said, his tone calm and measured. "But if I'm right, it'll be worth it."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile that crept onto her face. "Fine," she said, resting her chin on her hand. "Show me when you finally learn to read someone's mind. Then I'll believe you."

Astron looked into her eyes, the faintest hint of a challenge flashing in his eyes. "Don't worry. You'll be the first to know."

Irina huffed softly, shaking her head, but the lightness of their exchange stayed with her as the train continued its journey through the Arcadia Dominion.

*******

The soft chime of the train's arrival echoed through the cabin, signaling that they had reached their destination. Irina straightened in her seat, smoothing the fabric of her coat as she glanced out the window. The city of Solren Heights came into view, its towering trees with glowing mana veins and crystalline spires glistening in the afternoon sun. The station was bustling with activity, a mix of travelers stepping off and new ones preparing to board.

Astron stood, his sharp purple eyes scanning the scene outside. "Busy," he remarked, his tone calm as always.

"Of course it is," Irina replied, flipping through her notebook as she reviewed the schedule she had prepared. "This train is designed for flexible travel. People can book rooms for specific legs of the journey, so there's always movement at major stops like this one."

Astron nodded, slipping his hands into his pockets. "Efficient."

"It is," she said, standing up and grabbing her bag. "Now, about the plan for today—listen up."

He glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "Do I have a choice?"

"No," Irina replied with a smirk, stepping into the aisle as the door to their cabin slid open. "Come on, let's get off before it gets too crowded."

The two of them stepped off the train onto the platform, which was filled with travelers. The atmosphere was lively yet organized, with station attendants directing people toward exits or helping with luggage. Despite the luxury of the train, Solren Heights Station had a more natural aesthetic. Mana-infused vines climbed along the station's walls, and glowing runes provided soft, ambient lighting.

Irina walked briskly, her steps purposeful as Astron followed at her usual calm pace. "So," she began, flipping open her notebook again. "Here's the plan: we're heading to the springs outside the city. First, we'll grab a mana-powered cab to get to the trail entrance. From there, it's a short hike through the forest to reach the springs."

Astron's gaze flicked to her. "A hike?"

"Yes, a hike," Irina said, rolling her eyes. "Don't tell me you're one of those people who hates walking."

"I don't mind. In fact, I quite like it."

Irina raised an eyebrow at Astron's response. "Really?" she asked, her tone teasing but curious.

Astron gave her a sideways glance, his expression calm and unbothered. "Why wouldn't I?"

Irina smirked, closing her notebook with a snap. "No reason. I just didn't peg you as the type to enjoy anything remotely recreational."

Astron didn't reply, his gaze drifting toward the intricate mana-infused architecture of the station. The faint hum of magical energy in the air seemed to intrigue him, though his face remained composed.

"Heh," Irina said, falling into step beside him as they made their way through the bustling platform. "Maybe there's more to you than just planning and glaring at people."

Astron's lips twitched, though he didn't fully smile. "Perhaps."

The two walked toward the exit, weaving through groups of travelers and station attendants. Despite the crowd, the atmosphere remained surprisingly calm, a testament to the city's organized nature. The station blended seamlessly with the mana-charged environment outside, where towering trees and glowing veins of crystal could be seen stretching toward the sky.

As they stepped into the open air, the city of Solren Heights came into full view. The blend of natural beauty and magical engineering was breathtaking. Towering crystalline spires reflected the sunlight, while streams of mana energy pulsed gently along the streets, creating a sense of life that felt both vibrant and serene.

Irina took a deep breath, letting the fresh, mana-infused air fill her lungs. "Alright," she said, scanning the line of mana-powered cabs waiting nearby. "Let's grab a ride and get started. The springs are about twenty minutes from here."

Astron nodded, his sharp gaze taking in the details of their surroundings as he followed her toward the line of cabs. Despite his usual stoic demeanor, there was a faint glint of curiosity in his eyes, as though the unique environment of Solren Heights had managed to capture his interest.

As they climbed into a sleek, rune-etched vehicle, Irina leaned back against the seat, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You'll see," she said, her tone carrying a hint of excitement. "This is going to be worth the walk."

Astron glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "I'll hold you to that," he replied, settling into the seat as the cab began to hum softly, its mana-powered engine coming to life.

The journey to the springs had begun.

******

The trail to the springs wound through the heart of Solren Heights' glowing forest, a place where nature and magic coexisted in perfect harmony. The hike, though challenging for ordinary travelers, was almost leisurely for Irina and Astron. As Awakened students of the Arcadia Hunter Academy, they had undergone far more grueling physical training than this.

The path was uneven, lined with moss-covered stones and roots that twisted across the ground like intricate carvings. Mana-infused plants dotted the landscape, their faintly glowing leaves casting a soft, ethereal light. Occasionally, small streams of pure mana trickled through the rocks, filling the air with a refreshing, faintly sweet scent.

Irina walked ahead, her steps sure and steady. "This isn't so bad, is it?" she asked, glancing over her shoulder at Astron.

Astron, who moved with his usual calm precision, didn't seem the least bit affected by the terrain. "It's manageable," he replied simply, his sharp gaze scanning their surroundings.

Irina smirked, her hazel eyes glinting with a hint of challenge. "Manageable? This is nothing compared to the endurance runs we had to do last semester."

Astron's lips twitched faintly, though he didn't fully smile. "True. This feels more like a warm-up."

Irina chuckled, her mood lightened by his rare response. "Well, don't get too comfortable. The trail gets steeper before we reach the springs."

But even the steeper sections proved no match for them. The two moved effortlessly, their training evident in their controlled movements and steady breathing. For Irina, the hike felt like a break from the monotony of formal events and rigid routines. For Astron, it was a quiet escape into an unfamiliar yet strangely calming world.

After about an hour, the sound of flowing water reached their ears. Irina's pace quickened, her excitement bubbling to the surface. "We're almost there," she said, glancing back at Astron, who followed without a word.

They emerged from the forest into a wide clearing, and the sight before them was nothing short of breathtaking. The springs stretched out in a series of crystalline pools, each one glowing faintly with mana energy. The water was impossibly clear, reflecting the vibrant greenery and bioluminescent plants surrounding it. Small waterfalls cascaded into the pools from higher ground, creating a soothing, melodic sound that filled the air.

The entire area felt alive with magic, the ambient mana so thick it was almost tangible. Even the air seemed lighter, easier to breathe.

Irina stopped, taking in the scene with a satisfied smile. "Well?" she asked, turning to Astron. "What do you think?"

Astron's sharp purple eyes scanned the springs, lingering on the shimmering pools and glowing flora. "It's… peaceful," he said after a moment, his tone quieter than usual.

Irina crossed her arms, her smirk softening into something more genuine. "Peaceful, huh? I'll take that as high praise coming from you."

Astron didn't reply immediately, his gaze fixed on the gentle ripple of the water. There was a rare stillness about him, as though the place had managed to pierce through his usual walls.

"Well," Irina said, breaking the silence, "let's not just stand here. Come on, there's a spot further in where we can sit and enjoy the view."

With that, she led the way along the edge of the springs, her steps light as she took in every detail of the magical landscape. Astron followed, his expression unreadable but his movements unhurried, as though he, too, was allowing himself to absorb the rare tranquility of the moment.