Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest

Chapter 634 139.4 - Prepare

I had also prepared several talismans, orbs, and scrolls—each one carefully selected and costing me a small fortune. These weren't simple trinkets; they were specialized, high-tier items designed for combat scenarios just like the one I was about to face. In total, I had spent around 1 million Valer to acquire them, a hefty price but one that would give me every possible advantage.

The talismans were crafted from rare materials and imbued with powerful enchantments. Each one had a specific purpose—barrier creation, mana amplification, or negating certain elemental effects. The orbs were focused tools of destruction, capable of unleashing devastating amounts of condensed energy. As for the scrolls, they were last-resort items, containing single-use spells that could either turn the tide of battle or create an escape route if things went south.

I spread them out briefly on the table, double-checking their integrity. These were precision tools, each designed for maximum effectiveness against something as dangerous as the Void Dragon.

'Expensive, but necessary,' I thought, recalling the long negotiations I'd gone through to procure them. Spending this much was a calculated risk, but it was worth every Valer if it gave me even a slight edge.

Once satisfied with the condition of the items, I carefully placed them back into my spatial bracelet. They were ready when I needed them, and when it came time to face the Void Dragon, I'd need every one of them.

********

The morning sun bathed the horizon in hues of soft gold and warm orange as Maya stood at the window of her private airship, her eyes fixed on the vast city of Ardmont sprawled beneath her. It was around 8 a.m., and the airship was sailing smoothly through the skies, cutting through the clouds with graceful precision.

The steady hum of the ship's engines was a constant, calming presence, but Maya's mind was elsewhere. She had been up early, preparing herself for this meeting with Astron. Though her expression remained calm and composed, as it often was, there was a quiet anticipation in her chest that she couldn't quite shake.

The morning air was cool, and the ship's large, elegant windows allowed her an unobstructed view of the sprawling city below, slowly coming to life as the first streams of sunlight hit the streets and buildings. Ardmont was a city she had visited countless times, though right now it was a little different.

She wore her usual attire—elegant but practical—tailored perfectly for her standing. A long, flowing coat adorned with subtle mana-infused embroidery that shimmered faintly in the daylight, and boots that were light but sturdy enough for swift movement.

Her hair, neatly tied back, moved gently in the breeze from the airship's motion, though her eyes remained focused ahead, a sense of purpose in her gaze.

The soft hum of the engines and the whisper of the wind were the only sounds as she leaned slightly against the edge of the window, her thoughts drifting to Astron. After last night's call, there was a part of her that was eager to see him again, to make sure, with her own eyes, that he was truly fine.

'He said he's okay,' she thought to herself. 'And now that what he desires here is complete…'

Maya's thoughts trailed off as she leaned against the window, her mind racing.

She knew why Astron had come to her state. Silas Vayne had been his target from the beginning. He had moved with precision and determination, never straying from his goal, and now that the hunt was over, Maya was certain he would be leaving soon—just like he always did.

Astron wasn't the type to linger. Once his task was finished, he would disappear again, moving on to the next thing. His practicality was something she admired, but it also left her feeling… untethered. She did not like the thought of watching him walk away, knowing that this might be the last time she'd see him until the second semester of the academy began.

Her fingers brushed against the smooth surface of the window as the realization settled over her. The thought weighed heavy in her chest, but she kept her expression composed, refusing to let the ache of his inevitable departure show. She had already resolved to be stronger, to stand on her own without relying so heavily on him. This was just another test of that resolve.

Still, it didn't make the prospect of saying goodbye any easier.

'He'll leave soon,' she thought, her eyes narrowing slightly as she focused on the approaching cityscape. 'And I won't see him again for two weeks. I knew this would happen, but…'

Maya exhaled softly, shaking off the lingering thoughts of his departure. She couldn't afford to dwell on it, not now. Last night's realization was still fresh in her mind—her dependency, her need to lean on Astron more than she should have. That was something she needed to control, to exercise discipline over. She was a mage, a genius, and if she couldn't master her own emotions, how could she master the challenges ahead of her? n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

'This is fine,' she told herself, her fingers tightening briefly before she let her hand fall away from the window. 'It's how things are supposed to be. We can't always be together, and that should be fine.'

She took a deep breath, straightening her posture as the airship gently swayed in the sky, descending toward the bustling city below. Her eyes followed the streets as they slowly came into focus, the people moving about their morning routines, unaware of the inner conflict she was pushing aside.

Maya knew she had to savor this moment, to enjoy the time she had with Astron without clinging too tightly to it. It wasn't fair to him, and it wasn't healthy for her. He had his path, and she had hers. And while those paths crossed, she couldn't expect them to always be the same.

The realization settled over her like a quiet resolve. She could do this. She could be stronger. And when the time came for him to leave, she would let him go, with grace and understanding.

'Just savor the moment,' she reminded herself, her heart steadying as the airship descended toward its landing. The city of Ardmont stretched out beneath her, vibrant and alive with the pulse of morning activity. But her thoughts remained focused on what lay ahead—on the brief time she had left with Astron.

"Lady Evergreen," a voice called from behind her, interrupting her thoughts.

Maya turned to see the airship's captain standing respectfully at the entrance to the cabin. "We'll be landing in Ardmont shortly. Should we proceed to your scheduled destination?"

Maya gave a small nod, her expression calm but carrying the quiet determination she always held when focused. "Yes, proceed."

The airship descended smoothly, the engines humming softly as it approached the outskirts of Ardmont. Maya could already see the familiar landing platform below, a large hangar area designated for the private and specialized airships that frequented the city. The sun was still low in the sky, casting long shadows over the gleaming metal structures of the hangar as they touched down with precision.

Once the airship had landed, Maya stepped off with her usual grace, her boots clicking softly against the smooth surface of the platform. The cool morning air greeted her, crisp and refreshing, as the bustle of activity from the airship staff worked around her, though they were quiet and efficient, ensuring a seamless transition from sky to ground.

Not long after, a sleek, black car pulled up to the hangar, its driver already waiting. Maya stepped inside, the door closing softly behind her as the driver offered a polite nod.

"Where to, Lady Evergreen?" the driver asked, his tone professional and measured.

"To the city center," Maya replied, settling into the leather seat. The car began to move smoothly along the road, the city coming into clearer view as they made their way through the outskirts and into the heart of Ardmont.

As they drove, Maya reached for her smartwatch, her thoughts turning to Astron once again. She had already decided that today was about savoring the moment, and though she felt that familiar pang of anticipation, she kept her mind focused and calm. She dialed Astron's number, and after a few rings, he picked up.

"Senior," came his familiar, steady voice.

"Junior," she greeted, her tone light. "Where are you right now?"

There was a brief pause before Astron responded. "I'm in the city center. At a café called Morning Brew."

Maya smiled slightly, recognizing the name. "I see. I'll meet you there shortly."

"I'll be here," he replied simply, and with that, the call ended.

Maya leaned back in her seat, her eyes drifting toward the city outside the window as they passed through the bustling streets. The familiar sights of Ardmont flickered by, but her thoughts remained focused on what lay ahead. She wasn't sure how long this meeting would last or what exactly they would talk about, but for now, that didn't matter.

She would savor the moment.

*******

The café door chimed softly as Maya entered, the warm scent of coffee and freshly baked pastries greeting her. Morning Dew was a cozy place, the kind that invited long conversations over steaming cups of tea, but as Maya stepped inside, she immediately felt the subtle shift in the atmosphere.

Heads turned, and hushed whispers filled the air. She gathered the attention of many people, their curious gazes lingering on her as she walked through the café.

She had grown used to this by now. Being a member of the Evergreen family, not to mention her presence as the top mage in her class, naturally drew attention wherever she went.

Her reputation may not be that known, but the elegance with which she carried herself only added to the allure. Still, it wasn't something that fazed her anymore; her expression remained composed, her focus fixed on the task at hand.

Her eyes scanned the café, and it didn't take her long to spot Astron. He was seated in a corner by the window, his posture relaxed, his gaze turned outward as if he was lost in thought, watching the city streets beyond. The sunlight streamed in through the window, casting a soft glow across his figure, highlighting his sharp features and the casual, composed air he always carried.

Maya's lips curved into a small, almost imperceptible smile.

As much as she was used to gathering attention, it was evident that Astron would no longer be a stranger to it either—though perhaps unknowingly.

She could see the subtle glances from a few of the other patrons, their eyes flicking toward him from time to time. Some were curious, others intrigued, but it was clear that his presence, much like hers, wasn't something that went unnoticed.

'Of course,' Maya thought with a shake of her head, helplessly amused. It was her fault after all.

With a small sigh, she moved toward him, weaving through the tables with effortless grace, the faint murmur of conversation surrounding her. She kept her eyes fixed on Astron, her expression calm as she made her way across the café.

As she approached his table, he turned, his violet eyes locking onto hers with a quiet greeting.

"Senior."