Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest

Chapter 784 Chapter 181.3 - Why should I

Chapter 784  Chapter 181.3 - Why should I

"Student Astron. Student Taylor. As a representative of Arcadia Hunter Academy, I owe you both an apology." 
The room seemed to collectively inhale, the weight of her words settling over the students like a heavy blanket. No one dared to move or speak, their eyes fixed on Eleanor. 
"The academy's negligence," she continued, her tone unwavering, "has allowed certain individuals to act beyond the boundaries of discipline and respect. These actions, which you have both endured, are not reflective of the values this institution claims to uphold." 
Eleanor straightened, her gaze still fixed on Astron and Taylor. "What happened to you should not have been allowed to happen. And for that, I am sorry." 
The silence in the room grew heavier, the tension palpable. Some students exchanged uneasy glances, while others remained frozen, unsure of how to react. Even Julia, usually quick with a quip or comment, sat quietly, her blue eyes focused intently on Eleanor. 
Astron, for his part, didn't move. His expression remained as calm and unreadable as ever, though his purple eyes seemed rather cold. 
And for the students who had watched the video, a wave of unease rippled through them. They understood, at least partially, what Astron must have been feeling. The beating he endured had been brutal—far beyond anything that could be dismissed as mere hazing or a fight between students. 
The image of Astron bloodied and battered but never retaliating, remained vivid in their minds. It wasn't just the physical damage that struck them; it was the cold, unyielding look in his eyes, as if he had long resigned himself to such treatment. 
Taylor, seated at the front, shifted slightly in her chair, her jaw tightened. She was also in such a situation, but those gazes felt burdensome. 
Eleanor let the silence linger for a moment longer before continuing. "Let me be clear," she said, her tone sharpening slightly. "The academy does not tolerate such behavior, and measures are already being taken to ensure it does not happen again. Those responsible will face the appropriate consequences." 
The room remained silent, the weight of her words settling over the students like a storm cloud. Some looked uncomfortable, while others seemed relieved that the issue was being addressed so openly. 
Eleanor took a step back, folding her hands in front of her. "Now, let us proceed with today's lesson. Open your tablets to page 42. We will begin with an analysis of advanced team dynamics." 
As the students began to shuffle in their seats, reaching for their tablets, the tension slowly began to dissipate. But the impact of Eleanor's words lingered, especially for Ethan, who glanced at Astron once more. 
'What are you really thinking Astron.'  
Ethan was really curious. 
 ****** 
RING! 
The bell rang sharply, signaling the end of Eleanor's class. The students moved hesitantly, the atmosphere still thick with the weight of her earlier apology. Many shot uncertain glances at Astron, their curiosity simmering beneath the surface, though few dared to approach him outright. 
As Astron stood and began packing his things, a small group of students finally mustered the courage to gather around him. Their movements were tentative, their expressions a mix of concern and nervousness. 
"Uh, Astron…" one of them started, a girl with a hesitant smile. "I just… we wanted to ask… what happened? Was it… were you having issues with those seniors?" 
Astron's hands paused briefly as he zipped his bag, his purple eyes flickering up to meet the girl's. His expression was cold, his gaze sharp enough to make her falter mid-sentence. He straightened slowly, his posture calm but radiating an unmistakable edge of annoyance. 
"This topic is uncomfortable," he said, his voice measured but carrying a distinct chill. "I would rather not talk about it." 
The firmness in his tone sent a clear message. The students surrounding him stiffened, their curiosity instantly dampened by the cold anger in his words. Astron's usually composed demeanor now seemed darker, and the slight crease in his brow only added to the unease. 
One of the boys in the group scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Yeah, of course. Sorry about that, man. We didn't mean to—" 
Astron's gaze flicked to him, silencing him mid-apology. The students exchanged uneasy glances, realizing they had struck a nerve. 
The girl from before forced a strained smile. "We just… we wanted to say that we're glad you're okay now. That's all." 
"Yeah! And if you ever need anything, we're here. Just, you know, take care of yourself, okay?" 
"I will keep that in mind." 
The group took this reply as their cue to leave, backing away with murmured well-wishes and embarrassed smiles. 
As the last of them dispersed, Sylvie, who had been watching the scene unfold from a distance, approached quietly. Her steps were careful, her gaze steady as she stopped a few paces away from Astron. 
"You okay?" 
"Did you not confirm that yesterday?" 
Sylvie froze for a moment at Astron's response, her breath catching slightly. 'Right… Of course he would know.' She thought back to the infirmary and how easily Astron had read her then, piecing together things she hadn't intended to reveal. It was no surprise he could do it again now. 
But she quickly composed herself, forcing a small smile as she looked at him. "I did," she said softly. "But I just wanted to make sure." 
"Thanks?" Astron replied, though his tone made it sound more like a question than genuine gratitude. 
Sylvie frowned slightly, brushing off the faint sting of his nonchalance. "Well… you don't need to be thankful," she said quickly, though the words felt a little rushed. 
"Really?" Astron asked, his sharp purple eyes flicking to hers. "Okay then." 
The casualness of his response caught Sylvie off guard, and she felt a sudden pang of regret at her own words. 'Wait… no… that's not what I meant!' Her mind raced, and before she could stop herself, the words tumbled out. 
"No, no, you should be thankful for things like this," she said, her tone firm but flustered. 
Astron raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "Thankful or not?" 
"...Urghk—!" Sylvie let out a strangled noise, her hands clenching into fists at her sides as she squirmed slightly in frustration. Her cheeks flushed, and she struggled to find a proper response. 
Before she could gather her thoughts, a familiar voice cut through the moment. "Hey, stop teasing her," Jasmine said, appearing from the side with a playful grin. She crossed her arms and gave Astron a mock glare. 
"Teasing?" Astron repeated, tilting his head slightly as he glanced at Jasmine. His calm expression didn't change, but there was a faint glint of curiosity in his eyes. 
Jasmine sighed, her grin widening slightly. "Don't tell me… You're really clueless." 
"Am I clueless?" Astron asked, his tone even, as though genuinely considering the possibility. 
Jasmine threw her hands in the air in exaggerated exasperation. "Why is it so hard to talk with you?" 
Sylvie, who had been caught in her own spiral of embarrassment, suddenly felt the tension ease at Jasmine's antics. She let out a small laugh despite herself, her shoulders relaxing as the weight of the moment lifted slightly. "He's always like this," she said, shaking her head. 
"Yeah, well, someone needs to call him out for it," Jasmine retorted, pointing a playful finger at Astron. "Seriously, learn how to read the room, Mr. Purple Eyes." 
Astron's lips twitched slightly—almost, but not quite, a smile. "Noted," he said simply, turning back to his bag as if the conversation hadn't happened. 
Jasmine turned to Sylvie with a dramatic sigh, throwing her arms around her in an exaggerated hug. "Sylvie, I'm so sorry," she said, her voice laden with mock pity. "You really have it hard, dealing with this guy. He's absolutely hopeless." 
Sylvie blinked, startled by the sudden hug, but she quickly let out a soft laugh, patting Jasmine's back lightly. "It's fine," she said, her voice gentle but tinged with amusement. "I already knew he was like this from the start, so I can't exactly complain, can I?" 
Jasmine pulled back, studying Sylvie with a grin. "You're way too patient," she teased. "If it were me, I'd probably have strangled him by now." 
Sylvie laughed again, the warmth of Jasmine's teasing momentarily easing the tension in her chest. But even as she smiled, a faint pang of something deeper stirred within her—a flicker of resentment she couldn't quite suppress. 
'Why does he have to make things so… difficult?' 
Well, that was a question that was hard to answer. 
******* 
Astron walked through the corridors, the quiet hum of distant conversations echoing faintly. His steps were steady, purposeful, though his mind was not entirely at ease. The weight of Eleanor's earlier apology and the lingering stares of his classmates clung to him like a shadow. 
As he turned a corner, a subtle shift in the air caught his attention. His senses sharpened instinctively, and he slowed his pace, his ears straining for the faint sound of footsteps trailing behind him. The steps were light, almost imperceptible, but they were there. 
He stopped abruptly and turned, his sharp purple eyes locking onto the figure behind him. 
A young girl with long silver hair stood a few paces away, her posture relaxed but her presence commanding. Her silver eyes gleamed with an almost playful intensity, and her lips curled into a knowing smile. 
"We need to talk."