Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest

Chapter 737 168.1 - Jealousy

On the same opening, Sylvie stood apart from the crowd, her gaze drifting across the vibrant scene. The six-week break had passed in a blur, but for her, it had been anything but restful.

After a brief visit to her hometown village in the west—a place she hadn't seen in years—her world had shifted dramatically. She had barely settled into the familiar sights and scents of the home before a summons from the academy arrived.

The Headmaster himself… she thought, her grip tightening around the strap of her bag. It still felt surreal. Jonathan, the legendary figure whose mere name commanded respect, had personally overseen her training.

The memory of those intense sessions was still fresh in her mind. Under the Headmaster's guidance, Sylvie had explored the depths of her newfound power: [First Lord's Authority]. Unlike mana, it was something far more elusive, an energy that felt ancient and alive, resonating in her very core. The Headmaster had explained that [Authority] was not a force to be taught—it was awakened, discovered, and honed. Only [Venerable]'s like him could truly comprehend its mysteries.

And yet, under his protection and mentorship, she had made remarkable strides. She had learned not only to summon and shape her [Authority] but also to temper it with control. The aggression that once bubbled uncontrollably within her had been channeled into something sharper, more focused.

Her thoughts turned briefly to Astron. His unconventional methods had been her starting point, his teachings on self-defense and combat reflexes forming the foundation for what she had achieved over these past weeks. "The best defense is a strong offense," he'd said countless times, a lesson that now felt more relevant than ever. Without that groundwork, she doubted she could have kept up with the Headmaster's grueling pace.

In the present, Sylvie pulled herself from her reverie as a familiar voice called her name.

"Sylvie! Over here!"

Just then, a familiar voice broke through Sylvie's swirling thoughts.

"Sylvie! Over here!"

She turned toward the source of the call, her gaze landing on Jasmine, who was waving energetically from a small cluster of students near the courtyard fountain. As Sylvie focused on her friend, the familiar hues of Jasmine's emotions shimmered into view, a vibrant dance of cheerful gold and tranquil blues. There wasn't even the faintest trace of corruption or malice within her—a fact that filled Sylvie with quiet relief.

Her [Authority] pulsed faintly within her, the resonance guiding her vision as the Headmaster had taught. Over the past six weeks, Sylvie has honed her ability to not only sense emotions but also glimpse the shape of thoughts, whether they are strong or deliberate. It wasn't intrusive—not yet—but it gave her a window into the souls around her.

Jasmine's soul was as bright as ever. The carefree, bubbling energy she exuded was like sunlight breaking through clouds. Sylvie could feel it even without trying, and it brought a small smile to her lips despite the weight she still carried from her recent training.

"Jasmine," she called back, raising a hand in greeting. Her voice was steadier than she expected, even after weeks away from her closest friend.

As Jasmine bounded over, her emotions seemed to glow brighter, as if feeding off her excitement at reuniting. "You disappeared right after the break started! I was starting to think you ran off to join some secret guild or something," she teased, her tone light and playful. "You have so much to catch me up on."

Sylvie chuckled softly, though she could feel Jasmine's curiosity flickering like a faint ember beneath her cheerful surface. It wasn't unusual—Jasmine had always been the type to press for details.

"It's a long story," Sylvie said, adjusting the strap of her bag. "And probably not as exciting as you're imagining."

Jasmine tilted her head, studying her with a knowing smile. "Uh-huh. You're glowing, you know. Don't think I haven't noticed. Did you discover some kind of ancient treasure over the break? Or…" Her expression shifted, her eyes narrowing in mock suspicion. "Is this about a boy?"

Sylvie's cheeks warmed instantly, and she shook her head, trying not to laugh. "No, it's not about a boy. Honestly, Jasmine, not everything is some grand adventure."

But as Jasmine leaned closer, the gold in her emotions flickering with playful mischief, Sylvie couldn't help but notice the way her own thoughts tugged momentarily to Astron. His lessons, his unyielding focus, and the way he had shaped her approach to combat—those memories were impossible to ignore. She pushed the thought aside quickly, unsure if her new abilities might betray her and make Jasmine more curious.

"Fine, fine," Jasmine relented with an exaggerated sigh, stepping back. "But I will get the story out of you eventually."

Sylvie couldn't help but smile as she watched Jasmine's emotions swirl playfully. Of course, she'd latch onto the idea of a boy, Sylvie thought, shaking her head in amusement. Jasmine had always been like this—carefree, nosy, and unapologetically curious. It was one of the things Sylvie admired about her, even if it sometimes drove her crazy.

As they stood in the huge opening of the academy, Jasmine continued to chatter about her break, weaving tales of family drama, embarrassing mishaps, and a few juicy tidbits she'd overheard about their classmates. Sylvie mostly listened, nodding at the right moments and occasionally laughing at Jasmine's more animated gestures.

"...and then he tripped over his own sword during sparring!" Jasmine finished with a dramatic flourish. "Can you believe it? Poor Theo. I swear he's cursed."

Sylvie chuckled softly, her mind only half on the story. Her thoughts kept circling back to her powers and the way they had grown under the Headmaster's guidance. She hadn't told anyone—not even Jasmine—about the extent of what she could do now.

It wasn't just the ability to heal or fight that she had honed; it was the way her [Authority] allowed her to see into the very essence of those around her. The emotions, the intentions, even the faint echoes of thoughts—it was a power that felt both exhilarating and isolating. And yet, if there was anyone she could imagine sharing this secret with, it was Jasmine.

"...so then I told him, 'Maybe don't duel in boots two sizes too big,' and he—Sylvie?" Jasmine's voice cut through her thoughts, her cheerful gold hue flickering with curiosity.

"Hmm?" Sylvie blinked, realizing she'd zoned out. "Sorry, I was… thinking."

Jasmine squinted at her, a grin tugging at her lips. "Thinking? About what? Or should I say who?"

Sylvie rolled her eyes. "No one, Jasmine. I swear, you have a one-track mind."

"Guilty as charged," Jasmine replied with a wink. "But seriously, you've been a bit off since we started talking. Spill it, Sylvie. What's going on?"

For a moment, Sylvie considered telling her. The weight of her secret pressed heavily against her chest, and she could already imagine the relief of sharing it with someone who wouldn't judge or overreact. Jasmine might tease, but she was loyal to a fault, and Sylvie knew she would never betray her trust.

If I ever tell anyone, it would be her, Sylvie thought. But she quickly pushed the idea aside. Now wasn't the time—not here, in the middle of the bustling courtyard.

"It's nothing," Sylvie said instead, forcing a small smile.

Sylvie adjusted the strap of her bag, her thoughts carefully veiled behind the small smile she offered Jasmine.

The truth was, there was far too much she couldn't share—not just her [First Lord's Authority], but also the rigorous training with the Headmaster himself. He had made it clear that secrecy was paramount. Her powers, her progress, even the fact that she had been personally trained by him—none of it could reach the ears of others.

"You're so mysterious lately," Jasmine teased, her gold-tinged emotions flickering with curiosity. "But fine, I'll drop it for now. Just don't think you're off the hook forever."

Sylvie chuckled softly, grateful for Jasmine's lightheartedness. She knew her friend meant well, but this wasn't a burden she could share. Not yet. For now, she would remain just another student in everyone's eyes—ordinary, unassuming, unnoticed.

Well, almost everyone's.

As they approached the central gathering area, Sylvie's heart began to quicken, her anticipation rising with each step. The academy's tradition dictated that all students gather in their respective class groups for the Headmaster's opening speech, a ritual that marked the start of each new semester. And in her group, standing among the familiar faces of Class 2B, would be him.

Astron.

The thought of seeing him again stirred something deep within her—a mixture of excitement and quiet resolve. For so long, she had felt like a burden whenever they worked together, her lack of skill glaringly apparent in the face of his precision and expertise. But now, that weight had lifted. The weeks of grueling training had left her stronger, sharper, more in control than she'd ever been.

She wasn't just a healer anymore. She was someone who could stand beside him.

"Helloooo?" Jasmine waved a hand in front of Sylvie's face, snapping her out of her thoughts. "You're zoning out again. Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine," Sylvie said quickly, shaking her head to clear her mind. "Just… thinking about the semester."

Jasmine gave her a look but didn't press further. "Well, you'd better snap out of it soon. The Headmaster's speech is always the same boring lecture about hard work and discipline, but at least it means we're finally starting."

As they joined the growing crowd of students assembling in neat rows, Sylvie scanned the area. Her eyes flitted over familiar faces—classmates, acquaintances, and the occasional standout upperclassman—but she wasn't looking for them. She was looking for the figure with the faint yet steady presence, the one who always seemed to carry a quiet weight beneath his unassuming exterior.

'I guess he is not here yet…..'

Sylvie's gaze swept over the rows of students gathering in neat lines, her anticipation simmering beneath a calm exterior. She hadn't seen Astron yet, and though a small part of her felt disappointed, she reminded herself that it was fine. She was early, after all. Waiting didn't bother her.

As she stood among her peers, the subtle hum of conversations filled the air. Most of the students were buzzing with excitement or chatting about their breaks. But Sylvie's thoughts were elsewhere. She took a steadying breath and let herself slip into the focus she had honed over the past six weeks.

Let's see what I can do now…

For a while, she decided to observe things….