Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest-Chapter 394 91.2 - Duels [2]

The amphitheater erupted in surprise and confusion as Astron's calm declaration echoed through the arena.

"I surrender."

The audience had been on the edge of their seats, expecting the duel to continue, especially after Astron's impressive deflection of Liam's advanced skill. Whispers and murmurs filled the air as the spectators tried to make sense of what had just happened.

"What? He surrendered?"

"Why would he give up now?"

"He was doing so well. I thought he had a chance!"

Liam stood frozen, his expression a mix of disbelief and anger. He had expected a drawn-out fight, but Astron's sudden surrender had caught him completely off guard. His blade wavered, the tension in his stance dissipating as he lowered his weapon.

In the stands, the more experienced observers nodded in understanding, recognizing the strategic brilliance of Astron's decision. Among them, Eleanor stood with her lips curved into a small, approving smile.

'Not bad.' She thought.

"He's smart," she murmured to herself. "He knew exactly when to bow out."

But that alone wasn't enough to put a smile on her face. There were several students with such qualities.

What made him stand out at that moment was…

'He particularly read Liam Wayne's intentions.'

There was a reason why he was able to block the second slash this perfectly, even while he was still at a disadvantage in a direct physical confrontation.

'From the start, those responses can not be with reflexes alone. He understood his opponent's feelings. What Liam did wasn't something that the majority would do. If the past me were in his shoes, I would definitely defend myself from getting knocked down, yet he risked it.'

And the fact that he realized Liam was targeting him for petty revenge and trying to humiliate him, and he surrendered to not give him what he wanted.

'This kid….He really resembles her.'

The same decisiveness and the shrewdness.

Something inside her warned Eleanor. She shouldn't make the same mistake again.

'Right.' With that thought, she turned back, walking back to her office. After all, she would be grading a lot of students in the afternoon.

*******

"Wow….That was cool."

While Eleanor was leaving the arena, a couple of people were watching the event.

"Really? I am glad you liked it."

A woman with a smile stood there, looking at her daughter. They were conversing normally, yet many people were paying attention to them.

The reason? Probably was their distinct blue hair and hazel eyes. Adding the fact that the two looked really beautiful, like a model, it was evident that they would draw attention.

But, aside from that, the biggest reason was their names.

Particularly their family name.

"But, mother. Why did he surrender just now?"

The girl asked, her eyes twinkling. She looked curious, ready to absorb any knowledge.

The woman knelt to be at eye level with her daughter, her expression gentle and thoughtful. "He surrendered because it was the smartest thing to do in that situation," she began, her voice calm and measured.

"That student knew that continuing the fight wouldn't benefit him. He had already demonstrated his skills and resilience by holding his ground against a much higher-ranked opponent."

The girl tilted her head, her brows furrowed in concentration. "But he was doing well. Why not keep fighting?"

"Because, sometimes, knowing when to stop is just as important as knowing when to fight," the mother explained. "Astron showed everyone that he could stand his ground, and by surrendering when he did, he avoided unnecessary injury or a humiliating defeat. It's a sign of maturity and intelligence to recognize when you've achieved your goal and to step back."

The girl nodded slowly, taking in her mother's words. "So, it wasn't about winning the duel, but showing he was strong?"

"Exactly," the mother replied, her smile widening. "In this world, no one can always guarantee that they can win. There are certain moments when one's life will be in danger. In those times, it is always important to realize that and save their life. That student had what it takes to think strategically, which is just as important as being able to fight."

The girl's eyes sparkled with understanding. "I get it now. He's really smart."

The mother nodded. "Yes, he is. And you, my dear, should remember this lesson. Strength is not just about power; it's also about wisdom and knowing when to use it."

"Un…." She said that the girl hugged her mother and looked at the student departing from the Arena. "But, mother. It feels like I had seen him before."

"Hmm?"

But her words awoke a reaction from her mother. The woman's eyes were narrowed, looking at the student.

"You had seen him? Why do you think so?"

"….Just….I don't know. I just feel like it."

Normally, any mother would naturally brush such words off. After all, it was quite possible and common for a child to mistake someone they had seen. Some even mistook their own parents.

But.

That wasn't the case for Jane Hartley.

The kid who had the lineage of the Hartleys. The blood flowing through her veins was filled with countless powers, and one of the most important ones was intuition.

Jane, of course, didn't remember everyone she encountered. Contrary to that, the fact that she remembered someone unfamiliar meant that the encounter wasn't something normal. It was evident that it left a print in Jane's consciousness. Therefore, Kaya's eyes were narrowed. The student had already left the arena and returned to the changing room. She replayed the fight to see any possible clues.

'Dagger and bow. There wasn't anything else interesting either…..Maybe that mana?'

She pondered a bit, trying to find a connection. Yet, she failed.

Determined to get more information, Kaya took out her phone and quickly sent a message to her assistant. "Do a quick check on the student Astron Natusalune, Rank 1729. I need details."

As she sent the message, a notice came from the announcer, drawing the crowd's attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the next duel will feature Ethan Hartley, ranked 970, versus Samuel Greaves, ranked 740."

Kaya's expression softened slightly, a hint of pride appearing. "Jane, look. Your cousin Ethan is up next."

Jane's eyes lit up with excitement. "Big brother Ethan is going to fight? Finally! I can't wait to see him!"

Kaya and Jane found their seats, ready to watch the duel.

Ethan Hartley, Kaya's nephew and Jane's cousin, stepped into the arena with his characteristic confidence. The crowd murmured in anticipation, recognizing the Hartley name and expecting a display of skill.

After all, Ethan carried the name Hartley, and he was undoubtedly the biggest rising star of the year.

With his new awakening, low entrance score, suddenly increasing strength as well as his lineage….

The characteristic blue hair of the Hartley Family and his incredibly handsome looks grasped the attention of the onlookers in an instant.

After all, the reason why this arena was filled with this many people was simply because of the name Ethan.

Leaning on his spear, Ethan flashed a smile to the audience. As he scanned the crowd, he saw Kaya and Jane and waved his hand.

On the side stood opposite Samuel Greaves, a formidable opponent ranked higher. He had a bulky body, oozing strength.

His eyes were sharp brown, focused on his opponent. The fact that he was appointed by the famous Ethan Hartley was something that he was happy about.

After all, he now had the chance to show off his talent to a huge audience.

'This is a chance.'

He thought.

'And I won't waste it.'

With that thought, he grabbed his huge weapon.

A halberd.

Not a popular weapon, but if utilized correctly….It had a reputation as one of the most dangerous weapons.

The arena buzzed with energy as the two combatants prepared for the duel.

The announcer's voice boomed through the arena. "Ladies and gentlemen, the next duel is between Ethan Hartley, ranked 970, and Samuel Greaves, ranked 740. Are both contestants ready?"

Both Ethan and Samuel nodded, their expressions focused. The tension in the arena was palpable as the countdown began.

3

2

1

"Begin!"

The moment the duel started, Samuel charged forward, his halberd swinging with immense power.

Earthen Charge.

It was a skill that was pretty common among Earth users. Most of them were reliant on their strength, and they needed movement skills to cover for their lack of mobility.

The ground beneath him seemed to tremble as he infused his attacks with earth psions. The sheer force of his strikes aimed to overwhelm Ethan from the start.

CRACKLE! Ethan, however, was unfazed. His spear crackled with lightning psions, the energy dancing along the weapon's length. With a swift, graceful movement, he sidestepped Samuel's initial assault, the halberd striking the ground where he had just been standing.

SWOOSH!

Ethan countered with a quick thrust of his spear, aiming for Samuel's midsection. The lightning-enhanced attack was fast, but Samuel's earth-enhanced body allowed him to bring his halberd up in time to block the blow and face it head-on.

CLANG!

The impact sent sparks flying, and the crowd erupted in cheers. The duel was off to an intense start, with both combatants showcasing their skills and attributes.

"Wow."

The audience gasped. The previous duel was good. However, this one was on a different level.

It had been just a second, yet the audience felt the chills.

SWOOSH! Samuel pressed the attack, his halberd swinging in wide arcs. Each strike was powerful, intended to keep Ethan on the defensive.

Since Halberd was also a long weapon, the spear's long length wasn't particularly effective.

「 Ground Cleave.」 The ground beneath them seemed to shift with each of Samuel's movements, a testament to his mastery of the earth's attributes.

「 Thunder Step.」 Ethan, however, moved with the fluidity of lightning. His spear danced in his hands, deflecting Samuel's powerful blows with precision. He waited for the right moment, his eyes keenly observing Samuel's patterns.

'He's strong,' Ethan thought, a smile playing on his lips. 'But, as expected…..This level is not enough.' A thought process that was only available to the main character of the world. The one blessed by the heavens.

The fact that he started as a ranker of 2239 and then, in one semester, had the thoughts of easily overpowering a rank 700 student.

"Hey."

Suddenly, he called his opponent.

"Let's get serious now."

Different from others, he wanted an honorable fight.

"..."

Samule was flabbergasted. After all, this situation didn't make any sense. Yet, somehow he smiled.

"I see." He nodded and channeled his mana into his body.

"I hope you can keep it up."

「Knighthood of Mother Earth. Armature of the Land.」

As he muttered those words, his body changed, being covered by the earthen psions.

His muscles bulged, and veins popped over his body.

"Don't worry."

Ethan also smiled, seeing his opponent taking him seriously.