Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest-Chapter 473 .9 - What it means to be a Genius

<Seventh Day of Training, 5 A.M.>

The early morning light cast a gentle glow across the training hall as Astron prepared for another intense session. However, as he entered the simulation room, a notification pinged on his wrist communicator.

He glanced down to see a message from Dakota.

[Dakota: Hey, Can't make it today. Got some stuff to handle. Keep up with the simulations. Tomorrow, we test you against me. Stay sharp.]

Astron was flabbergasted. Specifically, how the message had been written was that how a master would talk to their disciple. Dakota was really an oddball amongst the others.

'This is…..really something….'

If there were another person like her in the world, that would be a certain tomboy.

'One day….I would like to see the meeting between you two.'

*******

<Acrobatics Training, 11 A.M, Seventh day of training>

Tianna watched in awe as Astron effortlessly swung around the training area using the [Grapple Link] spell. His speed in conjuring the spell had increased dramatically over the past two days, making it fast enough to be used in real missions. Each thread he created was strong and flexible, seamlessly integrating into his acrobatic maneuvers.

Astron swung from one wall to another, his movements fluid and precise. He landed lightly on narrow ledges, using the [Grapple Link] to maintain his balance while executing complex turns and flips. The combination of conjuring the thread and maintaining his balance while swinging was a challenging task, but Astron made it look effortless.

Tianna could hardly believe her eyes. 'In just two days, he's mastered a technique that takes most trainees weeks, if not months, to perfect,' she thought, shaking her head in disbelief. 'He's not just using the thread; he's integrating it into his movements like a natural extension of his body.'

As the session came to an end, Tianna approached Astron, her expression a mix of pride and amazement. "Astron. You've mastered the [Grapple Link] to a level where you can use it effectively in a mission. Your balance and control are outstanding. I believe you're ready to take the exam for the fifth stage tomorrow."

Astron nodded, but there was a hint of dissatisfaction in his eyes. "Thank you, Instructor Tianna. While I appreciate your praise, I'm not satisfied with my progress yet. I feel like I can do a lot better than this."

Tianna raised an eyebrow, "You can do better than this?"

"That is right. The spell you taught me gave me an idea. If I can master the spell and its usage well, there is something I want to try."

"Ah? I see…" Tianna responded, her interest deepening. "What kind of technique are you talking about?"

Astron looked thoughtful, his gaze distant as if envisioning something complex. "It's hard to explain, Instructor. I'm not even sure of its basics yet. But once I can develop it, it would mean a whole different thing."

Tianna frowned slightly, not entirely understanding but sensing the depth of his ambition. "A whole different thing? Can you give me any idea of what you're aiming for?"

Astron shook his head. "Not yet. It's still forming in my mind. I need to experiment and refine the concept before I can fully explain it. But I'm confident it will enhance my abilities significantly."

Tianna nodded slowly, a mixture of skepticism and admiration in her eyes. "Alright."

'When I was young…I was like that, was I not?'

She remembered the moments when she would also ask a lot of questions and would ponder on herself a lot. However, that type of moment became more and more scarce as she grew older.

'Maybe I should start remembering it too.' "I trust your judgment and your abilities. Keep working on it, and when you need it, you can consult me. I will do my best to try to help you."

At that, Astron looked into her eyes and nodded his head.

"I will do that."

*********

<Stealth Training, 12 A.M, Seventh day of training>

Astron stepped forward, entering the more complex course designed to test his advanced skills. He moved with precision and confidence, his presence blending seamlessly with the surroundings. Each obstacle was tackled with a fluid grace, his awareness and control evident.

23:06

"Do you wish to challenge the sixth stage?" Kennet asked, his voice carrying a hint of surprise.

"I do," Astron replied, his determination unwavering.

"I see." Kennet nodded, motioning for Astron to proceed.

Astron stepped forward, entering the more complex course designed to test his advanced skills. He moved with precision and confidence, his presence blending seamlessly with the surroundings. Each obstacle was tackled with a fluid grace, his awareness and control evident.

Kennet watched closely, impressed by Astron's progress. "He's almost there," he thought, observing Astron's near-perfect execution. "But the last two stages will be a lot harder to complete."

As Astron continued, Kennet's respect for the young man's abilities grew. The final stages would be the ultimate test of his skills, but Kennet felt a rare sense of optimism.

Astron was proving to be an exceptional student, and his potential seemed limitless.

********

<Reina's Room, 3 P.M, Seventh Day of Training>

Astron stood before the door of the training room, his mind already working on deciphering the new password. 'The password... It should be, Embrace the Challenge.' As he thought, he deciphered the psions.

"Rise to the Occasion."

The answer was different this time as well. Astron frowned slightly. "Not quite," he mumbled. "She's keeping me on my toes."

After entering the correct password, he stepped into the room. Reina was seated at the table, her legs crossed. This time, she wore a sleek pair of black jeans and a fitted jacket, giving her a more practical yet still authoritative look.

"Let's begin today's training," Reina said, her tone calmer compared to normal. She created a new set of psion lines, this time with multiple higher-ranked threads. "Today, you'll focus on filtering and assimilation for multiple higher-ranked mana threads. This will test your ability to handle complex flows simultaneously."

"I understand," Astron replied, his voice steady.

"Good," Reina mumbled.

'With how things outside are going, we need to speed up his training. He needs to get ready in three weeks.' Reina thought.

They needed personnel like Astron urgently.

*******

"Welcome, Trainee Astron Natusalune. Beginning body training session focusing on Everchanging Glyph optimization. Today, a slight change has been made into your training.

Astron paused, listening intently.

"Your progress has been steadily progressing. However, your body is adapting to the extreme stages faster than expected. Precisely because of this, the intensity of your training will now be increased."

He nodded, bracing himself for the new challenges.

"Commencing with the heavy ropes."

The resistance of the ropes was noticeably higher, each wave requiring more strength.

"Trainee Astron's body limits are pushed to 85%. Increasing the intensity."

Next was the weighted climbing. The added weight was significantly more, and the gravity was even stronger.

"Grip strength and muscle endurance improved by 6% from the previous session."

The compound exercises were also more demanding. The weights were heavier, and the repetitions were higher.

"Overall muscle coordination and power increased by 5%."

In the gravity room, the increased gravitational force made each movement a struggle.

"Bone density and muscle resilience increased by 4%. Mana reserves stable."

Finally, in the herbal bath, the water bubbled furiously as toxins were expelled.

"Administering high-rank mana potion. The muscle reconstruction process is ongoing. Body limits pushed to 120%."

Astron drank the potion, feeling the intense surge of energy.

"Muscle reconstruction process nearing completion. Adaptation to increased training intensity progressing efficiently."

The session concluded with the AI's final report.

"Process complete. Trainee Astron, muscle and bone density increased by an additional 4%. Adaptation to Everchanging Glyph's influence is advancing rapidly. Recommend rest and further monitoring."

*******

"That hurts like hell," I muttered, feeling the cold herbal water piercing through my skin like a thousand needles.

SHIVER! I shivered, my muscles twitching involuntarily as the concoction worked its magic. The AI adjusted the bath's temperature, ensuring the optimal conditions for my recovery. The water's color shifted slightly, indicating the ongoing expulsion of toxins and the absorption of beneficial herbs.

"Adapting bath parameters," the AI announced in its calm, mechanical voice. "Administering final herbal mixture."

I leaned back, trying to relax despite the discomfort. The room was dimly lit, and the soft glow of the runes embedded in the walls created a soothing ambiance. I focused on my breathing, letting the water do its work.

"Meal service activated," the AI continued. A small tray was gently lowered onto the water's surface, containing my final meal of the day. The meal was specifically tailored to complement the bath's effects, ensuring my body received the nutrients it needed for optimal recovery.

I picked up the utensils, careful not to spill any of the food into the bath. The meal consisted of a lean cut of monster meat, various steamed vegetables, and a nutrient-rich broth. The flavors were surprisingly good, considering the functional purpose of the meal.

As I ate, I reflected on the day's training. The intensity had been increased significantly, and my body had been pushed to its limits.

'Now….How to do it….'

I thought as I released small threads from the tip of my fingers. They wriggled as if it were an extension of my will. At this point, I was pretty confident with my control, but they also consumed quite a bit of mana at the same time.

'For them to be useful on battlefields, I need to make them adjusted to my [Lunar Enigma].'

While I was able to use normal magic as per other Hunters, the strength of those magics did not come even remotely close to how my Moon mana worked.

In a simple analogy, with a 5.88 Magic power, a normal Hunter's magic would be a lot stronger than what I could output, but on the other hand, when I used my Lunar Mana, I would match their strength.

In a way, I would experience a downgrade of my powers if I were to use the system of normal Hunters. That was the basic analogy.

As I was thinking, I took another bite of my meal.

"Muscle reconstruction process is stable," the AI reported. "Current status: 95% recovery."

I finished the last bite of my meal, feeling the warmth of the broth spread through my body. The cold of the bath was a stark contrast, but I knew it was essential for my recovery.

"Recommending an additional 10 minutes of immersion," the AI added. "Ensuring complete absorption of herbal mixture."

I nodded, sinking deeper into the water. The initial pain had subsided, replaced by a dull ache that signaled the effectiveness of the treatment.

'The same goes for sword, my fists, or other weapons…..[Celestalith]. I need to find a way for it to take a different shape.'

It had been a while since I had used my weapon here, and my hands were a bit itchy, to be frank. But, learning [Gale Stance] was feeling that emptiness for the time being.

'Aside from that, I need to raise my mana reserves.'

For that, I already had two things on my mind.

'I need to get that first upon leaving here.'

The first thing was to get that thing.

And the second one was.

------------------

[Item: Mana Infusion Elixir]

This chapter is updated by freēwēbnovel.com.

Description: A rare elixir designed to permanently increase the user's mana capacity. Crafted from a blend of magical herbs and monster essences, this elixir enhances the body's ability to store and channel mana. It is particularly effective for those with specialized mana types.

Price: 450 Arcanum Credits

-----------------

This item.

'450 Arcanum Credits….Just barely….'

I checked my current Arcanum Credits balance.

'It's worth it,' I thought. Investing in my mana capacity was essential for maximizing my combat effectiveness. With the Everchanging Glyph and my training regimen, I was already pushing my physical limits. Enhancing my mana reserves would provide a balanced growth.

I confirmed the purchase and felt a slight vibration from the panel as the transaction was processed. The elixir would be delivered to my room shortly.

"Purchase confirmed," the AI announced. "Mana Infusion Elixir will be delivered to your quarters within the next hour."

I nodded, satisfied with my decision. The elixir would be a valuable addition to my training regimen. I took a deep breath, feeling the cold herbal water continuing its work on my body.

'With the elixir and the Everchanging Glyph, I'll be able to push my limits even further,' I thought. 'Every step counts in this journey.'

The AI's voice broke through my thoughts. "Herbal bath treatment complete. Muscle reconstruction process finalized. Please proceed with caution as you resume normal activities."

I slowly stood up, feeling a slight tingling sensation all over my body as I stepped out of the bath. The recovery process had been intense, but I felt rejuvenated and ready for the challenges ahead.

Drying off and dressing in fresh clothes, I made my way back to my quarters. The promise of the Mana Infusion Elixir and the progress I had made today filled me with a renewed sense of determination.

As I reached my room, I noticed a small package waiting for me on the table. The elixir had arrived.