Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest-Chapter 670 148.1 - Armory

"Bring him here. It seems he has earned a conversation."

A few moments later, Astron stepped into the dining room, flanked by the servant who had escorted him. Clad in fresh clothes provided by the Emberheart household, he looked composed, his posture steady and unbowed. His face was calm, his gaze unwavering, as if the previous night's ordeal in the Chamber had barely affected him. The Matriarch's eyes narrowed slightly, betraying a flicker of surprise that she masked quickly. She had expected him to emerge weary, perhaps showing signs of strain or even quiet relief at surviving the Chamber's trial. But here he stood, exuding the same steady resolve that had infuriated and intrigued her in equal measure.

"Mr. Natusalune," she greeted him, her tone measured, laced with an undertone of challenge. "I trust the Chamber was... enlightening?"

Astron inclined his head respectfully, his voice calm. "It was a worthwhile experience, Madam,"

The Matriarch's eyebrows lifted slightly at his understatement. Worthwhile? she thought, the faintest glint of amusement mingling with her skepticism. Few who entered the Chamber spoke of it so casually, especially after facing the grueling intensity of even the first level. Yet Astron spoke as if it had been merely another trial.

"Worthwhile, indeed," she replied, her tone cool. "One would think a night in the Chamber would leave a more lasting... impression."

Irina's gaze flicked to Astron, her eyes betraying the hint of a smile. She had anticipated his resilience, but even she was surprised by how composed he appeared now, standing firm beneath her mother's sharp scrutiny.

Astron met the Matriarch's gaze without flinching. "The Chamber challenged me, but it also provided an opportunity to learn and adapt. For that, I'm grateful."

The Matriarch leaned back, observing him intently, her gaze penetrating as if searching for any hint of weakness. After a pause, she inclined her head slightly. "Interesting. Few emerge from the Chamber of Emberheart with such... poise. Even fewer would speak of adaptation so calmly. It seems you may indeed have a resilience beyond mere words."

Irina's expression softened, a small hint of pride flickering in her gaze as she looked at Astron. He had not only endured the Chamber-he had emerged stronger, more resolute, proving himself in a way that few ever could.

The Matriarch allowed a faint smile, her eyes gleaming with a grudging respect. "Very well, Mr. Natusalune. You have passed this trial, and with it, you have earned the access Irina requested."

She paused, her gaze shifting to Irina briefly before returning to Astron. "But

remember this family values strength, consistency, and loyalty above all else. Your actions may have earned my attention, but respect in this household is earned time and again."

'Especially, if you wish to get my daughter.'

She did not say this part out loud.

"We understand, mother.....So, please can you let him have a breath..... He just got out from the chamber."

The Matriarch's expression softened slightly, a rare, almost indulgent smile tugging at the corners of her mouth as she observed her daughter's protectiveness. She let her gaze linger on Irina for a moment, something unspoken yet significant passing between them.

"Very well," she said, her voice carrying a note of resignation mingled with quiet amusement. "I will leave him to you, Irina." With a final, appraising glance at Astron, she added, "Mr. Natusalune, remember-this is merely the beginning."

With that, the Matriarch turned and left the room, her footsteps light but deliberate, each one echoing in the quiet that settled after her departure. The door closed softly behind her, leaving Irina and Astron alone in the dining room.

Irina let out a quiet breath, relief evident in her eyes as she looked at him. "So... it seems you've managed to surprise even her," she said, a small smile breaking through her composed demeanor. "Are you all right?"

Irina narrowed her eyes, stepping closer, her gaze intent as she studied him. Standing directly in front of him, she raised a hand and gently touched his cheek, her fingers grazing his skin as if to confirm for herself that he was truly unharmed. His body temperature felt surprisingly normal, cool, and steady-not at all what she'd expected from someone who had spent a night in the Chamber of Emberheart.

She murmured softly, almost to herself, "Indeed... you're not burnt or anything. Perfectly fine, even."

Her fingers lingered for a moment longer than necessary, a quiet sense of relief settling over her as she looked into his calm, unwavering eyes. It was as though the grueling trial had barely left a mark on him, though she knew that couldn't be the whole story. Even the strongest in her family emerged with some sign of the Chamber's touch-a scar, a lingering heat, something to mark the experience.

Astron tilted his head slightly, his gaze meeting hers with a gentle intensity. "It wasn't easy," he admitted, his voice low. "But I managed."

A faint smile tugged at her lips, and she let her hand fall, though she didn't move away. "I'd call you reckless if I didn't know better," she murmured, her tone softened by a touch of admiration. "You really don't know how to quit, do you?"

"This time, there wasn't any choice to quit."

"Yeah...."

Irina's gaze held his, her bright yellow eyes tracing the depths of his dark purple ones. She studied them closely, feeling herself drawn in by their calm intensity. Slowly, her eyes drifted down, lingering over the line of his nose, then settling on his lips. Her hand, which had rested on his cheek, instinctively moved, her fingertips grazing his lips, her touch light and tentative.

She had put on a strong front earlier, feigning calm as she faced her mother's scrutiny. But the truth was, she hadn't slept well at all last night. Worry had gnawed at her, every worst-case scenario flashing through her mind. And now, standing here, with him not only safe but having earned her mother's approval... it felt surreal, like a hard-won reward she hadn't dared to expect.

Her fingers lingered, and for a moment, she allowed herself to take in the quiet warmth of his presence, savoring the relief that came with knowing he had truly returned to her, unscathed. Maybe... just this once, she thought, a faint, almost mischievous smile tugging at her lips. I deserve this.

Without another word, she leaned in.

"Cough...."

Just as she leaned in, a sudden, awkward cough sounded from the doorway, startling Irina out of the moment. Her eyes widened as she looked over, spotting a maid standing there, balancing a tray of plates, her face visibly flushed. The maid's gaze darted away, but not before Irina caught the faint hint of embarrassment coloring her checks.

In an instant, Irina pulled back like a startled cat, her own cheeks warming with a fierce blush. She coughed, attempting to regain her composure, though she could still feel the maid's knowing glance as she hastily set the tray down on a nearby table, her eyes studiously fixed on anything but the two of them.

Irina cleared her throat, willing herself to act natural, though the moment of vulnerability had left her flustered. "Thank you," she said to the maid, her voice a touch higher than usual. The maid quickly bowed, murmuring a polite response as she made a quick exit from the room, clearly trying to spare them both further embarrassment. Once the door closed, Irina let out a soft, mortified sigh, her gaze finally shifting to Astron, who was watching her with a faintly amused expression. She crossed her arms, her cheeks still tinged with pink and shot him a mock glare. "Not a word," she muttered, though her lips twitched with the hint of a smile.

Astron held up his hands, his face the picture of innocence. "I wasn't going to say

anything," he replied, his tone calm, but she could see the glimmer of humor in his eyes. It only made her blush deepen, and she turned away, silently cursing the

interruption and her own impulsiveness.

"You.... You really...."

Irina trailed off, her cheeks still burning as she struggled to find words that wouldn't

betray how flustered she felt. She spun around, making her way to the table where the maid had left the plates. Her hands moved quickly, almost as if by instinct, lifting the lid to reveal a well-prepared meal, likely something her mother had ordered to be served to him as part of her own silent acknowledgment.

As she picked up the plates, it dawned on her that the maid had discreetly given them some privacy, likely to spare them both the awkwardness of her witnessing that almost-moment. The thought made her cheeks flush even more, but she steadied herself, determined to focus on something practical. Astron had just emerged from a brutal trial, and she knew he hadn't eaten anything substantial all day.

"This... is for you," she said, clearing her throat as she set the plate in front of him, trying to keep her tone steady. "You've been through enough already. Now's not the time for distractions."

Astron looked at her as he took his seat. "I suppose, thank you? Lady Irina."

She took her own seat across from him, trying to shake off the embarrassment still lingering in the air between them. Watching him begin to eat, she felt her own tension ease a little, reminded of the simple importance of just... being here. After everything he'd endured, her worries and blushes seemed trivial, and she found herself smiling

faintly as he ate.

"Eat," she murmured, almost to herself, as if the reminder was as much for him as for

her own peace of mind.

******

And just that night....

Astron stood right before a place.

"This is the place....."

It was the armory of the Emberheart Family, as Irina had promised.....