Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest

Chapter 642 141.1 - Finding the Dungeon

"…..A deal…."

After saying that, Astron reached into his spatial storage and retrieved a sleek, reinforced vial, its surface engraved with faintly glowing runes designed to maintain the concoction's potency over time.

The bottle was crafted with alchemical enhancements specifically meant for volatile or high-powered mixtures, a detail Maya recognized immediately. For concoctions of this caliber, quality storage was essential; without it, the effects would inevitably fade, weakening the potion's intended purpose.

He poured the finished mixture carefully, allowing the dark, shimmering liquid to flow into the bottle. The runes activated immediately upon contact, casting a soft light over the potion as they worked to stabilize and preserve it. When he was finished, he sealed the bottle tightly, observing it for a brief moment to ensure the preservation enchantments had taken effect.

Satisfied, Astron finally stood, his gaze flicking from the vial to Maya. "That should keep it secure," he said, tucking the vial into a hidden compartment within his storage.

Maya watched him, an appreciative glint in her eyes. "It's amazing how much preparation goes into just storing it. I see now that the process doesn't end with the brewing," she observed thoughtfully.

Even though that was the basic knowledge in theory, seeing it firsthand was indeed interesting all the time.

Astron nodded, his expression calm. "Preservation is just as essential as the brewing itself. With the right storage, the effects remain intact. Without it, the potency would diminish before it could ever be used."

With the potion securely stored, Astron gave the alchemy station one last glance, ensuring everything was in place. Satisfied, he straightened and stood up, the purpose that had brought him here now complete.

Maya, sensing his movement, looked up at him with a hint of curiosity. "Have you finished?"

He gave a slight nod. "Yes. That's everything I needed."

"I see."

Hearing his reply, Maya's gaze drifted downward, a quiet ache settling in her chest. She had known this moment would come—had prepared herself, even. But knowing didn't make it easier.

The completion of the potion signaled the end of his purpose here, and she understood what that meant: Astron would be leaving the city, continuing on his path, and she, in turn, would resume hers. She had resolved not to cling to these moments, to let him go with grace, but now, standing here, the reality was far more tangible than the calm acceptance she'd envisioned.

'So… it's really time,' she thought, a slight pang of regret rippling through her as she looked at him, his expression calm, collected, with the same steady composure he carried into everything he did.

Maya took a steadying breath, lifting her gaze back to him, her expression composed despite the quiet sadness lingering in her eyes. Though she wanted to prolong it a little more.

"Then….Let's leave."

Astron gave a small nod, acknowledging her unspoken desire to accompany him a little further. "All right," he replied, his voice steady as always. He moved toward the door, and Maya followed suit, a small flicker of relief settling within her. This walk to the station would give her a few more moments, a quiet farewell of sorts.

As they exited the alchemical lab, the attendant was waiting outside, her posture attentive and polite. Her gaze shifted to Astron, and a faint blush rose to her cheeks, lingering a second longer than necessary as she took in his strikingly sharp features.

Maya noticed the attendant's reaction and fought back a smirk. Astron's new look, combined with his intense, composed aura, certainly seemed to draw attention.

The attendant inclined her head respectfully, directing her attention back to Maya. "Lady Evergreen, thank you for your visit. Please feel free to return at any time."

Maya nodded with quiet assurance, her expression calm but friendly. With her family's connection to the establishment, no transaction was required; the shop's relationship with the Evergreen family ensured that Maya and her guests were always taken care of.

Without further words, the attendant stepped aside, offering a final respectful bow as she escorted them toward the exit. Maya could feel her lingering gaze on Astron as they moved out of sight, but she resisted the urge to comment. As they stepped into the open air, the cool breeze of the city greeted them, carrying with it the sounds of distant chatter and footsteps.

They started toward the train station, the city streets alive with people going about their daily routines.

Maya walked beside him, savoring these quiet, final moments, the unspoken understanding between them a comfort as they made their way through the bustling heart of the city.

As they walked together toward the train station, Maya felt an inexplicable tension rising within her. It was a quiet, persistent sense of foreboding, as though her instincts were whispering a warning she couldn't ignore. Somehow, she knew Astron would face danger again—greater than anything he'd encountered before. The thought unsettled her, and before she could stop herself, she glanced at him and spoke.

"You're going to put yourself in danger again, aren't you?" Her voice was soft, but there was a note of worry underlying her words.

Astron looked at her, his expression composed but carrying a certain unyielding certainty. "One's life is always at risk as long as they are weak," he replied calmly. "I believe you know that as well, Senior."

Maya nodded, understanding the truth in his words but still feeling an ache of protest rising within her. She didn't want to leave it at that, her gaze sharp as she continued, "While being weak does put one's life at risk, that doesn't mean you have to die on the path of becoming strong. There's a difference."

Astron's expression softened just slightly, a hint of understanding in his gaze. "I will not die," he replied, his tone resolute, carrying an assurance that felt almost unbreakable.

There was no hesitation, no hint of uncertainty in his voice. It was as though he had decided this as surely as he had chosen his path forward.

"I see…. Then, I have nothing to say more."

Maya let out a quiet breath, her gaze drifting to Astron's side profile. The silence hung between them, a mutual understanding and a quiet respect mingling with her lingering concern. Just as she thought to leave the conversation as it was, he turned to meet her gaze, his violet eyes calm and steady.

"I understand your worry," he said, his voice even, "but remember, you have your own path to walk. There are things you need to achieve and focus on as well."

Maya nodded, a faint smile crossing her lips. "Of course," she replied, recalling the breakfast they'd shared and the words he'd spoken then. His reminder echoed in her mind, a quiet but firm guide urging her to face the inner conflict she'd been avoiding. She knew the importance of mastering her [Inner Demon], confronting the other consciousness within her, and finding the balance that would allow her to wield her powers freely and safely.

She sighed softly, recognizing the truth in his words. As much as she worried for him, she also knew she couldn't spend her energy solely on that.

'I know I can't just worry about you all the time,' she admitted to herself, her inner voice laced with both resolve and warmth. 'I have my own challenges to face—and I'll face them.'

They continued their walk through the bustling streets, Maya's voice filling the quiet spaces between them. She talked about small things—the city's charm, her thoughts on certain spells she was experimenting with, even light-hearted complaints about Academy life. Astron listened patiently, letting her have her time as she animatedly recounted stories.

As they moved along, she occasionally glanced his way, catching the subtle attentiveness in his expression. Though he didn't say much, his presence alone felt reassuring.

However, after a while, the scenery shifted, the streets opening into a bustling square filled with vendors, street musicians, and the steady hum of morning life.

They had reached the Ardmont City Center. The plaza sprawled before them, with its old, cobbled pathways and vibrant energy capturing the heart of the city in every sight and sound.

Maya's voice trailed off as they stepped into the square, her gaze drifting to the lively scene around them. She let out a soft breath, her expression calm but carrying a hint of wistfulness as she took it all in. For a moment, she simply stood beside him, savoring the vibrancy of the city and the quiet certainty of his presence.

Maya's gaze lingered on the bustling city center for a moment before she turned to him, a faint smile crossing her lips. "Will you be using the Teleportation Center?" she asked, her voice steady though she felt a hint of reluctance in asking.

"Yes," Astron replied, confirming her suspicions. He had indeed chosen the Teleportation Center for his next destination, a practical decision but one that signaled the end of their time together here. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Maya's fingers tightened around the hem of her coat as she nodded, her gaze dropping momentarily. "So… you're leaving, then?"

"Yes," he replied, his tone calm and certain. He paused for a moment before adding, with a trace of dry humor, "But, Senior, don't be so dramatic. The academy starts in two weeks."

Maya's smile returned, small but genuine, as his words settled in. She knew he was right—this parting wasn't permanent. In just a short time, they would see each other again, training, studying, and perhaps sharing more quiet moments just like this.

"I know," she said, the lightness returning to her voice. "It's just… a pity, that's all. These moments pass so quickly."

Astron inclined his head, a quiet acknowledgment in his gaze. "Time moves fast. That is why, it is this valuable, isn't it?"

"Heh….That is right."

Maya nodded with a soft smile, her gaze lingering on him for a moment before she lifted her hand to his collar, gently straightening it with practiced ease. Her fingers moved down, smoothing the front of his coat, a small, almost imperceptible gesture of care as she quietly fussed over his appearance.

"There," she murmured, stepping back slightly. "Farewell, Junior. Take care of yourself."

Astron offered her a faint smile, a rare expression that softened his otherwise composed features. "I will," he replied, his voice steady but carrying a hint of warmth.

'Ah, really….' His smile lingered just a fraction longer, and for an instant, her heart fluttered, the simplicity of it catching her off guard.

But she kept her composure, reminding herself of the roles they played—she was his senior, after all. She steadied herself with a quiet breath, the fondness slipping into her smile.

"Good," she said, her tone light but resolute. "I'll see you soon."

With a final nod, Astron turned and made his way toward the Teleportation Center, leaving her standing amidst the vibrant crowd.