Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest

"Did you enjoy sitting beside her?" she asked with a whisper, her tone carrying a sharp edge masked by a thin layer of teasing.

Astron turned his head slightly, his sharp purple eyes meeting hers for just a split second before looking away again, unreadable as ever. He didn’t answer immediately, but instead, his hand moved with calm precision, gently covering hers. With a quiet but firm motion, he pulled her hand away from his arm.

Irina’s fiery gaze flicked to his face, catching the faintest twitch at the corner of his mouth. It wasn’t much—barely noticeable to anyone else—but to her, it was as good as a confession.

"Now that Irina is here," Astron said smoothly, his voice steady but carrying a subtle undertone that betrayed his unease, "let’s start."

His calm, composed tone filled the air, but Irina could sense it—this wasn’t like him. Normally, he would let others take the lead in moments like this, content to observe from the sidelines. The fact that he was stepping in now, taking charge, told her everything she needed to know.

’He’s flustered.’

Irina’s lips curled into a triumphant smirk, the heat of satisfaction spreading through her chest. ’Heh… do you see this?’ she thought smugly, her fiery gaze flicking to Sylvie.

Sylvie was watching her, her expression carefully neutral but her eyes betraying a flicker of something—curiosity? Annoyance? Irina couldn’t be sure, but she didn’t care. She straightened her posture slightly, letting her presence radiate with quiet confidence as she turned her attention back to Astron.

"Alright," Irina said, her tone smooth and composed, though the edge of victory lingered in her voice.

Astron adjusted his posture slightly, his calm demeanor returning as he looked over the group. His voice, measured and deliberate, broke the tension lingering in the air. "Let’s first talk about what this practice is about."

The others straightened in their seats, their attention sharpening. Even Irina, who had been reveling in her small victory moments earlier, shifted her focus to Astron’s words.

"As you know," Astron continued, "we’re in the middle of Team Operations and Unit Specialization. Up to now, the course has focused on two primary methods of formation and coordination, both designed to maximize the efficiency of five-member teams in combat scenarios."

He glanced briefly at the others, gauging their reactions before continuing. "The first method we’ve learned is called Kalthor’s Method, named after its creator, the tactician Sorin Kalthor. It’s a foundational formation without much flexibility."

Astron’s sharp purple eyes scanned the group, ensuring he had their full attention before continuing. "Today, we’ll focus on Kalthor’s Method," he said, his voice steady and deliberate. "It’s a foundational formation we’ve all been introduced to in class, but its nuances require consistent practice to master."

He leaned forward slightly, placing his hands on the table as he spoke. "As you know, in the course, we’ve been taught four primary roles: Striker, Defender, Support, and Tactician. However, in Kalthor’s Method, the Tactician role is deliberately excluded. This is because the formation is designed to operate as a cohesive unit without the need for constant commands or adjustments. It prioritizes simplicity and coordination."

Jasmine tilted her head, curiosity flashing in her eyes. "Why leave out the Tactician? Doesn’t every team need someone to oversee things?"

"Well, the professor mentioned that it was because when this method was developed, it was tailored for situations where quick adaptability was less critical than efficient execution." Layla chimed in explaining.

"That is right," Astron affirmed. "Kalthor’s Method emerged during a time when Awakened units were heavily skewed toward close combatants. Support roles were scarce, and most mages and healers were outliers rather than integral parts of teams. Back then, the challenge was forming functional units with limited diversity in skills."

"Hmm? Professor even mentioned this?"

Astron gave a slight nod, his expression calm and deliberate. "No," he said evenly, addressing Irina’s curious gaze. "The professor didn’t mention that part. I was just curious and decided to look into it."

Jasmine’s eyebrows lifted briefly before she chuckled, crossing her arms. "Of course, you did," she said with a grin. "Leave it to you to dig deeper than anyone else."

Astron said nothing, only giving a small nod as he raised his wrist and tapped on his smartwatch. A soft beep sounded, and a moment later, a projected screen appeared in midair above the table. It displayed a clear diagram of Kalthor’s Method, the predetermined team formation document uploaded by the academy.

"Here’s the document," Astron explained as the group leaned closer to study it. The formation was displayed with precision, showing five distinct positions: Striker at the forefront, Defender slightly behind them as the shield, Support in the rear, with two auxiliary positions flanking the formation.

"This is the layout we’re expected to fit into," Astron continued, his tone calm as he pointed to the positions on the diagram. "It’s straightforward."

Layla squinted at the display, her brows furrowed slightly as she processed the information. "So, I’m standing directly in the front?" she asked, pointing at the Defender position marked on the diagram.

"Yes," Astron confirmed. "Your role is to block and absorb the initial impact. You’ll be the shield the rest of the team operates around."

"Alright."

Astron’s purple eyes shifted to the diagram again as he continued. "On the rear flanks, Jasmine and I will take the position. I’ll be using daggers for this formation, focusing on quick eliminations and maintaining our perimeter. Jasmine will handle ranged threats when necessary and provide backup for Irina."

Jasmine grinned, leaning back slightly in her chair. "Got it. I’ll keep things covered." Continue reading on

"In the middle," Astron said, turning his attention to Irina, "you’ll act as the main damage dealer."

Irina smirked, her fiery eyes gleaming with confidence. "Naturally," she said smoothly. "I’ll make sure to live up to expectations."

Finally, Astron’s gaze moved to Sylvie, who was listening intently. "And at the back," he continued, "you’ll provide support." He stopped for a moment, then turned fully to her. "You’re a healer, but in this formation, having a healer isn’t accounted for. Will—"

"I’ll be fine," Sylvie interrupted, her voice firm as she straightened in her seat. Her green eyes met his with quiet determination. "I can combat just as fine."

The room fell quiet for a moment as her words hung in the air. Astron studied her for a beat, his expression unreadable, before giving a small nod. "Alright," he said simply. "As long as you’re prepared."

Sylvie’s lips curved into a faint smile, her gaze steady. "I am."

"Then-"

Though there were more discussions going on.

******

The training grounds buzzed with the hum of mana and the faint echoes of other teams practicing in the distance. The academy’s practice dungeon loomed before them, a formidable stone structure etched with glowing runes. These runes pulsed faintly, a sign that the dungeon’s internal systems were active and ready for their session.

The team stopped just outside the entrance, the air heavy with anticipation. The faint hum of mana in the air seemed to match the rhythmic beat of their collective focus.

Astron turned to the group, his purple eyes steady as he addressed them. "Remember, this dungeon is calibrated for our team’s current ranking and capabilities. The monster waves are designed to test coordination and execution, not brute strength."

Irina crossed her arms, her fiery hair catching the light as she smirked. "Good. That means it’ll reward doing things the right way."

Jasmine cracked her knuckles, her grin widening. "Let’s hope the monsters are ready for us."

"Thirty minutes. That’s all we have to prove ourselves."

Layla stood at the front, her shield strapped firmly to her arm. She inhaled deeply, steadying her nerves.

.Irina Emberheart….I wonder how strong she is.’

The entrance to the dungeon glowed brighter as they approached, the runes reacting to their proximity. As the door slid open with a low rumble, cool air rushed out to meet them, carrying the faint scent of stone and earth.

"Team Irina Emberheart."

The moment they stepped inside, the runes on the walls flared to life, illuminating a wide, circular chamber. At its center, a glowing sigil marked the starting point for the challenge.

A soft, mechanical voice echoed through the space, announcing their trial.

"Training commences. Kalthor Formation. The session begins in sixty seconds. Prepare for incoming waves."

Irina gestured for the team to take their positions.

"Formation," she said simply.

Layla stepped forward without hesitation, positioning herself directly in front of the sigil. Her shield glinted faintly under the rune’s light as she planted her feet firmly, ready to meet whatever came her way.

Irina moved to the center, and everyone took their positions.

Sylvie stood at the rear, her eyes flickering with mana as she prepared to support the team. A faint glow surrounded her, while she was looking at the approaching wave.

The mechanical voice echoed again. "Session begins in ten seconds. Initial wave approaching."

RING!

And then the countdown ended, and the sigil at the center of the chamber flared with brilliant light. From the shadows surrounding the room, the first wave of monsters materialized—wolf-like creatures with glowing eyes and shadowy forms, their growls echoing ominously.

The practice started.

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