Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest

<Arcadia Hunter Academy, Friday Morning>

The theoretical exams were finally over, and the academy granted a three-day break to allow the students to recover and prepare for the upcoming practical exams. These duels were more than just tests; they were a showcase of the freshmen's talent and potential, a long-standing tradition of the academy.

In her office, Eleanor took a moment to savor her morning coffee. This wasn't just any coffee; it was a high-concentrated filtered brew made from a special leaf nurtured in a specific mana zone.

The leaf was a rare commodity, hardly accessible to anyone, even high-ranking government officials. She had it ordered specifically for herself, a small indulgence that she permitted amidst her demanding responsibilities.

"….."

Eleanor lifted the cup to her lips, her expression remaining stoic as she relished the rich, robust flavor.

"The taste is the best, as usual." She commented.

The coffee's unique aroma filled the room, providing a brief moment of calm before the day's work began. Setting the cup down, she began to prepare for another day, her mind already shifting gears to focus on the tasks ahead.

"Then, let's start."

As she organized her desk, her eyes fell on a document resting in the corner. With a slight wave of her hand, she used her 「Telekinesis」 to bring the document to her. It was the file containing the details of the relatives of each student in her homeroom class.

Curious and meticulous by nature, Eleanor began to go through the names one by one. After all, in this event, people from the outside world would be allowed to enter, and that is by far one of the most risky decisions.

Considering the recent events that were surrounding the academy, she knew being cautious was important.

Also, she believed that understanding her students' backgrounds could provide valuable insights into their behavior, motivations, and potential challenges.

She flipped open the file and started reading.

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Irina Emberheart

Relative: Esme Abigail (Appointed by Matriarch Emberheart)(Nanny)

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

Eleanor raised an eyebrow. The Emberheart family was known for their strict control and high expectations. Since they were a rather high-ranking mage family, it was no surprise that the matriarch wouldn't directly attend.

Though it may look like an utter disregard, Matriarch Emberheart was known to be like that, so Eleanor didn't find it surprising.

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Lilia Thornheart

Relative: James Thornheart (Father)

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Yet, for another cadet, the case was different. After all, Lilia's father was attending to the event.

'James Thornheart. Previous S-rank Hunter, Global Ranking 24.'

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5-6. Julia and Lucas Middleton

Relative: Fergus Middleton(Father)

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

A man who is the patriarch of the current Middleton Family, one of the Five Sword Families.

And a current S-rank hunter. He was still active on the field and one of the most dangerous people in the entire continent.

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Carl Braveheart

Relative: General Kyle Braveheart (Father)

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

The general of the military. Someone who had been on the frontlines for years and had been awarded with the metals.

Ethan HartleyRelatives: Aunt Kaya Hartley and Niece Jane Hartley

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

'Kaya….'

The moment Eleanor saw the name on the list, for the first time in the day, her eyes shook. After all, the woman was familiar, someone she was acquainted with before.

'So, you are the one coming with your child.'

Remembering a certain person in her head, she smiled. It was a helpless smile.

"I guess you are poking your victory into my eyes."

A faint whisper escaped her mouth. Yet, it was just a brief moment. For her, those were the memories of the past, something that she had long forgotten.

Turning her attention to the list once again, she continued to go through the names.

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Astron Natusalune

Relatives: Garrett Baxter and Reina Bond (Foster Father and Foster Mother)

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

The moment Eleanor saw the names Garrett Baxter and Reina Bond, her eyes narrowed. She knew Reina Bond well, a name not easily forgotten.

'That organization….'

At that moment, she slowly started putting the pieces into the puzzle. It explained how a kid like Astron could enter one of the best, possibly best, academies without any help.

'So, they are the ones behind him.'

Eleanor's eyes were narrowed. If that organization played a role in Astron's administration, there was a very high chance that things would not be as simple as they looked.

As Eleanor recalled Astron's performance during the dungeon exams, his attitude, and his prowess in the oral exams, a pattern began to emerge. His rude attitude and low scores seemed deliberate as if designed to lower her expectations. His sudden request for weapons mid-semester and the numerous incidents surrounding him started to make sense in a new light.

'Maybe he's been laying low intentionally. Maybe, from the start, he's been faking it all.'

The more Eleanor considered this, the more she saw a potential strategy behind his actions. His behavior could have been a calculated effort to remain invisible in her eyes. His sudden improvement and involvement in dangerous events suggested hidden depths and capabilities.

'It's possible the organization messed with his talent assessment to lower his entrance score,' she thought, considering the implications.

Eleanor's gaze hardened. If Astron was connected to such an organization and had been manipulating his performance all along, it meant that there was a possibility that he was far more capable and dangerous than she had previously thought.

This realization demanded a reassessment of her approach towards him.

This was something that she had already been doing, but that name, Reina, evoked another perspective. Things that she had never considered previously were now starting to come to light.

And at the end of the day, she could only do one thing.

'Observe and understand. My role here is to guide.'

After all, even if he is from that organization, it wasn't like he was a threat or anything. She could just observe him closely.

'Closely….Right, let's see it in the future.'

With that thought, she stamped over the document.

*******

<Arcadia Hunter Academy, Friday Night>

Dorian, Helia, and Aria sat together in the dimly lit common room, the glow of the tablet casting eerie shadows across their faces. They had gathered to watch a popular video that had surfaced, hoping to glean some insight into the recent string of attacks.

The video showed Emma, a well-known sophomore, and her group mercilessly beating a freshman named Ethan and a girl beside him. The scene was brutal, yet Dorian's face didn't change.

"That's Emma," Helia muttered, her eyes narrowing in recognition. "What is she doing?"

Aria winced, her injuries still fresh. "This is horrible. Why would they do this?"

Dorian remained silent, his mind racing as he connected the dots. The pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place, and a dark realization settled over him.

"Ethan Hartley," he murmured, his eyes narrowing as he replayed the video in his mind. "The chances of him being connected to your assailant are highly possible... a plot of revenge."

"That…was it really him? What if he wasn't connected to anything at all?" Aria asked. Even though her injuries and the beating she received remained in her memory, she still didn't want to act blindly.

"We can't be sure. After all, even the academy was unable to find anything regarding the assailant." Dorian answered. Yet, his eyes were ferocious. "But, so what? Even if he wasn't connected, at the end of the day, they started the war, and we will only continue it."

Helia looked at him, concern etched on her face. "What are you thinking, Dorian?"

Dorian pulled out his phone and quickly dialed a number. "I have a plan," he said, his voice steady. "I know a freshman who owes me a favor. I'll ask him to deal with Ethan in the Final Exam duels."

Helia's eyes widened in surprise. "You mean... take him down during the exams?"

Dorian nodded, his gaze steely. "Exactly. We need to hit him where it hurts and show him that we won't stand for this. If he's responsible for what happened to Aria, he needs to pay."

"B-but…."

"Shut up, Aria. Did you forget what they did to you?"

"N-no."

"Right. Me neither."

"But, that freshmen….Will he accept it? Since everything is happening between us and freshmen, why would he take it?" Helia asked. Her words made sense.

"Well, he doesn't have any choice but to do so." Dorian just smiled and dialed the number.

********

On the other side of the academy, another deal between a freshman and a sophomore-year student was going.

Trevor Philips stood leaning against the brick wall near the academy's training grounds, his dark eyes scanning the crowd for his target.

The buzz of students mingling and the clatter of training equipment filled the air, but his focus was singular. He spotted Liam Wayne, a freshman with a determined stride and a steely glint in his eye, making his way through the throng.

As Liam approached, Trevor pushed off the wall and stepped into his path. Liam halted, looking up at the sophomore, who was a good head taller than him.

"Hey, Wayne," Trevor began, his voice low and steady. "You ready to deal with that bastard?"

Liam's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing at the mention of his target. He nodded firmly. "Yes," he said, his voice carrying a quiet intensity. "I haven't forgotten what he did. The humiliation he put me through..."

Trevor's lips curled into a knowing smirk. "Good. Because the final exam duels are coming up fast, this is your chance to trample over him, show everyone what you're made of, and you will have your reward."

Liam's eyes burned with resolve. "I will," he replied, his fists clenching at his sides. "I'll make sure he regrets ever crossing me."

Trevor nodded approvingly. "That's the spirit. Remember, it's not just about winning—it's about making a statement. You crush him, and you crush his reputation. Everyone will remember that kid as a failure."

Liam's expression hardened, a mixture of anger and determination fueling his resolve. "I won't let him get away with it. I'll make sure he feels every bit of the shame he made me feel."

"Good," Trevor said, clapping a hand on Liam's shoulder. "When the time comes, unleash everything you've got. We'll be watching."

"I will not disappoint you," Liam said, looking at his smartwatch. There was his target.

-----------A/N----------

Liam Wayne is the kid that Astron had humiliated in the classroom at the start of the story. He was the one who tried to punch him and was beaten instead.