Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest

Chapter 673 Chapter 148.4 - Armory

Chapter 673 Chapter 148.4 - Armory

Irina moved through the armory, her gaze animated as she pointed out various artifacts, each one possessing a unique power or history. She seemed completely engrossed, lost in her enthusiasm as she shared the Emberheart family's legacy with Astron. Her eyes sparkled with pride and excitement, her explanations becoming more detailed and vibrant with each piece.

"This one here," she said, pointing to a dark, crimson blade hanging elegantly from the wall, "was wielded by my great-uncle during the Battle of Runes. It's said to channel the heat of molten lava, making it nearly impossible to parry."

Astron nodded thoughtfully, his gaze studying the blade's fine craftsmanship and the intricate runes etched into its surface. "A weapon like this isn't just for attack-it's a statement," he murmured, meeting Irina's gaze with quiet admiration. "Your family's attention to detail is... impressive."

A faint blush crept up Irina's cheeks, but she quickly masked it with a haughty grin. "Of course. It's Emberheart craftsmanship, after all," she replied, her tone playfully smug. Unbeknownst to her, Esme stood silently nearby, observing the two with a faint, knowing smile. Despite being sent by the Matriarch to oversee Astron's visit, Esme could see that her presence had faded into the background for Irina, who was entirely absorbed in sharing this part of her world with him. Her young charge had never been this animated while explaining anything before.

Irina, meanwhile, continued to point out various pieces. "Now, this," she said, indicating an amulet embedded with a dark, glistening gemstone, "isn't just a simple accessory. It's one of the few defensive artifacts in the collection that manipulates heat into a barrier. Useful in close combat situations."

Astron raised an eyebrow. "Heat manipulation into defense... that's more intricate than a typical shielding artifact."

"Exactly," she said, a touch of pride in her voice. "Our ancestors believed that fire wasn't just for offense but could be mastered and harnessed to protect as well."

"Were you there when your ancestors gathered this?"

"I don't need to be there to understand what they were thinking"

"Really?"

"Humph. Just listen."

With each artifact, Irina became more animated, almost forgetting herself entirely. For her, this moment was more than just showing off family heirlooms-it was a chance to share the legacy she held close to her heart with someone who respected its weight and significance.

"So," she continued, holding up a small, intricately carved pendant, "this one-

She suddenly stopped, noticing Esme standing nearby with a bemused expression, her eyes flicking between Irina and Astron with a trace of knowing amusement.

Irina blinked, realizing how deeply she'd been absorbed in showing Astron around. She coughed, shifting slightly, her earlier confidence replaced by a slight awkwardness as she glanced at Esme.

'Why am I even conscious of her? It is not like I am doing something wrong."

She reassured herself, shaking off the momentary self-awareness. With renewed focus,

she continued showcasing the artifacts, her enthusiasm returning as she pointed out more treasures, each with its own story, legacy, or unique power.

Finally, she turned to Astron, a spark of curiosity still bright in her gaze. "So... have you finally found what you wanted?"

Astron met her gaze, nodding. "I have."

"Oh?" Her interest piqued, she leaned in, eyes brightening with anticipation. "What is it?"

Astron listened, his expression remaining steady as she laid out her reasoning. When she finally finished, he gave her a slow, thoughtful nod. "I understand," he said, his tone calm but with a glint of amusement still dancing in his eyes. "But, do you think I am a fool

Irina?"

Astron leaned in, his face coming closer, his voice dropping to a low murmur that sent a shiver down Irina's spine. "Do you think I'm a fool, Irina?" he asked, his breath warm against her skin, his scent unexpectedly close. "Haven't I lost every time I made a quick

judgment?"

For a split second, her mind went blank, caught off guard by his sudden proximity. She felt her thoughts blur as her senses took in the warmth of his presence, his voice reverberating in a way that made her heart skip. But then, with a flash of clarity, she remembered Esme standing nearby, watching the exchange with silent amusement. 'No way am I letting him get away with this,' she thought, regaining her composure. She gave him a firm shove, pushing him back just enough to regain some distance, though the heat she felt rising to her cars betrayed her flustered state.

With a glare that held both irritation and a hint of something she refused to acknowledge, she crossed her arms tightly over her chest. "Just... keep your distance, she muttered, glancing away to conceal the faint blush creeping up her cheeks.

"So?"

Astron's face remained calm, but Irina caught the faintest twitch at the corner of his lips, an almost smile threatening to break through his usually serious expression. He was trying to mask it, yet she could see it-a small victory for him, and somehow, it made her both irritated and amused.

She scoffed, giving him a light but pointed smack on the chest. "What do you mean, "So"?

What?"

He raised an eyebrow, his tone smooth. "So... what do you think? Do you think I'm a

fool?" She narrowed her eyes at him, half-exasperated, half-relenting. "Of course, you're not a fool, Astron. Don't act like I'd actually think that."

"Good," he replied, the almost-smile finally breaking through. His face relaxed, that slight smirk now fully visible, and she couldn't decide if she wanted to hit him again or laugh. "Then, shouldn't you trust my judgment?"

Irina's lips pressed into a thin line as his words sank in. Despite her irritation, she couldn't ignore the truth of his statement. "Trust his judgment...' she thought, recalling that time they'd studied together with Sylvie. She remembered the moment Astron had pinpointed the location of the Phantom's Land, effortlessly spotting clues that had slipped past both her and Sylvie. His eyes, sharp and unyielding, seemed to catch details others missed, always seeing further than anyone expected.

'If he's chosen this bracelet, it can't just be for its agility boost,' she reasoned, feeling her

frustration ease, replaced by grudging admiration. Astron wouldn't have made a choice based on something so trivial. There had to be something about the bracelet he'd noticed-something she hadn't.

She studied him, her gaze softening. "Fine," she relented, a bit of her irritation fading. "I

guess... I'll trust your judgment. But I'm curious-what did you see in that bracelet that I

missed?"

"You will see."

In the end, she didn't get the answer.