Chapter 815 - Mentorship
As soon as Professor Kain left the room, Julia groaned dramatically, slumping forward onto her desk. "Ugh, another report? Seriously? I'm so done with this!" she whined, her voice carrying over the murmurs of the other students. "Why do we always have to write these stupid things? We're hunters, not writers!"
Ethan chuckled softly, leaning back in his chair. "I mean, she's got a point. Writing reports after every exercise does get old."
Lucas, sitting nearby, smirked faintly as he adjusted his tablet. "You're acting like this is new. It's the academy. You had to know there'd be another report coming."
"Expected or not," Julia said, shooting Lucas a glare, "that doesn't make it any less annoying. I'd rather be in a dungeon fighting something than stuck in my room analyzing formations."
Lilia, who had been quietly packing her things, raised an eyebrow. "We've been writing reports since the start of the semester. You should've gotten used to it by now."
Julia shook her head vehemently, crossing her arms. "Getting used to it doesn't mean I have to like it."
Irina, seated a few rows behind them, smirked faintly as she listened in on the conversation. "You could always delegate it to someone else," she said dryly, her fiery yellow eyes glinting with amusement.
Julia spun around to face her, her blue eyes narrowing suspiciously. "Are you volunteering?"
Irina chuckled, leaning back in her chair. "Not a chance. You'd probably 'critique' my writing style the whole time."
Julia groaned again, flopping back into her seat with exaggerated defeat. "I'm not cut out for this academic stuff. Can't we just skip the reports and prove ourselves in the field?"
Ethan shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "You know that's not how it works. Kain's right—reflecting on what we did helps us get better."
Julia shot him a look, her lips pursing. "You're starting to sound like a professor, Zeus. Don't let it go to your head."
Lilia chuckled softly, her tone light but teasing. "Don't worry. He's just trying to keep you from complaining the whole week."
Julia huffed, shaking her head as she grabbed her bag. "Fine, fine. I'll do the stupid report. But don't expect me to enjoy it."
The group laughed, the tension of the assignment easing into their usual camaraderie as they gathered their things and prepared to leave. Despite Julia's grumbling, they all knew she'd get it done—probably with a few more complaints along the way.
Julia, unable to sit still in her frustration, spun back toward Irina, a mischievous glint sparking in her blue eyes. "You know what, Irina?" she said, crossing her arms on the back of her chair and leaning toward her classmate. "How did your practical lesson go? With your 'Mister Cool' here, you should've had quite a lot of fun, right?" Her tone was laced with playful mockery, each word exaggerated for effect.
Irina raised an eyebrow, her fiery yellow eyes narrowing slightly as a faint smirk played at her lips. "Mister Cool?" she repeated, her voice calm but edged with warning. "Are we giving Astron a new nickname now, or is this just your way of fishing for gossip?"
Julia grinned, undeterred by Irina's sharp tone. "Oh, I'm not fishing. I'm hooking. Come on, Irina, you've got to admit, partnering up with someone like him must've made things… interesting."
Irina's smirk deepened, but her tone remained steady. "If by 'interesting,' you mean him silently doing his part without much fuss, then sure. Fascinating stuff."
Julia wasn't about to let up, her grin widening as she draped her arms over the back of her chair like a cat preparing to pounce. "Oh, come on. You're telling me you didn't notice the way everyone in the dungeon was sneaking glances at him? The silent brooding, the impossible precision—classic 'Mister Cool' energy. Bet you were swooning the whole time."
"Indeed. The guy has a way of making everything look effortless. It's obnoxious."
"Exactly!" Julia said, pointing at Lilia as if she'd just solved a great mystery. "Obnoxiously cool. So, Irina, what's the verdict? Did he swoop in to save you at the last second, or were you too busy trying to keep up?"
Irina leaned back in her chair, her expression as calm as ever, though her narrowed gaze carried a subtle edge. "First of all, I don't need saving. And second," she added, her tone dripping with mock sweetness, "if you're so fascinated by Astron, why don't you ask him yourself? I'm sure he'd love to entertain your endless curiosity."
Julia gasped, her hand flying to her chest in mock offense. "Irina Emberheart, are you suggesting I'm the one interested in him? How scandalous! I'm just here to make sure you don't miss your moment with our resident enigma."
"Moment?" Irina repeated, raising an eyebrow. "Please. The only thing Astron and I have in common is the desire to finish assignments without dealing with nonsense like this."
Julia's grin widened, the glint of mischief in her eyes turning almost predatory. She leaned forward, her voice dropping into a conspiratorial tone. "Heeeeeeh… Really? Are you sure you two didn't share a steamy moment in the heat of battle?" she teased, dragging out the words as if savoring every syllable.
Irina didn't flinch, her fiery yellow eyes narrowing slightly, though the faintest twitch at the corner of her lips betrayed her growing irritation.
"And," Julia continued, her grin practically splitting her face now, "your team consisted of all women, right? Tell me—did Mister Cool somehow manage to land himself a harem? I mean, just picture it: our resident enigma, brooding in the middle of a group of women. That would be priceless."
Lilia snorted, barely suppressing a laugh as she glanced at Irina, clearly enjoying Julia's relentless antics. "You have to admit," she said with a faint smirk, "it is a funny image. Astron, the silent protector of his harem."
"Exactly!" Julia said, her excitement building. She twisted in her chair, throwing a wink in Astron's direction. "Hey, Astron, how does it feel being surrounded by adoring fans? Got any insights for us?"
Astron, seated a few rows away, didn't even bother looking up from his tablet. His calm, indifferent demeanor remained unshaken, as though Julia's teasing didn't exist in his world.
Julia turned back to Irina, throwing her hands up in mock exasperation. "See? He's too cool to even acknowledge me! The audacity!" Her dramatic flair earned a round of chuckles from the group.
Irina, however, remained still, her composure seemingly unshaken—until a subtle pause in her movements betrayed her. It was brief, barely noticeable to anyone else, but Julia caught it immediately, her grin widening triumphantly.
Irina exhaled quietly, leaning forward with deliberate calm. Her voice, when she finally spoke, was as sharp as the edge of a blade. "Julia," she began, her tone light but edged with steel, "if you have so much time to fantasize about Astron's social life, maybe you should channel that energy into your report. Who knows? You might even manage to turn it in on time for once."
Julia feigned a wounded look, placing a hand over her chest. "Ouch. Low blow, Irina. But I'm just saying, it'd be a shame if someone as interesting as Astron got all this attention and didn't even notice."
Irina's smirk returned, this time tinged with a hint of menace. "Don't worry, Julia. I'm sure he notices plenty—he's just selective about what's worth his time."
The group laughed, the playful banter easing the tension in the room. Even Julia had to admit defeat, though the glint of mischief in her eyes made it clear she wasn't done poking fun at Irina just yet.
RING!
The shrill sound of the bell echoed through the classroom, signaling the end of the break. Julia let out a dramatic groan, slumping forward onto her desk as though she'd just been dealt a mortal blow. "That's it? That's all the time we get? That wasn't a break—it was a glorified blink!"
Several other students murmured in agreement, their voices carrying a mix of frustration and exhaustion.
"Shortest break ever," Julia grumbled, sitting back up and throwing her arms in the air. "I barely had time to complain about how much I hate reports!"
Lilia, already organized with her tablet neatly placed on her desk, arched an eyebrow at Julia. "It felt short because Professor Kain went over time. He's not exactly known for his impeccable time management."
Julia turned toward Lilia with a mock glare. "You're really going to defend this travesty of a break? Traitor."
Lilia smirked, leaning back in her chair with a casual shrug. "I'm not defending it; I'm just stating facts. Besides, maybe if you spent less time teasing Irina, you'd feel like you got more out of the break."
Irina, who had been quietly reviewing her notes, glanced up with a faint smirk. "She has a point. Though, I doubt you'd be able to resist your usual antics, Julia."
Julia crossed her arms, pouting. "You're all ganging up on me now, huh? Fine, I'll just sit here in silence. No jokes. No teasing. Just a perfect, studious cadet."
The group exchanged skeptical glances before bursting into laughter. Julia's mock indignation quickly crumbled into a grin as she joined in.
The door opened suddenly, and the laughter died down as all eyes turned toward the entrance. Professor Eleanor stepped into the room, her heels clicking against the polished floor as she made her way to the podium. She carried her usual stack of papers and tablet, her sharp eyes immediately scanning the room to ensure everyone was settled.
"Good morning," she said, her voice crisp and commanding. The room instantly fell into a respectful silence, the students straightening in their seats.
Eleanor placed her materials on the podium, her gaze briefly lingering on Julia, who sat with an exaggeratedly serious expression as if to prove her earlier declaration of studiousness. A faint quirk of Eleanor's brow suggested she wasn't entirely fooled.
"Let us begin," Eleanor continued, her tone leaving no room for delay. She tapped her tablet, and the classroom screen flickered to life, displaying a detailed diagram of mana flow and elemental interactions. "Today's lesson will focus on advanced applications of elemental synergy. Open your textbooks to page 78."
Chapter 816 - Mentorship (2)
Eleanor's sharp gaze swept across the room as she tapped her tablet once more, closing the diagram on the screen. The classroom lights adjusted automatically, brightening to their standard setting.
"And with that," she said, her tone as crisp as ever, "we've covered the main topics for today's lesson. That concludes the lecture."
A murmur of relief rippled through the cadets. Julia practically melted into her chair, whispering a dramatic "Finally!" under her breath. Ethan smirked, already packing his notes, while Lucas stretched with a faint yawn.
But before anyone could so much as stand, Eleanor's voice cut through the room like a blade. "Sit down."
The cadets froze, mid-motion, as her piercing eyes locked on the group. Her tone wasn't harsh, but it carried an undeniable weight—one that demanded attention.
"I didn't say you were dismissed," she continued, her hands clasped neatly in front of her. "There's one more matter we need to address before you leave."
A collective groan stirred among the students, though no one dared voice it aloud. Julia slumped back into her seat, muttering, "Of course there's more," just loud enough for Lilia to snicker.
Eleanor ignored the murmurs, raising her chin slightly as she continued. "As you're all aware, the mentorship program is set to begin next week."
The room shifted as students exchanged glances. The mentorship program had been the talk of the academy for weeks—an initiative that paired cadets with experienced hunters to gain hands-on experience in the field. It was a prestigious opportunity, but also one that came with high expectations.
"Your performance in this program will not only reflect on you individually," Eleanor said, her tone measured but firm, "but also on the academy itself. The hunters taking part in this initiative are some of the most renowned in their fields. They will expect discipline, skill, and above all, professionalism."
Julia leaned toward Ethan, whispering, "Translation: don't embarrass us."
Eleanor's sharp gaze flicked in their direction, and Julia immediately straightened, her lips pressing into a thin line as she feigned innocence.
"Since this program is mandatory," Eleanor continued, her eyes sweeping the room, "I trust you've all reviewed the preparatory materials I assigned last week."
A faint ripple of tension passed through the room. It wasn't hard to tell which students had actually completed the materials and which had… skimmed. Julia sank lower in her chair, her expression a mixture of defiance and guilt.
Eleanor paused, letting the silence settle uncomfortably before speaking again. "I'll be reviewing your individual assignments later this week to ensure you're adequately prepared. But for now, I want to hear your thoughts. What are your expectations for this program? What do you hope to gain? And," she added, her gaze narrowing slightly, "how do you intend to make the most of this opportunity?"
The room remained silent for a moment, the cadets unsure whether she was expecting volunteers or would start calling on them.
"No expectations? Well, I guess that kind of makes sense, as we have stated that for freshmen this program wouldn't be detailed."
She clasped her hands in front of her and leaned slightly against the podium. "However," she continued, her voice firm, "even if you're not expecting much, you should at least set some goals for yourselves. The mentorship program is more than just an exercise. It's a chance to work alongside seasoned hunters—an opportunity that many of you won't fully appreciate until you're in the field."
The room stirred as Eleanor's words sank in, some cadets straightening in their seats with newfound attention. Julia, despite her usual nonchalance, glanced sideways at Lilia, who had already opened her tablet to the relevant section of her notes.
Eleanor's expression softened slightly, her piercing gaze shifting to something almost encouraging. "Since the list of hunters participating in the program has been finalized, I'm pleased to inform you that as of today, applications for mentorship will be open."
The room buzzed with a ripple of excitement, the earlier tension giving way to an undercurrent of enthusiasm. Several cadets exchanged eager whispers, and Julia perked up, leaning toward Ethan with a grin. "The list is already updated? This might actually be interesting."
Ethan smirked. "Bet you'll spend more time picking a hunter than writing your report."
Before Julia could retort, a hand shot up from the middle of the room. Eleanor's gaze shifted to the source, her expression expectant. "Yes?"
The cadet, a sharp-eyed boy with neatly combed hair, lowered his hand. "What if too many cadets apply for a specific hunter?" he asked, his voice steady but curious. "How will the academy decide?"
Eleanor's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. "Isn't the answer obvious?" she replied, her tone measured but direct. "The academy operates based on merit. If multiple cadets apply for the same hunter, priority will be given to those with higher grades."
A ripple of mixed reactions coursed through the room. Some students nodded in understanding, while others exchanged uneasy glances. Julia leaned back in her chair, muttering under her breath, "Great. Another reason for Irina and Lilia to gloat."
Irina, overhearing, smirked without looking up from her tablet. "It's not gloating if it's just facts."
Eleanor allowed the murmurs to settle before continuing. "Let this serve as a reminder that your performance matters. This program is not a popularity contest—it's about demonstrating your potential to those who can guide you further. The hunters participating have high expectations. Show them that you're worth their time."
Her words carried weight, and the room grew quiet once more, the cadets absorbing the reality of the program's competitive nature.
"Applications will remain open until the end of the week," Eleanor added, glancing at her tablet. "I suggest you review the list carefully, assess your own strengths and weaknesses, and choose a mentor who aligns with your goals. Do not waste this opportunity on frivolous decisions."
The bell rang, signaling the end of the class, but Eleanor didn't dismiss them immediately. Her gaze lingered on the group, her expression stern but not unkind.
"Remember," she said, her voice cutting through the noise of students preparing to leave, "this program is designed to challenge you, to push you beyond your limits. Treat it with the seriousness it deserves."
With that, she nodded. "You're dismissed."
As the bell's shrill tone faded, Eleanor's sharp words still lingered in the air, leaving an unspoken pressure that kept nearly every cadet rooted in their seats. Despite being dismissed, no one moved to leave. Instead, a palpable buzz of excitement and curiosity swept through the room as students immediately reached for their tablets.
"Did you see the list yet?" someone whispered near the front.
"It's already updated," another replied, their tone tinged with anticipation.
Julia leaned back in her chair, flipping open her tablet with a dramatic flourish. "Well, well," she said, her blue eyes glinting with mischief. "Let's see what we're working with."
The room filled with the quiet hum of tablets booting up and excited murmurs. Irina, seated a few rows behind Julia, opened her own tablet with a far more restrained air. She glanced briefly at the screen before settling into a calm focus, while Ethan peered over Julia's shoulder with mild curiosity.
Lilia, already ahead of the others, scrolled through the application page with her characteristic efficiency. "The names are impressive," she remarked casually, though the faintest trace of admiration colored her voice.
Julia's gaze scanned the list, and as the names appeared, she let out a low, appreciative whistle. "Whooo… What a list."
Ethan raised an eyebrow, leaning closer. "What do we have?"
"See for yourself," Julia said, gesturing toward her tablet as she began reading aloud. "Callum Graves, the Thunderblade Knight. Amelia Lake, known for her dual-elemental mastery. And Selena Vayl… wait, the Selena Vayl? Moonlit Enchanter herself?"
"That's her," Lilia confirmed, her voice even but her eyes betraying a flicker of excitement. "She's one of the academy's most accomplished alumni. Enchantment specialist, tactical genius, and, if I remember correctly, she designed the mana synchronization array used in modern guild formations."
Julia let out a low hum of appreciation. "No wonder everyone's hyped about this. If even half these hunters are as good as their reputations, this program is going to be insane."
Irina, scrolling at her own pace, interjected smoothly, "That also means competition for mentorship will be fierce. I wouldn't get too excited until you see who else is applying."
"Oh, come on," Julia retorted with a grin, "don't be such a killjoy. Let me dream a little."
Ethan glanced at the list, his brow furrowing as he took in the array of names. "Callum Graves is going to draw a lot of attention," he mused aloud. "If I remember correctly, he, Amelia Lake and Instructor Eleanor graduated together at the same time."
"Yep," Lilia chimed in, her tone light but certain. "They were close friends back in the day. If I remember correctly, they even founded a guild together—Silver Vanguard, wasn't it? Though Eleanor eventually left to join the academy as an instructor."
Julia raised an eyebrow, leaning forward with growing interest. "Wait, they started a guild and stayed friends? That's impressive. Most partnerships like that end in drama and broken alliances."
Ethan nodded thoughtfully. "True, but Silver Vanguard was different. They had a reputation for balancing discipline with innovation. It wasn't just about strength—they emphasized strategy and teamwork. A lot of guilds today still follow some of their practices."
Irina glanced up from her tablet, her fiery yellow eyes narrowing slightly. "If they were so successful, why did Eleanor leave?"
That was a question itself.
Chapter 817 - Mentorship (3)
"If they were so successful, why did Eleanor leave?"
The room fell into a brief, heavy silence following Irina's question. The unspoken tension hung in the air, as if the cadets were collectively turning the question over in their minds but reluctant to voice their speculations. Even Julia, usually quick to fill the silence with a quip, remained quiet, her brow furrowed slightly.
Ethan shifted in his seat, his gaze dropping to his tablet as though the answer might magically appear there. "That's… a good question," he said finally, his voice quieter than usual. "I've heard a few things, but nothing concrete."
"Same," Lilia admitted, her tone unusually restrained. "There are rumors, of course, but…" She trailed off, her green eyes flicking toward the front of the room as if half-expecting Eleanor to materialize and hear her thoughts.
Julia tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "Rumors? Like what?"
Lilia's lips pressed into a thin line, and she shook her head. "Nothing worth repeating here."
Irina's fiery yellow eyes darted between her classmates, her sharp instincts catching the subtle shifts in their expressions. She didn't press further, but her silence spoke volumes—she understood there was more to the story, even if no one was willing to say it aloud.
Julia, never one to let go of a thread, leaned forward conspiratorially, lowering her voice. "Oh, come on. You can't just drop that and leave us hanging. What kind of rumors are we talking about? Betrayal? Drama? A secret lover?"
"Julia," Lilia said sharply, cutting her off with a glare. "Enough. You don't want Eleanor to overhear you speculating like that."
At the mention of Eleanor, the tension in the room sharpened. Even Julia, who rarely took anything seriously, leaned back in her chair with a sheepish grin. "Okay, okay, point taken. I don't need her wrath raining down on me."
Ethan chuckled softly, though his expression remained thoughtful. "Yeah, let's not poke that hornet's nest. Whatever the truth is, it's not something she'd appreciate being dissected in a classroom."
The cadets exchanged uneasy glances, the air thick with unspoken questions they dared not ask. Irina returned her focus to her tablet, her sharp gaze scanning the list of hunters with renewed interest, as though the names might offer a distraction from the unanswered mystery.
Julia broke the silence with a dramatic sigh, her grin returning as she attempted to lighten the mood. "Fine, we'll shelve the Eleanor drama for now. But seriously, how did Silver Vanguard even have time to be so legendary? Between running a guild and building reputations like that, it's no wonder they're still famous."
Irina, sensing the shift in tone, smirked faintly. "Some people are just built different, Julia. You'd know that if you spent more time working and less time talking."
"Ha, ha," Julia shot back, though her grin was genuine. "You wound me, Irina. But fine, I'll take the hint. Back to the list."
The room slowly returned to its previous buzz of activity, with cadets reviewing the mentorship applications and murmuring about their preferences. Yet, the question Irina had raised lingered at the back of their minds, a quiet reminder of the enigmatic figure who had just left them with more than one mystery to ponder.
As the cadets continued scrolling through the list together, Julia's finger froze mid-swipe, her blue eyes widening in surprise. She leaned closer to her tablet, as if to confirm what she'd just seen, before exclaiming, "Kaya Hartley?"
All heads turned toward her at once, and then, almost as one, toward Ethan. Julia, never one to miss an opportunity, was the first to speak. "Your aunt is on the list?" she asked, spinning toward him with an incredulous grin.
Ethan raised his hands defensively, his hazel eyes wide with genuine surprise. "I didn't know about this either! I just found out."
Julia narrowed her eyes, studying him for a moment as though trying to gauge his honesty. Then, her grin turned sly. "Well, if she's here, that must mean she's interested in someone. Maybe she's got her eye on one of us."
Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Or maybe," he said dryly, "she's just here to teach, like every other mentor."
Julia waved a dismissive hand, her grin widening. "Sure, maybe. But thinking about the possibilities doesn't hurt, does it?"
Ethan gave her a pointed look. "That's rich coming from you."
Ignoring his jab, Julia's grin remained firmly in place as she leaned back, clearly enjoying herself. Ethan shook his head and reached for his smartwatch, deciding to check the list himself.
Opening the academy's portal app, he navigated to the mentorship program section. As the page loaded, his brow furrowed in confusion. The section where the submission forms were supposed to be was blank. Instead, a bold message greeted him at the top of the page:
"Your mentor has been confirmed."
Ethan blinked, sitting up straighter as he read the message again to be sure. Beneath it, a line of text appeared, simple yet striking:
"Mentee: Ethan Hartley.
Mentor: Eleanor White."
"What?" he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.
The others noticed his reaction immediately. Julia leaned in, her curiosity practically radiating off her. "What's wrong, Zeus? You look like you just saw a ghost."
Ethan didn't reply right away, his gaze fixed on the screen. Finally, he glanced up, his expression a mix of confusion and disbelief. "I… I don't have a submission form," he said slowly. "It says my mentor's already been assigned."
The group exchanged surprised glances. "Assigned?" Irina repeated, her fiery yellow eyes narrowing. "Without you applying?"
Julia raised an eyebrow, her grin turning mischievous. "Ooooh, who's the lucky mentor?"
Ethan exhaled deeply, glancing back at his screen before answering. "Eleanor White."
That announcement hit like a lightning bolt. The group's reaction was immediate and loud. Julia clapped her hands together, a mix of disbelief and excitement in her voice. "What?! Eleanor? As in Instructor Eleanor? The same Eleanor who strikes fear into every cadet here?"
Lilia's green eyes widened slightly, though her tone remained measured. "That's… unusual. Assigning a mentor without application isn't standard protocol."
Lilia's green eyes remained fixed on her tablet as she scrolled through the guidelines, her expression sharp. "It says here that everyone is supposed to choose their own mentors," she remarked, her voice even but tinged with curiosity. She tapped the screen and turned it slightly to show the others. "The system is designed for cadets to submit their applications, and then mentors select from those applications. There's no mention of pre-assignments anywhere."
Ethan frowned, glancing between Lilia's tablet and his smartwatch. His mind raced as he tried to make sense of it. Then why? he thought, his brows knitting together. Why was I assigned directly?
Before he could voice his thoughts, Julia leaned in with a mischievous grin, her blue eyes sparkling with humor. "Maybe she's taken a liking to you," she said, her tone laced with teasing. "Maybe Instructor Eleanor just wants to spend some alone time with you. Who knows? Maybe you're her favorite."
Ethan shot her an incredulous look, echoed by everyone else in the group. "Even jokes should have some boundaries, Julia," he said, his tone firm. "If Instructor Eleanor were here, you'd have been blasted across the room by now."
Julia waved her hand dismissively, completely unbothered. "It's just a joke," she said, crossing her arms with a dramatic huff. "And what's with all this talk about boundaries? The darker the joke, the better!"
"..."
The silence that followed was heavy, punctuated only by Ethan's slow blink as he stared at her, utterly unimpressed.
Julia rolled her eyes, throwing her hands up in mock frustration. "Humph. You guys don't know how to appreciate good humor. Honestly, the only thing darker than my jokes is your sense of fun."
Lilia smirked faintly, but her focus remained on the guidelines. "Regardless of your theories, this situation isn't normal," she said, her voice cutting through Julia's antics. "If Eleanor requested Ethan specifically, it means she has a reason. And knowing her, it's not something casual."
Irina, leaning back in her chair, added calmly, "Whatever it is, Ethan, you're going to find out soon enough. Eleanor doesn't seem like the type to keep things vague."
Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair again. "Great. So now I've got to figure out why the most intimidating mentor in the program decided to single me out. No pressure."
Julia grinned, nudging him playfully. "Oh, come on, Zeus. Look on the bright side—at least you won't have to fight for her attention like the rest of us. You're already in."
Ethan groaned, but a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips despite himself. "Yeah, lucky me."
The group chuckled, their banter lightening the mood even as the mystery of Ethan's sudden mentorship assignment lingered in the back of their minds.
Just as the group's conversation began to settle, the sharp creak of the classroom door broke through the chatter. All heads turned as Eleanor stepped inside, her heels clicking against the polished floor with precision. Her gaze swept over the room, sharp and commanding as always.
"Ethan. Astron. Come to my office," she said briskly, her voice leaving no room for questions or delay. Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel and exited the room, the door closing behind her with a definitive click.
Chapter 818 - Mentorship (4)
"Ethan. Astron. Come to my office."
The moment she said and then left, a stunned silence fell over the cadets, the weight of Eleanor's abrupt appearance hanging heavy in the air.
Julia's eyes widened as she turned to Ethan, her grin quickly returning. "Well, well, Zeus," she said, her tone dripping with mock intrigue. "Looks like your private time with Eleanor is kicking off sooner than expected."
Ethan shot her a warning look but didn't respond, the tension in his chest making it hard to focus on a comeback.
At that moment, Irina turned sharply, her fiery yellow eyes locking onto Astron, who was seated a few rows back. He hadn't moved, his expression calm as ever, but his sharp purple eyes were fixed on his smartwatch, where something on the screen had clearly caught his attention.
Irina raised an eyebrow, her tone carefully measured. "Hmm… Don't tell me?"
The silence in the classroom stretched as Irina continued to stare at Astron, her fiery yellow eyes narrowing slightly. Her gaze flicked to his smartwatch, which he was intently focused on. Though he hadn't moved from his seat, the subtle tension in his posture was impossible to miss.
Irina's suspicion deepened as her lips parted slightly. What she was thinking, others in the room seemed to be thinking too. The quiet murmur of whispers began to ripple through the cadets, and a few had already stood, walking toward Astron's desk.
Among them was the trio of girls who had shown a marked interest in Astron earlier in the semester—Tessa, Eva, and Mira. They exchanged brief glances before making a beeline for him, their curiosity evident in the urgency of their steps.
"Hey, Astron," Tessa started, her tone a mix of concern and intrigue. "What's going on? Did something happen?"
Eva leaned slightly closer, her eyes searching his face. "Did you do something? Why would Eleanor call for you like that?"
"Is she mad at you?" Mira added.
Astron glanced up, his sharp purple eyes briefly scanning the trio before he responded in his usual calm, measured tone. "I don't know the exact reason," he said simply, his voice carrying easily over the growing whispers in the room. "But I have a guess."
His answer only seemed to deepen the intrigue as the three girls exchanged glances, their curiosity piqued further.
Irina's eyes remained fixed on him, her sharp instincts catching the faint flicker of thought in his expression. She followed his line of sight as his gaze shifted subtly, landing squarely on Ethan, who was still standing near the door.
Ethan, as if sensing the weight of Astron's look, turned his head and met his eyes. The silent exchange between them carried an unspoken understanding, though neither said a word.
Julia, always quick to pick up on tension, leaned toward Irina, her grin widening. "Okay, what is going on here? First Eleanor singles out Zeus, now Astron's involved, and they're having a whole silent conversation like we're not even here."
Irina didn't answer, her focus still on the two. The classroom buzzed with speculation as more cadets started to whisper theories about what could possibly connect Ethan and Astron to Eleanor's sudden summons.
Eva, not one to let things slide, leaned in closer to Astron, lowering her voice. "Your guess—does it have something to do with… you know… what happened earlier this semester?"
Astron didn't reply immediately, his calm demeanor unshaken. Finally, he stood, slipping his smartwatch into his pocket. "I'll know for sure soon enough," he said, his tone giving no room for further questions.
Irina's fiery yellow eyes narrowed sharply as Astron stood up, his usual calm demeanor only serving to stoke her growing irritation. Her jaw tightened as she pushed her chair back with deliberate force, the legs scraping audibly against the floor. The sound cut through the hum of whispers, drawing attention to her as she rose to her full height.
The trio of girls—Tessa, Eva, and Mira—glanced her way, their curiosity briefly shifting to unease under her commanding presence. They exchanged glances but stepped aside without a word, instinctively clearing a path for her.
Astron had already begun moving toward the door, his steps measured and unhurried. Irina's fiery gaze locked onto him, and she spoke, her voice carrying a sharp edge. "Leaving already."
"Obviously," Astron replied without looking back, his tone calm but clipped.
Irina stepped forward, her arms crossing as she tilted her head slightly. "Why?"
Astron slowed his pace just enough to glance over his shoulder, his sharp purple eyes meeting hers briefly. "Did you not hear what Professor Eleanor said?"
Irina's smirk sharpened slightly, though the irritation in her gaze didn't waver. "That's why I'm asking."
Astron paused for a fraction of a second, as if considering whether to respond, but then he simply turned away and continued walking, his silence speaking volumes.
Already getting accustomed to the way he is doing things, she just fell into step behind him, her fiery presence unmistakable as the other cadets watched the two with wide eyes and hushed murmurs. She didn't care about the spectacle they were creating; her curiosity was far more pressing.
Why him? Why now?' she thought, her fiery eyes narrowing as she studied Astron's back. She was already aware that Astron had caught Eleanor's attention earlier in the semester—her sharp instincts told her as much. But the timing of this summons, and the fact that Ethan was also involved, made her even more curious.
"Astron," she said, her voice low but firm as they exited the classroom. "Are you not going to tell me anything?"
Astron glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, his expression unreadable. "There's nothing to tell."
Irina huffed, her irritation bubbling just beneath the surface. "You don't think it's strange? Her summoning you like this? And with Ethan?"
Astron didn't reply immediately, his sharp gaze flicking ahead as they walked. Finally, he said, "Partially."
"Partially?"
Astron's steps remained steady, his voice calm and measured as he replied, "You must have seen Ethan's assignment already."
Irina tilted her head slightly, her fiery yellow eyes narrowing in suspicion. "Yep."
Astron nodded, his sharp purple eyes glinting faintly as he glanced at her. "Eleanor appears to want to be our mentor. As for why…" He paused, his gaze shifting ahead, his tone steady but thoughtful. "It's hard to say for certain. I can partially understand her reasoning—it likely has to do with our rapid advancement in the academy's ranks."
Irina raised an eyebrow, her suspicion deepening. "Rapid advancement?"
Astron nodded again, his voice remaining calm. "Ethan and I are among the few cadets who have advanced as much as we have in such a short time. Of course, Ethan's progress is far more substantial than mine. He's climbed several ranks at an unprecedented pace."
Irina's fiery gaze bore into him, her suspicion simmering beneath the surface. "And you think that's enough reason for her to take an interest in both of you?"
"It's plausible," Astron replied simply, his tone giving no room for embellishment. "Aside from that, I don't have any other reason."
Irina's glare intensified, her fiery yellow eyes narrowing as if she could peel away his composure with her gaze alone. But Astron remained unbothered, his calm demeanor as unshakable as ever.
After a moment, she exhaled sharply, her irritation flickering but not entirely fading. 'He really doesn't know anything more,' she thought, though the possibility frustrated her. It wasn't like Astron to withhold information without reason.
"I see."
Irina huffed softly.
Her fiery hair swayed with the motion, and her mind churned with possibilities as Astron made his way toward Eleanor's office.
'Professor Eleanor….What are you even trying to do?'
******
Ethan jogged lightly down the corridor, catching up to Astron with long, steady strides. The sharp sound of his boots against the polished floor echoed faintly as he closed the distance. As he drew level with Astron, he gave him a lopsided grin.
"Yo," Ethan greeted casually.
Astron glanced at him briefly, his sharp purple eyes unreadable, before giving a slight nod. "Ethan."
For a few moments, they walked in silence, the contrast between Ethan's easygoing demeanor and Astron's quiet intensity palpable. Ethan glanced at him out of the corner of his eye, his hazel gaze thoughtful.
"...It's been a while, hasn't it?" Ethan said finally, his tone light but tinged with familiarity.
Astron's steps didn't falter, but his gaze shifted slightly, as if weighing Ethan's words. "A while since what?"
"Since we talked like this," Ethan replied, his grin softening into a smile. "You know, without it being about some sparring session or someone trying to kill us."
Astron didn't immediately reply, his sharp gaze fixed ahead. Finally, he said, "...I suppose it has."
Ethan chuckled, shoving his hands into his pockets as they continued walking. "You don't make it easy, you know. Trying to have a normal conversation with you is like trying to scale a mountain blindfolded."
"That is….an interesting comparison." Astron didn't react to the nudge, but his tone was dry as he replied, "Annoyingly so."
Ethan laughed, the sound echoing faintly in the corridor. "I'll take that as a compliment."
The silence between them stretched again, but this time it felt less heavy, more companionable. Ethan glanced at Astron once more, his hazel eyes flicking over his calm expression.
"So," Ethan began, his voice quieter now, "any idea what this is about? Eleanor calling both of us, I mean."
Astron's gaze didn't waver. "I have guesses. Nothing concrete."
Ethan raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Care to share?"
Astron hesitated for a fraction of a second before speaking. "Our progress. Both of us have advanced quickly compared to the others. Eleanor's interest likely stems from that."
Ethan hummed thoughtfully, nodding. "Makes sense, I guess. But it's still… weird. Feels like there's more to it."
"Perhaps," Astron said simply, his tone noncommittal.
Ethan watched him for a moment, then smiled faintly. "You really don't give anything away, do you?"
"I don't see the point in speculation," Astron replied calmly.
"Fair enough," Ethan said, his tone light but edged with understanding. "But you know, it's not a bad thing to talk things out. Even if you're not sure."
Astron glanced at him briefly, his sharp purple eyes meeting Ethan's hazel ones. "And what do you hope to accomplish by talking it out?"
Ethan shrugged, his grin returning. "Maybe nothing. Or maybe I'll understand you a little better."
Astron's gaze lingered on him for a moment longer before he turned his attention forward again. "...Arrogant…"
Ethan laughed again, his steps falling in sync with Astron's as they continued toward Eleanor's office. "Maybe."
For the first time in a long while, Ethan felt a small but significant shift in the air between them. It wasn't much, but it was something. And for now, that was enough.
Chapter 819 - Mentorship (5)
Ethan and Astron continued walking, their steps echoing in the long, empty corridor. The silence between them was comfortable, the kind that came with familiarity, though Ethan's mind was far from quiet. He glanced at Astron again, studying the faint tension in his stride, the sharper edge to his presence. Finally, he broke the silence.
"You look like you've changed," Ethan said, his tone casual but probing.
Astron didn't turn his head, his sharp purple eyes fixed straight ahead. "What do you mean?"
"I don't know." Ethan shrugged, a small grin tugging at his lips. "Just a feeling. Nothing concrete."
Astron's reply came without hesitation, his voice calm but clipped. "Then you're just spitting nonsense."
Ethan chuckled, undeterred. "I wouldn't call it nonsense. I trust my senses, you know?"
"Is that so?" Astron replied dryly, finally glancing at him. "The senses you're so confident in—do they give you the correct answers in exams as well?"
Ethan's grin faltered, and he groaned. "...We both know that doesn't work like that."
Astron raised an eyebrow, his tone unbothered. "I don't know what works like what."
"Now you're just being difficult," Ethan said, shaking his head, though his grin returned quickly. "But seriously, you do seem different. Maybe it's the way you carry yourself or how people look at you now, but it's there. You've changed."
Astron was silent for a moment, his expression unreadable. "People look at me because they think they know something. That doesn't mean I've changed."
Ethan frowned, his brow furrowing slightly. "You don't believe people can see something real about you?"
Astron glanced at him again, a faint flicker of something in his sharp gaze. "I believe people see what they want to see. That doesn't mean it's real."
Ethan thought about that for a moment, his hazel eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Maybe. But sometimes, people notice things even we don't realize about ourselves."
"Like you?" Astron asked, his tone almost teasing, though it carried his usual bluntness.
Ethan laughed lightly. "Exactly. Who better to call you out on things than me?"
Astron didn't respond immediately, his gaze returning to the hallway ahead. "If you're so sure of your senses, then tell me—what is it you think has changed?"
Ethan paused, considering his words carefully. "You seem… sharper. Not just in how you fight or how you carry yourself, but in how you hold your ground. Like you've settled into something."
Astron tilted his head slightly, his expression thoughtful but still guarded. "And what makes you think that?"
Ethan shrugged again, his grin softening. "
Ethan's grin widened as he continued, leaning slightly toward Astron as they walked. "Like how you act with Irina, for example. If this were before, you wouldn't let her—or anyone—get close to you. But now? You even play along with Julia's teasing sometimes."
Astron didn't respond immediately, his expression remaining stoic, but the faintest shift in his gaze hinted at a flicker of annoyance—or perhaps something else.
Ethan smirked, taking the silence as permission to push a little further. "I still remember the 'Don't talk to me' times, you know?" His tone was teasing, though there was genuine warmth behind it.
"...Tch," Astron clicked his tongue, the sound soft but sharp enough to cut through Ethan's words. "Just be quiet. You're being annoying."
Ethan laughed outright, clearly enjoying himself. "Ooooh… Even you can get embarrassed sometimes, huh?"
Astron's sharp purple eyes cut to him briefly, his tone steady but tinged with irritation. "I am not embarrassed. You're just making pointless noise."
"That is—"
"That is not what an embarrassed person would say," Astron interrupted, his calm tone now carrying the faintest edge of exasperation. "Now, just shut up. We've arrived."
Ethan blinked and looked ahead, realizing they were standing in front of Eleanor's office. The door loomed before them, its polished wood gleaming faintly under the corridor lights. He hadn't even noticed how close they'd gotten, too caught up in his banter with Astron.
"Well," Ethan said, still grinning as he reached for the door. "This should be fun."
Astron said nothing, his expression returning to its usual calm as he waited for Ethan to open the door. But as they stepped inside together, Ethan couldn't help but notice the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at the corner of Astron's lips. It was subtle—barely there—but it was enough to tell him that, despite his protests, Astron wasn't entirely immune to their back-and-forth.
And that, Ethan decided, was a victory in itself.
******
Eleanor leaned back in her chair, the soft glow of her desk lamp illuminating the stack of documents before her. Each page detailed finalized deals, payouts, and the carefully crafted mentorship program schedules. These were the agreements with hunters from across the Human Domain, individuals of notable skill and prestige who would mentor the academy's most promising students.
Her sharp eyes skimmed the details with practiced efficiency, her mind already calculating potential adjustments. This was a delicate balance, ensuring the academy's brightest were paired with mentors who could challenge and elevate them without overwhelming their development.
Just as she set the final document aside, a knock echoed through the room. Eleanor didn't look up; her senses had already registered the presence of the two waiting beyond the door. Their distinct mana signatures were unmistakable.
"Come in," she said, her tone as calm and authoritative as ever.
The door opened, and Ethan stepped in first, his easy grin already in place. Astron followed a step behind, his sharp purple eyes scanning the room with his usual composed demeanor. As the door clicked shut behind them, Eleanor's gaze shifted, seizing them both with a single, calculated sweep.
These two cadets stood out in their own ways, though for vastly different reasons. Ethan Hartley—the prodigy who had stunned the Human Domain with his recent victory against a far more experienced opponent. It wasn't just the win that had drawn attention, but the manner of it: intuitive, adaptable, and undeniably brilliant. That kind of performance, combined with his Hartley lineage, made him a beacon in the academy. He thrived in the spotlight, and for him, that was almost second nature.
Then there was Astron Natusalune, standing in stark contrast. Where Ethan was a roaring fire, Astron was a shadow—quiet, deliberate, and almost invisible. His skills, while undeniable to those with the insight to see them, were so well-hidden that anyone without her access as an instructor of HA25 would likely have overlooked him entirely. Even other instructors might have missed the subtle brilliance of his growth.
Eleanor let the silence stretch for a moment, her sharp gaze locking onto Astron first, then shifting to Ethan. Neither cadet seemed fazed, though Ethan's easy grin widened slightly under the scrutiny.
"You called for us, Professor," Ethan said, his tone light but respectful.
Eleanor set down her pen and folded her hands neatly on the desk. "Take a seat."
Ethan took the chair closest to the desk, leaning back slightly, his relaxed posture a stark contrast to Astron, who sat with measured precision, his expression calm and unreadable.
Eleanor's gaze lingered on them both for a moment longer before she spoke. "You've both been performing exceptionally this semester. Each of you has shown growth that places you ahead of your peers, though in very different ways."
Ethan's grin softened into something more genuine, and he nodded slightly. Astron, predictably, didn't react, though his sharp gaze remained fixed on Eleanor, silently absorbing every word.
Eleanor's piercing gaze remained fixed on the two cadets seated before her. The quiet hum of mana-infused lighting filled the silence as she weighed her words carefully. Her sharp eyes scanned Ethan's relaxed posture and Astron's composed precision, noting the stark contrast between the two. Finally, she spoke, her tone crisp and firm.
"At this point," she began, "you must have some idea why I called you here."
Ethan's hazel eyes flicked to her, curiosity sparking in their depths, while Astron remained as still as stone, his sharp purple gaze locked onto hers.
"And you would be correct," she continued. "Different from the other cadets, you will not have the right to choose your mentors."
Ethan's brow furrowed slightly, and Astron's expression remained unreadable, though Eleanor didn't miss the subtle shift in his focus.
"You will be working under me," she stated, her voice calm but carrying an undeniable authority.
For a moment, neither cadet spoke, the weight of her declaration hanging in the air. It was Ethan who finally broke the silence, his grin gone and replaced by a thoughtful expression.
"We could see that," he said slowly, his voice careful. "But..."
Eleanor raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to finish. "But why? Is that right?"
"Yes," Ethan admitted, leaning forward slightly, his tone tinged with curiosity. "Why us?"
Eleanor's lips curved into the faintest smile, a rare and fleeting expression. "For no reason," she replied smoothly. "I just want to."
Ethan blinked, clearly caught off guard. "You just want to?"
"Yes," Eleanor said simply, leaning back slightly as her sharp gaze pinned them both in place. "I wanted the most brilliant students in this academy to be my mentees."
Her words lingered in the air, striking a chord of pride in Ethan, who leaned back in his chair with a faintly satisfied grin. But it was Astron who spoke next, his tone as calm and measured as always.
"Most brilliant..." he echoed quietly, his sharp gaze meeting Eleanor's directly. "Professor, are you sure you're not making a mistake?"
It was a question that she was expecting from the start.
'Heh…As expected..'
Chapter 820 - Mentorship (6)
Eleanor leaned back slightly, the faintest flicker of amusement crossing her expression. Astron's question hung in the air, his calm voice still echoing faintly in her thoughts.
"Most brilliant..." he had said, his sharp gaze unwavering. "Professor, are you sure you're not making a mistake?"
She had been expecting it. After all, as the instructor of HA25, she had spent countless hours observing her students, dissecting their personalities, abilities, and tendencies. This was no ordinary class; it was a melting pot of talent, ambition, and exceptional potential. Eleanor often thought of it as if someone had handpicked a cast for a movie—a collection of strikingly different characters, each with a unique role to play. And in that cast, Astron was one of the most enigmatic.
'Heh... as expected,' she mused inwardly. Astron's tendency to challenge decisions that didn't align with logic or his understanding was something she had noted early on. He wasn't one to blindly accept authority, and Eleanor appreciated that about him.
But more than that, she knew that Astron had been hiding his true strength. He stayed in the shadows, avoiding the spotlight and letting others draw attention while he moved silently, calculatingly, in the background. It was why she had anticipated a response like this from him.
'First, let's see what you're really thinking,' Eleanor thought, her lips curving into a subtle smile. She decided to start with an ignorant act, tilting her head slightly and raising an eyebrow.
"What kind of mistake do you think I'm making?" she asked, her tone light, almost playful, though her sharp eyes betrayed a glint of challenge.
Astron's gaze didn't waver, his expression remaining as calm as ever. For a moment, Eleanor thought he might launch into a careful explanation, laying out the logical reasons why her decision could be flawed. It would be typical of him, and she had prepared herself for that—ready to counter his points or even humor his reasoning.
But then, Astron surprised her.
His gaze lingered on hers for a moment longer, and she felt a faint ripple in the air between them. Then, he shook his head slowly, a faint sigh escaping him. "No," he said quietly, his voice measured. "I'm sorry for overestimating myself. I'm sure you have your reasons."
Eleanor froze, the words catching her off-guard. It wasn't the content of his response but the delivery—the quiet acknowledgment, the almost imperceptible flicker of understanding in his sharp purple eyes. It wasn't just that he accepted her authority; it was as if he had seen straight through her, as if he knew that she had already seen through him.
'He knows,' Eleanor thought, the realization striking her like a subtle shift in the wind. Astron's words weren't the words of someone conceding defeat or simply deflecting. They were the words of someone who had understood her game and decided not to play it—someone who had acknowledged her insight without giving away more than necessary.
For the first time in a while, Eleanor felt a flicker of something akin to unease. It wasn't unpleasant; rather, it was the thrill of being faced with someone who wasn't as straightforward as they seemed.
"Well," she said finally, her voice as steady as ever, though a faint smile played at the corners of her lips. "I'm glad to see you trust my judgment, Astron."
Ethan, who had been watching the exchange with a mix of curiosity and amusement, raised an eyebrow. "What just happened? Did I miss something?"
Eleanor tilted her head slightly, her expression calm as she addressed Ethan's curious remark. "You missed nothing," she said evenly, the faintest hint of amusement lacing her tone. "Just a simple exchange."
Ethan squinted at her for a moment, his hazel eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to puzzle out the truth behind her words. But then he shrugged, leaning back in his chair with his characteristic grin. "If you say so."
As silence settled over the room again, Eleanor allowed herself a moment to ponder the two cadets before her. Ethan's reaction—or rather, his sense—had not gone unnoticed. Even though his mind hadn't fully grasped what had transpired, he had instinctively felt that something had happened. It was a quality Eleanor recognized as one of Ethan's greatest strengths: his ability to sense shifts in mood, tension, and intention, even when logic didn't fully explain them.
'Intuition,' she thought, her sharp gaze briefly resting on him. It was this instinctive perception, this almost primal sense, that had allowed him to adapt so fluidly during his battles. He didn't need all the answers to act; he simply knew when and how to move.
Her gaze shifted to Astron. 'Logic and observation,' she mused silently. Where Ethan relied on intuition, Astron was a different kind of genius altogether. His meticulous attention to detail and analytical nature allowed him to dissect situations, anticipate outcomes, and execute with precision. He never acted without understanding the full picture—or, at least, as much of it as he could piece together.
Two sides of the same coin. Eleanor found herself wondering, not for the first time, which quality was superior. "Logic and observation," she murmured softly, her eyes flicking back to Ethan. "Or instinct and intuition?"
Both cadets glanced at her, but she didn't elaborate. Instead, she leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms as she studied them.
"And I wonder," she said aloud, her tone almost thoughtful, "what will happen when they're pushed. How far can they go?"
Ethan tilted his head, clearly curious, though he remained silent. Astron, as always, gave no outward reaction, his sharp purple eyes remaining steady on hers.
For Eleanor, it was a question that demanded an answer. Over the past semester, she had carefully observed all of her students. HA25 was a class filled with exceptional talent—cadets who, under the right circumstances, could become legends in their own right. But among them, these two had stood out, not just for their skills but for what lay beneath them. The way they approached the world, the way they adapted, the way they thought—it was as if they were built for something greater.
'And now,' Eleanor thought, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly, 'I've narrowed my search to these two.'
There was no doubt in her mind that Ethan and Astron represented her best hope. But which of them would rise to the top? Which of them could truly embody the qualities she sought? It was a question she needed to answer, and soon. The stakes were too high to leave it to chance.
"Let's hope," she murmured to herself, her gaze distant as she studied the two cadets, "one of these two... is the one."
Ethan raised an eyebrow, glancing at Astron as if to gauge whether he had caught what Eleanor had said. Astron, however, seemed unfazed, his calm demeanor unbroken.
"Well, if you're done being cryptic, Professor," Ethan said with a lopsided grin, "anything else we should know, or are we free to go?"
Eleanor coughed softly into her hand, the faintest hint of color rising to her otherwise composed face as she realized she had let a slip of thought escape her lips. Quickly recovering her composure, she straightened in her chair and addressed the two cadets with her usual calm authority.
"Now," she began, her tone deliberate, "while I am confident in my skills as one of the best instructors in this academy, it is also true that, with this decision, I am limiting your ability to make your own choices."
Her gaze flicked between the two of them, pausing briefly on Ethan, whose grin had returned, and Astron, whose expression remained as unreadable as ever.
"It is, in some ways, unfair," she continued, her voice steady. "The other cadets in your year will have the freedom to select their mentors, hunters who align with their goals or who they believe will bring out the best in them. That right has been taken from you."
Ethan's grin faltered slightly, replaced by a thoughtful expression as he leaned forward. Astron's sharp eyes remained on Eleanor, his silence unbroken.
"Therefore," Eleanor said, allowing a small, almost imperceptible smile to play on her lips, "it's only fair that you receive some form of compensation."
Ethan's gaze narrowed slightly at her smile, a flicker of suspicion crossing his hazel eyes. "Why does it feel like we're being played?" he muttered, half to himself.
Eleanor's sharp glare snapped toward him, her piercing eyes narrowing just enough to silence him. Ethan immediately sat up straighter, raising his hands in mock surrender.
"Ahaha—joke," he said quickly, laughing nervously. "It was just a joke, Professor."
Satisfied, Eleanor's gaze softened—slightly—and she turned her attention back to the discussion. Ethan glanced at Astron, silently pleading for support, but Astron merely averted his gaze, refusing to engage.
Ethan groaned softly under his breath. "Traitor," he muttered, though it was barely audible.
Eleanor resumed speaking as though the interruption hadn't occurred. "For most of the freshmen cadets, the mentorship program will be limited in scope. The hunters assigned to them will, understandably, focus more on the junior and senior cadets—those who are nearing graduation and preparing for their futures. Freshmen will typically have no more than one hour a day with their mentors."
She allowed her words to settle for a moment before continuing. "However, the two of you will be different."
Chapter 821 - Mentorship (7)
"However, the two of you will be different."
Ethan's curiosity piqued again, his hazel eyes lighting up with interest. Astron, as always, remained composed, though his sharp gaze remained fixed on Eleanor.
"You two will have mentorship sessions with me directly," Eleanor stated, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Twice a week—each Saturday and Tuesday—for two hours per session."
Ethan blinked in surprise. "Wait, so… four hours a week?" he asked, doing the quick mental math. "That's—"
"Significantly more than what the others will receive," Eleanor finished for him, her tone matter-of-fact. "And with one of the best Hunters in the entire Human Domain nevertheless."
Astron's sharp purple eyes flicked toward Eleanor. "You really are humble, Professor," he said, his voice calm but carrying a dry undertone.
Eleanor's expression shifted into the faintest of smiles, her sharp gaze steady as she regarded him. "When you reach my age, Astron," she replied smoothly, "you'll understand your worth more. And being humble, in some cases, is simply a way of lying about yourself."
Ethan chuckled lightly at the exchange, leaning back in his chair, clearly entertained by the rare banter. "That's one way to put it," he muttered under his breath.
But Eleanor's smile faded almost imperceptibly as her demeanor turned serious. She straightened in her chair, folding her hands in front of her as her sharp gaze swept over both cadets. "But I need you to brace yourselves."
The weight in her tone immediately shifted the atmosphere in the room. Ethan sat up a little straighter, and even Astron's calm expression seemed to sharpen slightly, his full attention now locked on her.
Eleanor raised one hand, and a faint hum filled the air as she channeled a small, concentrated flow of her mana. The room seemed to shift subtly under the pressure, the temperature dropping just enough to be noticeable, and the edges of the light flickered faintly. Though the mana was controlled and restrained, its intensity was unmistakable—a fraction of what Eleanor was capable of, but still a stark reminder of the power she wielded.
"When we are together in those two hours," she began, her voice steady but carrying an undeniable edge, "I will not be your professor. I will not be Eleanor White, the instructor of the Arcadia Hunter Academy."
The pressure in the room grew slightly, the faint hum of her mana reverberating through the air. Ethan swallowed hard, his usual grin completely gone as he felt the weight of her presence. Astron remained composed, though his sharp eyes glinted with a faint hint of focus, the only indication that he, too, felt the shift.
"In those sessions," Eleanor continued, her tone unwavering, "I will be the Professional Hunter Eleanor. One of the top Hunters in the Human Domain. And I will hold you to the standards of that world—not the world of cadets, not the world of training. The standards of reality. Do you understand?"
Ethan nodded quickly, his hazel eyes wide but resolute. "Yes, Professor."
Astron inclined his head slightly, his voice calm but firm. "Understood."
Eleanor let her mana dissipate slowly, the oppressive weight lifting from the room as the faint hum faded. The silence that followed was heavy, but not with tension—with understanding. She had made her expectations clear, and both cadets knew that this would be no ordinary mentorship.
"Good," Eleanor said finally, her tone returning to its usual calm authority. "Then prepare yourselves. This is an opportunity, yes, but it is also a challenge. You will be pushed harder than you've ever been before. And if you can't rise to meet those expectations—"
"..."
"Well, let's hope that doesn't happen."
Ethan let out a small exhale as the weight of Eleanor's presence fully dissipated, the air in the room returning to its usual stillness. He glanced at Astron, who stood as calm and composed as ever, then back at Eleanor.
"Well," Ethan said lightly, though his voice was edged with genuine respect, "I guess we'll see you on Saturday."
Eleanor gave a slight nod, her sharp gaze shifting briefly between the two cadets. "You will."
Taking that as their dismissal, Ethan turned and made his way toward the door, his steps lighter now that the tension had lifted. Astron followed silently, his posture precise and measured, as always. As the door clicked shut behind them, Eleanor leaned back in her chair, her gaze lingering for a moment on the space they had vacated.
Outside the office, the hallway stretched long and quiet, the echoes of their footsteps fading into the distance. Ethan stretched his arms over his head, letting out a low whistle. "Well, that was… something," he muttered, glancing at Astron out of the corner of his eye. "She really knows how to set the tone, huh?"
Astron didn't immediately respond, his sharp purple eyes fixed ahead as he walked. Finally, he spoke, his voice calm but thoughtful. "She made her expectations clear."
Ethan smirked, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "Yeah, no kidding. Standards of reality, huh? Sounds fun."
Astron's gaze flicked briefly toward him. "I don't think she's aiming for 'fun.'"
Ethan chuckled softly, his hazel eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and determination. "Maybe not, but it'll be interesting. Besides," he added with a grin, "I'd rather have her pushing us than some random mentor who doesn't care."
Astron didn't respond, his expression remaining unreadable as they continued down the hallway. But his silence didn't bother Ethan. If anything, he'd grown used to it—comfortable, even.
The two walked in silence for a while, their strides falling into an unspoken rhythm. Finally, Ethan broke it with a quiet laugh. "Hey, you think she meant it when she said she'd hold us to the standards of a top Hunter?"
Astron's voice was calm, almost detached. "She doesn't seem like the type to say things she doesn't mean."
Ethan let out another low whistle, shaking his head with a grin. "Guess we're in for it, then."
As they reached the end of the corridor, the faint hum of other cadets' chatter began to filter through the air. Ethan turned to Astron, his grin softening into something more genuine. "Well, see you Saturday, partner."
Astron's sharp purple eyes flicked to Ethan, narrowing slightly as he replied in his usual calm but clipped tone. "I am not your partner."
Ethan stopped mid-step, turning to face Astron with an exaggerated look of mock offense. "Heeeh… Why not? It's just the two of us, isn't it?"
"It's just the two of us who have been forcefully called by Eleanor," Astron corrected flatly, his tone as precise as ever. "We are not partners. We are just two people who happen to occupy the same space."
Ethan grinned, a mischievous glint in his hazel eyes. "Are you… tsundere?"
Astron's brows furrowed, and he turned his head slightly, giving Ethan a sharp look. "Tsundere?" he repeated, his tone laced with suspicion. "What is that supposed to mean?"
Ethan burst into laughter, shaking his head. "Never mind. Of course, you wouldn't know. Forget I said anything."
Astron's gaze didn't waver, but after a moment of assessing Ethan's amused expression, he simply turned and resumed walking, muttering under his breath, "Pointless noise."
Ethan was about to retort when his smartwatch buzzed, interrupting his thoughts. He glanced down at the screen, his playful grin softening into something more reserved when he saw the caller ID.
Jane.
Ethan coughed lightly, his hand instinctively moving to adjust the strap of his bag. "Uh, I should get this," he said, his tone shifting to something less teasing and more genuine. "I, uh, need to meet someone."
Astron glanced at him briefly, his expression unreadable. "Fine," he said simply, his tone dismissive as he continued walking ahead without another word.
Ethan watched him for a moment, a small smile tugging at his lips. "See you around, 'not partner,'" he called out, but Astron didn't bother looking back.
With a quiet laugh, Ethan answered the call, his voice softening as he brought the smartwatch closer. "Hey, Jane. What's up?" His steps quickened as he moved toward a quieter corner, already shifting his focus from the sharp-edged banter with Astron to the warm familiarity of Jane's voice.
******
Eleanor sat back in her chair, the soft hum of the room returning to its usual stillness. The sharp, focused exchange with Ethan and Astron lingered in her mind, playing back in fragments. Astron's calm composure, Ethan's intuitive curiosity—both of them were compelling in their own ways, and she couldn't deny the faint flicker of anticipation she felt for the mentorship sessions to come.
But as the room settled into silence, her smartwatch vibrated softly against her wrist. Glancing down, her sharp eyes caught the name that appeared on the screen:
Esme.
Her brows lifted slightly, her expression sharpening. Esme Abigail—the appointed nanny and trusted representative of the Emberheart family. Seeing her name was enough to tell Eleanor that this message wouldn't be casual.
Tapping the screen, she opened the message. The text was brief, formal, and straight to the point, but the weight of its implications settled heavily in her chest as she read.
--------------------
To Professor Eleanor White,
This message is sent at the behest of Matriarch Emberheart.
As per her directive, we request your discretion and oversight regarding Irina Emberheart's relationship with Astron Natusalune. The Matriarch believes that close monitoring of this dynamic will be beneficial to ensure that both individuals maintain their focus and that no unfavorable outcomes arise. Your expertise in these matters is, of course, trusted completely.
We appreciate your attention to this matter and will await your observations.
Sincerely,
Esme Abigail
---------------
Seeing the message, Eleanor just shook his head.
'You really have not changed.'
This was directed to both the matriarch and a certain maid with whom she was friends in the academy.