Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest

<Combat Training Area, Fourth Day of Training, 5 A.M>

Astron stood in the training hall, his breathing steady as he completed the final strike of the [Gale Stance].

His body moved with a precision and grace that was supposed to take countless hours to achieve.

Each strike, each movement, flowed seamlessly from his core, enhanced by the controlled flow of mana.

Dakota observed from the sidelines, her keen eyes noting the perfection in each individual movement. She nodded approvingly, recognizing that Astron had mastered the basics. Now, it was time to push him further.

"Astron," Dakota called, stepping forward. "You've mastered each strike of the [Gale Stance] individually. Now, we will focus on transitioning between them flawlessly."

Astron nodded, his expression serious and focused. "I'm ready, Master."

Dakota took her place beside him; her posture relaxed yet exuded an aura of controlled power. "Watch closely," she instructed. "I'll demonstrate a series of sequences. Pay attention to how each strike flows into the next without hesitation."

She began with a simple sequence, moving through the [High Gale], [Medium Gale], and [Low Gale] strikes. Her movements were fluid and precise, each strike seamlessly transitioning into the next. The air around her seemed to hum with the energy of her mana, perfectly controlled and channeled.

"Notice how the energy flows," Dakota said as she finished the sequence. "There is no break, no pause. Each strike is a continuation of the last, maintaining the momentum and power."

Astron watched intently, absorbing every detail. "Understood, Master. I will focus on the flow."

Dakota stepped back, giving him space. "Begin with the first sequence," she instructed. "Start slowly and focus on the transitions. Speed will come with mastery."

Astron took a deep breath, visualizing the sequence in his mind. He began with the [High Gale], feeling the familiar surge of mana as he executed the strike. Without pausing, he transitioned into the [Medium Gale], his movements smooth and controlled. Finally, he flowed into the [Low Gale], maintaining the momentum and energy.

"Good," Dakota observed. "Now, repeat it. Focus on making each transition smoother."

Astron repeated the sequence, each repetition becoming more fluid. He concentrated on the flow of mana, ensuring that it enhanced each movement and transition. The virtual core within him acted as a regulator, helping him control the energy and maintain the rhythm.

As he practiced, Dakota demonstrated more complex sequences, combining different strikes in rapid succession. Astron watched closely, memorizing the patterns and flow.

"Now, try this one," Dakota said, moving through a particularly intricate sequence. Her movements were a blur of speed and precision; each strike was delivered with perfect timing and control.

Astron took a moment to internalize the sequence, then began to replicate it. His movements were deliberate and focused, each strike flowing into the next with increasing fluidity. He could feel the difference, the seamless integration of mana and movement.

"Excellent," Dakota said, nodding in approval. "You're getting it. Keep practicing these sequences. The goal is to make them second nature so you can execute them without conscious thought. That is the best way to understand the [Tempest Fang]."

*******

"You wish to take the exam? Are you sure that you have mastered the [Aura of Silence]?"

Looking at the young man standing before him, Kennet could not believe his ears. What did he just hear?

"That is right. I have mastered it completely."

A trainee mastering [Aura of Silence] in one day. Or not even in one day. In a matter of two hours?

That did not make any sense. Well, it was not like the technique was too hard or anything. It was just the beginner stages of the art itself. There was a lot more to that.

But still, it was still a complex art.

Kennet narrowed his eyes, searching Astron's face for any signs of deception or overconfidence. Yet, the young man's gaze was steady and unwavering, exuding a quiet certainty that gave Kennet pause. There were no traces of arrogance or uncertainty, only a calm assurance.

"Well," Kennet thought, "perhaps he truly has grasped it." The [Aura of Silence] was only the beginning stage of a far more intricate art, but even so, mastering it in such a short time was no small feat. Kennet decided to take Astron's words seriously, though he felt a need to set expectations.

"Very well," Kennet said, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "If you believe you are ready, we will proceed with the exam. But understand this, Astron—if you are overestimating yourself and wasting your time, there will be consequences. I do not take kindly to having my time wasted."

Astron nodded, his expression unchanging. "Understood, Instructor Kennet. I am ready."

Kennet gestured for Astron to follow him. They moved to a different part of the training area, one specially designed for testing advanced stealth techniques. The room was filled with intricate wards and sensors, each more sensitive than the last.

"This exam will test your ability to maintain the [Aura of Silence] while navigating through various obstacles designed to detect the slightest disturbance. Fail to suppress your presence, and you'll trigger the sensors."

Kennet looked Astron in the eye, his expression stern. "Are you sure you're ready for this? If you've misjudged your abilities, you'll find out soon enough."

Astron met his gaze with unwavering resolve. "I'm ready."

"Very well. Begin."

Astron closed his eyes, taking a deep breath as he centered himself. He extended his awareness, feeling the ambient mana in the room.

With practiced ease, he projected his mana, blending it with the surrounding energy. The sensation was seamless, his presence fading into the background.

He moved forward, each step deliberate and controlled. Kennet watched intently, his eyes following Astron's every movement. Being one of the best at stealth, he was someone who could also see and sense the best around the place. For a high-rank hunter like him, seeing such Astron was not a hard thing.

'But, it seems he really mastered it.' The first set of sensors remained inactive, and the wards were undisturbed. Astron's movements were fluid; his mana harmonized perfectly with the environment.

As Astron navigated through the course, Kennet's initial skepticism began to wane. The young man's control was impressive, his presence virtually undetectable. He moved through the obstacles with a grace and precision that spoke of innate talent and meticulous practice.

In the end, Kennet could not help but accept.

'This kid may be a monster.' ********

"Well done, Astron," Kennet said, nodding in approval. "You've demonstrated a remarkable grasp of the [Aura of Silence]. I'm impressed."

Astron allowed himself a small smile, his eyes reflecting a quiet satisfaction.

Kennet's demeanor shifted slightly, becoming more instructive. "Now that you've mastered the basics, we can move on to more advanced techniques. The second stage involves enhancing your sensory awareness and projecting a field of undetectability around you. It's called the [Veil of Shadows]."

He demonstrated his mana, creating a subtle, almost imperceptible ripple in the air around him. "This technique allows you to dampen your presence even further and mask any sounds you make. It requires precise control and a deep connection with the ambient mana."

Kennet's gaze hardened slightly. "But remember, Astron, if you underestimate these advanced techniques, you'll find yourself overwhelmed. Approach them with the same dedication and focus you've shown so far."

"I understand, Instructor Kennet," Astron replied, his determination evident. "I will give it my all."

"Good," Kennet said, nodding. "Begin your practice immediately. You've proven yourself today, but the path ahead is long and demanding. Keep honing your skills, and you'll continue to excel."

But there was something that he did not know.

'Veil of Shadows….The name is really similar to the [Shadow Veil], the first stage of the [Shadowborne].' Astron had something that was very similar to this.

"Instructor Kennet." At that moment, Astron called out to the instructor, who was about to leave.

Kennet turned back, his eyebrows raised in question. "Yes, Astron?"

"Is there a complete manual of these stealth techniques?" Astron asked. "It seems like each stage is linked to something larger."

Kennet paused, a smirk forming on his lips. "There was indeed a manual once."

"Once?" Astron echoed, sensing a deeper story behind Kennet's words. nσvel.cøm

A slightly pained look crossed Kennet's face. "Yes, once. It is no longer in my hands."

Astron nodded, understanding the underlying sentiment. "Understood. If my question caused any inconvenience, I apologize."

Kennet shook his head, his expression softening. "No need to apologize. Just focus on your training, Astron. That's all that matters."

With that, Kennet turned and walked away, leaving Astron alone in the training area.

Astron stood silently for a moment, reflecting on the conversation. The mention of a lost manual piqued his curiosity.

'The fact that these techniques are linked to Instructor Kennet's past makes it seem he is teaching some sort of family art. Maybe his family was once a part of an organization or something, and it was taken down by a rival. Maybe a betrayal? Countless different possibilities passed through his mind at that very second.

'No matter what it is, it is highly possible that Instructor Kennet is linked to demons.' He stopped as his eyes turned cold for a split second.

'Because whenever he is near, [Vengeful Bane] is always getting triggered.' He did not show any hostility and was trying his best to hold his feelings in since he did not want to cause a scene in the organization, but the fact that Kennet could be linked to demons itself was an important piece.

'Because, if that is the case, they may have been led by the descendants of MistWraith. The Primordial of Shadows.' He thought, remembering the content of the game.

'A certain villain….There was a certain villain with similar powers in the game….What if they were linked? That would explain a lot.'

No matter what or how hard Astron analyzed, he was not able to get more from the situation itself. It required more investigation so that he would get more information to conclude.

But for the time being, he decided to focus on the art. Since, even though he had advanced his trait, Astron had never felt like he was perfectly utilizing the first stage of his [Shadowborne].

'For the time being, it is better for me to focus on my training.' With that thought, he continued.

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