Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest

Chapter 530 118.3 - Abigail

HOWL~!

The wind howled through the frozen landscape, whipping up flurries of snow that danced in the air like tiny, crystalline shards.

The ground beneath was a blanket of white, stretching endlessly in every direction, broken only by the occasional jagged outcrop of ice.

A woman moved steadily through the snow, her footsteps leaving crisp, precise imprints in the powder. Each step was deliberate, her movements unaffected by the biting cold or the relentless wind that lashed against her.

Her body was wrapped in insulated clothing, the dark fabric designed to withstand the harshest of environments. Protective goggles covered her eyes, shielding them from the stinging snow and the blinding glare of the white world around her. Despite the hostile conditions, the woman's posture remained composed, her presence as unyielding as the winter that surrounded her. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

As she walked, the smartwatch on her arm buzzed, its vibrations subtle against her wrist but impossible for her to miss.

RING! "Sigh…."

She paused, the wind momentarily muffling its sound as she lifted her arm. With a smooth motion, she tapped the screen, activating the call.

The holographic display shimmered in the cold air, and the voice of a man came through, clear and direct.

"Sentinel Reina," his voice carried a weight that cut through the wind, commanding yet respectful.

Reina's gaze remained fixed on the snow ahead, her expression hidden behind the protective gear, but her tone was calm and measured as she responded, "Anchor Steelclad."

"The other Anchors are requesting a report."

"A Report?"

"Yes. Regarding Adept Natusalune. There have been some complaints, as you know."

Reina nodded once, the gesture barely perceptible beneath her layers of protective clothing.

FLICK! With a flick of her fingers, a surge of energy rippled through the air, and in an instant, the snowy mountains were left behind in silence, the only trace of her presence being the rapidly fading footprints in the snow.

The scene shifted seamlessly from the icy wilderness to the warmth and precision of Reina's office. The walls, adorned with various strategic maps and glowing data streams, pulsed softly with the quiet hum of advanced technology.

Reina now stood in the center of the room; her attire transformed into a sleek, dark uniform that exuded authority and efficiency. Her goggles had been replaced by a sharp gaze that missed nothing, and her smartwatch had seamlessly integrated with the holographic interface in front of her.

Before her, the hologram of Anchor Steelclad flickered to life, his imposing figure standing in stark contrast to the sterile environment of the office.

"Please wait a little, Sentinel Reina."

He said as he tapped onto his desk.

"I am connecting to other Anchors."

Reina stood motionless, her sharp gaze fixed on the holographic display as Steelclad worked at his desk. The hum of advanced technology filled the air as the connection was established, and one by one, the holograms of other Anchors materialized around the room.

Their figures were imposing, each one radiating authority and power, yet there was a noticeable undercurrent of tension as they settled into the meeting.

"Sentinel Reina," one of the Anchors greeted her curtly, his tone cold. "We've been informed that you have significant updates regarding Adept Natusalune. We are here to review the data."

Another Anchor, her voice laced with skepticism, interjected, "I hope this will justify the substantial resources that have been diverted to this trainee. It seems excessive to some of us."

Reina's expression remained composed, her confidence unshaken by the skepticism in the room. She had anticipated this reaction, knowing that some would question the investment in Astron. With a steady hand, she activated the holographic interface, bringing up the data she had meticulously compiled.

"Thank you, Anchors," Reina began, her voice calm and measured. "I understand that there are concerns regarding the allocation of resources to Adept Natusalune. However, I believe that his recent performance will speak for itself."

She tapped a command, and the holographic display shifted to show detailed data from Astron's first mission in Veilcroft. The visual representation of the mission's timeline, key events, and outcomes was presented with precision, highlighting Astron's contributions.

"His first mission in Veilcroft, as you can see, was not a simple task. The investigation had been ongoing for two months with limited success, until Adept Natusalune was assigned to the team. His unique understanding and perspective allowed him to identify critical information that had been overlooked by others. His observational skills and ability to comprehend complex situations were the main reasons the operation was brought to a successful conclusion."

The data points on the hologram were reinforced by official reports, including one prominently signed by Warden Shanks, who had overseen the mission. Reina continued, her voice unwavering, "Warden Shanks himself has documented that Adept Natusalune's contributions were instrumental, exceeding those of other adepts involved in the operation. This is not just a statement of potential; it is a record of results."

One of the Anchors, a stern-looking man with a deep frown, spoke up, his voice tinged with skepticism. "Results or not, the resources allocated have been overwhelming. Why should we continue to invest so heavily in one individual?"

Reina met his gaze directly, her voice firm but respectful. "Because Adept Natusalune is not just any individual. His capabilities in both investigation and combat have already set a new standard within our ranks. His performance under pressure, his ability to process and act on information swiftly, and his calm demeanor in the face of danger are precisely what we need in our operatives. The resources spent on him are an investment in the future of our organization."

There was a brief silence as the Anchors absorbed her words, the data still displayed before them. Steelclad, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke, his voice carrying the authority of his position. "The results from Veilcroft are undeniable. The decision to continue supporting Adept Natusalune's development will be based on these concrete outcomes. If he continues to deliver, the resources are justified."

"Rest assured, I just received a new report this morning," Reina said, her voice carrying a quiet confidence as she brought another document to the forefront of the holographic display. The data shifted to show a detailed account of Astron Natusalune's recent solo mission.

"As many of you are aware," she began, her tone firm and measured, "there are several remote towns under our control that are vital for cultivating specific materials crucial to our operations. Shange Town is one such location, known for its Moonberry crops, which are essential to several of our alchemical processes."

The hologram displayed a map of Shange Town, highlighting its strategic importance. Reina continued, "Recently, there was an issue concerning the harvests in Shange Town. The crops were failing, and the local authorities were unable to identify the cause."

She paused, allowing the situation to sink in. "Adept Natusalune was sent to investigate the matter. Given the remote location and the peculiar nature of the problem, this mission required not only investigative skills but also a deep understanding of the land and its energies."

The hologram zoomed in on the town, showing the fields affected by the blight. "What he uncovered was not a simple agricultural issue but something far more insidious. The blight affecting the crops was the result of a deliberate act, draining the life force from the land itself. This was no ordinary mission—it required a keen eye and a deep understanding of mana flows and environmental manipulation. As per you know, such missions are often used as a training for more complex missions as they are rather bound to be failed."

Reina's gaze swept over the assembled Anchors, noting their attentive expressions. "But contrary to expectations, Adept Natusalune identified the source of the blight, which had eluded even our most experienced operatives. His unique perception allowed him to trace the energy patterns back to a rather disturbing act that has happened in the town."

Reading the report that has been presented to them, most Anchors could not help but nod their heads. In fact, what Reina was saying was indeed correct.

Such missions were where newbie adepts were sent to remote places, which often acted as training to make them understand the importance of time and human resources.

Most of them would fail solo missions, would understand the importance of teamwork, and would thrive in working with a team in a better case.

But even then, this mission seemed to be exceptionally hard, as there was a phenomenon called Lingering Resonance that was hardly found in this town.

"Are you sure about the authenticity of this report?" he asked, his gaze narrowing. "Such a tale seems almost too far-fetched, more suited to a work of fiction than a mission debriefing. A solo adept uncovering such a complex phenomenon, especially one as rare as Lingering Resonance, is nearly unheard of."

Another Anchor, a woman with a stern demeanor, added, "Indeed. Lingering Resonance is a phenomenon that even seasoned operatives struggle to deal with. For a novice to not only identify but also handle it successfully—one could be forgiven for questioning the plausibility of this story."

Reina met their skepticism head-on, her expression unwavering. "I understand your concerns, but I assure you, the report is accurate and has been thoroughly verified. The team that was dispatched to clear the phenomenon after Adept Natusalune's investigation found undeniable evidence supporting his findings."

She tapped the holographic interface, bringing up additional data that had been logged by the follow-up team. "The team discovered that the mayor and several other individuals in Shange Town had been subjected to Abyssal Energy, a corrupting force that is consistent with the presence of Lingering Resonance. This energy was traced back to a tragic event that had occurred before, one that left a powerful emotional and spiritual imprint on the town."

Reina explained that she did not mention that the mayor and all other people who were involved in this tragedy were no longer in this world.

'You did something reckless, but I shall cover for you once.'

There was no need to mention such details, was there?

Reina continued with her words after stopping a little so that everyone could absorb the information.

"Adept Natusalune's unique perception allowed him to identify the energy patterns and trace them back to the source—a young girl's soul, which had been trapped in a state of torment due to the unresolved trauma. The Abyssal Energy was a manifestation of her pain and suffering, affecting the entire town and its crops."

The hologram shifted to show the detailed findings of the follow-up team. "The team confirmed the presence of Lingering Resonance and, following Adept Natusalune's initial investigation, they were able to perform an exorcism to release the girl's soul, allowing her to finally rest. The phenomenon was contained, and the blight on the land has begun to recede, thanks to the actions taken."

The room was silent for a moment as the Anchors absorbed this information. The skepticism in their eyes was slowly being replaced by a reluctant acceptance. They understood that the situation in Shange Town was not just an ordinary mission but something far more complex.

While the danger it posed was not hard, solving the situation would be.

Steelclad, who had been quietly observing the exchange, finally spoke, his tone serious. "The presence of Abyssal Energy and Lingering Resonance is not something to be taken lightly. If the report is accurate, and I have no reason to doubt Sentinel Reina's verification, then this mission was indeed exceptional."

The cautious Anchor who had spoken earlier nodded slowly, his skepticism fading. "If this is true, then Adept Natusalune has handled a situation that would challenge even our most experienced operatives. His ability to uncover the truth behind such a complex phenomenon speaks to his potential."

Reina nodded, her voice calm and authoritative. "Exactly. Adept Natusalune has demonstrated not only exceptional investigative skills but also a deep understanding of the forces at play in the world we operate in."

The Anchors exchanged glances, their earlier doubts now tempered by the undeniable evidence presented. Steelclad gave a final nod of approval, his tone firm as he addressed the room. "We will continue to monitor Adept Natusalune's progress closely, but for now, it seems that our investment in him has been more than justified."

Reina inclined her head in acknowledgment, her expression one of quiet satisfaction. "Thank you, Anchors. I will ensure that Adept Natusalune continues to receive the support he needs to further develop his abilities."