Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest

After their morning routine, Irina and Astron packed their belongings and left their hotel suite. The streets of Solren Heights buzzed with activity as they made their way to the train station. The glowing mana-infused vines and enchanted structures of Arcadia Dominion slowly began to fade into the distance as the luxury express train awaited them at the station.

This time, the itinerary was clear—they were leaving Arcadia Dominion. Irina, as the meticulous planner she was, had ensured that their paperwork was in perfect order, their disguised identities accounted for at every step. The transition across borders was seamless, the advanced magical documentation functioning without a hitch as they passed through the checkpoint.

The train itself was just as luxurious as the one they had boarded the day before. The mana-infused exterior glimmered faintly under the midday sun as they settled into their private cabin. Large windows offered a panoramic view of the countryside, blending Arcadia's magical glow with the less luminous but equally charming landscapes of the Valerian Federation.

******

As the train began to move, Irina pulled out her notebook, flipping it open with a sense of purpose. "Alright," she began, catching Astron's attention. "Here's the plan for this leg of the trip."

Astron leaned back in his seat, his sharp purple eyes meeting her hazel ones. "Let's hear it."

Irina smirked, clearly enjoying the role of guide. "We're heading to Everhall City. It's one of the larger cities in the Valerian Federation, known for its blend of modern technology and magical integration. Unlike Arcadia Dominion, where magic saturates everything, Everhall has a balance—practical, efficient, but still imaginative."

Astron raised an eyebrow. "And what do you have planned there?"

Irina's smirk widened. "First, we'll explore the Cloudspire Gardens. It's an artificial oasis in the middle of the city, filled with magically sustained flora from all over the world. After that, I've got tickets to the Mana-Motion Festival. It's a cultural event showcasing magical innovations and performances. Think dancing light constructs, enchanted music, and food stalls with dishes infused with unique mana properties."

"Dancing?" Astron repeated, his tone calm but carrying a faint note of disbelief. He glanced at Irina, his sharp purple eyes narrowing slightly. "I never thought I'd hear you talking about something like that."

Irina huffed, leaning back in her seat with a confident smirk. "Heh, dancing. But this isn't your typical ballroom affair or some mundane jig. The local tradition here is something entirely unique—Mana Reverie Dance."

"Mana Reverie Dance?" Astron raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued despite himself.

"Yes!" Irina exclaimed, her hazel eyes lighting up with excitement. "It's a blend of physical movement and mana manipulation. The performers weave mana patterns into the air as they move, creating these breathtaking visual effects. The dance is synchronized with enchanted music, and the whole thing feels like stepping into another world."

"You seem…oddly invested in this."

Irina's cheeks flushed faintly, but she crossed her arms and continued with her usual confidence. "Well, I've always wanted to experience something like this—a festival steeped in local traditions, something completely different from what I grew up with. But between family responsibilities and training, I never had the chance."

Her voice softened slightly, a wistful note slipping through. "I used to imagine what it would be like to visit places like this, where people celebrate freely, without worrying about politics or reputation. Just… enjoying life."

Astron didn't reply immediately, his gaze lingering on her. She wasn't often this open about her desires, and the rare glimpse into her more vulnerable side didn't go unnoticed.

Irina, noticing his silence, quickly regained her composure and shot him a playful look. "Don't tell me you're too stiff to enjoy something like this. I'm not letting you stand around in the corner like some statue while everyone else has fun."

"You're assuming I'll even join in."

"Oh, you will," Irina said confidently, pointing a finger at him. "Because I'll make sure of it."

Astron sighed softly, leaning back in his seat. "We'll see."

Irina's smirk widened. "Oh, you'll see, alright. Just wait until you experience the festival—you might actually enjoy yourself for once."

******

The train gradually slowed, the rhythmic hum of mana conduits quieting as it pulled into the station. Astron and Irina gathered their belongings, stepping off into the vibrant atmosphere of Everhall City. Unlike the bustling, industrialized hubs of the Valerian Federation's high-ranked cities, this place carried a calm and almost quaint charm.

The architecture was a blend of stone and wood, infused with subtle magical enhancements. Mana lights hung like lanterns, glowing softly against the warm tones of the buildings. Small streams of water, sustained by gentle mana currents, wove through the city, creating a serene ambiance. Local vendors lined the streets, selling everything from enchanted trinkets to freshly baked bread, the aroma wafting through the air.

Irina paused, taking in the sight. "This is… different," she said, her hazel eyes wide with curiosity. "I've been to high-ranked cities in the Federation, but I've never been here before. It's nothing like I imagined."

Astron raised an eyebrow. "Different how?"

"It's less—how do I put it—industrialized? It's not a sprawling metropolis full of towering buildings and constant noise," Irina replied, gesturing at the scene. "It's more relaxed. Like a place people come to escape all that chaos. I saw pictures before, but seeing it in person is completely different."

Astron nodded slightly, his gaze scanning the surroundings with his usual calm. "It does feel… safe. Like it's in its own bubble."

Irina smiled faintly, pulling out her phone to check their hotel's location. "Alright, the hotel isn't far. Let's check in, drop off our stuff, and then head to the gardens."

*******

The hotel was as charming as the city itself—a cozy, high-class establishment that blended luxury with simplicity. After a smooth check-in process, Irina and Astron left their luggage and set out for the Cloudspire Gardens, which were only a short walk away.

As they entered the gardens, the first thing that struck them was the air—crisp and faintly floral, charged with a subtle hum of mana. The pathways were lined with vibrant plants, many of which seemed to glow faintly or shift colors in response to their surroundings. A towering tree at the center of the gardens stretched toward the sky, its leaves shimmering like gemstones in the sunlight.

"This place…" Irina said softly, her voice trailing off as she looked around in awe. "It's incredible. Some of these plants—I've only read about them."

"Indeed. Many of them are evolved….Are they artificially altered, or naturally evolved?"

Astron's normally vibrant violet eyes now glinted a cool gray, blending seamlessly with his current disguise. He crouched slightly, his sharp gaze scanning the plants with quiet precision. The subtle glow of mana in the air wasn't just a natural byproduct of the environment; it was an intricate balance of magical energy, carefully curated to sustain the unique flora surrounding them.

He reached out, his fingers brushing against the soft leaves of a plant with delicate tendrils that curled in response to his touch. Its faint, rhythmic glow pulsated faster for a moment before settling again. "This one," he said, his voice calm, "isn't purely passive. It reacts to the mana flow of whatever touches it. Likely a symbiotic species. It feeds off ambient mana but also absorbs excess energy from nearby creatures without harming them."

Irina glanced over, intrigued. "You mean it's drawing mana from us?"

"Not exactly," Astron replied, standing upright. "It's more of an exchange. It takes ambient energy we naturally exude and filters it back into the environment. A kind of natural mana recycler. Efficient."

He moved further down the path, pausing in front of a patch of flowers with crystalline petals that shimmered under the sunlight. Their colors shifted subtly, cycling through shades of blue, green, and violet. He leaned closer, observing the fine crystalline structure of the petals. "These," he began, "are fascinating. Their color changes aren't just for show—it's a defensive mechanism. The light refraction creates illusions, confusing predators. Depending on the angle of approach, you'd think the plant isn't even here."

Irina tilted her head, crouching to examine the flowers. "A natural cloaking ability?"

"More or less," Astron replied, his tone analytical. "It's not perfect, but in dense environments, it would be enough to deter most threats. And judging by the faint mana signature, it can release a short burst of energy—probably to stun or blind anything that gets too close."

Irina smiled faintly. "You've really studied this kind of thing."

Astron shrugged, moving toward a towering vine that spiraled around a metallic frame, its leaves a deep, iridescent black. "Not quite. Observation is enough." He touched one of the leaves lightly, noting the slight resistance as the vine shifted almost imperceptibly. "This one," he said, narrowing his gray eyes, "is predatory. Likely feeds on smaller creatures. Its mana signature is more active than the others—almost aggressive."

Irina frowned, stepping back slightly. "Predatory? Here?"

"It's controlled," Astron said, his calm demeanor unshaken. "The mana barrier around this area probably keeps it in check. But if you were to disrupt that…" He let his words trail off, straightening and glancing toward the towering tree at the center of the gardens. "This place is designed as a system. Each plant has a role, and the balance is maintained through subtle interactions. If one element is disturbed, the whole ecosystem would shift to compensate."

Irina crossed her arms, her hazel eyes studying him thoughtfully. "Interesting. Is this the way you work?"

"Yes," Astron replied simply. "Understanding the flow of a system—be it an environment or a situation—is key to surviving it. Even a place like this, beautiful as it seems, isn't without its dangers."

His gaze lingered on the towering tree at the center, its shimmering leaves catching the light. "That tree," he said, "is the anchor. Its roots likely channel mana to the rest of the garden, keeping everything in balance. If anything were to happen to it…" His voice softened, turning contemplative. "The entire system would collapse."

Irina followed his gaze, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "You're right. That tree is the centerpiece of the gardens. I read that its roots extend throughout the city, drawing mana from the streams and distributing it back to the environment."

Astron gave a small nod, his eyes still fixed on the tree. "Impressive design. Efficient. But fragile."