Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest

Chapter 719 164.1 The Attack

On the market side, the artifact that the vendor named Jihan had activated began to hum faintly, its mana pulsing as it analyzed the couple. Invisible to the untrained eye, a web of detection magic expanded outward, scanning for the presence of

enchantments. Moments later, the artifact flared briefly before settling back into its dormant state, the signal it sent out discreet but unmistakable.

Far from the market, in a concealed location where the operatives coordinated their efforts, a receiver lit up. A faint glow spread across its surface, and the encrypted signal was processed instantly. The room buzzed with quiet efficiency as one of the operatives studied the data, his eyes widening.

"Leader, we've got confirmation," he said, his voice steady but charged with urgency. "The artifact just flagged a high-level enchantment on a female target in the marketplace. Based on the signature, it's a disguise artifact"

The team leader, Rovan Kael, turned sharply, his expression darkening. He was a seasoned operative, known for his precision and ruthlessness, and this mission was personal for him. Failure was not an option.

"Are the targets still in the area?" Rovan asked, his voice calm but firm.

"Yes, sir," the operative replied. "The pair is still moving through the market, but based on their trajectory and behavior, they match the intel we received. All other subjects have been cleared-this is our couple."

Rovan nodded, his mind already spinning through the next steps. "Good. Maintain observation but keep your distance. If the enchantment is active, there's no doubt it's them. We'll follow their lead."

Back in the marketplace, the operatives began converging discreetly on the confirmed targets. Astron and Irina moved through the bustling streets with practiced ease, their movements calm and unhurried. To the untrained eye, they appeared like any other couple-a man and a woman casually exploring the market. But to the team, the subtle signs were unmistakable.

"They're heading cast," one of the operatives reported through his communicator. "Looks like they're making their way out of the market district."

"Keep eyes on them," Rovan ordered. "If the intel is accurate, they'll be heading to the Stellamere Museum. Make sure they don't slip out of sight."

The team moved with precision, shadowing the couple from multiple angles. High-grade artifacts concealed their presence, ensuring that neither Astron's heightened awareness nor Irina's sharp instincts would detect them.

As the pair exited the marketplace and began walking toward the outskirts of the city, the operatives maintained their formation, reporting every movement back to Rovan.

19-10

"They're on the main road to the museum," another operative confirmed. "Estimated arrival time, twenty minutes."

Rovan activated his communicator, his voice cutting through the network. "Alert the agents we've stationed at the Stellamere Museum, Targets are confirmed-Irina Emberheart and Astron Natusalune. They're en route."

At the museum, a team of agents received the alert. Situated discreetly within the museum's staff and visitors, they had been planted there days in advance, ready for this exact scenario. The museum was a sprawling, ancient structure with high ceilings, shadowed alcoves, and winding corridors-a perfect stage for the ambush. "We've got confirmation," one of the agents said, speaking into a concealed communicator. "Targets are inbound. Irina Emberheart and Astron Natusalune. All units, prepare for action."n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

The agents began their preparations, activating artifacts and securing key positions throughout the museum, High-grade cloaking devices ensured they remained undetected, while suppression artifacts were placed strategically to neutralize any unexpected magical outbursts.

Back on the road, Rovan received the updates with satisfaction. His team had done their part perfectly, and now, everything was falling into place.

"Remember," he said to his operatives, his tone steely, "we're dealing with Irina Emberheart. She's not just another target-she's a walking arsenal. And that boy with her, Astron... while it appears that the young man is not of a strong background, he can't be someone casual if he is with Irina Emberheart. Don't underestimate him too much either. We strike only when we're certain they have no way out. No mistakes." The operatives acknowledged the order, their focus unwavering as they continued to tail the pair. Every step brought them closer to the museum-and to the moment they had been preparing for.

The Stellamere Museum loomed large, its ancient stone façade bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. Inside, the vast halls were a mix of shadow and light, the high ceilings creating an almost reverent atmosphere as visitors moved quietly through the exhibits. Among them, Irina and Astron followed a guide, their steps measured as they wandered through the displays.

The guide was a middle-aged woman with a polished demeanor, her tone professional and her knowledge of the exhibits impeccable. She pointed out artifacts with enthusiasm, explaining the significance of each with a depth that even caught Irina's interest.

"And here," the guide said, gesturing toward a glass-encased relic, "we have a ceremonial blade from the early Dominion period. Notice the intricate carvings along the hilt-they represent the phases of the moon, believed to grant the wielder clarity of thought."

The Stellamere Museum maintained its quiet dignity, its stone walls and towering exhibits bearing witness to centuries of history. Visitors moved about in hushed tones, adding to the reverent atmosphere. Among them, Irina and Astron were entirely unaware of the silent storm brewing around them.

The agents executed their operations with flawless precision. Concealed by high-grade cloaking artifacts, their presence was undetectable.

They moved into preassigned positions, their fire-resistant armor blending seamlessly under their uniforms.

Suppression artifacts, placed strategically throughout the museum, would create a web of mana disruption, ensuring that any attempt to unleash powerful magic would

be stifled.

Rovan Kael, stationed in a concealed alcove above the central gallery, observed the scene with cold, calculating eyes. His operatives' movements were smooth, disciplined, and coordinated. This is perfect, he thought. They have no idea what's

coming.

Irina and Astron wandered through the museum, their steps leisurely as the guide led them through another section. Astron's posture remained relaxed, though his sharp eyes occasionally scanned their surroundings. Irina, on the other hand, was absorbed in the guide's explanations, and her interest in the ancient artifacts was genuine.

"And this," the guide continued, gesturing toward a grand display case, "is a ceremonial staff used by the Dominion's early seers. It was believed to amplify foresight magic, allowing the user to glimpse into potential futures."

Irina leaned slightly closer to examine the staff, her hazel eyes narrowing in thought. Astron stood a step behind her, his hands loosely at his sides. To any onlooker, they appeared like a couple enjoying a quiet outing. But to the trained eyes of Rovan and his team, their behavior was carefully analyzed, and their strengths and weaknesses

assessed.

"They're in position," one of the agents murmured through the communicator.

"Central gallery, northeast wing."

Rovan's voice crackled through the communication network, calm and commanding. "Good. This is our moment. All units, get into final positions. On my mark, we strike. Do not underestimate Irina Emberheart. The boy is secondary-take him down if he

resists."

wenty-five operatives surrounded the gallery, their formations tightening as they prepared for the assault. Among them were five masters, elite hunters of the highest rank, whose presence was overkill even for a target like Irina. Every operative was equipped with fire-resistant armor and enchanted weapons designed to counteract

Irina's flame-based abilities.

nanter na nam

The intelligence they had gathered ensured they were prepared for nearly every contingency. They knew Irina was a walking arsenal, capable of wielding fire magic with devastating precision. They knew Astron was a skilled dagger and bow user, though they dismissed him as less of a threat compared to his companion. He's good, but he's not a professional, Rovan thought. This will end quickly. Rovan's voice cut through the silence of the communicators. "Now."

The attack began with ruthless precision. Suppression fields surged to full power, the air around Irina and Astron growing heavy with mana disruption. Hidden panels in the

walls and ceiling opened, and the operatives emerged from their concealed positions, their movements swift and coordinated.

The air had grown subtly heavy, a faint shift that might have gone unnoticed by most, but not by Astron. His sharp gray eyes flickered with an almost imperceptible change, a glimmer of heightened awareness. Something was wrong.

Irina, absorbed in examining the intricate carvings on the ceremonial staff, didn't sense it. Her focus was entirely on the artifact as she murmured, "It's incredible how they infused their beliefs into even the smallest details..."

Astron's muscles tensed, his head turning slightly as his heightened senses caught the

faintest vibration in the air-a telltale sign of mana gathering in the distance. His instincts screamed danger.

"Down!" he barked, his voice sharp and commanding.

Before Irina could register his words, he moved. With inhuman speed, his body surged

with mana, his movements precise and fluid. His figure blurred for a split second as he closed the gap between them. In one swift motion, he tackled her to the ground, his

body covering hers protectively.

BOOM!

The explosion ripped through the gallery with a deafening roar, the shockwave tearing

through the air like a physical force. Glass cases shattered into thousands of jagged shards, artifacts toppled from their pedestals, and the ground beneath them trembled

violently.

Smoke and debris filled the air, the acrid stench of burnt materials stinging Irina's nostrils as she struggled to catch her breath. The weight of Astron's body pinned her to the ground, shielding her from the worst of the blast. Even so, she felt the force of the explosion reverberate through her bones, leaving her momentarily disoriented. Her cars rang as she coughed, blinking rapidly to clear her vision. "Astron-what-?" "Stay down," he ordered, his tone clipped but calm, his sharp gray eyes scanning their surroundings.

His presence was solid and grounding, his body emanating a faint, almost imperceptible glow as residual mana coursed through him. He had acted in an instant, faster than even most trained Awakened could have managed. Irina realized with a jolt of clarity that he had saved her from taking the full brunt of the explosion. The gallery was in chaos, Smoke billowed around them, distorting the figures of operatives as they moved into position. Their cloaking devices shimmered faintly in the haze, giving them a ghostly, spectral appearance. Suppression artifacts hummed ominously, their fields thickening the air and making mana manipulation increasingly

difficult.

Irina's hazel eyes darted around, her instincts finally kicking in as the reality of the

ambush sank in. "Astron, what's going on? Who-?"

"Ambush."

It was an ambush.

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