Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest

Chapter 639 140.3 - Concocting

As they stepped out of Kieran's shop, the cool air of the bustling city swept over them, stirring the quiet between them. Maya felt a lightness within her as she walked beside Astron, the energy of the exchange lingering in her thoughts. Kieran had outdone himself, and it filled her with pride knowing she had introduced her junior to someone so capable.

After a moment, she glanced sideways at Astron, her voice casual but carrying a hint of curiosity. "So, what do you think of Kieran now?"

Astron's gaze remained forward, but there was a faint glint of respect in his violet eyes. "He is, without question, the most talented Magic Engineer I've encountered." He paused, his voice even but carrying a quiet weight. "You truly have a genius friend, Senior."

Maya's lips curved into a pleased smile, warmth blooming in her chest at the words. She had always known Kieran's brilliance, but hearing Astron acknowledge it like this felt like a victory of sorts, for both her and her friend.

"I knew you'd come to see it," she replied, her tone lightly teasing but with an unmistakable pride. "Kieran might be eccentric, but when it comes to his craft, there's no one more dedicated."

"It's a rare trait," he admitted. "His confidence is earned. And with his skill… he'll be an asset."

Maya nodded in agreement, feeling a surge of satisfaction as they continued down the busy streets of the city.

The anticipation of what lay ahead mingled with a newfound resolve within her. She would continue to grow, master her strengths, and support Astron with everything she had.

They walked in quiet companionship, the sounds of the city a gentle hum around them as they made their way through the bustling streets.

Maya could feel the weight of what was left unsaid between them, a silent acknowledgment that this moment, like many before it, would soon be a memory.

The time for Astron to depart was approaching, and she had her own responsibilities to attend to, tasks that would occupy her time in his absence.

'It's just part of it,' she thought, her gaze drifting to him. 'We both have our own paths, things to accomplish before we cross paths again.'

A faint pang of regret lingered beneath her calm exterior, though she refused to let it show. She had resolved not to cling to these moments, to respect the quiet understanding they shared. Knowing he would be leaving felt different this time; rather than feeling untethered, she felt a steady resolve, as if their connection, however brief, had fortified her own purpose.

Finally, as they reached the edge of the marketplace, she turned to him, a calm smile on her lips. "So, I suppose you'll be heading off soon," she said, her tone light but carrying a quiet undertone of acceptance.

Astron met her gaze, his expression as composed as ever but with a flicker of understanding. "Yes," he replied, a hint of softness in his voice.

Astron's acknowledgment settled between them, as quiet as the city's early evening hum.

Maya's heart beat a little faster, the thought that this might be one of their last moments together and she wouldn't see him for a little while flickering insistently in her mind. She took a quiet breath, searching for the right words to let him know she wanted just one more thing.

Steeling herself, she glanced up at him, feeling the flush of warmth already spreading across her cheeks. "Junior…" she began her voice barely a whisper, her blue eyes shimmering with a hint of crimson. "Would it be all right if I… drink, just once more?"

He met her gaze, understanding dawning in his violet eyes, and for a moment, he simply looked at her.

She felt the intensity of his gaze, his silence conveying more than any words could have. Then, with a brief glance around, he nodded slightly and gestured to a narrow, quiet alley nearby.

She followed her steps lightly yet purposefully.

Once they were out of sight, Maya turned to him, her heartbeat echoing loudly in her ears. She hesitated only a moment before stepping forward, her hands reaching up to rest lightly against his chest. And in one swift motion, she pressed him back against the cool stone wall, her breath catching as she looked up into his eyes. In the dim, quiet space, the tension between them felt almost palpable.

Her gaze lingered on him, her hands sliding to his shoulders as her fangs emerged, and she could feel the primal side of her stirring.

"Go." Astron's voice was low, calm.

With that, she leaned in, her lips grazing his neck before her fangs pierced his skin, releasing the rush of warmth she craved.

*******

As they stepped out of the narrow alley, Maya felt the lingering warmth spread through her, her cheeks flushed despite her best efforts to appear composed. The soft hum of the city had returned, but the taste of his blood still lingered on her tongue, a reminder of the moment they'd just shared. The "post-drink clarity," as she'd come to call it in private, settled over her in full force, pulling her mind back into focus with a mix of exhilaration and acute self-awareness.

'What am I doing?' she thought, mortified but unable to suppress the quiet thrill. Every time she'd drunk from him, she'd felt it—this delicate line between the control she struggled to maintain and the raw instinct that surged up within her.

Next to her, Astron remained steady and calm, his expression unchanged as he walked, a picture of composure that only deepened her embarrassment. She could still feel the way his heartbeat had pulsed against her lips, the steady rhythm unflinching even as she drank. He made it seem like nothing at all, while she struggled to keep her own reaction in check.

'Get a grip, Maya,' she scolded herself, though her pulse quickened again as she remembered his calm command, the trust he'd placed in her even in her most vulnerable state.

Trying to ground herself, she cast a sideways glance at him. "I, uh…" she stammered, searching for the right words to break the silence. "Thank you."

He looked over at her, his expression as composed as ever, though there was a slight raise of his brow as if amused by her flustered state. "It's not a problem," he replied simply as if he hadn't just allowed her to indulge in something so deeply personal.

Her cheeks reddened further, and she let out a soft, nervous laugh. 'How can he be so unaffected?' she wondered, though his calm grounded her in a way she hadn't expected.

The rush of warmth and satisfaction in her chest was slowly giving way to a deeper insight, an understanding she hadn't fully grasped before. Each time she'd drunk from him, she'd been reminded of the power that lay within her, a force she had always kept tightly controlled.

And yet, it was through him, through the quiet trust he placed in her, that she was learning not just to control it, but to embrace it without fear.

'This isn't just hunger,' she realized, her gaze lingering on him as they continued to walk. 'It's a connection… a part of me that doesn't have to be hidden or suppressed.'

As the clarity settled within her, she felt a renewed sense of purpose. She wanted to become stronger—not simply to hold her powers in check, but to wield them fully, to trust herself as he did.

And when the time came, she wanted to stand beside him, not as someone needing to be grounded, but as someone he could rely on without question.

Astron's gaze flicked her way, catching her introspective expression, and he nodded slightly as if he already knew the thoughts stirring in her mind. His calm steadiness only solidified her resolve, and though her heart still beat faster at the memory of her lips grazing his neck, she felt a quiet, steady strength fill her.

'Next time,' she promised herself, 'I'll be even stronger.'

Maya took a steadying breath, feeling the last traces of warmth settle within her as she glanced over at Astron, her curiosity piqued. She opened her mouth, trying to keep her voice calm. "Is it… time?"

He met her gaze, his expression composed but carrying a hint of something unreadable. "Not quite," he replied, a flicker of anticipation in his eyes. "There's one thing left."

Her brows lifted slightly as she waited, intrigued until he continued. "Can you recommend a good place for alchemical purposes?"

Maya tilted her head, momentarily surprised. "Alchemical purposes?" she echoed, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

Astron nodded, his expression unwavering. "Yes. I need to brew a particular concoction. It's important, and I want to ensure it's done properly." His tone was steady, but she could sense the underlying seriousness, an unspoken weight in his words.

She considered his request, tapping a finger thoughtfully against her chin. "A concoction," she repeated, her intrigue only growing. "Well, if you're looking for a quality place, I know of a few options. One is a little out of the way, but their ingredients are some of the finest, and they keep everything organized by region, potency, and magical alignment."

Astron shook his head slightly, his expression still calm. "I don't need ingredients. What I need is quality equipment."

Maya's eyebrows lifted in surprise as the realization dawned on her. "You're the one brewing it?"

He gave a small nod as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "Yes. I've been practicing for a while."

She tilted her head, a glint of curiosity sparking in her eyes. "You know how to brew concoctions?"

A faint, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "It's a useful skill," he replied. "There are some things only I can make correctly, especially when it comes to preparations needed for… particular situations."

Maya let out a soft chuckle, unable to hide her admiration. "You never cease to surprise me, Junior." She gestured ahead, the intrigue deepening in her gaze. "Well, then, I think this place will suit your needs perfectly. They have the finest equipment, and their setups are kept in meticulous condition."

As they continued through the city, she cast a sidelong glance at him, curiosity bubbling up. "May I?"

"You may, Senior. You may."

Maya was happy.