Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest - Chapter 564: .1 - Evergreen

The car glided smoothly through the streets of Ardmont, heading toward the outskirts of the city. As the scenery shifted from the vibrant greenery and bustling crowds of the metropolis to the more open, expansive fields beyond, I settled into the quiet, letting the stillness take over.

The driver, true to his professional demeanor, didn’t speak, and I didn’t feel the need to break the silence. Instead, I focused on the passing landscape. The soft hum of the car’s engine became background noise as I gazed out of the window, observing the transition from city to countryside.

As the car continued through the scenic roads of Ardmont, I caught sight of several people bustling around the trade centers. These buildings were sleek, and their designs were a blend of modern architecture and the earthy tones of nature. Towering structures of glass and steel were softened by lush green terraces and walls covered in climbing plants, giving the impression that they were almost grown from the earth itself rather than built upon it.

Workers and traders moved fluidly between the buildings, their actions efficient but with a sense of ease that was rare in the more industrialized cities. Stalls and marketplaces were neatly set up alongside advanced transportation hubs, where hovering carts and drones carried supplies from one side of the centers to the other. Despite the advanced technology, it felt like the technology served the environment, not the other way around.

‘Ardmont really is something else,’ I thought as I observed the fusion of human innovation and natural beauty. In Nexoria, it was all about efficiency and power, but here, it was about balance and harmony. The people seemed content, and even the trade had a rhythm to it that didn’t feel rushed or pressured. The air was cleaner, too, as if the city’s layout naturally filtered out the chaos of daily life.

After about thirty minutes of this quiet drive through the countryside, the car slowed down as we approached a more secluded area. Ahead, I could see a series of high, sleek gates surrounding a large private airship port. The port itself was an impressive sight—its metallic platforms shimmered under the sun, but like everything else in Ardmont, it had a touch of nature integrated into the design. Vines and greenery lined the walkways, and small trees stood in perfect symmetry along the entrance.

“Here.”

“A minute.”

The driver presented his ID to the personnel at the gate, who nodded without hesitation, allowing us to pass through. As the car rolled forward, I took a moment to absorb my surroundings. I couldn’t help but feel a slight sense of amazement at the luxury of the place. It wasn’t ostentatious in the traditional sense, but there was an understated elegance to everything—the perfectly maintained grounds, the smooth operations of the airships being prepped for departure, and the personnel who moved with a quiet, professional efficiency.

Even for someone who had seen countless different scenes in the game, this level of subtle opulence caught me off guard.

‘This doesn’t fall short of the wealth of the Blackthorns or any other high-ranking families.’

As we came to a stop near one of the private hangars, the driver stepped out and opened the door for me. “We’ve arrived, Mr. Natusalune,” he said, gesturing toward the entrance. I stepped out of the car, nodding to him as I took in the sight of the private airship waiting for me.

‘I guess Senior Maya didn’t hold back on this,’ I thought, my curiosity piqued.

The airship before me was impressive, to say the least. Its sleek exterior, crafted from a shimmering alloy that reflected the sunlight in subtle hues of silver and blue, exuded both sophistication and durability.

It was enormous, though its design was refined enough to make it seem almost modest. The engines were silent, a testament to the advanced technology that powered the vessel. No loud hum or clattering of mechanical parts—just a low, constant pulse of energy.

As I neared the airship, the details of its construction became clearer. The shimmering alloy that coated its hull wasn’t just for show. ‘That’s Mithrinium—lightweight, but incredibly strong. Resistant to most forms of magical interference.’ It was rare to see a ship outfitted with it, especially for personal use. Maya certainly spared no expense.

I glanced along the sides, noting the faint outlines of hidden panels. ‘Those aren’t just storage compartments… reinforced plating and a concealed weapon system.’ My eyes picked out a few key features. ‘Mana-siphon turrets, perhaps? Compact, but deadly in close-quarter aerial skirmishes.’ They were subtle, almost unnoticeable to the untrained eye, but their positioning was strategic—no angle left undefended.

As I moved closer, I caught sight of the symbols etched subtly into the airship’s hull, nearly blending with the design. ‘Runic engravings… that’s Aetherweave. Perfect for amplifying protective barriers and enhancing the ship’s stealth capabilities.’ No doubt, it allowed the airship to pass through areas undetected while ensuring its occupants remained safe from magical threats.

The engines were tucked beneath the sleek frame, almost hidden, but I recognized the faint glow of crystallized mana energy. ‘Crystalis Core Engines. Silent, efficient, and able to sustain long flights without refueling. With those, this ship could cross half the continent in a single trip.’

I stepped back, taking in the full view once more. ‘This isn’t just for travel. It’s for defense, stealth, and speed. A personal fortress in the sky.’

As I stepped onto the ramp, a butler appeared at the entrance, his posture impeccable, dressed in a uniform that exuded professionalism. He bowed slightly before speaking. “Welcome aboard, Mr. Natusalune. Lady Maya has instructed me to escort you to the main cabin. Please, follow me.”

I nodded in acknowledgment, but my attention was still focused on the details around me. The interior of the airship was as impressive as the exterior—polished floors, intricate woodwork along the walls, and soft lighting that gave the space a serene ambiance. Yet, there was something else. Subtle signs that suggested the airship had seen some use, but not recently.

‘The furniture, while pristine, shows slight wear in the usual spots,’ I noted as I walked. The faint creases in the upholstery where someone might sit frequently, but no signs of recent occupancy. ‘This airship is used, but not often. Maybe once in a while, but it’s clear it’s kept in excellent condition.’

The butler led me through the narrow corridors, and I took in more of the surroundings. Each room we passed was meticulously arranged, but nothing felt personal. ‘It’s well-maintained,’ I thought, ‘but there’s a difference between regular cleaning and daily use.’ The air was fresh, too fresh for a ship that had seen frequent travel. Maintenance was routine, but not much more than that.

As we approached the main cabin, I glanced at the subtle details—art pieces carefully selected to reflect a refined taste, minimalist yet elegant. ‘This is definitely Maya’s ship. It has her touch all over it. Reserved, understated, and refined. And considering she’s been at the academy for over a year and a half, it makes sense why this airship hasn’t been used much recently.’

The butler stopped in front of a large, polished door and opened it, revealing the main cabin. “Please, make yourself comfortable,” he said, gesturing toward the seating area.

I stepped into the seating area, immediately noticing the soft, plush chairs arranged around a low table. The upholstery was crafted from high-end materials, blending comfort with elegance. Each piece of furniture was carefully placed, giving the space an air of intimacy while still maintaining the feel of a luxury airship. The room itself was quiet, save for the faint hum of the ship’s systems, and the lighting was soft, casting a warm glow across the cabin.

“Mr. Natusalune,” the butler spoke again, his tone polite, “the airship will board shortly. If you have any questions or require anything during the flight, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

I glanced toward the butler, considering for a moment. “How long will the ride take?”

“It will be approximately one hour, sir,” he replied smoothly, folding his hands in front of him. “Lady Maya has arranged everything to ensure a comfortable journey.”

I nodded, acknowledging the information. “Thank you. That will be all for now.”

The butler gave a small bow before excusing himself from the room, leaving me alone in the quiet, luxurious cabin. I leaned back into one of the chairs, the softness immediately providing comfort.

Moments later, I felt the subtle shift beneath my feet as the airship began its ascent. The smoothness of the takeoff was barely noticeable, save for the faint change in pressure.

As the airship leveled off, it didn’t ascend too high, keeping a close connection to the landscape below. I moved closer to one of the large windows, my eyes drawn to the changing view. The city of Ardmont grew smaller with each passing moment, the towering buildings and streets gradually fading into the distance. But as we rose higher, the full scope of the land surrounding the city became more visible, stretching far beyond what most would be able to perceive.

‘A perk of the eyes,’ I thought as my vision adjusted, focusing on the details far below. Even from this height, I could make out the sprawling agricultural lands that extended in all directions, a vast tapestry of fields and crops spread across the region. It was impressive—countless fields, all tended by various machines and workers who moved with purpose, their actions synchronized in a strange harmony with the land itself.

The more I looked, the more details revealed themselves. I could see how magic was woven into the very fabric of the land. Massive formations, faintly glowing with a soft energy, were scattered across the fields, clearly designed to regulate the weather and soil conditions. ‘So that’s how they maintain consistency,’ I mused, noting the subtle shifts in the air and the flow of mana. Some areas had a light drizzle, while others basked in warm sunlight—all directed by the formations that controlled each zone’s environment to optimize the crops.

Machinery of all kinds moved efficiently between the fields—hovering drones inspecting crops, large automated plows tilling the earth, and irrigation systems that distributed water with precision. Yet, it wasn’t just machines at work. I could see workers, both human and otherwise, moving across the land. They were spaced far apart, yet each group seemed to know exactly what needed to be done, their coordination a testament to the careful balance that defined this region.

‘The integration of magic here is far beyond what I’ve seen in most human lands,’ I noted. In other places, magic was often treated as an afterthought or luxury, but here it was a foundational tool used to enhance every aspect of life. Agriculture, technology, and mana flowed seamlessly together, allowing for a level of efficiency that was rare to find. Forests bordered the farmlands, thick with trees that seemed untouched by the hand of industry. Even here, I could see formations keeping the natural balance in check, ensuring the forest remained healthy.

The combination of technology and nature, so perfectly in sync, was fascinating. It was clear that Ardmont, despite its agricultural focus, had a deep understanding of how to use mana to benefit both the land and the people.

‘So different from the usual human lands,’ I thought, the contrast between what I saw here and what I had known elsewhere striking me.

The airship continued its smooth journey, and I stayed by the window, observing the intricate workings of the land below. It was as if the entire region was alive with a rhythm dictated by both magic and nature, a balance that most places could only dream of achieving.

‘A world within itself,’ I mused, letting the thought linger as the airship glided effortlessly above the vast, enchanted fields.

Exactly 57 minutes later, as I continued to observe the landscape below, something caught my eye.

‘The mana….’

It changed.