Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest-Chapter 667 147.2 - Chamber of Emberheart

"Thank you for the meal~." Irina hurried out of the dining room, her heart still racing as she strode quickly through the corridors. She moved purposefully, her footsteps echoing off the polished floors as she made her way outside to the garden. The moment she stepped into the open air, she took a deep breath, letting the cool breeze help calm the lingering heat in her cheeks. 'Get it together,' she told herself, placing a hand over her chest to steady her pulse. She forced herself to look at things from an objective perspective, reminding herself of the task at hand: Astron was about to face the Chamber of Emberheart—a place that demanded far more than simple endurance. Just as she began to compose her thoughts, she heard footsteps behind her. Turning, she saw Astron emerging from the mansion, his expression steady as always. For a moment, she felt that same flicker of frustration at his calmness, but she pushed it aside, focusing on what needed to be done. "Astron," she said, her tone shifting to something more serious. "There are things you need to know about the Chamber." He moved closer, nodding in silent acknowledgment, his attention fully on her. "It's… unlike anything you've faced before most likely," she began, her voice low but firm. "The Chamber of Emberheart isn't just a test of physical endurance. It's a place designed to test your very essence. Its flames… they burn deeper than just flesh. They reach into your mana, your willpower, everything that holds you together." She looked away, her gaze distant as she recalled her own experience in the Chamber. "When I was in there, it felt as if the flames were stripping away every layer of who I was, testing if I was worthy of wielding the Emberheart flames. For someone without our family's affinity… it can be overwhelming." Astron's expression remained calm, but she could see the faint glint of resolve in his eyes. "And what's the best way to handle it?" he asked, his tone thoughtful, almost curious. Irina took a deep breath, searching for the right words. "Don't resist the flames outright," she advised, her gaze returning to him. "The more you fight, the harder they'll push back. Instead… let them test you. Accept their intensity but don't let them consume you. Think of it as a negotiation with fire itself. If you endure and adapt, the Chamber might recognize your strength, even if you're not from our bloodline." She hesitated, feeling a pang of worry, but pushed forward. "This isn't a test of raw power. It's about resilience, Astron. And if anyone can handle that… I believe you can." Her mind still raced, trying to think of any possible way to aid Astron in the Chamber. When she'd undergone the trial, Esme had secretly provided her with herbs to bolster her endurance—a quiet act of rebellion against the harshness of the ordeal. But she doubted her mother would allow the same leniency for Astron. This was different; he was an outsider, and the Matriarch was not one to give unearned advantages. Still, she couldn't help but hope, and so she called for Esme, the faint thread of determination in her voice. Esme arrived swiftly, bowing respectfully. But even before Irina could open her mouth, the older woman spoke, her expression sympathetic yet resigned. "I'm sorry, young lady. The Matriarch has already instructed every maid to refrain from offering any assistance. We are not to interfere with the trial." Irina paused, her faint hope extinguished. After a moment, she let out a soft, bitter laugh, waving her hand to signal Esme's dismissal. She should've known her mother would cover every angle, ensuring that Astron's test was as unforgiving as possible. Esme gave her a respectful nod, her expression laced with a quiet understanding before she turned and left, leaving Irina and Astron alone once more. Once Esme was out of sight, Irina sighed, her gaze fixed on the ground. "I should have expected that. She never leaves anything to chance." She looked up at Astron, a trace of resignation mixed with the glimmer of her usual defiance. "So… it really will be just you and the Chamber." Astron simply nodded, accepting this without complaint, his calm unshaken. Irina's chest tightened. She knew he'd go in without hesitation, but that didn't ease the worry gnawing at her. All she could do now was prepare him with what little advice she could offer. "If there's anything else you need to know or… any way I can help, just tell me," she murmured, her voice softer. She wished, more than anything, that she could do something to tip the scales in his favor. "It is fine." Hearing his steady response, Irina found herself studying his face, her gaze tracing the calm lines of his expression. For a brief, unsettling moment, she saw a flicker of another timeline, a version of him where he had lost himself completely, swallowed by powers and burdens that had fractured his spirit. The memory lingered, raw and haunting, as she imagined the agony he must have endured. She didn't want him to feel that pain—not again, not ever. But she knew this world had its own rules, indifferent to wishes or pleas for mercy. Life here demanded strength, unyielding and often brutal, and though she wished she could shield him from that reality, she understood that no words or sentiment could alter it. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she reached out, leaning her head gently against his shoulder, grounding herself in his presence. The warmth of him, steady and unwavering, was a comfort she hadn't expected to need. She knew he didn't often seek support, didn't rely on anyone but himself, and yet she hoped that he might feel her quiet resolve beside him, even if unspoken. For a moment, they stood like that, the silence between them filled with unspoken promises. She closed her eyes, letting the cool air mingle with the warmth of their connection. "Just… remember," she murmured softly, "I will be there." And she really intended to uphold her words. ******* The Chamber of Emberheart loomed before them, an ancient structure that seemed to pulse with the energy of generations past. Towering, weathered stone walls framed the entrance, etched with intricate patterns of flame that glowed faintly, as if alive with the latent power of the Emberheart legacy. It spiraled downward into the earth, each level intensifying in heat and fury, until at the deepest depths lay the legendary Fire of Amber—a primal, unyielding flame that had tested the worth of every Emberheart heir. Irina stood beside Astron, her face a mask of composure, though her eyes betrayed the quiet turmoil roiling within her. The Matriarch, ever poised and unreadable, moved with calm authority, her gaze fixed on the door to the Chamber as it slowly creaked open, the ancient metal groaning in response. The air was thick with an oppressive heat that radiated from within, and a subtle, almost inaudible hum of magic thrummed from the walls. The Chamber exuded an energy that seemed to look right through you, measuring, judging—a sentinel of the Emberheart legacy. The Matriarch stepped inside, her demeanor unchanged as the wave of heat washed over her. She glanced at Astron, her expression firm yet strangely expectant, as if silently daring him to falter before he'd even begun. "This is the Chamber of Emberheart," she announced, her voice steady and unyielding. "Each level grows more intense, requiring not only endurance but absolute control over one's own mana and spirit. It demands resilience, a clear mind, and the strength to confront one's own limitations." Her gaze hardened. "You will only be entering the first level, as discussed. But do not be deceived—this trial is not for the faint of heart. Even the first level has claimed many who were… unprepared." Astron held her gaze, undeterred, his expression calm and resolute. Irina, watching him closely, could sense the subtle tension in his posture—the readiness for what lay ahead, the acceptance of the challenge. He was prepared, even if the path before him was unlike anything he had faced. The Matriarch turned her gaze to her daughter, her expression unreadable, though there was a faint glint of steel in her eyes. "Irina, I trust you understand that this is his test alone." Irina clenched her fists, the words stinging even though she'd expected them. "Yes, Mother," she replied, her voice low but steady. "Then, why–" "I will enter with him," Irina declared, her voice firm and unwavering as she turned to face her mother. She'd anticipated resistance, but she wasn't prepared to simply stand by, not when Astron was about to face the Chamber. The Matriarch's eyes narrowed her expression hardening. "No," she replied, her tone brooking no argument. "I do not trust that you would be able to remain impartial. This is his trial, Irina, not yours." Irina clenched her fists, struggling to contain her frustration. "I can promise you, I won't interfere. I only want to be there—" But before she could finish, Astron spoke, his calm voice cutting through the tension. "If she enters, you'll never be convinced," he said, his gaze steady on the Matriarch. "It's better this way." Irina's face twisted with concern, her resolve wavering as she looked at him. She knew he was right—her mother would never truly consider his trial legitimate if she were inside with him. This had to be his fight alone. She had only been testing the waters, hoping against reason that her presence might be allowed. Taking a deep breath, she nodded reluctantly. "Fine," she murmured, her voice barely a whisper. The Matriarch gave her a faint, knowing glance before leading them down the dim stone staircase that spiraled into the depths of the Chamber. They descended in silence, the air growing warmer with every step, carrying the scent of smoke and ember. The weight of the Chamber's ancient energy pressed against them, filling the space with a palpable, almost living heat. They stopped at the entrance to the first level, a large stone door carved with intricate flames. The room beyond seemed to glow with an ominous red light, the fire within casting shifting shadows on the walls. Irina's heart raced, her hands cold despite the heat around them, but she kept her face steady. She wanted to say something, to offer him words of encouragement, but she found herself at a loss. All she could do was hold his gaze, hoping he could feel the silent support she offered. He stepped forward, crossing the threshold into the first level of the Chamber of Emberheart. The door closed behind him with a heavy, resonant thud, sealing him inside. Irina stood there, her heart pounding, her eyes fixed on the closed door.freēwēbηovel.c૦m