Chapter 821 - Translation

<h1>Chapter 821 189.7 - Mentorship</h1><p>Chapter 821 189.7 - Mentorship</p><p>"However, the two of you will be different."</p><p>Ethan's curiosity piqued again, his hazel eyes lighting up with interest. Astron, as always, remained composed, though his sharp gaze remained fixed on Eleanor.</p><p>"You two will have mentorship sessions with me directly," Eleanor stated, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Twice a week—each Saturday and Tuesday—for two hours per session."</p><p>Ethan blinked in surprise. "Wait, so… four hours a week?" he asked, doing the quick mental math. "That's—"</p><p>"Significantly more than what the others will receive," Eleanor finished for him, her tone matter-of-fact. "And with one of the best Hunters in the entire Human Domain nevertheless."</p><p>Astron's sharp purple eyes flicked toward Eleanor. "You really are humble, Professor," he said, his voice calm but carrying a dry undertone.</p><p>Eleanor's expression shifted into the faintest of smiles, her sharp gaze steady as she regarded him. "When you reach my age, Astron," she replied smoothly, "you'll understand your worth more. And being humble, in some cases, is simply a way of lying about yourself."</p><p>Ethan chuckled lightly at the exchange, leaning back in his chair, clearly entertained by the rare banter. "That's one way to put it," he muttered under his breath.</p><p>But Eleanor's smile faded almost imperceptibly as her demeanor turned serious. She straightened in her chair, folding her hands in front of her as her sharp gaze swept over both cadets. "But I need you to brace yourselves."</p><p>The weight in her tone immediately shifted the atmosphere in the room. Ethan sat up a little straighter, and even Astron's calm expression seemed to sharpen slightly, his full attention now locked on her.</p><p>Eleanor raised one hand, and a faint hum filled the air as she channeled a small, concentrated flow of her mana. The room seemed to shift subtly under the pressure, the temperature dropping just enough to be noticeable, and the edges of the light flickered faintly. Though the mana was controlled and restrained, its intensity was unmistakable—a fraction of what Eleanor was capable of, but still a stark reminder of the power she wielded.</p><p>"When we are together in those two hours," she began, her voice steady but carrying an undeniable edge, "I will not be your professor. I will not be Eleanor White, the instructor of the Arcadia Hunter Academy."</p><p>The pressure in the room grew slightly, the faint hum of her mana reverberating through the air. Ethan swallowed hard, his usual grin completely gone as he felt the weight of her presence. Astron remained composed, though his sharp eyes glinted with a faint hint of focus, the only indication that he, too, felt the shift.</p><p>"In those sessions," Eleanor continued, her tone unwavering, "I will be the Professional Hunter Eleanor. One of the top Hunters in the Human Domain. And I will hold you to the standards of that world—not the world of cadets, not the world of training. The standards of reality. Do you understand?"</p><p>Ethan nodded quickly, his hazel eyes wide but resolute. "Yes, Professor."</p><p>Astron inclined his head slightly, his voice calm but firm. "Understood."</p><p>Eleanor let her mana dissipate slowly, the oppressive weight lifting from the room as the faint hum faded. The silence that followed was heavy, but not with tension—with understanding. She had made her expectations clear, and both cadets knew that this would be no ordinary mentorship.</p><p>"Good," Eleanor said finally, her tone returning to its usual calm authority. "Then prepare yourselves. This is an opportunity, yes, but it is also a challenge. You will be pushed harder than you've ever been before. And if you can't rise to meet those expectations—"</p><p>"..."</p><p>"Well, let's hope that doesn't happen."</p><p>Ethan let out a small exhale as the weight of Eleanor's presence fully dissipated, the air in the room returning to its usual stillness. He glanced at Astron, who stood as calm and composed as ever, then back at Eleanor.</p><p>"Well," Ethan said lightly, though his voice was edged with genuine respect, "I guess we'll see you on Saturday."</p><p>Eleanor gave a slight nod, her sharp gaze shifting briefly between the two cadets. "You will."</p><p>Taking that as their dismissal, Ethan turned and made his way toward the door, his steps lighter now that the tension had lifted. Astron followed silently, his posture precise and measured, as always. As the door clicked shut behind them, Eleanor leaned back in her chair, her gaze lingering for a moment on the space they had vacated.</p><p>Outside the office, the hallway stretched long and quiet, the echoes of their footsteps fading into the distance. Ethan stretched his arms over his head, letting out a low whistle. "Well, that was… something," he muttered, glancing at Astron out of the corner of his eye. "She really knows how to set the tone, huh?"</p><p>Astron didn't immediately respond, his sharp purple eyes fixed ahead as he walked. Finally, he spoke, his voice calm but thoughtful. "She made her expectations clear."</p><p>Ethan smirked, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "Yeah, no kidding. Standards of reality, huh? Sounds fun."</p><p>Astron's gaze flicked briefly toward him. "I don't think she's aiming for 'fun.'"</p><p>Ethan chuckled softly, his hazel eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and determination. "Maybe not, but it'll be interesting. Besides," he added with a grin, "I'd rather have her pushing us than some random mentor who doesn't care."</p><p>Astron didn't respond, his expression remaining unreadable as they continued down the hallway. But his silence didn't bother Ethan. If anything, he'd grown used to it—comfortable, even.</p><p>The two walked in silence for a while, their strides falling into an unspoken rhythm. Finally, Ethan broke it with a quiet laugh. "Hey, you think she meant it when she said she'd hold us to the standards of a top Hunter?"</p><p>Astron's voice was calm, almost detached. "She doesn't seem like the type to say things she doesn't mean."</p><p>Ethan let out another low whistle, shaking his head with a grin. "Guess we're in for it, then."</p><p>As they reached the end of the corridor, the faint hum of other cadets' chatter began to filter through the air. Ethan turned to Astron, his grin softening into something more genuine. "Well, see you Saturday, partner."</p><p>Astron's sharp purple eyes flicked to Ethan, narrowing slightly as he replied in his usual calm but clipped tone. "I am not your partner."</p><p>Ethan stopped mid-step, turning to face Astron with an exaggerated look of mock offense. "Heeeh… Why not? It's just the two of us, isn't it?"</p><p>"It's just the two of us who have been forcefully called by Eleanor," Astron corrected flatly, his tone as precise as ever. "We are not partners. We are just two people who happen to occupy the same space."</p><p>Ethan grinned, a mischievous glint in his hazel eyes. "Are you… tsundere?"</p><p>Astron's brows furrowed, and he turned his head slightly, giving Ethan a sharp look. "Tsundere?" he repeated, his tone laced with suspicion. "What is that supposed to mean?"</p><p>Ethan burst into laughter, shaking his head. "Never mind. Of course, you wouldn't know. Forget I said anything."</p><p>Astron's gaze didn't waver, but after a moment of assessing Ethan's amused expression, he simply turned and resumed walking, muttering under his breath, "Pointless noise."</p><p>Ethan was about to retort when his smartwatch buzzed, interrupting his thoughts. He glanced down at the screen, his playful grin softening into something more reserved when he saw the caller ID.</p><p>Jane.</p><p>Ethan coughed lightly, his hand instinctively moving to adjust the strap of his bag. "Uh, I should get this," he said, his tone shifting to something less teasing and more genuine. "I, uh, need to meet someone."</p><p>Astron glanced at him briefly, his expression unreadable. "Fine," he said simply, his tone dismissive as he continued walking ahead without another word.</p><p>Ethan watched him for a moment, a small smile tugging at his lips. "See you around, 'not partner,'" he called out, but Astron didn't bother looking back.</p><p>With a quiet laugh, Ethan answered the call, his voice softening as he brought the smartwatch closer. "Hey, Jane. What's up?" His steps quickened as he moved toward a quieter corner, already shifting his focus from the sharp-edged banter with Astron to the warm familiarity of Jane's voice.</p><p>******</p><p>Eleanor sat back in her chair, the soft hum of the room returning to its usual stillness. The sharp, focused exchange with Ethan and Astron lingered in her mind, playing back in fragments. Astron's calm composure, Ethan's intuitive curiosity—both of them were compelling in their own ways, and she couldn't deny the faint flicker of anticipation she felt for the mentorship sessions to come.</p><p>But as the room settled into silence, her smartwatch vibrated softly against her wrist. Glancing down, her sharp eyes caught the name that appeared on the screen:</p><p>Esme.</p><p>Her brows lifted slightly, her expression sharpening. Esme Abigail—the appointed nanny and trusted representative of the Emberheart family. Seeing her name was enough to tell Eleanor that this message wouldn't be casual.</p><p>Tapping the screen, she opened the message. The text was brief, formal, and straight to the point, but the weight of its implications settled heavily in her chest as she read.</p><p>--------------------</p><p>To Professor Eleanor White,</p><p>This message is sent at the behest of Matriarch Emberheart.</p><p>As per her directive, we request your discretion and oversight regarding Irina Emberheart's relationship with Astron Natusalune. The Matriarch believes that close monitoring of this dynamic will be beneficial to ensure that both individuals maintain their focus and that no unfavorable outcomes arise. Your expertise in these matters is, of course, trusted completely.</p><p>We appreciate your attention to this matter and will await your observations.</p><p>Sincerely,</p><p>Esme Abigail</p><p>---------------</p><p>Seeing the message, Eleanor just shook his head.</p><p>'You really have not changed.'</p><p>This was directed to both the matriarch and a certain maid with whom she was friends in the academy.</p>

<h1>Chapitre 821 189.7 - Mentorat</h1> <p>« Cependant, vous deux serez différents. » La voix d'Eleanor résonna avec une autorité tranquille dans la pièce aux murs de chêne, teintée d'une nuance indéniable d'attente.</p> <p>La curiosité d'Ethan s'enflamma instantanément, ses yeux noisette brillant d'un vif intérêt tandis que ses doigts tambourinaient inconsciemment sur l'accoudoir. Astron, quant à lui, conservait son impassibilité caractéristique, bien que l'intensité de son regard violet trahisse une attention absolue.</p> <p>« Vous bénéficierez de séances de mentorat exclusives avec moi », annonça Eleanor d'un ton qui n'admettait aucune contestation. « Deux rendez-vous hebdomadaires - les mardis et samedis - d'une durée de deux heures chacun. »</p> <p>Ethan cligna des paupières à plusieurs reprises, visiblement surpris. « Attendez une minute... ça fait donc quatre heures par semaine ? » calcula-t-il mentalement avant de poursuivre, « C'est considérablement— »</p> <p>« Plus élevé que le quota standard », compléta Eleanor avec un pragmatisme caractéristique. « Et dispensé par l'une des Chasseuses les plus accomplies du Domaine Humain, je me permets d'ajouter. »</p> <p>Le regard acéré d'Astron se posa sur Eleanor, ses iris violets luisant faiblement. « Votre modestie vous honore, Professeure », commenta-t-il, sa voix monocorde masquant à peine une pointe d'ironie sèche.</p> <p>Les lèvres d'Eleanor esquissèrent un sourire fugace, à peine perceptible. « Avec l'âge, Astron », rétorqua-t-elle avec fluidité, « tu apprendras à évaluer ta juste valeur. La fausse modestie n'est souvent qu'un mensonge déguisé. »</p> <p>Ethan étouffa un gloussement devant cet échange, se renversant nonchalamment sur sa chaise. « Voilà une formulation... intéressante », murmura-t-il entre ses dents.</p> <p>L'expression d'Eleanor se durcit subrepticement, son attitude devenant subitement plus grave. Elle se redressa avec une précision militaire, entrelaçant ses doigts devant elle tout en balayant les deux cadets d'un regard scrutateur. « Mais ne vous méprenez pas - ce ne sera pas une partie de plaisir. »</p> <p>Le changement de tonalité transforma instantanément l'atmosphère de la pièce. Ethan se raidit légèrement, tandis que le masque d'impassibilité d'Astron se fissurait à peine, révélant une concentration accrue.</p> <p>D'un geste ample, Eleanor leva sa main droite. Un bourdonnement énergétique envahit l'espace alors qu'elle libérait un flux maîtrisé de mana. L'air sembla se densifier sous cette pression invisible, la température chutant sensiblement tandis que les ombres dansaient étrangement sur les murs. Bien que parfaitement contrôlée, l'intensité de cette démonstration restait impressionnante - une infime fraction de son véritable potentiel, mais suffisante pour rappeler son statut.</p> <p>« Pendant ces sessions », commença-t-elle d'une voix chargée de gravité, « je ne serai pas votre professeure. Je ne serai pas Eleanor White, l'instructrice de l'Académie des Chasseurs d'Arcadia. »</p> <p>La pression atmosphérique sembla s'intensifier, le bourdonnement énergétique prenant une résonance presque tangible. Ethan avala péniblement sa salive, son sourire habituel complètement effacé. Astron, bien que stoïque, avait les yeux légèrement rétrécis, trahissant son état d'alerte accru.</p> <p>« Durant ces moments », poursuivit Eleanor sans élever le ton, « je serai la Chasseuse Professionnelle Eleanor. Une élite du Domaine Humain. Et j'exigerai de vous des performances dignes de ce titre - pas le niveau d'un cadet en formation, mais celui du monde réel. Est-ce parfaitement clair ? »</p> <p>Ethan opina vigoureusement, ses pupilles dilatées reflétant une détermination nouvelle. « Parfaitement, Professeure. »</p> <p>Astron inclina légèrement le menton, son timbre aussi neutre que toujours. « Compris. »</p> <p>Le mana se dissipa progressivement, la pression atmosphérique revenant à la normale. Le silence qui suivit était chargé non de tension, mais d'une compréhension mutuelle. Le message avait été reçu cinq sur cinq.</p> <p>« Excellent », conclut Eleanor, retrouvant son ton pédagogique habituel. « Préparez-vous en conséquence. Cette opportunité s'accompagne d'exigences proportionnelles. Si vous échouez à les satisfaire— »</p> <p>« ... »</p> <p>« —espérons simplement que cela ne se produira pas. »</p> <p>Ethan expira bruyamment lorsque l'aura intimidante d'Eleanor se résorba complètement. Son regard oscilla entre Astron, toujours aussi impassible, et leur instructrice.</p> <p>« Eh bien », lança-t-il avec une désinvolture étudiée, bien que teintée de respect, « rendez-vous samedi, alors. »</p> <p>Eleanor acquiesça brièvement, son regard perçant balayant les deux jeunes hommes. « Exactement. »</p> <p>Interprétant cela comme leur congé, Ethan pivota vers la sortie, sa démarche visiblement plus légère. Astron le suivit en silence, sa posture rigoureusement contrôlée. Lorsque la porte se referma dans leur dos, Eleanor s'affala dans son fauteuil, contemplant l'espace qu'ils venaient de quitter.</p> <p>Dans le couloir désert, leurs pas résonnèrent avant de s'estomper. Ethan étira ses bras au-dessus de sa tête avec un sifflement admiratif. « Voilà une déclaration d'intention... », commenta-t-il, jetant un regard en biais à Astron. « Elle sait y faire pour marquer les esprits, non ? »</p> <p>Astron garda le silence pendant plusieurs pas avant de répondre, sa voix mesurée : « Ses attentes sont clairement définies. »</p> <p>Ethan eut un sourire en coin, enfouissant ses mains dans ses poches. « Les standards du monde réel, hein ? Ça promet d'être... stimulant. »</p> <p>Un bref regard croisé. « " Stimulant« n'est probablement pas le terme qu'elle emploierait. »</p> <p>Ethan pouffa de rire, ses yeux pétillant d'une détermination joyeuse. « Peu importe le nom, je préfère largement ça à un mentor laxiste. »</p> <p>Le silence qui suivit fut confortable, leurs pas synchronisés dans le long corridor. Finalement, Ethan rompit le calme : « Tu penses qu'elle exagérait ? Sur le niveau qu'elle va exiger ? »</p> <p>Astron ne marqua aucune hésitation. « Eleanor White n'est pas du genre à user d'hyperboles. »</p> <p>« Mmmh. » Ethan siffla entre ses dents. « On va en baver, alors. »</p> <p>Alors qu'ils approchaient de l'intersection, le brouhaha des autres cadets devint audible. Ethan se tourna vers Astron avec un sourire complice. « À samedi, partenaire. »</p> <p>Les yeux violets se tournèrent vers lui, légèrement plissés. « Cette désignation est inexacte. »</p> <p>Ethan s'arrêta net, feignant l'indignation. « Comment ça ? On est clairement dans le même bateau ! »</p> <p>« Nous partageons simplement un créneau horaire imposé », rectifia Astron avec une précision méthodique. « Rien de plus. »</p> <p>Un sourire espiègle étira les lèvres d'Ethan. « Serais-tu... tsundere par hasard ? »</p> <p>Le froncement de sourcils d'Astron fut presque comique. « Pardon ? »</p> <p>« Rien, rien ! » Ethan éclata de rire en voyant son expression perplexe. « Oublie ça. »</p> <p>Astron le dévisagea un instant avant de repartir, murmurant : « Divagations inutiles. »</p> <p>Ethan ouvrait la bouche pour répliquer lorsque sa montre vibra. En lisant l'identifiant, son expression espiègle fit place à une douceur inattendue.</p> <p>Jane.</p> <p>« Euh, je dois prendre ça », dit-il en ajustant nerveusement sa sangle de sac. « Rendez-vous... ailleurs. »</p> <p>Astron le considéra brièvement. « Comme tu veux. »</p> <p>« À plus, »non-partenaire" », lança Ethan par-dessus son épaule, mais Astron avait déjà tourné les talons.</p> <p>Un rire tranquille aux lèvres, Ethan porta la montre à son oreille. « Salut Jane. Quoi de neuf ? » Sa voix prit une douceur inhabituelle tandis qu'il s'éloignait, déjà absorbé par cette nouvelle conversation.</p> <p>******</p> <p>Eleanor se laissa aller contre le dossier de son fauteuil, la pièce retrouvant son calme habituel. Les visages d'Ethan et Astron lui revenaient en mémoire - l'un expressif et vif, l'autre impénétrable mais tout aussi intense. Une lueur d'anticipation l'effleura à l'idée des sessions à venir.</p> <p>La vibration discrète de sa montre interrompit sa réflexion. Son regard perçant capta instantanément le nom affiché :</p> <p>Esme.</p> <p>Un sourcil se leva légèrement. Esme Abigail - l'éminence grise des Emberheart. Sa présence sur l'écran n'augurait rien de trivial.</p> <p>Le message était concis mais lourd de sens :</p> <p>--------------------</p> <p>À l'attention de la Professeure Eleanor White,</p> <p>Sur instruction directe de la Matriarche Emberheart.</p> <p>Nous sollicitons votre vigilance discrète concernant les interactions entre Irina Emberheart et Astron Natusalune. La Matriarche estime qu'une supervision discrète serait bénéfique pour maintenir leur concentration respective et prévenir tout... développement inopportun. Vos compétences en la matière sont, naturellement, hautement estimées.</p> <p>Nous apprécions votre attention à ce sujet et attendons vos retours.</p> <p>Respectueusement,</p> <p>Esme Abigail</p> <p>---------------</p> <p>Eleanor secoua la tête avec un mélange d'agacement et de résignation.</p> <p>« Toujours la même, après toutes ces années. »</p> <p>Ce commentaire s'adressait autant à la matriarche qu'à cette ancienne camarade devenue son émissaire.</p>