Chapter 555 124.2 - Fame (2)

Chapter 555 124.2 - Fame (2)

As Astron returned to the group, the barrage of questions from the reporters resumed almost immediately. But this time, the tone shifted. Instead of focusing on the team's accomplishments or the intense battles they'd just fought, the questions began to veer into more personal territory.

A reporter from a lifestyle magazine leaned in with a playful grin. "Astron, you've got quite the fanbase growing. Everyone's wondering—how do you keep your face looking so flawless after all these intense dungeon clears? Is there a secret behind your striking appearance, especially those unique purple eyes?"

Astron's eyes flickered slightly, but he maintained his calm demeanor. He wasn't unfamiliar with these kinds of questions, but it was clear they were digging for something more. Before he could answer, another reporter jumped in.

"And speaking of your appearance, we've been hearing rumors that your romantic life has caught some attention. Can you share if there's anyone special? Maybe someone from your time at Arcadia Hunter Academy?"

Astron remained silent for a moment, but he could already sense where the questions were heading. The reporters, now emboldened by the relaxed atmosphere, continued.

"Word is you were seen with Irina Emberheart, one of the most powerful heirs in the Federation. There were even pictures of you walking with her—anything you'd like to share about your relationship with her? Are you close with the other heirs as well?"

The mention of Irina Emberheart made Astron pause internally, but outwardly, he kept his expression neutral. He had expected the media to dig into his past eventually, but the personal nature of these questions was clearly designed to provoke a response.

'So, they did their research.' n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

He took a slow breath before addressing them, his voice measured and calm. "As for my appearance and eyes, there's no special secret. It's just a result of being an Awakened, like many others. We undergo changes as our bodies adapt to the use of mana. The higher our rank, the more our appearance shifts due to the elimination of impurities."

The reporters listened attentively, but it was clear they were waiting for him to address the more personal questions.

"As for my time at Arcadia Hunter Academy," Astron continued, his tone steady, "I'm focused on my training and mission there, just as I am here. Yes, I've crossed paths with many people, including heirs like Irina Emberheart. But my priority is my growth as a Hunter, and that's where my focus remains."

He deliberately kept the mention of Irina vague, not offering any details about their relationship. The truth was far more complicated than any of the reporters could understand, and Astron had no intention of feeding the media frenzy around it.

One of the reporters, however, wasn't ready to drop the subject just yet. "So you and Irina are just... acquaintances? There's been a lot of speculation, especially with her reputation in the Federation. She's not someone who spends time with just anyone."

Astron's expression remained neutral, but there was an underlying firmness in his reply. "Irina Emberheart is a powerful figure, and I respect her abilities as a Hunter. Beyond that, I have nothing more to add."

His calm and controlled response didn't give the reporters the reaction they were hoping for, but it was clear that Astron wasn't going to indulge in any rumors or personal details.

The crowd buzzed with whispered discussions as the reporters scribbled down notes, but the focus began to shift again. They realized they wouldn't get much more from him on the topic of his personal life. Instead, they returned to safer ground, asking more about his time at Arcadia Hunter Academy and how his training there had shaped his abilities.

Just as Astron finished answering another question about his time at Arcadia Hunter Academy, the air shifted. A sudden tension crackled through the crowd, barely noticeable at first, but Astron's heightened senses picked it up immediately. His eyes flickered to the suspicious figures he had marked earlier, and in that moment, everything happened at once.

The group of saboteurs, all Awakened, sprang into action. Shouts filled the air, cutting through the chatter of the reporters. "Vanguard Haven, know your place!" one of them yelled, their voice laced with fury. The crowd erupted into chaos as the attackers launched a direct assault, targeting the reporters and anyone associated with the interview.

"This will make headlines for sure," one of the reporters muttered, still gripping their notepad tightly.

Liana, sensing the opportunism but maintaining her professionalism, gave them a firm nod. "I'm glad everyone's safe, but for now, the team is exhausted. I'm afraid today's interviews will have to be cut short. They've been through a lot, and they need time to rest and recover."

The reporters, understanding the situation, nodded in agreement. They had enough material to work with, and the live broadcast of the attack had more than fulfilled their expectations. One by one, they began to wrap up their reports and sign off from their broadcasts.

Shira gave Liana a respectful nod. "Thank you for your time, and thank the team for their incredible work. This was... quite an eventful day."

Liana smiled faintly, though there was a trace of exhaustion in her eyes. "Thank you for your understanding. I'll be sure to pass that along."

As the last of the reporters packed up their equipment and began to leave, the atmosphere around the gate finally started to calm. Liana escorted them out, ensuring they were safely on their way before turning back to the team. The crowd dissipated, and the chaos of the earlier attack slowly faded into the cold night.

With the area cleared and the reporters gone, Liana returned to the team, her expression softening slightly. "Let's get you all back to the guild. You've done enough for today."

But on the way, she heard Astron mumbling.

"That was quite a good plan."

Liana's smile stiffened for a moment, but she kept her composure as she turned to face Astron. "What do you mean by that?" she asked, her tone light but with an edge of curiosity.

Astron glanced at her, his expression unreadable, but his voice carried a subtle hint of amusement. "It was a well-executed plan, that's all. The stage was perfectly set. The attack, the timing, the media—it all worked together. Don't you think?"

For a moment, Liana said nothing, studying him carefully. Her eyes flickered with a mix of acknowledgment and resignation. Finally, she let out a soft sigh, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "You saw right through it, didn't you?"

Astron gave a small shrug, his gaze calm but sharp. "It wasn't that difficult to figure out. The sudden increase in media interest and the reporters conveniently being here just when the attack happened—all pointed to a bigger plan. However, you could just inform me if you wanted to create such an attack out of nowhere to attract more clout. At the very least, the team could be prepared."

"Then we would lose the authenticity."

"Indeed."

Astron spoke, but something was making him tense once again.

SHIVER!

Once again, his senses were telling him that something was wrong. Yet he did not know what it was.

Until midnight, when he got a call from a certain someone.