Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest

Chapter 598 132.6 - Picking up clothes ?

"Lead the way."

Maya led them through the streets of Ardmont, navigating effortlessly through the busy market squares and tree-lined avenues. As they approached the heart of the city, the buildings became taller, grander, reflecting the wealth and prestige of those who lived and worked there.

Finally, they reached the tailor—a grand building with large windows displaying the finest suits and dresses, all custom-tailored to perfection. The shop was nestled in the elegant district, a place where only the elite could afford to shop. Maya pushed open the door, the chime of a small bell announcing their arrival.

Inside, they were greeted by a man who looked every bit as refined as the shop itself. He was dressed impeccably in a suit that seemed tailored to within an inch of perfection, and his sharp eyes immediately recognized Maya. He bowed slightly, his voice smooth and polished. "Lady Evergreen."

Maya smiled warmly at the tailor and greeted him with a hint of familiarity. "It's good to see you again, Eliran," she said, her voice carrying the same elegance as the shop itself.

Eliran, the tailor, nodded respectfully. "The pleasure is mine, Lady Evergreen," he replied smoothly, his eyes flicking towards Astron with a glint of curiosity. "And this must be the gentleman you mentioned yesterday?"

Maya nodded, her smile brightening as she gestured towards Astron. "Yes, this is Astron Natusalune. He will need something custom tailored for the banquet," she said, introducing them both with a sense of pride. Then, turning to Astron, she added, "And Astron, this is Eliran Solos, one of the most renowned designers in the Federation. He's an Awakened himself and known for creating clothing that incorporates mana into its very fabric."

At the mention of Eliran's full name, Astron's expression shifted ever so slightly, a flicker of recognition in his eyes. Eliran Solos was a name known among certain circles—not only for his talent in fashion design but also for his mastery in weaving mana into fabrics, creating clothing that could enhance the wearer's abilities or offer unique protections.

Though being composed as he ever was, Astron just gave a small nod in acknowledgment. "I've heard of your work," he said calmly, his voice carrying a faint note of respect. "Your reputation precedes you."

Eliran smiled at the subtle praise, clearly pleased but not overly surprised. "I do what I can," he said, with a touch of humility that belied his fame. "But it's not every day I have the honor of working with someone of your... potential." His eyes sparkled with professional interest as he assessed Astron more closely.

'This young man…..Why have I never seen someone like him before? His looks can even rival the best of the best!' He thought.

Eliran's eyes lingered on Astron for a moment longer, absorbing every detail with a keen, professional gaze. His trained eye swept over the young man's face, noting the sharpness of his features—chiselled yet balanced. Astron's slightly pale skin had a subtle sheen, not sickly but almost luminous, as though it caught the light in just the right way. His purple eyes were particularly striking, deep, and enigmatic, hinting at layers of untold power and mystery.

'Those eyes… A shade so rare, so captivating.' The inner artist inside him was once again appearing in his mind. However, he suppressed the urge to ask more about the man standing before him. His composed demeanor only added to the intrigue. There was a quiet strength about Astron, something that spoke of control and precision—qualities Eliran wanted to emphasize in his design.

'Those eyes… A shade so rare, so captivating.' 'A tailored suit that complements this would need to be more than just fabric—it would need to accentuate his precision, his control, while also hinting at the untapped power within,' Eliran mused to himself, already envisioning the design.

The inner artist inside him was once again appearing in his mind. However, he suppressed the urge to ask more about the man standing before him. His composed demeanor only added to the intrigue. There was a quiet strength about Astron, something that spoke of control and precision—qualities Eliran wanted to emphasize in his design.

Without a word, Eliran gestured for Astron to step onto a small raised platform surrounded by mirrors. As he began taking measurements, his thoughts raced, assessing how best to bring out the unique attributes of Astron's appearance.

As Eliran moved subtly around Astron, taking in his lean yet defined build, he couldn't help but notice the confidence in the way Astron held himself.

'The suit should have a darker base—something like midnight blue or charcoal, to contrast with his pale complexion. But I'll need to integrate hints of silver and purple, perhaps in the lining or subtle embroidery, to draw attention to his eyes. It needs to be sharp, refined—something that projects both elegance and quiet dominance.'

He paused, examining Astron's posture from the side. 'The cut must be immaculate, perfectly fitted to his lean build, but with enough flexibility to allow for movement. He doesn't strike me as the type to wear anything too rigid.'

Astron remained still, his calm expression unchanging as Eliran worked. The tailor took note of his composed look—neither arrogant nor indifferent, but quietly focused, as though constantly evaluating the world around him.

'This is a man used to being in control,' Eliran thought. 'He'll need something that allows him to blend into any situation while still commanding attention when necessary.'

Eliran finished his measurements, straightening up with a satisfied smile. "I have a vision," he said, his voice calm but tinged with excitement. "Something subtle, yet powerful. I'll ensure it not only fits you perfectly, but also enhances your natural presence."

Though being someone who has been in this industry for a while, he had already gauged the undercurrents of the situation.

It wasn't just about crafting the perfect suit for Astron—it was about creating a moment. He could see the way Maya watched Astron with a certain intensity, and while Astron himself remained composed, Eliran knew the unspoken importance of this entire experience.

Maya clearly had her own hopes for how Astron would appear, and Eliran, being the seasoned artist that he was, had no intention of disappointing.

With a subtle smile, he turned to Maya. "Lady Evergreen, while I already have a strong vision for his final ensemble, I believe it would be worthwhile to explore a few options before we settle on the final design. Perhaps we can try some samples to ensure that everything meets both your and Mr. Natusalune's expectations?"

Maya's eyes brightened slightly at the suggestion, a hint of anticipation flickering in her gaze. "I'd like that," she said, her voice steady, but there was an unmistakable undercurrent of excitement.

Eliran, sensing her approval, gestured toward one of the back rooms. "I have a selection of tailored pieces that could help us better visualize the final look. Something close to what I have in mind, but with room to refine and adjust as needed."

Astron gave a slight nod of approval. He understood this process—if there was anything that could enhance his presence at the banquet, it was worth considering.

And the subtle glances Maya kept giving him weren't lost on him either. He could sense that this was as much about pleasing her as it was about the practicality of the clothing.

Eliran disappeared briefly into the back, leaving Maya and Astron alone in the elegant front room of the tailor's shop. As they waited, Maya's gaze lingered on him once again, her thoughts quietly stirring.

'I really want to see how he will look.'

Before she could think more, Eliran returned, arms laden with several options. He held up a few garments, each one exuding an air of meticulous craftsmanship.

"Here are a few examples," he began, laying them out in front of Astron and Maya. "Of course, none of these are final—they are just visual aids to give you an idea of the design elements we could incorporate."

Eliran first picked up a sleek, charcoal suit with a subtle sheen to the fabric, accented with silver embroidery along the cuffs and collar. "This one emphasizes refinement. It's understated but has an aura of quiet power," he explained, glancing at Maya for approval. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Maya studied it for a moment but didn't seem entirely satisfied. It was elegant, yes, but not quite what she had in mind for Astron.

Eliran quickly moved on, pulling out a midnight blue suit with violet lining and intricate mana-thread embroidery that shimmered subtly when the light hit it. "This is more bold, designed to draw attention to his eyes, but without overpowering his natural presence."

Astron's gaze lingered on the suit for a moment, appreciating the craftsmanship, but he made no comment. Maya, on the other hand, seemed intrigued but still hesitant. It was beautiful, but perhaps a little too flashy for someone like Astron.

Finally, Eliran unveiled the last suit—a pitch-black ensemble with subtle brown ornaments woven into the fabric. The brown accents were tastefully minimal, lining the edges of the jacket and the cuffs in a way that added just the right amount of contrast. The suit itself was tailored to perfection, with sharp lines and a cut that would emphasize Astron's lean, athletic build while still allowing him to move comfortably.

Maya's eyes lit up when she saw it. This was exactly what she had been looking for. The dark, refined tones suited Astron perfectly, giving him an air of elegance without overwhelming his quiet, powerful presence. It was simple yet sophisticated—just like him.

Astron, for the first time, showed a slight reaction, his hand briefly grazing the fabric as if testing its feel. He nodded subtly, his approval clear without words.

Eliran, sensing their silent agreement, smiled broadly. "I see we've found something that resonates." He stepped back slightly, allowing them to take it all in. "The pitch-black fabric, coupled with the brown ornaments, speaks of both subtlety and strength. It's a suit designed not just for appearances but for someone who commands attention effortlessly."

Maya gave Eliran an approving nod. "This is perfect," she said, her tone warm but resolute. "It's exactly what I was hoping for."

Astron, ever composed, merely nodded once more. "I'll leave the rest to you, then."

Eliran clapped his hands together, clearly pleased with the choice. "Excellent! I'll make the necessary adjustments and ensure it's ready for the banquet. Lady Evergreen, Astron, thank you for trusting me with this."

As they finished up, Maya cast a satisfied glance at Astron. The entire fitting process had gone better than she had hoped, and now that they had found the perfect suit, she couldn't wait to see him in it.