CHAPTER 107: RESUMPTION

Tuesday

A black limousine was parked outside the gate of the prestigious Hunter Academy.

A beautiful young lady with lush purple hair and violet eyes that shone with quiet understanding stepped out of the vehicle. She wore the black uniform of Heartland Academy students, and it made her look even more striking.

Beside her stood a tall woman with a matured beauty capable of turning heads, sharing the same hair and eye colours as her daughter.

The students around the area, especially those resuming today, were in awe the moment they recognised them.

The few reporters and cameramen still waiting to catch a glimpse of Marlon instantly shifted their focus, capturing footage of the two peerless beauties instead.

Chants erupted.

"That’s Miranda Hargraves, heir of the great Hargraves family—the one known for producing elite hunters since the Cataclysm."

"I heard she awakened a summoning-type talent, just like her father and grandfather. No wonder she’s the heir even as the last child."

"She’ll be attending the same academy as us... what a time to be alive."

Some students halted their steps just to stare at the mother and daughter, and the rapid camera clicks only increased.

A few bold reporters attempted to approach them, but the two bodyguards beside the pair stopped them instantly.

The mother and daughter ignored the attention, already used to such scenes.

Turning to her daughter, the tall purple-haired woman spoke calmly.

"Remember what your father talked to you about? Have you considered it?"

"I’ll think about it," Miranda replied casually.

"That’s my baby girl," the woman said with a bright smile.

"You should also try to rekindle your friendship with your childhood friend. It would benefit you greatly in the conflict against your siblings."

Miranda nodded gently.

As the two spoke, the students’ focus suddenly shifted toward a vehicle approaching the gate. The car slowed, came to a halt, and a familiar figure stepped out confidently.

A ripple spread through the crowd—even the Hargraves turned to look at him with visible interest.

"The golden child!"

"He has finally returned!"

It was Marlon.

With a fresh appearance, a stylish haircut, and a neatly fitted uniform, he looked incredibly handsome—handsome enough to make several female students clutch their chests.

Marlon smiled faintly.

He had Victoria Silver, or more precisely, Victoria Storm, to thank for his new look. She had personally ensured he was presentable before he left today.

"Mr. Marlon! This is Channel 24—"

"Would you mind sharing details of your breakthrough trial?"

"Please do an interview with me!"

"Can I have your number?"

The moment he stepped forward, he was surrounded by reporters and excited girls.

But Marlon simply walked past them with a calm smile, ignoring their questions as he headed toward two familiar figures.

"Aunty Sandra... Miranda. It is nice to see you two."

Sandra’s face brightened immediately as she pulled him into a quick hug.

"Look how big and handsome you’ve grown," she said warmly.

"Haha, you have my cooks to thank for that," Marlon replied.

Then he turned toward Miranda, who watched him quietly beside her mother.

He stepped closer and extended his hand.

"Long time no see, Mira bear," he said teasingly, using the nickname his original self had given her when they were young.

Hearing the name, her gentle composure cracked as a faint blush appeared on her face.

"Pftt." Sandra chuckled, amused by her daughter’s rare flustered expression. It had been a long time since anyone had shaken the stoic girl like this.

Miranda hesitated for a moment, her violet eyes flickering between Marlon’s extended hand and his calm, teasing smile.

Then she slowly placed her hand in his.

Her breath caught.

"You... still remember that name?" she muttered, eyes darting away shyly.

"How could I forget?" Marlon replied softly. "You used to chase me around the yard whenever I called you that. I still have the scar from when you bit me."

Sandra burst into laughter.

"Oh, she was so wild back then! I still remember—"

"M-Mom!" Miranda quickly cut her off, her face turning even redder.

"Relax, Mira bear. I’m just reminiscing," Marlon teased further.

Seeing the pout on her face, he gently apologized with a smile.

"It is good to see you again."

Miranda smiled back and responded calmly, returning to her composed self.

"Seems like the oldies like me need to leave to give you two enough space," Sandra said as she slipped into the car.

She waved at them one last time, teasing her daughter before the car drove away.

The two stood together, Marlon wearing a gentle smile while Miranda tried her best to hide her embarrassment.

Students nearby watched the interaction, and gossip immediately erupted.

They could even hear whispers about the two becoming the new popular couple of the academy session.

The gossip only made Miranda more flustered despite her attempts to remain calm.

Marlon, however, wasn’t bothered.

His interaction with Miranda was mostly due to the advice he had received from Axel Storm and Victoria Storm before leaving.

Since he had been given the new title of leader for an important mission, they advised him to maximize his charisma, as he would need strong communication and leadership skills to guide his future teammates.

That was the main reason he approached Miranda.

Still, since she had been a childhood friend of his original body, it wasn’t difficult for him.

He had already taken the initiative to analyze her powers with his skill, and although she was a few levels higher than him, he couldn’t yet determine if she would be joining the exploration team.

"Well, I still have a lot of time to decide, and students at the academy will improve at alarming rates according to Axel’s predictions, so it would be unwise to judge them now."

With that conclusion, he turned to Miranda and gently asked her to walk with him as they stepped through the gate together with the others.

The academy was the beginning of a new step in his path to power.

But he couldn’t help wondering what phase his nemesis was currently at.

"I will be stronger before our interaction," he vowed inwardly.