Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest

Chapter 762  Chapter 175.2 - New semester, same training

As Astron surveyed the swinging platforms, he turned to the group. "We're not just going to brute-force this. Everyone plays a part. Elise, you're the quickest and sharpest here. Find the rhythm of the platforms and lead us across." 
Elise blinked in surprise at the directive but nodded. "Got it." 
Astron's gaze shifted to Simon. "Your strength will come in handy if anyone slips. Be ready to catch or stabilize anyone who needs it." 
"On it," Simon replied, rolling his shoulders again. 
"Julia," Astron said, meeting her gaze, "watch our backs. These platforms are likely enchanted. Look for signs of something unusual—a change in the rhythm, mana surges, anything." 
Julia raised an eyebrow but smirked. "Understood, Captain Serious." 
Astron stepped back, gesturing for Elise to move first. "You lead. We'll follow your pace." 
Elise crouched slightly, her sharp eyes locked on the swinging platforms. She waited, watching the rhythm of their movements, before leaping onto the first one with practiced agility. The platform wobbled slightly under her weight, but she maintained her balance and moved to the second platform with a graceful hop. 
"Come on," she called back, her voice steady. "One at a time." 
Simon went next, his heavier frame causing the platforms to sway more noticeably. Halfway across, the faint hum of mana pulsed through the air. 
"Something's off," Julia said, her eyes narrowing as she spotted faint ripples in the mana. "The platforms are moving faster." 
Astron frowned. "Elise, hold up! Simon, brace yourself!" 
As if on cue, a ghostly figure emerged from the shadows beneath the platforms—a translucent creature with clawed hands and glowing eyes. It darted upward, aiming for Simon's legs. 
"Ghostymonster!" Elise shouted. 
Simon cursed, swinging his arm in a wide arc to knock the creature away, but his footing slipped. He wobbled dangerously on the platform, the ghostly figure lunging again. 
"Julia!" Astron called. 
"I see it!" Julia reacted quickly, drawing a dagger from her belt and throwing it with precision. The blade sliced through the ghostly figure, causing it to dissipate with an eerie wail. Simon steadied himself, muttering a quick "Thanks" as he moved to the next platform. 
Astron followed, his movements deli