"Mousse, overall, I understand your grasp of Nen… It's strange, really — knowing so much without even having it. But still, your understanding is too shallow in some aspects."
We had been talking for a while — mostly me — sharing what I knew about Nen.But nothing beyond the basics: the fundamental techniques Ten, Zetsu, Ren, Hatsu, and the advanced ones like Gyo, Ken and others.
I was just about to bring up my own Nen ability to ask for advice or guidance when he suddenly cut me off, saying I shouldn't carelessly reveal information about my techniques.
It all started when he began glowing and acting strangely toward me.
At first, I was wary of him, but my attitude shifted to curiosity when he started mumbling about "training" me.
But then he said something about not being fit to handle a talent like mine, and that he should instead refer me to someone named Teradin and… Biscuit!
That's when I started begging him to train me himself — to initiate my Nen awakening, specifically.
All just to meet Biscuit faster.
It was like I'd said some forbidden word — his attitude instantly turned to anger, and he refused outright.
So, that's how we ended up sitting cross-legged on mats, talking about Nen.
"Let's review again. What do you know about the Nen types?"
"Uh… Nen types, right? There are five of them, not counting Specialization. Enhancement…"
"All right, that's enough. Now, what do you know about the Nen initiation process?"
"Well… something like forced awakening, where all the aura nodes and pores are opened?"
"In general, that's correct. But the method itself carries many risks and hidden pitfalls."
"Like malicious intent, or failing to control the released aura?"
"Not only that. What you just mentioned falls into the category of trust — in yourself and the initiator. Most of the danger lies in the initiator's skill and experience.
If the one performing the initiation isn't strong or experienced enough, the one receiving it risks severe complications — or even destroying their own potential."
A chill ran down my spine at his words. I recalled Wing saying something similar when training Gon and Killua.
After hearing a full lecture about incomplete openings, injuries, and the irreversible side effects of unstable Nen use, I was already sweating cold under the pressure of his bloodthirsty aura.
So I quickly agreed to do traditional meditation instead.
It hadn't even been three hours since I'd arrived and started meditating.
My sudden appearance didn't seem to bother my "teacher"— ahem, I mean the examiner.
Since I'd already passed the Second Stage and couldn't affect it anymore, he freely shared information about the trial, explaining every detail.
Apparently, he was one of those introverts who become hyperactive around people they already know or find interesting.
The first two days of the trial, he said, were designed as an introduction phase.
He intentionally grouped the participants — some in pairs, others in trios, groups of four or six.
Those who ignored instructions and rushed ahead faced deliberately high difficulty on day one.
The whole thing revolved around teamwork — cooperation paired with individual potential.
There was no quota to "cut off excess fat."
All could pass… or all could fail.
Looking at the dungeon's roadmap, I sighed inwardly.
Something like that would've been impossible for me to clear.
After all, I was just a normal guy — reasonably fit, sure, but with no survival training, equipment or skills whatsoever.
And then there's Hisoka…
I saw Hisoka on one of the monitors with two men, one of them being Tonpa.
Even through the screen, I could feel how terrified they were of him.
I genuinely felt sorry for Tonpa… but hey! At least with a monster like him around, he'd definitely reach the next stage, right?
Phew, looks like they're doing fine and even ended up on the same team.
I spotted Bodoro with Poedu sitting together at a table — their group had six members total.
They looked tense, though — barely speaking to each other.
Heh… that's awkward. I'll have to help them break the ice later, or things will get rougher down the line.
"I can sense from your aura that your focus is slipping. Is seated meditation too boring for you? How about the plank? Or the horse stance?"
"S-sorry! I just wanted to check on my friends. I won't get distracted again, I promise!"
"Hmm, friends?" He followed my gaze, then looked back at the monitors.
"Those people on Monitor 5, at the third table?"
"Yes, that's them."
It wasn't hard to tell — they were the only ones sitting together while everyone else spread out solo.
"All right then. If they fail, I'll let you know. For now, concentrate on sensing the flow of Nen inside your body."
"Yes, sir!"
Calming my mind and closing my eyes, I began practicing breathing techniques.
But instead of trying to find Nen within, my thoughts drifted elsewhere.
Because, honestly, I could already feel the Nen flowing through me, with little amount of warmth seeping out of my body.
It was so vivid that I couldn't ignore it.
What I was actually thinking about was…
[ Unlock Nen Nodes in Host Body
Cost: 2,000 Nen ]
That's a lot…
But more importantly, if I needed help from my Nen ability at first, at the beginnig of the Exam, maybe now it's better to wait.
Turp-sensei — I mean, the examiner — explained not only the downsides of a fast awakening but also the advantages of a slow one.
If you open Nen naturally, it builds a solid foundation for controlling and manipulating aura.
Users with a strong affinity for Enhancement or Transmutation don't lose much — as long as the forced awakening is perfectly done.
Unfortunately, the same can't be said for Emitters, who will find it significantly more difficult to perform techniques and manifest Nen due to a lack of clear control and understanding.
Mastering any technique within their category will become noticeably more difficult.
It's even tougher for Conjurers and Manipulators, since control is key for them.
That applies within each category — and even more so when creating hybrid techniques.
Enhancers, in particular, would suffer if they didn't want to become an open book to their opponents.
So, obviously, everyone suffers drawbacks from forced awakening — whether it's technique formation or precise Nen core techniques: basic and advanced.
Still, this could be overlooked considering how long it usually takes to awaken Nen — anywhere from half a year to ten years.
That temptation to awaken instantly was strong.
But then came the question — what happens after?
I'd ignored the "costs" in Nen currency before, subconsciously thinking they were small.
Now, seeing the price spike so high made me uneasy.
And in uncertain situations, I tend to trust my instincts.
If there's a cost, it means it's being taken from somewhere. Probably a kind of restriction vow.
It reminds me of Knuckle's ability — like it could force me into Zetsu until I pay the debt back.And if my ability is anything like a shop or a bank… does that mean there's a credit system?
Aaaagh! I know too little about my own ability!
How I envy Specialists who instantly understand everything about theirs!
So, in the end, I decided not to rush.
Doing things methodically is worth it.
Besides, that faint feeling of "debt" doesn't exactly bring peace of mind…