Chapter 26: The Only Candidate Approved in the 286th Hunter Exam
The old man wore a loose martial arts robe, his head almost completely shaved except for a single long braid. His white hair and beard gave him a dignified, superior air.
Smiling, hands clasped behind his back, he approached the imposing Germain and the slender Hisoka.
Behind him, the nervous bean-faced man fidgeted with his gloved hands like he was twisting a Rubik's Cube.
"I heard from Izenabi and Ian that there were two 'interesting and dangerous newcomers' this time, so I came to take a look. And indeed, Togari and over twenty candidates have fallen, while the rest fled in terror. This must be your 'masterpiece.'"
Hisoka indifferently picked up the torn clothes of a severely injured candidate at his feet and draped them over his shoulder. He asked with a curious smile:
"And who might you be?"
Although Hisoka kept smiling, he quickly noticed the flaws in the old man's stance yet his instincts screamed caution. A deep sense of danger welled up inside him.
The old man replied calmly:
"I am Netero, the current Chairman of the Hunter Association."
As expected Netero.
That same thought crossed both Germain's and Hisoka's minds.
"It would be wise to stop now," said Netero, glancing at Hisoka and then at Germain.
"Still, I can't just ignore the chaos you've caused."
Germain, not wanting to take the blame, quickly interrupted:
"This chaos was caused by Hisoka. Please don't associate me with him."
"Ah, that hurts. We're clearly partners..." Hisoka smiled slyly.
"I only said you caused trouble not that it was your fault," Netero clarified, turning his eyes back to Hisoka. "But for attacking Togari and seriously injuring so many candidates, you're disqualified from this year's exam."
Hisoka, already expecting such an outcome, shrugged.
"No problem. I've already achieved one of my goals. As for the Hunter License, I can always come back next year to get it."
For someone like Hisoka, who had already mastered Nen, obtaining a Hunter License was a trivial matter so easy, in fact, that he needed a little chaos along the way just to keep himself entertained.
The Hunter Association would not forbid Hisoka from taking the exam again next year.
Germain understood Hisoka's mindset. In the Hunter Exam, they were like two elite players returning to the Novice Village to compete against beginners there was simply no comparison.
"It seems you accept this decision," said Netero, smiling.
"Of course." Hisoka's voice suddenly lowered, his aura dimming. "I don't want to fight you right now. It's far too soon much too soon."
His words weren't humble they were arrogant. What he meant was that one day, he would surpass the old man standing before him.
Hisoka always believed he was destined to be the strongest.
"Confidence is good for the young," Netero laughed.
Hisoka chuckled faintly, then turned away.
As he headed toward the dense forest of the mountains, he passed by Germain, who gave him a calm warning:
"Chrollo is still my top priority for now, but it's hard for me to part with you, too. You're so interesting… and you've evolved so much in just over a month. I'm looking forward to our next encounter."
Hisoka winked at Germain and disappeared into the forest.
Neither Netero, the bean-faced man, nor the nearby Hunters tried to stop him.
"Bean," Netero said, stroking his white beard. "Call the others. Take Togari and the seriously injured candidates to the hospital, then rescue the ones who fled."
The bean-faced man, visibly relieved that Hisoka had left, quickly wiped the sweat from his brow and scurried off on his short legs to carry out the chairman's orders.
"He's still too easily frightened…" Netero muttered with a chuckle once Bean was gone. "But his reactions always amuse me."
Germain, however, found nothing amusing and remained silent.
"Little Biscuitwas right you're rather taciturn," said Netero, narrowing his sharp, almost youthful eyes. "But your actions are always unpredictable, belying that distant exterior."
Netero, founder of the Shingen-ryu and master of Bisky, was already over 110 years old. Calling the fifty-something Biscuit"Little Bisky" was perfectly acceptable.
After hearing from his disciple Yungu that Biscuit had sent someone to take the Hunter Exam, Netero's natural curiosity had led him to learn quite a bit about Germain.
"Anything else you'd like to tell me?"
Germain wasn't interested in either the Hunter Chairman or the founder of the Heart Source School. His hunting target was unique and clear.
"If you're done, let's move on to the next phase of the exam."
Netero laughed softly, stroking his beard.
"The Hunter Exam is easy for you… but there's no need to take the next phase."
"No need?" Germain raised an eyebrow. "I haven't broken any rules, have I?"
"Of course not," Netero explained patiently. "What I mean is that this year's Hunter Exam is already over. There's no next phase."
"Look out of the fifty-two remaining candidates, one was expelled for attacking an examiner, over twenty were seriously injured, and another twenty fled in panic. Only you remain."
"Therefore, I believe the only successful candidate of the 286th Hunter Exam has already been chosen. And I doubt anyone will question my decision."
Germain was momentarily surprised, but quickly dismissed it.
Uninterested in such trivialities, he simply extended his hand toward Netero.
"Then give me my Hunter License."
Netero smiled again.
"Don't worry. You'll receive your Hunter License soon enough. But first, have that wound on your left arm treated, and take the airship to the nearest Hunter Association branch to rest."
Just then, Bean returned with a group of Hunters.
They swiftly loaded the injured candidates onto stretchers and headed for a nearby hospital.
Two female Hunters volunteered to help bandage Germain's arm.
After the crowd departed, the space in front of the Trap Mansion opened wide just large enough for a Hunter Association airship to land.
Fifteen minutes later, Germain, accompanied by Netero and Bean, boarded the designated airship, which rose into the sky with a soft hum.
"Mr. Germain, this is your room," said Bean, standing at the door and handing him a key. His eyes gleamed with curiosity at the only candidate to pass the exam.
Germain took the key.
"Thank you," he said simply.
Bean blinked in surprise, then quickly smiled.
"Oh! You're welcome, of course!"
Germain entered the room with a faint look of confusion, locked the door, and headed to the bathroom.
"Do I really look like someone who doesn't know how to say thank you?" he thought.
(End of Chapter)