Chapter 27: Hunter License
After a refreshing shower and drying his tangled black hair, Germain lay down on the soft bed.
Resting his head on the pillow, he quickly fell asleep, catching up on his lost rest.
It was eight o'clock in the morning on January 8th.
When a knock on the door woke him again, he glanced at the wall clock it was nine.
The airship had already been flying for an hour.
Germain opened the door. Outside stood a man in a suit and tie, speaking politely:
"Mr. Germain, the Chairman sent me to inform you that the airship will be landing shortly."
"Understood," replied Germain.
The man bowed slightly and left.
Fifteen minutes later, the airship slowly descended onto the landing platform of the Hunter Association Branch in Sofa City.
Germain was among the last to disembark; he disliked crowds.
As he walked down the gangway, he heard a heated argument nearby.
Looking up, he saw Netero and the bean-faced man being confronted by a man and a woman.
The woman had long green hair tied into five separate tufts, each pointing in a different direction.
The man beside her was tall and massive like a walking bear.
The young woman was shouting passionately, while Netero listened calmly, nodding from time to time.
Bean and the bear-like man both looked embarrassed, clearly wishing they were somewhere else.
Passing Hunters shot them quick glances, then hurried off, pretending not to notice.
As Germain approached, he caught part of the woman's shouting:
"If Buhara and I had been in charge of this year's exam, this mistake never would've happened! Chairman, please, trust Buhara and me!"
"Ah… I see what you mean," said Netero, scratching his cheek as he gazed at the white clouds with an expression of mild guilt. "Alright, I'll give you priority as examiners next year."
"Chairman, you're trying to put us off again!" the young woman snapped, continuing to argue.
The man known as Buhara noticed Germain approaching and quickly tugged on her sleeve.
"Menchi, stop talking! There's an outsider here."
Menchi paused, then noticed Germain standing nearby and quieted down.
"Buhara, he's not an outsider," Netero corrected with a smile, his eyes lighting up. "He's the only qualified candidate from this year's exam Germain."
"He's the one?"
Menchi and Buhara both looked surprised.
They quickly realized they shouldn't judge a person by appearance it wasn't unusual for someone handsome to also be incredibly strong.
Netero waved at Germain, then turned to Bean.
"Bean, take Germain to rest first."
"Yes, Chairman."
Bean approached Germain politely.
"Mr. Germain, this way, please."
He led Germain toward the Hunter Association Branch a tower-like building covered with countless spikes, resembling a giant porcupine.
Menchi watched as Germain disappeared inside, momentarily stunned by the interruption.
When she turned to look for Netero, he was already gone.
"Buhara, where did the Chairman go?" she asked, bewildered.
Buhara rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.
"While you were watching Germain, the Chairman quietly slipped away… and gave me a little signal."
"Huh?! Buhara, how could you help him ditch me? We've been comrades for years!"
While Menchi complained, Bean continued guiding Germain through the newly built branch headquarters.
Along the way, he gave a brief explanation of the building's layout.
"Outside your room is the rear garden it's usually tended by plant-type Hunters. It's currently in full bloom," Bean said, pointing through a window with his short finger.
Germain listened politely for a while before Bean noticed his lack of interest and tactfully excused himself.
Two days passed at the Hunter Association Branch.
On the morning of January 10th, Germain finally received his Hunter License.
Bean carefully explained its functions and important precautions.
"First," he began, "a Hunter License cannot be forged or duplicated.
Second, it grants entry into most countries and regions of the world even some restricted zones.
Third, it can be sold or used as collateral for astronomical profits.
Fourth, it gives you free access to most public facilities.
However, obtaining information from the exclusive Hunter website still requires a paid membership.
And fifth Hunter Licenses are never reissued or replaced, under any circumstances."
He went on to mention the Ten Rules of the Hunter, which every Hunter must follow though he didn't elaborate on them.
By the time Bean finished his thorough explanation, the only successful candidate of the 286th Exam looked ready to fall asleep, eyelids drooping.
Bean could only glance helplessly at Netero.
The old man laughed, sleeves flowing as he approached cheerfully.
"From today onward, Germain, you are a full-fledged Hunter."
"Normally, new Hunters must learn Nen but you don't need that. I'm sure you've already memorized the Ten Rules and understood the license's importance."
"However," Netero continued, his tone growing thoughtful, "before you begin your life as a Hunter, I must ask you one thing. Every Hunter must have a goal. So, tell me what is your goal?"
Netero's eyes gleamed as he looked at Germain.
He already knew this man had ties to the underworld perhaps even the Phantom Troupe and he was mentally prepared for answers involving money, treasure, murder, or torture.
But Germain's reply was entirely different.
"My hunting goal… should be wild beasts, right?"
"Beasts… I see," Netero said, quickly masking his surprise. "So you're a Beast Hunter?"
"Yes."
Germain accepted his Hunter License, packed his belongings, and prepared to leave.
He had been bored for far too long.
Netero sensed this and didn't try to stop him. Instead, he offered a warm smile.
"Then I hope that when we meet again, you'll have achieved great success as a Beast Hunter perhaps even earned your first star."
Hunters were ranked by honorary stars One-Star, Two-Star, and Three-Star.
Menchi, the examiner from earlier, was a One-Star Hunter.
Biscuit was Two-Star, and Netero himself was Three-Star.
While the number of stars didn't necessarily represent combat strength, few Hunters ever reached even one. Those who did had made outstanding contributions in their respective fields proof of exceptional ability.
Germain said nothing. He simply nodded and walked out of the Hunter Association Branch.
Bathed in sunlight, his figure vanished in an instant.
(End of Chapter)