"Uhh..."
Beans froze at the question.
He glanced at Chairman Netero, who remained completely unbothered,
Then swallowed nervously and answered: "To become the new Chairman, there's actually only one requirement."
He cautiously explained: "It follows the selection conditions left behind by the previous Chairman."
So ultimately, the previous Chairman decides the criteria.
That makes sense. If the outgoing Chairman believes someone is qualified to be their successor, then the rule should be tailored to the successor's special traits.
Also known as… making a job custom-fit for a chosen applicant.
"I understand..."
Luke nodded, indicating his comprehension.
He now understood why, in the original storyline, after Chairman Netero died, there were no restrictions during the election process.
Even someone like Leorio, who had only been a professional hunter for a year with virtually no achievements, could become a strong contender.
The entire election was conducted according to Chairman Netero's final wishes, following the selection criteria he left behind.
Essentially, they were respecting the requirements set by the former Chairman.
"So that means..."
Luke sorted out the three rules and came to a conclusion: "Right now, I only need to meet the requirements for a Double-Star Hunter, is that correct?"
As for the first two requirements, as long as Chairman Netero was involved, they could practically be completed immediately.
Only the last requirement was rigid; even with Chairman Netero's help, he still had to personally reach Double-Star Hunter status.
"In theory, yes."
Mr. Beans nodded.
"Double-Star Hunter, huh..."
Luke thought about the actual requirements.
Having major success or notable contributions in multiple fields.
"My involvement in the research on the breeding method of Two-Headed Wolf, and the establishment of the Hunter Chat Site, do those count?"
One was in the biological field, the other in online community development.
These already count as major successes and contributions across multiple fields.
"They do count as achievements, but..."
Mr. Beans explained honestly: "Those things were done before you became a professional hunter."
"So they do not officially count toward your hunter career."
"Achievements and contributions are only recorded starting from the moment you obtain your hunter license."
"If you insist on having them counted, it's not impossible, but..."
He hesitated.
"But V5 definitely won't approve of it."
Chairman Netero spoke up: "The election for the Vice-Chairman must be reported to V5 in the end."
"My advice is that you build your achievements again after obtaining your license."
"That way, when I negotiate with V5 later, I can still use the argument that even before becoming a professional hunter, you already made so many contributions to push for more recognition."
As always, the Hunter Association's superior authority was the world's top organization: V5.
The final decision rested with them.
But with Chairman Netero mediating, the problem shouldn't be big.
"Alright, got it."
Luke had no objections. "It's just a Double-Star Hunter. I'll achieve that as quickly as possible."
"Hohoho, just Double-Star Hunter, you say?"
Chairman Netero smiled. "This old man shall look forward to it."
"Once you achieve Double-Star Hunter status, I will immediately begin working on the Vice-Chairman position for you."
"No problem."
Luke smiled. "Chairman Netero, you will definitely get a Vice-Chairman who exceeds your expectations."
"You will see, your choice is absolutely right. Losing that bet was definitely not in vain!"
…
After finishing the conversation with Chairman Netero, the airship returned to a stable course and soon landed at the nearest Hunter Association base.
There was no choice; Mr. Beans and the other staff aboard were truly terrified.
If these two masters fought again, the resulting destruction might blow the entire airship apart.
And repairing that kind of damage would definitely not be easy.
Sure enough, the moment they just landed and stepped out…
Boom!
Wrestling Killer Z immediately activated a ground-clearing mode against Chairman Netero.
Super-grade weaponry unleashed its fury from its arms.
Luke was thinking of using one of his other inventions to store the Wrestling Killer Z.
But Chairman Netero raised his hand to stop him.
"Hohoho, it's been a long time since I've felt the thrill of being constantly hunted."
Chairman Netero laughed joyfully. "And since it's a robot—"
"That is willing to go all out and try to kill this old man using everything it has. That's just wonderful!"
Mr. Beans, who heard this entire insane statement: "..."
What's wonderful about being hunted nonstop?!
And you're the Chairman of the Hunter Association!
If something unexpected happens… how am I supposed to explain that to the association?!
But knowing Chairman Netero's personality, he could only suffer internally.
"If that's the case, then let this little toy accompany you for a while."
Since Chairman Netero said so, Luke didn't object.
He fully believed that with Chairman Netero's power and techniques, handling one Wrestling Killer Z would be no issue.
Then, Luke received his professional hunter license from Mr. Beans.
"I won't explain the special privileges of the license. They're all listed on the Hunter Chat Site you created..."
Mr. Beans said. "And as for other rules and regulations, I assume you don't need to hear them from me?"
"Indeed, I don't."
Luke twirled the golden-edged license in his hand, then put it away with a smile.
"Next, you can declare your professional hunter category to me first."
Mr. Beans nodded. "Or, after you make major contributions in a specific field…"
"You will automatically be categorized under that specialization."
"For example, if you first restore a meaningful and influential ruin, then your initial designation would be Ruins Hunter."
Yes, just like Ging Freecss.
His achievements span multiple professions.
However, within the Hunter Association, his identity was defined as the Ruins Hunter who first restored the Lurka Ruins.
"Then, is there any recent work where I can earn that kind of achievement?"
Luke directly asked the association's living encyclopedia, Mr. Beans.
Asking him was the quickest and most efficient way.
"At the moment... There actually is one."
Mr. Beans thought for a moment. "And you're quite familiar with it."
"Familiar? What, something like network design or biological reproduction issues?"
"No... Neither of those."
Mr. Beans shook his head. "Do you remember the two poachers from the Kute Gang of Thieves who were sent over before?"
Kute Gang of Thieves?
Luke recalled.
The two who tried to poach the Two-headed Wolf were part of that criminal syndicate.
So in that case…