The new traits were luxurious.
Ryker was basically Spider-Man now. [Climbing], [Webbing], [Spider Sense].
But the Gold Trait? [Super Fertility].
Ryker had debated whether to keep it. In the end, he decided to fuse all the [Super Fertility] (Blue) drops he got from the Spider-Eagles into one massive Gold trait.
It wasn't that he planned to start laying eggs.
But in the Hunter world, bloodlines mattered. The Zoldycks. The Freecss line. The Kakin Princes.
Strong Hunters often struggled with fertility as their power grew. But Ryker wanted to stand at the pinnacle of humanity. If he ever left this world, or if he stayed, leaving behind a dynasty of super-children wasn't the worst retirement plan.
So, he kept it.
Plus, fusing same-type traits was efficient. No waste.
"Oh? Young Ryker seems to have... gotten stronger again? Surprising," Netero murmured, his eyes twinkling with appreciation.
He saw it. The boy who climbed out of the abyss had a sharper aura. A denser presence.
To Netero, Ryker wasn't just a strong candidate. He was a diamond in the rough. A warrior who sought challenges not for a license, but for self-improvement. Jumping into that nest alone? That was the spirit of a true martial artist.
This generation is interesting, Netero thought. He has the will to climb.
"So... so amazing!!" Menchi stared at Ryker, her cheeks flushing slightly.
She knew she couldn't have climbed that canyon wall without wind. The sheer explosive power and control required were beyond her current level. Losing to him in combat didn't feel shameful anymore. It felt... inevitable.
"Congratulations, everyone!" Menchi announced, clapping her hands to break the tension. "You have your ingredients! The cooking is simple: boil them. Congratulations on passing the Second Phase!"
Cheers erupted.
The candidates boiled their eggs and spiders. They finally got to taste the fabled "Crab Pilaf" flavor of the Spider-Eagle eggs. It was rich, savory, and tasted like victory.
The mood lightened instantly.
As the candidates boarded the Association's airship, Menchi approached Ryker.
"Mr. Ryker... about earlier. I apologize again."
"It's fine. You were doing your job. I should be the one apologizing," Ryker replied politely. After all, her trait [Hundred-Blossom Blade Wheel] was the reason he could massacre the nest so efficiently.
"I have a feeling you will definitely become a Pro Hunter," Menchi said, fiddling with her hair. "So... I have a proposal."
"Oh? What is it?"
"If you pass... would you consider joining me on some Gourmet Hunter missions?"
"Gourmet missions?"
"It's not just cooking!" Menchi added quickly. "We hunt rare beasts, explore uncharted territories... sometimes the ingredients are guarded by powerful monsters that even I can't handle alone. With your strength..."
She looked at him with hopeful eyes.
Ryker smiled.
Gourmet Hunting meant Rare Beasts. Rare Beasts meant Unique Traits.
"Sure. If I have time, I'll consider it."
"Thank you! It's a promise!" Menchi beamed, looking relieved and excited.
The Airship.
Forty candidates had passed.
Tonpa the Rookie Crusher was gone—eliminated by Ryker on Day 1. Without his toxic influence, the atmosphere was surprisingly chill.
Beans, the little green secretary, announced that they would arrive at the next site at 8:00 AM. Until then, they were free to rest.
"Whoa! Killua, let's explore the ship!"
"Yeah!"
Gon and Killua ran off like the kids they were.
Ryker, Leorio, and Kurapika headed to the cafeteria. Finally, a real meal.
Examiners' Lounge.
Menchi, Buhara, and Satotz sat together, debriefing.
"I wonder how many will actually pass this year," Buhara mused, patting his stomach. "If it were up to Menchi, zero."
"I admitted I was wrong!" Menchi huffed, crossing her legs. "But honestly... there was one candidate who made me lose my cool. Number 44."
Hisoka.
"Yes," Satotz nodded gravely. "That man radiates bloodlust. He feels... darker than anything we usually deal with."
"However," Menchi continued, "there is one person who seems to be his natural counter. Number 406. Ryker."
"You seem quite taken with him, Menchi," Satotz teased. "I saw you chatting him up."
"Shut up! I just think he's strong!" Menchi blushed. "Honestly, I think both of them will pass. But I worry... if they fight, it will be a disaster."
"Hisoka is a monster who nearly killed an examiner last year," Satotz reminded them. "But Ryker... he did defeat an examiner this year."
The three Pro Hunters fell silent.
It was true.
Ryker was the anomaly.
Corridor.
"Achoo!"
Ryker sneezed and rubbed his nose.
"Someone's talking about me."
He grinned.
Probably Hisoka.