NenMaster
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Chapter 61
🕑 Added 2024-11-28 16:04:39 +0000 UTC"That includes bribing the examiner, you know~," Biscuit teased, pulling a funny face at Morin. "Here's your chance—flatter me, and I’ll just hand you the Hunter License right away."
"Forget it," Morin replied, shaking his head.
"I have no intention of taking the Hunter Exam right now."
"What did you just say?"
Biscuit’s eyebrows shot up, and her gaze turned dangerous. "Are you saying you’re ignoring your master’s words now?"
"This isn’t about training. You can’t just impose your will on me for something unrelated to that," Morin countered.
"Cut the nonsense! I’m only asking—are you going or not?!"
"Uhh…"
Seeing Biscuit roll up her sleeves, Morin pretended to ponder seriously before replying, "Well, since you insist, it’d be rude not to go."
Of course, he only meant he’d attend—whether he passed or not was another story.
For Morin, the Hunter License was useful but not essential at the moment. His current focus was still on his training.
Besides…
"It’d be a shame to visit this world and not take part in its most iconic Hunter Exam."
The 27th Hunter Exam marked the start of the story's plot. Not witnessing it firsthand would feel like a wasted opportunity.
Biscuit, oblivious to her disciple's inner thoughts, beamed with satisfaction.
"Good. Since you’re on board, let’s head out now!"
This was Biscuit’s first time serving as a Hunter Exam examiner. With her age reduced to thirty and her youthful vigor restored, she was brimming with excitement.
The two altered their plans and set off for the Hunter Exam venue.
This year’s Hunter Exam, the 275th, followed the same structure as always:
Candidates first follow clues to locate the exam venue.
Four to five examiners lead participants through a series of challenges.
Only those who pass every round earn a Hunter License.
Each exam's specifics—its tasks and passing criteria—are entirely up to the examiners, which gives them significant freedom and makes the process highly unpredictable.
As a result, those who pass are always exceptional—a rare elite among elites.
Biscuit and Morin parted ways the day before the exam.
According to Biscuit, even though she intended to secure Morin’s spot, she was only in charge of one round. To meet her, Morin would still need to pass the earlier challenges.
As for the tests prepared by the other examiners? Biscuit didn’t know.
When Morin asked about her own challenge, Biscuit playfully stuck out her tongue.
"You’ll find out when the time comes," she teased.
Seriously? Even Biscuit was keeping it a secret from him?
In essence, this Hunter Exam wasn’t much different from attending as a regular participant. The so-called “pre-selection” Biscuit promised was just an empty carrot on a stick.
Morin didn’t mind. He wasn’t planning to pass the exam this time anyway.
Still, once the exam ended and Biscuit found out he hadn’t passed…
Hmm, better prepare some gemstones in advance to calm her down, he mused.
As he considered which gems to collect, Morin arrived at the waiting area for this year’s Hunter Exam.
The first phase of the exam was set in a massive opera house in the city where Morin was staying.
While Biscuit didn’t offer any shortcuts, at least she had told Morin the exact location, saving him from hunting for the venue himself.
The number of participants in each Hunter Exam varied, sometimes just two or three hundred, sometimes over a thousand.
As such, the exam venue always required ample space, and this opera house was no exception. With its many rooms, it was easy to get lost if one wasn’t careful.
Following Biscuit’s directions, Morin navigated through winding halls and eventually reached a large door.
A staff member dressed in black and wearing sunglasses stood outside, silently handing Morin a card.
“T23, huh? Looks like I’m not too late.”
Morin pinned the numbered card to his chest and pushed open the door.
Inside was a gigantic broadcasting hall with a wide stage at the front.
Many participants were already waiting, scattered across the seats in small groups.
Some sat vigilantly, while others rested with their eyes closed, keeping an eye on their surroundings.
"Not a single one worth noting."
With just a casual glance, Morin assessed the strength of the crowd, quickly gauging their capabilities.
Most were regular people with decent physical fitness but no mastery of Nen—not even at a novice level.
Feeling disinterested, Morin decided to find a random spot to sit.
Just as he was about to settle down…
"Hello there. Judging by your face, this must be your first time taking the Hunter Exam, right?"
A short, stocky middle-aged man with a square nose approached Morin. He looked to be in his thirties and carried a friendly air.
On his chest was a card labeled “16,” identifying him as another participant in the exam.
