NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 129: Travel x New Status - A New Journey
Alex leaves the room along with the other freshly certified hunters.
He says a relatively short "goodbye" to Palm and Melody, who he barely even spoke to or interacted with, and walks away from the room, deciding to talk with Shalnark, with whom he formed a rather strange but overall friendly relationship.
"So, what are your plans now, Alex?" The Phantom Troupe member asks, seemingly curious about Alex's plans.
"I'll travel to Heaven's Arena. I heard it's a great place to get some fighting experience. I also heard rumours that there's a secret about the special skills of candidates fighting above floor 200. I guess those guys are Nen users as well? I'm ready to challenge them! How about you?" Alex responds, seeing no reason to hide his intentions.
"Interesting. I'll return to my comrades. There are certain activities planned in the near future. To tell you the truth, I'm a rather unique thief by trade. Your abilities are really intriguing. I felt them through the walls during the 4th exam. You killed all the other examinees, right? You are far stronger and far more decisive than I initially gave you credit for." Shalnark says and goes on: "There is currently an open spot in our group. Although a certain individual, let's call him 'Jester', is interested in joining, I feel you would be a better fit. He's a frightening man, but I'm not sure he can be trusted. Regardless, the sad reality is that some of us die, and sooner or later, there will be a spot open. I have the right to recommend talented people like yourself to the boss."
He finally concludes his offer by saying: "Use the time to train yourself, and if you feel like you are ready to join us, contact me. If you really want to achieve something groundbreaking and change the world, this would be a great opportunity. You won't regret it, the boss will open your eyes to a brand-new world and give your life true meaning."
You received Shalnark's Card
[Shalnark's Card]
Quality: Deep Blue
Type: World Item I am running a few minutes late; my previous meeting is running over. Quest Item
Effect: Allows the player to enter the World of Hunter x Hunter shortly before the beginning of the Yorknew City Arc and take on a certain heist together with the Phantom Troupe.
Requirements: Level 5-9
Note: The spider can survive even without its head, as long as fresh limbs grow anew.
Note: This item cannot be traded or sold. It will disappear after the effect activates.
Note: This item is a continuation item, and you will return to this particular world with memories of your person intact! A random number of players will be selected to join you on this mission.
"I'll hope I hear from you once you are ready. Goodbye, my friend," Shalnark says, waving goodbye to Alex.
Hmmm, this is another quest item… similar to Bushidora's Card, but higher in quality. It's good to have options, I guess, Alex reasons.
Alex, now a freshly certified Hunter, returns to his room. Inside, he finds Menchi and Linne slowly packing up their things.
"Congratulations," they both say at the same time.
"Thank you so much. I am genuinely grateful for everything you have done for me. I see you are already packing. Is this goodbye?" he asks them.
Menchi bonks Alex's head with her fist and says, "You! You have barely learned anything about Nen. I'm planning on teaching you some more! At least a few months longer, I guess. You also owe me some information…."
Linne, however, responds in a different way. "I had initially planned to return home and dwell in memories. However, I've changed my mind. I'm in the mood to meet some friends and accomplish some unfulfilled goals. You have brightened my outlook, Alex. I'm grateful for that. I'm sure we'll see each other again sometime in the near future. Though you are Menchi's student, I'll see you as my own. If you ever need help, feel free to contact me."
"Thank you, Master Linne," Alex says, truly grateful to this ancient Nen master, as experienced and knowledgeable as Netero himself. He even kneels down and gives her a small hug. "I'll treasure your teachings and show the world what I can achieve with them! I'll make you proud."
He stands back up again and addresses his bratty master. "Menchi… I have something planned. Can you accompany me to Heaven's Arena? I have 3 months, and I'll reach the 200th floor by then. Not only that, but I'll also win against other Nen users! Can you help me with my goal?"
Menchi, with a curious look, replies, "Heaven's Arena? Not what I expected. I'm a gourmet Hunter, but I guess it would be helpful for your training! Heaven's Arena has a few local restaurants I'm interested in too, so why not! Your treat, of course. You win money in Heaven's Arena while I spend it on food! Hehe, yeah, this will be fun."
"..." Alex is unsure how to respond while Linne lets out a small laugh, the first laugh he has heard from her.
… … …
3 hours later, after saying goodbye to Linne and the other examiners still in the bunker, Alex and Menchi arrive at the capital's airport.
Menchi is checking out various shops and snack stalls at the airport while Alex is honestly tired. It's dark outside already, and Alex just wants to board the airship and sleep. Still, he uses the opportunity, now that Menchi is gone, to take a look at his Status:
HP: 220/220, MP: 180/180 AURA: 150/150
STR: 12 (+3), AGI: 12 (+3), PHY: 12 (+2), SNS: 12 (+2), CHA: 12 (+5), MNA: 12, INT: 12 SPR: 12 (+5), LUK: 12 (+1), NEN: 12
Available Stat Points: 0
Innate Skills: Nen Prodigy lvl 3 (Genius Conjurer lvl 3, Basic Nen lvl 3, Advanced Nen lvl 3), Statistical OCD lvl MAX
Arcane Medieval Armory: Annihilation Grenade lvl 3, Sealion's Icewing Embrace lvl 3, Mustrano's Malice Mauler lvl 3 (Claw Proficiency/Poison Resistance) / Toxic Breakthrough lvl 3
Free Skill Slots: 0/3, Free Basic Skill Slots: 0/8
Basic skills: Basic Close Combat Prowess lvl 3, Basic Footwork lvl 3, Basic Endurance lvl 3, Basic Long-Range Combat Prowess lvl 3, Basic Eloquence lvl 3, Basic Concentration lvl 3, Basic Meditation lvl 3, Basic Mana Control lvl 3
Passive Skills: Pistol Proficiency lvl 3, Alexandrian Royal Swordsmanship lvl 3
Active Skills: Black Magic (Fire-Blizzard-Thunder-Series) lvl 3, Sword Magic lvl 3
Fantasy Coins: 198,000 Soul Crystals: Small x8
Current Weapons: Mr. 5's Revolver (Deep Blue), Sword of Pluto (Deep Blue)
Current Equipment: Commander Shepard's Dog Tag (Deep Blue), Sealion's Might (Deep Blue), Shield of Pluto (Deep Blue), Armor of Pluto (Blue), Visor of Pluto (Blue), Cuisses of Pluto (Blue), Gauntlets of Pluto (Blue), Sabatons of Pluto (Blue), Nimbus Cloak (Light Purple), Champion Belt (Blue), Cave Spider's Essence Ring (Light Blue), Destiny Watch (Light Purple), Sacred Emerald Copper Earring (Purple), Hunter License (Deep Green)
Recovery Items: Navalia Wolf Jerky x2 (Gray), Healing Potion x3 (White), Lurkwort x2 (Deep Green), EP Charge (Green), Tribaio Village Healing Liquid (Green), Diluted Gel's Panacure x10 (Light Blue)
Miscellaneous Items: Jack's Spare Silvery Mask (Light Green), Frost Essence (Green), Kunai (White), Two Headed Black Eel Poisonous Blood x10 (Light Green), Heavy Mace (Light Green)
Special Items: Pluto's Ceremonial Blessing (Deep Purple), Baroque Works Invitation (Purple), Player Contract (Tereza Řezník), Destiny Supporter Token (Purple), Bloody Chests x11, Bushidora's Card (Deep Green), Shalnark's Card (Deep Blue)
Man, my status is growing to insane lengths. I reorganized it a bit to make it easier to see what I'm working with. I guess I need to get rid of [Diluted Gel's Panacure], [Two Headed Black Eel Poisonous Blood], [Kunai], [Heavy Mace], and open the 11 [Bloody Chests], Alex decides, deep in thought but proud of his progress!
His thoughts are rudely interrupted by a green-haired woman's face suddenly appearing just a few inches from his own.
Alex shrieks back in shock, and Menchi begins to laugh. "Did I interrupt your thoughts? Did you perhaps think about your lovely travel companion? You sure are lucky, traveling with such a beautiful genius like myself, huh?"
Alex blurts out, "Yeah, right. Sorry, I was deep in thought about something else. Despite your bullshit, I'm genuinely thankful that you decided to stick around a bit longer with me, Menchi."
"Hey, isn't that sweet. Are you aiming for me after all? Are you sure I'm not waaay out of your league, rookie?" she responds, with a bright, happy smile, obviously teasing Alex.
Damn, that smile is making me crazy. Calm down, Alex. If she finds out that you are, in fact, kinda crazy about her, you're in for a rough 3 months of teasing. You should concentrate on your fucking mission and not on your immature teacher, he tells himself, while just responding with a quick, "Two years, and I'll beat you easily," to which she just laughs.
The two hunters wait a bit longer before finally entering the airship. Menchi booked a large cabin for them, and as they walk toward it, Alex wonders aloud, "Wait, one cabin? Where is my cabin?"
"You are my student, of course we will share one! Or are you nervous? Will you perhaps… attack me? Huh, you're making me nervous… pervert," she cheekily teases him before continuing, "Now come on, let's go inside!"
Alex gulps after entering the relatively small cabin, realizing there is only one bed….
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