Chapter 27: The Third Phase—Unexpected Task!

Auren begins to talk to Konrad with a serious expression.“What kind of companies does your family own? Are you interested in Cluck’s research? According to her, these Copperleaves help treat inflammation. I don’t know much about medicine, but I know inflammation is tied to a ton of issues… a general ‘cure’ could really change things. Even if it just becomes a slightly more effective drug than what’s already on the market, we could still make a fortune.”

“My father’s empire is massive. He owns hundreds of companies—big and small. There isn’t really an industry he hasn’t touched. I remember at least a few hospitals and two pharmaceutical firms, but why do you ask? We can’t just… Wait, you mean?!”

Auren smiles. “Yes. I’ve got more Copperleaves.”

Konrad’s expression shifts—greed mixed with regret. “I’m such an idiot… I shouldn’t have even gone into that forest. If I’d just waited outside, I could’ve passed easily… Anyway, yes—I’m in. Once we’re back, give them to me. I’ll have them delivered to one of my father’s companies right away. If we can get any kind of product out before Cluck does—even just a small improvement—it could bring in a fortune.”

Auren hands them over with a grin. Goreinu stares at him, mouth opening as if to speak—but he decides against it, closing it again.

Konrad smiles gratefully, his frustration over the failed exam already fading.

“Konrad, my friend,” Auren says. “There’s something you should know about me. Ever heard of the Zoldycks?”

“Yes… but… you’re not one of them. I know every member. My father’s even hired them before.”

“True, I’m no Zoldyck. But my instructors are on a similar level. I’m part of a large organisation. You don’t need to know more—I trust you, Konrad. But… if you ever take advantage of me…” Auren’s smile widens. His cheerful expression stays, but he lets his aura flash—just for a moment.

“I… I understand, Auren. I’ll make sure you get more than your fair share. Trust me,” Konrad says, a bead of sweat rolling down his temple.

“Good. That’s all I wanted to say. No need to overthink it, right?” Auren replies.

Konrad nods eagerly.

The airship continues its flight, and Auren decides to rest, thoughts drifting toward the upcoming third task.

After sleeping for a solid six hours, Auren gets up and rejoins the others, who seem to have rested a bit as well.

The airship takes roughly the same amount of time on the return trip as it did on the trip to the forest. As he gazes out the window, seeing the suburbs of Concordis, something suddenly clicks.

“Wait a minute! We’re heading back to Concordis! What’s going on here?” Auren notes.

Goreinu perks up too. “You’re right… that’s certainly an interesting decision.”

“Well,” Konrad begins, “your next examiner will either be the Snake, the Tiger, or the Horse—based on my calculations. Those three are part of the liberal faction. Since we’ve already dealt with dangerous plants and beasts, I’d say Gel, the Poison Hunter, is out. That leaves Saccho and Kanzai. Saccho’s a Problem Hunter and also a detective—his style seems to overlap with Mizaistom’s, so my guess is… you’ll have to deal with the Tiger, Kanzai.”

Auren rubs his head, trying to remember some details, but his memories are too fragmented. It’s been too long, and though he took notes a few years after arriving in Meteor City, he didn’t focus much on specific individuals—only important events and opportunities.

“I think I remember that guy is… stupid? I think he’s a Treasure Hunter, so in a way, he seeks the same things I do. Still, I refuse to be compared to someone like him,” Auren mutters.

“You’re right, Auren. He’s very simple-minded and uneducated. However, you need to be careful. He’s short-tempered, impulsive, and loves to argue about stupid things, at least according to my information. Try to please him, even if you feel like insulting him. It’ll just be for a short while.”

“Thanks, Konrad,” Auren says, genuinely grateful.

“Yeah, Konrad, I owe you one too,” Goreinu adds.

“Don’t worry about it… What about the other four remaining candidates?”

“They’re strong and talented,” Goreinu replies calmly. “They’re all male and look to be in their thirties or forties—clearly veterans—but nothing to worry about. They’re all uninitiated, after all.”

Auren shakes his head. “The real problem is that we don’t know what kind of exam Kanzai will give us. It’ll probably be simple, but it might not involve combat. Maybe he sends us on a treasure hunt or something. These things can come down to luck. Still, Cluck said I earned some kind of advantage. You finished fourth, Goreinu, right? So you might be slightly disadvantaged later on,” he analyzes.

“We’ll know soon enough. Looks like we’ll be arriving in a few minutes,” Goreinu replies.

“I wish you both luck! I’ll be staying in Concordis for a few more days,” Konrad says.

Auren hands over the four Copperleaves to Konrad with a meaningful look. Konrad accepts them, his hand slightly trembling—clearly remembering Auren’s earlier warning.

Surprisingly, the airship doesn’t land near the Arena, but instead touches down in front of a medium-sized building a bit removed from the city’s core.

Auren notices the Hunter Association logo on the front.

Is this an Association branch? Maybe for the entire Federation?

“Dear remaining candidates! You six have earned a bit of my respect. I wish you the best of luck in the next phase of the exam. Given the examiner, you’ll definitely need it! As for the rest of you losers—get off now before I kick you out myself!” Cluck’s voice blares from the airship speakers.

“... I hate that chicken,” Konrad mutters.

The failed candidates trickle out, some confused about how they’ll get back, others just resigned, disappearing quietly.

Konrad waves goodbye to Auren and Goreinu, who follow Cluck and the remaining four candidates into the building.

Inside, a few staff members line up in the lobby and begin to clap.

“Stop it! Or they might think the exam is already over—they’re not even halfway done!”

Are you serious? What do you mean? There are only six people left!

They follow Cluck into a large, empty hall. Aside from a small stage at the front, the room is completely bare.

Is this some kind of event hall?

A man stands on the stage. He’s not very tall—shorter than anyone else except Auren. He has yellow and black, tigermane-shaped hair, and what appears to be a tail attached to it. He’s wearing a yellow baseball uniform with his actual name, ‘Kanzai’, printed on the back.

Auren sighs as he looks at the man, his face getting serious.

“I have a bad feeling about this,” Goreinu mumbles, looking slightly confused.

“Cluck! What is this?! Where are all the candidates?! This is the third phase—why are there only six people left?!” Kanzai screams.

“Deal with it, stupid Tiger! See you later—if you pass,” Cluck retorts, waving at the candidates before exiting the hall.

“This is kinda surprising! I am Kanzai—the world-famous Treasure Hunter! Why are there so few of you left?! Tell me!” he shouts, pointing at Goreinu.

Goreinu looks a bit puzzled, but then explains the first two exams, keeping the details brief.

“I see… The first exam sounds unfair indeed! What do silly riddles have to do with being a Hunter? And finding a herb? That’s like finding treasure—sure, it takes time and luck, so I can appreciate it, but it's hardly suitable for an exam! Exams should be based on skills! I have to say—my two fellow Zodiacs clearly failed as examiners! You six are lucky I’m in charge now! I won’t make you go through any more stupid, unnecessary exams. I’ve come up with the perfect exam—based on logic and truth! My exam will test the most important qualification!” Kanzai says, with a smug tone, looking proud.

“You there!” he suddenly barks, pointing at the oldest remaining candidate. “You look like you’ve got some years behind you—so I bet you’re experienced. What’s the most important thing for a Hunter?”

“Ambition?” the candidate replies, looking confused.

“I suppose that’s a decent answer… but I was hoping you’d say strength! Without strength, you can’t do anything. Strength is the foundation of a good Hunter—and that’s what I’ll be testing! I even asked Cluck to rank you, so my perfect exam will be even more fair!”

“Now listen! The top-ranked candidate will go against the last-ranked one, and so on! The task is… a one-on-one battle!”

Yes! Looks like his stupidity and simple-mindedness saved me!

“I like you!” Goreinu says with a grin.

“Nice exam. This one actually makes sense,” Auren adds, also smiling.

“Hahahaha!” Kanzai laughs. “I see you candidates appreciate a thoughtful and fitting challenge! Now, I don’t want any accidents—no killing your opponent! If I decide a fight’s over, I’ll stop it. You can also surrender if you’re clearly outmatched. And no weapons! If you use any, you’re out! Real men fight with their own claws!”

You mean fists… stupid Tiger! Although…

“I’m a busy guy, so let’s not waste time. Let’s see… You there! Tell me the rankings!” Kanzai yells at one of the suited assistants who are silently standing close to the door of the room.

Huh… I didn’t even notice them. They’re using Zetsu well. Probably Hunters. Do they get paid for helping out with the exam?

Kanzai exchanges a few quiet words with the assistant, then turns back toward the group.

“The first fight is between No. 123 Auren Nilum and No. 199 Zirul Natta!”

Auren steps forward, causing Kanzai to frown and point at him. “You’re Zirul?”

Auren shakes his head, and the older veteran steps up.

“I’m Zirul,” he announces.

“This is confusing! You all look like strong men—why is this child the highest-ranked candidate?” Kanzai stares at Auren suspiciously… then suddenly grins knowingly.

“I see… Candidate 123 Auren… it’s best if you don’t use that. You know…”

Auren smiles.

Time for some tests. This guy seems fairly strong—maybe stronger than me if I don’t use Nen. Let’s see how far Buno and Bunu’s techniques can take me against real opponents.

“You said claws were fine, right, Examiner Kanzai?” Auren asks with a grin.

“Yeah! Go for it! You two—line up!”

Auren faces his opponent.

“3, 2, 1—start!” Kanzai yells in a cheerful voice.

As soon as Kanzai gives the signal, Auren leaps back a bit.

He starts to move in complete silence, syncing his steps into a smooth rhythm.

Zirul carefully looks at Auren, not moving at all.

As he gains speed and continues, ten visible illusions of Auren suddenly appear around him.

His opponent now looks stunned and confused.

“What the hell?!” one candidate shouts.

“Are my eyes playing tricks on me?” another gasps.

Even Kanzai looks impressed, his arms now crossed.

The illusions slowly approach the veteran, who tries to stay calm. He abruptly spins around and strikes at an image behind him—only for it to vanish.

Now!

Auren forms a claw with his right hand and slashes across the man’s back, then sweeps his legs.

The man screams in pain and loses balance, crashing to the floor.

Auren jumps on him, driving his knee into the man’s gut. He lands a clean strike against Zirul’s face with his left hand and presses his claw-like right hand to the man’s throat. The veteran yells and struggles, but—

“STOP! This fight is over!” Kanzai shouts. “Old man, quit it already! He went easy on you!”

The veteran, finally realizing his situation, exhales and stops resisting.

Auren gets up.

I learned something… what I need is more fights. I need experience—desperately.

“Candidate 123, you pass the third phase!” Kanzai declares.