NGL Autonomous Region
The Hunter Association's branch office received special approval from headquarters to issue Aoki a Hunter License.
"This is your Hunter License, Aoki."
Kite handed over a blank license. "The Hunter License grants various privileges, including free access to all public facilities, but lost licenses will not be reissued."
"All your information has already been registered."
"Including the corpse of the Cat Ant—it counts as completing an Association mission. Your reward is 3 billion jenny and 300,000 internal points."
Aoki nodded and accepted the license.
He had long heard of the Hunter License's prestige.
Normally, one had to pass the Hunter Exam to obtain it.
But Aoki's contributions were extraordinary.
The Association was flexible enough to issue him a blank license as an exception.
"The jenny is one thing, but 300,000 points... that's an astonishing amount," Kite admitted, envy flashing across his face. "Even many Triple-Star Hunters struggle to accumulate that many points."
Still, Kite didn't dwell on it.
He assumed headquarters had placed great importance on the Chimera Ants, hence the generous reward for the first recovered corpse.
Kite paused for a moment before saying, "I plan to escort the cat girl's body to the Association headquarters with Gon."
"Would you like to join us?"
"I can teach you some knowledge along the way, which will help you develop your own unique Nen ability."
Upon hearing this, Aoki pondered.
He could sense that his time in the Hunter world was limited.
Kite's guidance held some appeal.
But what he needed more was to alter the plot and gain fortune!
As for Nen knowledge?
'The Gene Lock system has strong self-learning capabilities; I don't really need instruction,' Aoki thought to himself.
On the contrary, an important plot point was about to unfold—the invasion of the Chimera Ant King.
Aoki didn't want to miss this event.
If he could kill the Ant King and change the outcome of Netero's death, he would undoubtedly gain a massive amount of fortune!
That was far more appealing to him.
With this in mind, Aoki shook his head and declined, "I'll stay here."
"Alright."
Kite nodded without pressing further, simply offering more advice.
"Due to your achievement in killing the cat girl, you're now a Two-Star Hunter. You can register at the headquarters anytime and specify your specialization."
"For example, I'm a Biological Hunter. This can be registered freely."
"Additionally, as a Two-Star Hunter, you'll have access to the Association's internal catalog, where you can purchase special services—such as requesting a specific Hunter to teach you."
"Of course, that depends on their agreement."
Kite explained carefully, likely out of gratitude for saving his life.
He even went into detail about which supermarket near the Association had cheaper eggs, making Aoki both amused and exasperated.
After all the instructions, Kite left with Gon to escort Neferpitou's body to the headquarters.
The danger posed by the Chimera Ants exceeded expectations, making it unsuitable for Gon to continue participating.
...
...
Aoki found a hotel near the Association and settled in.
The next day.
After twelve hours of sleep, Aoki woke up refreshed.
He ordered a meal prepared by a Gourmet Hunter and browsed the internal exchange catalog while eating.
The Association provided a dedicated catalog for Hunters to exchange goods.
It covered everything—weapons, tools, pets, medicine, minerals, knowledge, special certifications, and more.
It included most of the rare items in the human world.
But purchases could only be made using internal points.
"Found it."
Aoki's gaze stopped on one particular exchange item.
—Nen Ability Instruction!
—Hunters willing to accept this request: Isaac Netero, Biscuit Krueger, Wing...
Each name came with a basic introduction.
Without hesitation, Aoki chose Biscuit.
What caught his attention was her Nen ability, "Cookie-chan: Magical Esthetician."
Cookie-chan was a unique Nen beast capable of providing a 30-minute massage equivalent to eight hours of high-quality sleep.
It could also optimize physical condition, improving both body and mental state.
Aoki desperately needed this ability.
First, he had just awakened his Nen and was about to enter a rapid growth phase. Cookie-chan would help him maximize his potential quickly.
Second, he needed to grow stronger fast—otherwise, he wouldn't stand a chance against the Ant King.
"As for my Nen ability, I already have an idea," Aoki murmured to himself.
He placed an order within the association for Bisky's Nen ability guidance.
Ding dong!
Soon, the association sent an email stating they were contacting Bisky to inquire whether she would accept.
Aoki glanced at it and put down his phone.
"Time to train."
He stood up and went to the hotel rooftop.
Ten, Ren, Zetsu...
Shu, Gyo, In...
Ko, Ken, En, Ryu...
Aoki hanneled his aura, repeatedly executing both basic and advanced techniques.
His stamina was rapidly depleted.
At the same time, the food he had just eaten transformed into a distinct warm current that circulated throughout his body, strengthening every part.
This was a special meal set prepared by a Gourmet Hunter using Nen abilities.
Normally only wealthy merchants and nobles could afford it.
But with 3 billion jenny and 300,000 points freshly deposited into his account, he didn't need to worry about expenses.
Moreover, his time was limited.
Before leaving the Hunter world, he planned to use up all his remaining time in one go.
Crack! Crack!
Before long.
A series of popping sounds, like beans frying, erupted from Aoki's body as his bones and joints trembled.
A large amount of impurities seeped out from his skin, mixing with sweat as they dripped down.
Bone Marrow Cleansing and Tendon Transformation!
At the same time, Aoki was also modifying advanced techniques, adapting them into his own versions.
For example, the perception technique, [En].
Even without unlocking his genetic potential, Aoki's perception range could reach fifty meters.
A mere few meters of [En] was completely insignificant to him.
Thus, he needed to alter the nature of [En], sacrificing precision in exchange for greater range.
...
...
At the same time.
Beside a waterfall in a mountain range.
"Aoki Hiroshi, requesting my guidance in Nen abilities?"
A petite girl stared at the Hunter Association's message on her phone, lost in thought.
She had golden hair and wore a red dress, her appearance cute and delicate.
But this was merely a disguise.
Her true form was that of a muscular, brawny "diamond princess."
----------
For advance chapters join my Patreon.
[email protected]/Aarvan