Danmachi: Voyager of Worlds Ability

[26] : Exam Begins, Underground Trials, New Friends

"Wow, is this really Zaban City?" Mika wondered aloud.

Mika and his five companions walked along the bustling streets, following the transformed beast-man known as the 'Kiriko'. Gon, Airmid, and Mellie, equally inexperienced, wandered about excitedly, taking in the lively atmosphere and diverse shops. Mika could only sigh as he pulled out his wallet to cover their various expenses.

"Things are going smoothly," Mika remarked, stowing away the trinkets Airmid and Mellie had purchased into his backpack. He gazed at the crowds around them, lost in thought.

By this point, all six of them had qualified for the Hunter Exam. After disembarking from the ship, they had followed the captain's instructions to Gon, heading towards the massive cedar tree on the local mountain. Having passed both the 'Trial of Choices' and the 'Beast Identification' tests, the group had earned their right to participate in the actual Hunter Exam. Now, led by the human-form Kiriko, they were making their way to the exam site.

"Of course, these were just appetizers. The real challenges are about to begin," Mika mused, recalling the two hidden bosses of this Hunter Exam: Hisoka from the Phantom Troupe and Illumi Zoldyck from the infamous assassin family. Both were undoubtedly top-tier fighters in human society.

Based on his memories and rough calculations, Mika had his own assessment of this world's power levels. The most legendary Hunters in this world were probably comparable to Level 6 adventurers in Orario. Top-class experts like the aging Hunter Association Chairman Netero were likely equivalent to Level 5. Most Phantom Troupe members would be around Level 4, while Nen users who had developed their abilities corresponded to Levels 2 or 3.

Of course, Mika acknowledged that this was just a rough estimate for reference. Unlike the all-around enhancement of adventurers, Nen users' strength depended on various factors: ability development, tactical use, combat experience, and information gathering. Their power assessment was comprehensive.

Mika used the Chimera Ant King as a benchmark, considering him comparable to Orario's Level 6 adventurers. This formed the basis of his evaluation.

"This gives me a general idea of where I stand," Mika thought, sensing the gap between himself and formidable opponents like Hisoka and Illumi. He decided it would be wise to avoid provoking them for now.

"We've arrived!" their guide announced from up ahead. Mika snapped out of his thoughts, as did Airmid, Mellie, and Gon, who had been browsing nearby shops. They rejoined Kurapika and Leorio, who were gesturing towards a tall building.

Mika, already aware that the building wasn't their actual destination, couldn't help but smile. Sure enough, when the guide pointed to a small shop next to the building, Kurapika and Leorio's expressions turned sheepish.

Following the guide's coded exchange, the six were ushered into the back room of the small shop.

"Looks like this year's exam site is underground," Mika commented casually, feeling the room descend.

"No wonder we couldn't find it," Mellie quipped. "Who would've thought the Hunter Association, with all their resources, would set up the entrance in such an ordinary little restaurant?"

Kurapika and Leorio nodded in agreement, clearly sharing the desire to comment on the unexpected location.

"By the way, Mika," Kurapika suddenly asked, "I remember you mentioning on the ship that you wanted to gain the abilities of a Hunter. Could you elaborate on what kind of abilities those are?"

"You mean 'Nen'?" Mika replied directly, piquing everyone's curiosity.

"Nen is an ability only accessible to those who become Hunters. It's a hidden power in this world, encompassing many aspects that are difficult to explain briefly," Mika continued. "However, Kurapika, I can say that for your goal, becoming a Hunter is indeed the correct path to gaining the power you seek for revenge."