Fantasy Realm [One Piece] [Harry Potter] [Naruto] - [Progression] [LitRPG]

Chapter 97: Happy x Carnival - Crazy Bunker Games!

As Alex and Shalnark step into the main building, they're immediately handed tags with numbers on them. Alex, hoping for the number 1337, feels a pang of disappointment when he's given tag 777. Not bad, I guess. This was my second choice, at least, he thinks, managing a small grin.

One of the exam overseers, dressed sharply in a black suit, addresses them loudly, "Alex Kerber, candidate No. 777, and Shalnark, how do you pronounce that... 'Ryusei,' candidate No. 778, are hereby accepted into the exam. You two still have a bit of time left, but I recommend heading down now. You won't be disappointed with what we've prepared—you'd better be grateful!"

Alex and Shalnark approach what looks like an enormous hoist setup, probably intended for use in bunkers and mines. No comfy elevator? Figures... this is a bunker after all, Alex grumbles inwardly.

A few minutes later, they descend into a massive hall. Part of the space is obscured by a giant curtain.

Alex surveys the area; nearly 800 hunter candidates are already gathered, yet the hall still looks oddly spacious, even with so many people.

He feels a mixture of apprehension and excitement. I'll survive this, you'll see. No use constantly worrying—I'll trust in my LUK, my preparations, and my skills, he thinks, feeling his confidence grow as he adjusts to the chaos around him.

A few people approach Alex and Shalnark, curious about the newcomers. Suddenly, a chill creeps over Alex as Shalnark unleashes part of his aura, immediately intimidating the onlookers, who retreat with expressions of horror as they glance at both him and Alex.

Shalnark looks mildly surprised, though he's not focusing on the others but rather on Alex. He mutters, "Genius... natural awakening... Does he have an ability?"

NO, I'm not... or maybe I am? Alex thinks, cringing internally. It's non-Nen, though... I think my high SPR stat of 17 and PHY stat of 14 are what's shielding me from this tiny bit of Nen he's using to scare the others. But if I get hit with a real Nen attack, I'm fucking screwed!

They make their way to an empty corner of the hall when Shalnark suddenly says, "If you pass the exam and learn a certain secret afterward... I might have a special offer for you if a certain situation arises. Let's talk after the exam—I'm curious about your ability and how you managed to learn it despite lacking the basics."

"What do you mean?" Alex asks, trying to feign confusion.

"Haha, don't bother hiding it, my friend. Don't worry—once we're done and can talk privately, I'll tell you more if you're interested," Shalnark replies, clearly not buying Alex's act.

Thank god for the cameras, or I'd be scrambling for another lie, Alex thinks, relieved by the extensive surveillance the Association is using to monitor candidates.

As more people flood into the hall, Alex takes the opportunity to observe the participants, scanning the crowd. Can't get any worse—the most dangerous guy is already standing next to me and has me in his sights, he tells himself.