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

Chapter 102: Airship x Island - Pick Your Poison

Alex looks at Shalnark, feeling a hint of uncertainty. There are some things I just can't tell him—risking punishment from the system isn't worth it, he reminds himself. In his experience, intelligent people, especially those in fictional worlds, can often sense truth from lies. Biscuit came to mind first, and now, sitting across from Shalnark, he recognizes the same sharp intellect. Alex knows he's not a great liar; while he can outwit, manipulate, or bluff most "normal" people, he has no confidence in deceiving someone of Shalnark's rank. Shalnark's like Rishi, he thinks, both the intellectual type, while I'm just average in things like that.

He settles on a simple answer. "I guess I'm from a pretty isolated place. I learned swordsmanship from a master there for a long time. I don't know much about the world beyond the usual stuff anyone can find online. I love reading up on things that interest me, and I'd say I'm an adventurer. I travel to different places to accomplish certain goals I set for myself. That's why I'm after the license—it'll open new doors for me. Nothing particularly interesting about me... How about you?"

Shalnark, seeming satisfied with Alex's response, offers his own story, blending some truths, a few lies, and carefully omitting anything too revealing.

"I'm also an adventurer," Shalnark says with a casual smile. "I've got a close group of friends, and we go on 'adventures' as well, usually acquiring 'treasure.' I enjoy gathering information, though I'm not particularly interested in Hunters themselves. The main thing I want from the license is access to the Hunters-only website. That place has some of the most selective information you can get on any valuable topic."

"I've heard about that too... isn't the information there insanely expensive?" Alex replies.

Shalnark nods. "Of course! Exclusive and rare information can be as valuable as any physical treasure. Some data, going for a few million Jenny, can be the key to something worth over a billion. If I had to choose, I'd call myself an Information Hunter once I get my license."

It suits him, Alex thinks, acknowledging Shalnark's words. He's the intel guy for the troupe, more of a support type than anything else.

They continue chatting, Shalnark's words weaving a careful but open portrait of himself, while Alex responds thoughtfully, learning just enough to feel Shalnark's cunning. Eventually, Alex tries to relax, planning to get some rest. Thanks to his new [Destiny Watch], he knows the exact time. As he glances at it, he thinks about the watch's special effect. Better to save it for a real emergency. No use wasting it on something minor.

Before lying down, he takes a quick scan of the other candidates. Tompa sneaks around in his usual shady manner. In a corner, Palm sits alone, sipping coffee with an unsettling intensity that sends a shiver through anyone nearby. What's wrong with her? Alex wonders, raising an eyebrow. Did Knov give her a deadline to pass the exam this year or something? I can't imagine why else she'd act like that.

Finally, he glances outside and notices on his watch that they're heading south. Toward the ocean? Well, I'll find out soon enough. Deciding to conserve his energy for the next exam, he lies down on the couch and lets himself drift off to sleep.

After a short rest, Alex wakes up and checks the time—5:15 AM. Just 45 minutes left until the second exam begins. The airship is silent, and everyone else is still asleep, the quiet before the coming challenge.

When Alex looks around, he notices that Shalnark is nowhere to be seen. Deciding he should get ready too, he leaves the couch and heads to a nearby restroom to freshen up. Afterward, he peeks outside the airship and realizes they've already landed. A bit nervous about cutting it too close and risking disqualification, Alex heads out.