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

Chapter 119: Surprising x Show - A Look From the Other Side

Alex leaves the building, feeling a mix of anger and frustration. Why am I being called outside? I should be able to stay, vote for myself on both questions, and make it all the way through the exam. I haven't broken any rules!

To his absolute surprise and astonishment, Bushidora and a few fellow hunters in black suits aren't angry. In fact, they begin clapping.

"Congratulations on passing the fourth exam, Examinee No. 777, Alex Kerber. Looks like you figured it out quite fast. Didn't expect this kind of thing to happen during the first vote. You had the instinct, guts, and strength to pull this off. Quite unexpected!" Bushidora says with an approving nod.

Alex stands there, stunned. He had fully expected to be arrested, scolded, beaten up, or even interrogated. I knew killing was a gray area in the exams—Hisoka got away with it plenty of times, even killing an examiner and being allowed to participate again. But I did it openly. I can't believe I'm getting praised for slaughtering my way through this exam. Not like I had a choice, but still!

"I didn't enjoy it," Alex replies honestly, "but I have a reason to pass the exam this year. It's worth risking my life for, even if that means taking the lives of those standing in my way when I have no other choice."

Bushidora smiles slightly. "The reasons and lessons from this kind of exam are endless. People trying to reason with you about your decisions only prove their own ignorance. The ones who truly learn something aren't people like me, watching from the outside, but people like you, experiencing these extreme situations. Everyone leaving this building will be changed in radical ways, each experiencing unique scenarios based on the groups they were part of."

"Your group, however, seemed almost lacking in variety. One manipulator, eight rough, semi-trained dogs ready to rush in random directions while pulling their owner's leash—and then you. A joker, who I couldn't classify... until now. At first glance, you didn't seem to fit into any role. But now? It's clear your role was that of a hunter," Bushidora states confidently.

"Anyway, I could have let you sit around for another ten days, but that would just be a waste of time, wouldn't it? Congratulations on passing the fourth, and, honestly, the final exam. I hope you become a strong hunter, with the same strong convictions you've shown today and during the other phases. I enjoyed your performance."

[Main Quest Updated:
Mission: Pass the hunter exam
First Phase: 1/1 Second Phase: 1/1 Third Phase: 1/1 Fourth Phase: 1/1 Fifth Phase: 0/1
...]

"What do you mean, 'final exam'? There's a fifth exam, right?" Alex asks, his voice laced with confusion, surprise, and shock. He struggles to believe the situation unfolding in front of him.

"Yes," Bushidora replies, "but it's nearly redundant in your case. It's merely an interview. Your case, however, is special. You need to be taught, for your own sake and for the sake of others.

"I need to continue monitoring the other four groups, which are playing the game more like I envisioned: scheming, planning, deceiving, showing their true characters. Your way was refreshingly simple. Honestly, I also can't believe you're still not fully awakened. Your ability is simply outstanding! Without a doubt, you're one of the most impressive conjurers I've ever seen.

"It's obvious you're also quite talented in transmutation and enhancement as well. It looks like there are strict conditions attached that let you use other categories—and even emission abilities, to such extreme degrees. Outstanding! Average Nen users wouldn't reach your level of ability usage in decades, perhaps never. The only thing you lack is the basics: information, training and sheer force.