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

Chapter 120: Interview x Result - A Special Interrogation

Alex enters the small room, stepping toward the table. His eyes immediately lock onto the imposing figure sitting before him. The man is enormous—easily taller than Alex even while seated. Alex guesses he must be at least 2.30 meters tall (7.55 feet).

His appearance is something else entirely. His gray hair is styled into two flame-like bundles on the sides of his head. The weird eyebrows and mustache only add to his bizarre look, and his overall face reminds Alex of a Kabuki mask.

Botobai Gigante. Triple-Star Terrorist Hunter. Public Prosecutor. Member of the Zodiacs, Alex thinks, sizing him up. They say he's almost on Netero's level in combat ability and status. But what's with this guy? He's supposed to represent a dragon, but all I see is some Chinese dragon clown freak. Honestly, anyone who tries to make themselves look like this is just an idiot in my book, no matter how strong they are.

"Alex Kerber, Examinee No. 777... you may sit down," Botobai says in a deep, commanding voice. Something about his tone compels Alex to obey without question.

Alex takes the seat, unsure of what to expect. What kind of interview is this going to be? Should I lie? He hesitates. No... that's my usual fallback, but this guy would probably see through me in a second. He's a prosecutor and a hunter. He's probably heard every bullshit excuse in the book. Better not risk it. Alex takes a deep breath. Honesty might be the smarter play here. These people always seem to know when you're lying anyway.

"Why do you want to become a hunter?" Botobai asks, his tone neutral, his expression unreadable.

"My life depends on it," Alex says bluntly. "I need to pass this exam, as a special task... and for my future. I'd rather not lie to you, so I can't get into the details. But I'll admit, I also like the benefits a hunter license brings. And as you've probably seen, I have some unique abilities. I've been told becoming a hunter could help me uncover their secrets." He pauses, then adds, "Also... I think hunters are cool. I like the freedom that comes with the job. It's the kind of life I want for myself."

"What exactly would you use your license for?" Botobai presses, his tone still emotionless.

Alex shrugs slightly. "The license itself? I don't have a specific use for it right now. Let's just say I need to have it because I need to pass this exam. Once I do, I'll use it if I see a good reason to. That's all." He refrains from saying what he really wants to: "The Fantasy Realm forced me into this stupid exam."

"Your abilities... how did you awaken them?" Botobai asks, leaning forward slightly, his gaze unwavering.

Alex exhales, deciding to be direct. "I'd rather not say specifically... but fine, I'll tell you—just keep it between us." He leans back in his chair. "I've defeated some pretty strong enemies, and somehow, I ended up with the ability to conjure their souls in different forms. I don't get to choose what form they take—they just show up like that. For example, my claw? That's from a guy in Tribaio village who tried to kill me. It happened while I was doing a task the navigator assigned me as payment for being led into this year's exam."

Alex decides to be completely truthful, because he simply doesn't care about Botobai and sees no danger in revealing that kind of information to him.

He studies Botobai's reaction, but the man's face remains as unreadable as ever. Figures. Nothing fazes this guy. Well, not like it matters.

"Hmmm. Do you plan to use your abilities to commit crimes?" Botobai continues his questioning without offering any commentary on Alex's previous answers, making Alex uneasy. The man's poker face leaves him guessing at what he's looking for.