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

Chapter 121: Nen x Initiation - Taking Shortcuts is Just Smart!

"Hey, that's not the face you should be showing after learning about your genius master! I don't need you to bow down, but you should at least show a bit of gratitude!" Menchi says, smirking at Alex, who still looks a bit stunned.

"Will this teacher really be fine?" Alex asks, turning to Botobai as he walks past them.

"Hey!! You punk! You're the first person ever to complain about my cooking, and now you're questioning my knowledge of Nen too? I'll have you know I'm a genius! I know everything there is to know about Nen! You should be grateful and kiss my feet for having someone like me as your teacher!" Menchi snaps, glaring at Alex.

"I guess I'm grateful... I was just kidding, of course, Menchi. Also, thank you for congratulating me so nicely..." Alex says, his tone deliberately mild to placate her.

"Children... behave yourselves and find somewhere else to go so you don't distract the others," Botobai says, shaking his head as he glances toward the room. The people inside, clearly distracted, quickly turn back to their monitors, though many can't resist sneaking curious glances at Alex and Menchi.

"Let's go," Menchi says, exhaling. "My own master wants to meet you too. She doesn't go out much anymore, and she said this will be her last time participating in the exam. She's kind of depressed and wants to witness it one last time. Be nice to her, will you please?"

"Of course. I actually enjoyed the third exam quite a bit," Alex replies. Menchi seems worried that Linne might be close to death, given her age is similar to Netero's. It's a reasonable fear, but I know she's wrong. Even four years from now, Linne will still be fine and will participate in the upcoming chairman election after Netero's death. Her fears are unfounded.

Menchi and Alex walk toward a different part of the bunker, one apparently reserved for examiners, assisting hunters, and the other personnel needed to run the exam. The area is expansive, with a giant canteen, training rooms, and numerous personal quarters for everyone involved.

"These facilities were originally built to shelter people... Now they're being used to conduct the Hunter Exam, at least this year's exam. I have to say, it's a spectacular location," Alex says, genuinely impressed.

"Yeah... kinda boring, but I guess it works," Menchi replies, clearly not sharing his enthusiasm.

This girl... Alex thinks. I know all about the exam that will happen in two years, and the next two after that. They're all rather uninspired compared to this one. Sorry, but marathon running through underground tunnels, a deadly marsh, climbing down a weird tower, then surviving on an abandoned island with a final tournament arc? That doesn't sound appealing to me. Honestly, I liked this exam a lot—it was just as good, if not better as the one Gon, Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio participated in. Those exams afterward? Total scams. He shakes his head, not understanding Menchi's low opinion of the current exam setup.

They arrive at a large apartment, clearly intended for wealthier families. Menchi unlocks the door with a key and steps inside. "This is our place now. Yep, also your living quarters for the next 10 days. Your room is the smaller one over there on the right. You'd better behave, or else you won't be getting your license. You won't be physically able to get it, if you catch my drift."

She hands him two keys, one for the apartment and one for his room.

As they step inside, Alex immediately notices that the apartment has been heavily modified. What was once a standard living space now looks more like a dedicated training quarter. Near the entrance, a huge kitchen remains intact, but the rest of the apartment is wide open, as if most of the walls had been torn down to create a single, expansive training hall.