Clack-clack-clack. And done! That completes my application for the 287th Hunter Exam. Ah, the confirmation notice arrived already. Let's see... the exam site is Zaban City... and that's literally all it says. Figure out the rest on your own, huh? Well, millions of applicants apply every year. If you can't even figure out how to find the venue, you don't deserve to be a Hunter in the first place.
The main reason I decided to participate in the 1999 Hunter Exam was for confirmation. Specifically, to verify whether there are other people who crossed over to this world besides me. I hadn't thought about it much before, but as I traveled the world, I realized it was entirely possible.
The Hunter Exam is without a doubt the easiest place to check.
...At this point, I don't really care about returning to my original world anymore. I lived, died, and was reborn here. Still, it would be a lie to say I wasn't curious. If someone else is out there, I'd love to meet up and have a chat.
For now, let's look up Zaban City. Let's see, the location is... From here, taking an airship is probably the fastest route. Time to book a ticket!
The First Deception
"Attention, passengers. The direct flight to the Zaban City Hunter Exam venue—reserved exclusively for Hunter Exam examinees—will be departing shortly. Passengers boarding, please proceed to..."
While waiting at the airport after reserving my ticket, an announcement like that suddenly echoed over the speakers.
Huh? A direct shuttle to the exam venue? Does something that ridiculously convenient actually exist? Looking around, a crowd of distinctly shady-looking characters was already lining up and filing into the airship. ...Is this really okay? It feels way too easy.
As I hesitated, I noticed a few people staying behind, murmuring quietly to one another... Time to eavesdrop.
"...Rookies. To think they'd fall for such a blatant trap."
"Seriously. If convenient direct shuttles to the exam site existed, nobody would break a sweat."
"Hey, don't complain. The fewer rivals we have, the better, right?"
...Well, of course I wouldn't fall for that! Naturally! As expected of me. If I couldn't see through a basic trap like that, what kind of Kazama-ryu practitioner would I be?!
...I'm not lying! I didn't get tricked!
About ten minutes after the airship departed, another announcement rang out:
"Hunter Exam examinees, please assemble at the airport entrance within five minutes. Repeating..."
Oho, this one looks like the genuine announcement. The veterans who stayed behind are heading toward the entrance too. ...There isn't a second trick, right?
After waiting three minutes at the entrance, a bus pulled up, and a guide stepped out.
"Thank you for waiting. This bus will now depart for Toneri Port. At Toneri Port, a ship is scheduled to set sail for Dolle Port, the closest harbor to the exam venue. Examinees, please hand over your airport tickets and board the bus."
Thank goodness. Staying behind was the right call. ...Wait, could this be a trap too? After the previous trick, I can't help being suspicious. What if this bus doesn't actually go to Toneri Port?
...It's completely plausible. Toneri Port is about ten kilometers from here. Could I make it if I ran? Even if the ship at Toneri Port is a lie, boarding the bus wouldn't change that. But if I run on foot and the bus turns out to be a trap, I can avoid it entirely.
Let's verify first.
"Excuse me. Around what time does the ship depart from Toneri Port?"
"...It is scheduled for around 12:30."
...For a split second, the guide's aura tensed up. Bingo!
"Understood. I'll take my leave, then."
With that, I walked away. If departure is at 12:30, I have plenty of time to run there, and a ten-kilometer jog won't tire me out in the slightest. If I'm wrong, so be it. I'll just accept it.
The Voyage with the Captain
And arrived! The time is... 12:15. Did I jog a bit too casually? Well, I made it in time, so it's fine. As for the ship... there it is. There's only one vessel docked at the harbor. Is that the one? Let's go check.
Standing in front of the ship was an older man with a white beard and a red nose, looking every bit the quintessential sea captain.
"You there, lass. An examinee? If you're an examinee, hand over your ship ticket."
"Will this work?"
I presented the airship ticket. ...It's the only ticket I have. If this doesn't pass, I guess I'm disqualified?
"Good. You pass! To think someone actually broke through that test."
"So it really was a trick..."
"Aye. We set up a second trap right behind the first. Anyone who let their guard down after dodging the first was done for."
...Phew, glad I was paranoid. Sometimes viewing things with suspicion really is necessary.
"Then I may..."
"Aye, I'll personally take responsibility for delivering you to the harbor nearest the exam site. Get aboard. We're setting sail shortly."
"Thank you very much!"
The ship departed. In the end, I was the only examinee on board... The three veterans at the airport who mocked the rookies were nowhere to be seen. Thanks to you guys, I realized the first trick was a trap. I won't forget your sacrifice... probably.
"Lass, there's something I haven't asked yet. Tell me your name and your reason for taking the Hunter Exam."
"My name is Aisha. The reason I'm taking the exam is for official identification."
Telling him about transmigrators would just make me sound insane anyway.
"...Honest, aren't ya? Well, I prefer that over someone rattling off pretty-sounding platitudes."
"I'm not fond of lies, you see."
Not that I never tell them, of course.
"Hmph, fair enough. It'll take about a day to reach Dolle Port. Relax until then."
"Understood. ...Oh, by the way, since we have to find the exam site on our own anyway, could you give me a little hint?"
I vaguely recalled that the exam site entrance was a diner or something, but I had no idea how to get there... Finding it is part of the test, sure, but nobody ever said you're forbidden from asking around. Connections and networking are forms of power too!
"...Bwahahahaha!! You really are a straightforward lass! Fine then. I'll give you a hint—once we dock at Dolle Port, that is."
"Ooh! Asking really pays off! Thank you, Uncle!"
"Unc... Uncle?!"
"It was an expression of gratitude. Is that no good?"
"Call me Captain! Captain!! Don't you dare call me that in front of the other crewmen!"
"Understood, Uncle."
"You brat...! Say that one more time and I'll disqualify you!!"
"No way...?! But I followed your orders and didn't say it in front of the crew?!"
"Don't play word games with me! Get into your cabin, now!"
"Yeees, understood."
Teasing him any further might genuinely make him mad. Best to behave. ...Still, it's been a long time since I had such a fun conversation with someone.
...If there's time, I'll chat with him again.
"Uncle, thank you for everything. Thanks to you, it was a delightful voyage."
"I never want to sail with you ever again..."
"How rude! You make it sound like I was a nuisance."
"You were a nuisance, obviously!"
"To say that to a beautiful girl who kept you company... the audacity..."
"Hearing you say that yourself makes it even worse... Well, I'd rather not guide you a second time, so I'll pray you pass on your first try."
"...(Did he just go tsundere?) Thank you very much."
"Aim for that single cedar tree visible on the mountain... That will be your shortcut to the exam site."
"Understood. Truly, thank you for all your help. Please take good care of yourself!"
"Hmph. Hurry up and get going."
Bidding Uncle farewell, I set off toward the cedar tree. Though looking at the time, night will fall before I make it through the mountains. I should stay the night in town first.
That was a fun voyage. If I ever fail and have to retake the exam, I'd love to have Uncle guide me again.
Good grief, she's finally gone. In the end, that girl stuck to me and chatted my ear off for half a day... Did she really enjoy talking to an old salt like me that much? Coming up to me with that big grin...
Uncle... huh? ...Doesn't feel half bad.
Tch, what am I thinking? Time to head to the next destination. Next up is stopping at two ports before heading to Whale Island. Whale Island, where Ging used to live. Wonder how that son of his is doing these days?
The Doki-Doki Two-Choice Quiz
Walking toward the single cedar tree, I arrived at what looked like ancient ruins. ...Though calling it a ruin is generous; I can clearly sense eyes on me, along with the sound of breathing and clothes rustling. I don't even need En to know they aren't trying to hide.
Sure enough, a crowd filed out. An old woman led a group of people wearing bizarre masks to block the road ahead. ...They give off the vibe of second-rate Meteor City residents.
"Doki-doki..."
"Excuse me?"
"Doki-Doki Two-Choice Quiiiiiiz!!"
Whoa! Opening with a direct attack on my heart?! This old lady has some moves.
"You're aiming for that single cedar tree, aren't you? You can only reach it by passing through this town. Any other mountain trail is a labyrinth crawling with ferocious magical beasts."
...Ferocious magical beasts, huh? I doubt I'd lose. And even if it's a labyrinth, couldn't I just leap across the treetops...?
"I will ask you exactly one question. You have five seconds to think. If you answer correctly, you may pass. If you answer incorrectly, you are disqualified. Give up on this year's Hunter Exam."
Ignoring the question might get me disqualified, so I might as well play along.
"You must answer with either ① or ②. Any other ambiguous response will be treated as incorrect."
A multiple-choice question. That means even if it's absurdly difficult, there's a 50% chance of guessing right. ...Wait, isn't that flawed? This is supposed to weed out applicants, so is it really okay to let people pass purely on luck? I suppose luck is considered a skill too.
"Your father and your mother are about to fall off a cliff. You can only save one person. ① Your Father ② Your Mother — Which do you save?"
"②. My mother."
...I answered instantly... But I couldn't help it. For me, giving any other answer was never an option. Hearing the question, I understood the true intent of the test. But... even if a situation like that truly occurred, I would still choose my mother.
"Why do you say that?"
"It's not that I hate my father. I understand why he abandoned me, and I've made peace with it. But I cannot put him on the same scale as the mother who protected me even at the cost of her life."
That's right. If placed in that situation, I would unquestionably save my mother.
...Though if it were my adoptive master Ryuzen instead of my biological father, that would be a different story. In that case, I would move heaven and earth to save both.
"Even knowing this is the incorrect answer for the exam, I would still answer that I'd save my mother."
"...Why do you think it's the incorrect answer?"
"A two-choice dilemma whose answer depends on the individual has no objectively correct choice. Therefore, the true answer is silence. Refusing to answer is the correct response, isn't it?"
"...You realized the meaning behind the test... Knowing that, why did you still answer?"
"I already told you. That is my reason. Even knowing I would fail the Hunter Exam, I could not choose silence for that question. That is all."
There was nothing left to say. Failing is unfortunate, but finding out about other transmigrators can be done outside the Hunter Exam. Turning my back, I prepared to walk back the way I came.
"...Hold on."
"Yes?"
"This way is the real path. It's a straight road. Walk for two hours and you'll reach the summit."
"...Didn't I fail?"
"You understood the correct answer. Besides, the fault lies with the question itself for touching on your particular circumstances. Consider it a supplementary pass."
A supplementary pass, huh... Well, passing is better than failing.
"Are you sure?"
"If I say it's fine, it's fine."
"...Understood. I'll gratefully accept your generosity."
If I can pass, all the better. This grandma is surprisingly kind. I hope she lives a long life.
The Navigators
Walking along the mountain path, an isolated house came into view. The old woman mentioned a Navigator couple lived here... Senses confirm three distinct presences. None of them are moving. ...One is positioned further away, while another stands completely still beside the third. How surreal.
They're blatantly lying in wait for me. This is unmistakably another phase of the exam. ...Making them wait too long would be rude, so let's head inside. Knock knock, anybody home?!
"Coming in~"
"Kiiil-kil-kil-kiiil!"
A fox-like magical beast lunged at me while gripping a woman in its claws. Thanks for the enthusiastic welcome! Time to repel it. Kazama-ryu excels against charging opponents. Taste your own momentum, beast! ...I'll pull my punch, of course. Better catch the woman too.
Hup!
"Guh?!"
I swatted the magical beast aside and caught the airborne woman in my arms.
"Are you all right?"
"Y-Yes... P-Please, you must save my husband too...!"
"Siiigh... Is there really any need to save him?"
"Eh...?"
"I mean, you guys were lying in wait for me to arrive, weren't you? You're all in on this together."
"...You saw through us?"
"Well, sensing presences happens to be my specialty."
"I see. From your immediate reaction when ambushed to your consideration for innocent bystanders—you pass! We will guide you to the exam venue."
The magical beast, which had been sent skidding into the wall, spoke up approvingly.
"I look forward to working with you."
Afterward, I grabbed onto the legs of the winged magical beast (called a Kiriko) and enjoyed a scenic flight to the city where the exam would be held. This is great. I'd love to try flying under my own power someday.
Arrival at Zaban City
"This building is the entrance to the exam venue."
The Kiriko, now disguised as a human, guided me to a large, magnificent building... and then pointed to the small diner sitting right beside it. Yes, yes, this is it! Memories are coming back. You give the secret password here, and they lead you to the real exam site.
"Well then, let's head inside."
"Ah, wait a moment."
"What is it? You're not getting cold feet now, are you?"
"Um, I have a question. The exam starts on January 7th, so what do applicants who arrive early do?"
"They just wait until it starts. Of course, the Hunter Association covers room and board during that time."
Hmm. In that case, I might as well kill time in town until the starting date. Besides, this exam is going to be a long haul. Stocking up on water and portable rations is essential. My mother strictly forbade me from eating dirty, contaminated food, and there's no guarantee clean meals will be available during a grueling exam.
"I'll spend my time exploring the town until the exam begins."
"...Well, that's fine. Though usually, arriving early to gather intel on other examinees and analyze exam trends is considered vital..."
"I'll be fine. No problem at all."
"If you're satisfied with that, so be it. Oh, right, let me give you the password. Listen carefully: once you enter 'Meshi-dokoro Gohan' and they ask for your order, ask for the Steak Combo."
Nod nod. Better take a mental note.
"When they ask how you'd like it cooked, raise your index finger and say: 'Slowly over low heat.' That will get you guided to the exam site."
"Understood! Thank you very much for guiding me."
"Don't be late for the deadline. Good luck with the exam."
And off he went. Now then, what should I do until the exam starts? I have plenty of time. Alright! First things first: let's fill my stomach!
"Excuse me~! One Steak Combo, please!"
"...How would you like that cooked?"
"Medium rare! Oh, and extra rice, please!"
Hehehe, just a little harmless teasing. What a troublesome customer I am. Sorry, waiter!
Ooh, delicious! Meat is definitely best cooked medium rare! And with a bowl of white rice, it's even better!
"Excuse me~! Another bowl of rice, please~!"
An army marches on its stomach. Once the exam starts, I probably won't have many chances to eat good food, so I'll pack it in while I can.
"Excuse me~! I'd like two orders of the sautéed offal and vegetables, plus two orders of the ginger pork! And another bowl of rice!"
Yup, when the meat is this good, the rice just disappears.
...The staff is staring at me with bizarre expressions, but did I do something weird? Oh well, focus on the food! Not a single grain left behind. To eat is to consume life itself. Or something like that.
"And let's add two Yakiniku Combos! Extra rice for both, of course!"
I swear my appetite per meal has skyrocketed compared to my past life. I can endure hunger if needed, but it's best to eat whenever food is available.
...I really don't want to get fat, though, so I'll make sure to go for a jog while sightseeing around town.