Chapter 11 : One Thing I Learned from My Short Life as an Assassin
The next morning, Germain awoke in the softness of a velvet bed.
He went straight to the bathroom to wash up, then stepped onto the balcony to feel the cool, salty breeze drifting in from the sea.
After the battle the night before, the Gift of Resentment granted him another attribute point, raising his Spiritual Pressure by one.
He continued to allocate his points into Vitality and Constitution.
Germain was pleased. It was satisfying to see his own evolution reflected in measurable data.
Knock, knock, knock.
A rhythmic knock interrupted his quiet moment.
He reluctantly left the balcony and opened the door.
Standing outside was Biscuit, her usual serene smile framed by her blonde curls.
Extending her gloved right hand, she said warmly,
Have breakfast with me.
Alright.
Thanks to Biscuit, Germain had spent the night in this seaside room, with an abundant breakfast courtesy of the hotel.
He accepted her invitation without hesitation, took her hand, and accompanied her to the elegant dining hall.
Hand in hand, they entered the luxurious room.
Several guests turned to watch the pair their striking beauty drawing curious eyes.
Biscuit's plan was to pose as a refined lady and gentleman, yet to the onlookers, they seemed more like a silent brother dining with his androgynous sibling.
Breakfast was served quickly.
It was almost absurd: the same man who had slaughtered four assassins last night with a musket in one hand and a butcher's cleaver in the other… was now calmly slicing bread with a fork and knife.
Biscuit took a sip of coffee and broke the silence.
Did you sleep well last night?
Yes, Germain replied honestly. Thank you. I slept well.
I'm glad. Biscuit folded her hands politely on the table.
To be honest, you're not at all what the rumors describe.
Germain speared a cherry tomato with his fork, placed it in his mouth, and replied evenly,
I just want change.
Change? Biscuit rested her cheeks in her hands, childlike curiosity in her eyes.
Why do you want to change? What do you want to change?
My short career as an assassin taught me one thing, Germain said calmly.
The life of an assassin has limits. I can't live just to kill. It's too… boring.
Boring? Biscuit echoed, sipping her coffee.
Killing people doesn't bring me pleasure anymore, Germain said with quiet weariness.
It's just a job. And you can't live only for your work.
Biscuit nodded slowly. That makes sense. And then?
I thought joining the Phantom Troupe would be different.
But after spending a night with them, I realized they only live for Meteor City.
And that, too, is boring.
Only a handful of people knew the Troupe's true origins. Biscuit hadn't investigated them closely before.
Now, learning they came from Meteor City, she was unsurprised.
As she studied the handsome young man across from her, Biscuit understood.
You're searching for novelty and excitement, she said.
You want to satisfy your needs, live freely, and avoid being tied down by any group or organization. That's it, isn't it?
Germain finished his last strip of bacon, wiped his mouth with the napkin, and looked up.
You summed it up perfectly.
Biscuit chuckled softly. Then I know exactly what you need.
She reached into her chest pocket and retrieved a small, hard card.
This is a Hunter License. It's exactly what you're looking for.
Germain's eyes widened slightly at the familiar symbol the double X of the Hunter Association.
Biscuit placed the card back into her pocket.
Let's not worry about what type of Hunter you'll become, she said.
But a Hunter License will make the life you want much easier.
A Hunter License grants the highest privileges wealth, fame, status, and freedom.
And most importantly no matter who you were before, it doesn't stop you from earning one, nor can it be revoked for any reason.
Germain knew that well.
The Phantom Troupe's Hisoka, and Illumi and Killua Zoldyck, among others from the dark world, all held Hunter Licenses.
No one had ever investigated their pasts to stop them from taking the exam.
And once granted, no one had their licenses revoked.
After all, Hunter Rule No. 3 clearly stated:
A Hunter License shall not be invalidated or reissued for any reason.
However, the Association also imposed limits, summarized in Hunter Rule No. 4:
Hunters may not treat other Hunters as prey, though those who commit heinous crimes are exempt from this protection.
There were other minor details beyond the Ten Hunter Articles, but Biscuit didn't elaborate.
Germain had already seen how Biscuit used her license for information, communication, housing, even to handle the aftermath of the four assassins' deaths.
He had long wanted one for himself.
He was also intrigued by the Hunter Exam itself.
Its format resembled that of the Dark Continent's guides and gatekeepers
as if the Hunter Association designed it to give candidates a glimpse of that greater, forbidden world.
Humanity had long since left the Dark Continent to inhabit the known world…
but they had never truly abandoned the desire to return.
Next year's exam begins on January 7th, Biscuit said, blinking mischievously.
The registration deadline is December 31st of this year.
If you want to participate, I can help. The exam site changes every year,
but I can find out the location early and take you straight to the testing hall.
Germain frowned slightly. Wouldn't that be cheating? Would it affect you?
Of course not. Biscuit smiled.
I'd just be acting as a guide for a potential candidate.
Do you really think the Hunter Association is that uptight?
You're skilled in Nen, and your combat ability is strong, she continued.
As long as you follow the rules, passing the Hunter Exam shouldn't be a problem.
With a license, you'll gain access to intelligence and resources enough to fill your current gaps and free you from all constraints.
Germain pondered for a while, eyes fixed on the blonde girl before him.
Then he asked quietly, Why?
Why? Biscuit tilted her head, feigning confusion.
Why are you trying to convince me to take the Hunter Exam? Aren't you afraid I'll use the license for crimes once I get it?
Biscuit shook her head gently.
First of all, you'll take the Hunter Exam sooner or later.
Second, the word Hunter itself is neutral neither good nor evil, right nor wrong.
And finally…
She smiled knowingly.
You said it yourself 'It's impossible to live just to kill. It's too boring.'
Once you've realized that truth… you can never go back to what you were.
Germain was silent for a long moment.
He had to admit she was right.
Once you possessed a lantern bright enough to guide you toward the Dark Continent itself…
how could you ever be content with the dim light of the ordinary world?
(End of Chapter 11)