Chapter 16 : Being Assassinated Is So Common It's Hardly Worth Worrying About
Germain remembered that such a thing did exist.
Back in the 1999 Hunter Exam, after the candidates arrived at a quiet restaurant, they were only allowed entry into the testing hall once their guide gave the secret password.
So I'll need you to personally guide me to the exam hall's entrance?
I'd love to be your guide… Biscuit's voice carried a hint of shyness.
But I've been so busy lately that I can't make the trip myself. Don't worry though I asked someone else to guide you.
Who?
My disciple, Yun Gu. He's currently the acting master of Heart Source Fist.
Biscuit explained the relationship briefly, then resumed in her usual bright tone.
Germain, just give him the gem you sent me. You can trust him completely he's a good kid.
Understood.
Germain was about to hang up when Biscuit's voice jumped through the receiver in panic.
Wait! Don't hang up yet! First, tell me what is that gem, where did it come from, and how did you get it?
I'll tell you when I can, Germain replied calmly.
Eh? Come on, that's such a tease! Wait wait don't hang u
Click.
He ended the call, switched the phone to silent mode, and placed it on the nightstand to charge before heading to the bathroom.
After a few days of rest, time slipped quietly from late 1997 into early 1998.
On the morning of January 7th, Germain finally set off. With a travel backpack over his shoulder, he boarded a bus bound for Yanisa City.
Since the distance wasn't great, there was no need for an airship and besides, the strange stone in his backpack probably wouldn't have passed an airship security scan so easily.
Two hours later, the cityscape appeared on the horizon: the signature spire-shaped castle of Yanisa, and a grand cathedral bathed in pale sunlight.
Germain gazed out the window dazzling storefronts, a glittering lake, birds swirling above lost for a moment in his thoughts.
After the Hunter Exam, perhaps traveling alone might be a pleasant idea.
But this was a noisy bus, not his private world.
A click sounded nearby two girls across the aisle hurriedly hid their phones, cheeks flushed.
Oh no, I forgot to turn off the camera…
He looked this way! He's really handsome, what do I do?
Why don't we ask for a photo? Maybe we can talk to him?
Then you do it!
No, you do it first!
At that moment, the bus screeched into the station.
The doors hissed open, and the passengers rose from their seats, crowding into the narrow aisle before filing out.
The girls were still whispering when Germain adjusted his tricorn hat, slung his backpack over one shoulder, and stepped off.
Ah… he's gone…
A faint sigh of disappointment followed him out.
Outside the crowded terminal, people rushed past some anxious, others dazed each lost in their own purpose.
Just another crowd of strangers.
Soon, Germain spotted a young man standing at the station entrance.
Polite, bespectacled, with a faint smile that never seemed to fade. His eyes were half-closed, giving him a gentle, unreadable look. Oddly, the right side of his shirt wasn't tucked in; it simply hung loosely over his belt.
Noticing Germain, the young man straightened and walked over quickly. He stopped, bowed slightly, and extended his hand.
You must be Mr. Germain, the one Master Biscuit mentioned. I'm her disciple, Yun Gu.
I'm Germain.
Germain glanced instinctively at Yun Gu's hand before shaking it briefly, then letting go.
Yun Gu didn't seem offended by the caution. Adjusting his glasses, he said politely:
Mr. Germain, it must have been a long ride. Would you like to rest? There's a nice restaurant nearby
No, thank you. Germain cut him off with a small gesture.
Mr. Yun Gu, take me to the Hunter Exam site.
But the exam won't begin for another three hours.
Doesn't matter. I'd rather be early than late.
Yun Gu nodded approvingly.
A good habit to have. Very well I'll lead the way.
At that time, Zhixi wasn't around.
It was unclear whether she had not yet become Yun Gu's student or if Yun Gu had simply decided not to bring someone inexperienced to meet such a dangerous man.
Germain and Yun Gu walked out of the bustling station and passed through a lively park, crossing a graceful arched bridge that overlooked a still, mirror-like river.
Not far ahead stood a church with a plastered roof, serene and white against the sky.
Countless doves gathered on the square, pecking at crumbs scattered across the ground.
With one hand behind his back, Yun Gu raised a finger and pointed diagonally toward the solemn structure.
Mr. Germain, that's the Hunter Exam site.
Germain lifted the brim of his hat slightly, unsurprised. The exam location always seemed to hide beneath the surface of ordinary places.
Yun Gu took a few steps forward, ready to guide him toward the church, when a sharp screech echoed across the square.
He turned eyes wide.
A black Beetle came swerving wildly toward them, sending the doves into a frenzy of white wings and panicked flight.
Is something wrong with the car? No… this is deliberate!
Yun Gu assessed the scene instantly.
The driver, like a drunkard, twisted the wheel erratically flooring both the accelerator and brake, making the car buck and nearly overturn with every turn.
This is… Yun Gu adjusted his glasses again; the lenses flashed coldly.
Before he could finish the thought, Germain calmly set down his backpack and began walking toward him.
M-Mr. Germain!? Yun Gu exclaimed.
Germain stood still, his expression unreadable.
Most likely an assassin coming for me. Happens almost daily. Though lately… not as often.
Not as often? Mr. Germain, please watch your back!
The black Beetle roared like a charging bull, revealing its true intent. It spun toward Yun Gu, surging forward
but Germain sidestepped gracefully, like a matador avoiding a horned beast.
The Beetle screeched to a stop.
The driver, startled, looked into the rearview mirror but his target had vanished.
He blinked and nearly screamed.
The man he was supposed to run down was now sitting calmly in the passenger seat beside him.
The driver's hair stood on end.
(End of Chapter)