This incident even caused quite a stir, prompting a special meeting to be held. The group was mainly divided into three factions based on their reactions.
One faction didn't pay much attention to the matter, considering it rather trivial. This included people like Saiyu, Ginta, and Mizaistorm, who were the majority in this indifferent group.
Then there were Pariston, Botobai, and Cheadle, who were contemplating the potential special impact Morin's inclusion might have.
Finally, there were those who strongly supported Morin becoming a Hunter, such as Kastro and his friend Ging. Ging, as usual, missed the meeting, and even his chair and the conference table had gathered quite a bit of dust. Ging didn't really care about this either. To him, a Hunter license was merely a representation of status.
As long as one had the spirit of adventure, having the license or not was irrelevant; one could still be an excellent Hunter. However, obtaining the license was still a good thing. His attitude was akin to someone saying that having money or not was all the same, it didn't matter.
Not only the Zodiacs but even Netero had heard the news. "Oh? So he's finally planning to take the Hunter exam next year?" Netero put down his teacup and chuckled, "I thought he wasn't going to take it."
"Chairman, about the examiner arrangements for next year..." Mr. Beans raised a crucial question.
"What do the Zodiacs say?" Netero gently stroked his beard. "Hmm, the Zodiacs' opinions are unusually disunified, and their thoughts are quite noisy."
"Cheadle, the Dog, suggested that the Zodiacs act as examiners, but this was unanimously opposed by Cluck, the Rooster, and Kanzai, the Tiger." Mr. Beans dutifully reported.
"Vice Chairman Pariston is quite in favor of the idea. He wants Kastro, the Monkey, to be the chief examiner, but Kastro sarcastically suggested he do it himself. If Pariston were to be Morin's examiner, whether he could return would be a question."
Netero leaned towards the outcome being similar to this year's Hunter test, where candidates directly challenged the examiners. If Pariston went, he might end up defeated under Morin's fists or tools. Even if Pariston died at Morin's hands, Morin could still pass the test unscathed using his tools. Netero weighed the situation based on their personalities.
"Forget it, let's not leave this to the Zodiacs." Netero, with a face full of good intentions, said, "I'll personally step in as the Chairman to solve this for them." Mr. Beans glanced at Netero, fearing he might get fired if he spoke up.
"Let me think, who would be more suitable as the examiner for next year's Hunter test?" Netero's playful laughter echoed in the office. Just a decision by Morin had caused such a significant impact within the Hunter Association, even stirring up a storm. It showed that when one's strength reached a certain level, every move could influence many things.
Morin himself didn't feel much about it, and even if he knew, he would probably just smile it off. No matter which Hunter you bring as an examiner, if I frown, I lose. Even if you, Netero, personally oversee it and bring the world's top five Nen users, it won't matter! He was determined to get the Hunter license next year!
"Alright, I'm going to take the Hunter exam next. You should also think about what you want to do and have some fun," Morin said to Baise while getting dressed. He didn't treat women as mere vases or canaries but encouraged them to develop and improve themselves, possibly even helping him in the future.
"Do you need me to go with you?" Baise asked, blinking her beautiful eyes.
"Haven't you already taken it? What would you do there?"
"Maybe I could be an examiner!"
"Really? I'm the candidate, and you're the examiner? Are you trying to be on top of me?"
"Oh, stop it... I'm not!" The room was filled with debates on this topic, followed by several rounds of practical tests to settle the matter. During these tests, Morin noticed Baise's abilities were improving significantly. Each substantial task brought more and more enhancement.
When Baise first passed the Hunter test, she was just a woman with a good physique. Apart from her physical fitness, there wasn't much else noteworthy. But after developing her Nen ability and engaging in numerous substantial tasks with Morin, her aura had grown to an astonishing level in just a few years. While not world-class, it was comparable to the Phantom Troupe members who appeared in Yorknew City in the original series.
As for combat experience, Morin had often sparred with her. Now, even if Baise ventured out alone, she could handle most places on the six continents, as long as they weren't too dangerous or forbidden. She wasn't a delicate woman, and anyone who underestimated her would suffer a significant loss!
After bidding farewell to Baise, Morin didn't show favoritism. He treated everyone equally, visiting Pakunoda and Machi to discuss work-related matters. They were quite enthusiastic about work discussions. However, when Morin mentioned taking the Hunter exam, they showed no interest. To them, it was just a small license with little significance. Even Shalnark had casually taken one, so Morin would have no problem either; it was just like going on a trip.
Besides Morin, others were also preparing for next year's Hunter test to varying degrees.
In front of a grave in a remote village, a man in a suit with short black hair and small round glasses spoke earnestly, "I will become a Hunter and earn enough money to become a doctor." He placed the flowers he held on the grave. "Don't worry, Piedo. Once I become a Hunter and don't need money for medical school, I can become a doctor. Then no one will die like you did, unable to afford surgery. I'll treat those with the same illness as you for free." After saying this, he picked up his briefcase with a diamond pattern and turned to leave. The briefcase contained emergency medical tools and other practical items, essential to him.
Elsewhere, in the deep night, a boy with exquisite golden hair covering his ears and brown eyes, wearing blue ethnic-style clothing, knelt in a forest. He murmured to the bright moon hanging in the sky, "Sun in the sky, green trees on the ground; our bodies are born from the earth; our souls come from the sky; sunlight and moonlight illuminate our limbs; green earth nourishes our bodies; we entrust ourselves to the wind blowing across the land; thank the heavens for granting miracles and the Kurta Clan's land..." He softly recited his clan's prayer.
"May our hearts remain healthy; may I share joy with all my kin; may I share their sorrows; please forever praise the Kurta Clan; let our scarlet eyes bear witness." His voice stopped abruptly. The golden-haired boy opened his eyes, his flame-like scarlet eyes gazing at the moon. "I swear by the name of the Kurta Clan, I will become a Hunter, find the true culprits who killed my clan, and bring them to justice!"
The moon hung high, its white light shining on him, bathing him in a holy glow that dispelled the surrounding darkness.
In a distant location, on a small island resembling a whale, a boy in green clothes and a strange hat held a fishing rod, motionless, waiting for his catch from the lake. He aimed to fulfill his promise to his foster mother and pursue the career his father chose over family.
Time flew by for these determined individuals, and soon it was the end of the year. The registration for the Hunter test officially began!
The 19th Hunter test commenced!
Rare birds, exotic beasts, treasures, secret treasures, demon realms, and secret realms—all because of the allure of the word "unknown," making countless people willingly become its captives. These people are called "Hunters."
Hunters are those who pursue rare treasures as their life goal. Ruins, treasures, gourmet food, and more are treasures in their eyes. To gain this qualification, one must pass a rigorous test, with a pass rate of only one in tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands. Or, it could be zero.
In December 1998, a silver-haired child in Kukuroo Mountain finally couldn't stand the incompatible teachings and atmosphere at home. He made a drastic choice—he stabbed his second brother's left abdomen and his mother's face and chose to run away from home. After escaping, he wandered the streets of a nearby city, feeling both bored and lost. He had injured his family and escaped... now what? What should he do next?
"Currently, the 27th Hunter test is officially open for registration to the public..." The nearby exhibition phone coincidentally broadcasted the Hunter test news.
"Hunter test?" He thought, "Sounds interesting, so I'll go there and have some fun."
Shortly after he made his decision, "Really? He escaped?" A man with long hair, a clean face, and eyes that seemed lifeless yet chilling, answered the phone. "He's planning to take the Hunter test? Perfect, I have a commission that requires a Hunter license, so I'll go check it out." After saying this, he ignored his mother's screams and warnings on the other end of the line and hung up.