Seeing this exchange, Mr. Beans quietly stepped out and gently closed the door, leaving the two of them alone in the room.
"Applicant No. 404, Luke, who passed this round of the hunter exam."
Chairman Netero began, his tone shifting to business, "I've learned a bit about you."
"Your strength is impressive, your abilities are remarkable, and some of your past deeds… have certainly caught my attention."
Without wasting time, Chairman Netero got straight to the point: "I've heard about the Hunter Chat Site matter."
"And later, about your involvement in the issue of the Two-headed Wolf's reproduction and the capture of the two Kute Gang of Thieves."
"Before you even became a hunter, you had already made remarkable contributions that many professional hunters can't achieve even in a lifetime."
"With all that, your name is already worthy of being recorded in the Hunter Association's history, in the rolls of honor for professional hunters, or even cited in academic works across the world."
At this point, Luke sensed there was more behind his words and asked directly, "Chairman, if you have something you want to say, please just say it. I prefer to get straight to the point."
"Is that so? Seems I've been spending too much time around Beans, I'm starting to talk in circles myself."
Chairman Netero said with a laugh, then continued bluntly: "I'm currently planning to form a high-level group within the Hunter Association, called Zodiacs."
"They will hold authority second only to myself as chairman, and their positions will be extremely high."
"My idea is to select twelve people that is exceptionally capable, upright in character, responsible, and determined to guide the association toward an even brighter future."
"All internal matters, big and small, will be handled jointly by these twelve people."
"In simpler terms."
Chairman Netero said while tucking his hands into his sleeves, "If I were ever to die unexpectedly, these twelve people would become the association's highest governing body and automatically succeed me as its leaders."
In short, they would be the most powerful group within the Hunter Association, second only to Chairman Netero himself.
"Sounds pretty good."
Luke nodded. "But chairman, if you're granting them such great authority, will the association even agree to it?"
"If I say they will agree, then they will agree."
Chairman Netero replied matter-of-factly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
He didn't seem the least bit embarrassed about turning the entire association into his personal domain.
"I see..."
Luke smiled, looking intrigued.
"Since they will have such high authority, surely it doesn't come without a price, right?"
"To become one of those twelve, there must be certain conditions or requirements?"
"That's right..."
Chairman Netero nodded seriously.
"Not just anyone can be included in this group."
"The most important things are personal strength and the ability to solve problems; both must be exceptional."
"As for how I intend to evaluate that..."
"As for ability, that naturally depends on achievements, who has contributed the most, accomplished the most, or done the most influential positive deeds."
"That naturally shows who's the most capable."
"After all, to gain such authority and join such a group, one must, as a professional hunter, accomplish deeds that are recognized and respected by others."
Those words made perfect sense, and the criteria regarding ability were indeed quite reasonable.
As for the aspect of strength…
"Judging one's strength is much simpler."
At this point, Chairman Netero finally revealed a smile. "Naturally, it will be up to me, the chairman of the Hunter Association, to properly evaluate that myself!"
"With my strength, of course, I can tell who's truly strong and who isn't!"
"Hohoho..."
At this point, Chairman Netero finally showed a hint of his fox's tail.
By saying he would evaluate their qualification, he really meant that those he took an interest in would get to spar with him.
In simple terms, it was just him finding people to play with.
Yes, in Chairman Netero's eyes, fighting someone was just another form of play.
And the stronger, more serious, and more ruthless his opponent was, the happier and more excited he became.
In fact, if someone truly possessed the power to kill him, he would actually face that death with joy and anticipation.
Chairman Netero had lived far too long in this world.
He had grown utterly bored with its dullness.
This twelve-member group he was forming under his authority was, in truth, just something to entertain himself when he got bored.
Nothing more.
"So, to become one of those twelve, one must have a match against you, chairman?"
Luke directly extracted the key point.
Influence and achievements, none of that mattered. It all came down to Chairman Netero's words anyway.
As long as one pleased him, those so-called achievements could easily be created later.
"That's right!"
Chairman Netero nodded slightly, his lofty demeanor fully displayed.
"To receive my guidance, to exchange blows with me, to earn the privilege of my instruction…"
"There are countless hunters in this association who want to experience."
"But only twelve people that catch my eye can be entrusted with great responsibility."
Chairman Netero spoke with such gravity and solemnity as if this were an important and sacred matter.
And indeed, in the end, the establishment of the Zodiac Twelves was a major event for the Hunter Association.
They would later play a significant role in administrative decisions, the association's operations, and the management of professional hunters.
The Zodiac Twelves truly had great authority.
However… The creation of this group was born purely from Chairman Netero's desire for amusement.
Even though, in the end, ten of the chosen twelve were indeed earnest, responsible, and devoted to their duties with sincere dedication…
Yes, ten.
Pariston Hill and Ging Freecss, the first and last of the Zodiacs, didn't exactly fit that mold.
"I see..."
Luke nodded in understanding. "Hearing you explain it like that, Chairman Netero, I get it now."
"Don't worry, chairman. If you're planning to establish such an organization…"
Luke raised both his hands high. "I'll absolutely support your decision with both hands and feet!"
"Is that so, Hohoho..."
Chairman Netero finally revealed a satisfied grin.
The hand stroking his beard sped up slightly, and his eyes began to gleam with anticipation and excitement.
"Well then..."
After speaking, Luke promptly stood up.
Chairman Netero leaned forward slightly, ready for what he assumed would be the fun sparring session to come.
However…
80 more chapters on my Patreon/SweetestDeath