With the conclusion of the Hunter Exam, the passing candidates spent the next two days learning the ins and outs of this unique profession.
They focused particularly on the privileges granted by the Hunter License, the fundamental rules a Hunter must obey, and the punishments for violating them.
It had to be said, listening to such dry and dull content day after day was incredibly boring. Allen couldn't help but recall his school days, being forced to recite various student regulations and school rules, and he found himself yawning uncontrollably.
The only saving grace was that the Association merely intended for the novice Hunters to get a general overview; they were not required to memorize, write out, or take exams on the material.
During this period, Gon, having awakened from his coma, caused quite a scene with Illumi, vowing to rescue Killua from the Zoldyck family's control.
Illumi, with surprising generosity, remarked that his home was a famous local tourist attraction and challenged Gon to visit if he wasn't afraid of death.
Thus, amidst various conflicts and clamor, the time finally came for the nine novice Hunters to part ways.
Standing at the Association's main entrance, Gon asked with a serious expression, "Allen, are you really not coming with us to find Killua?"
"Sorry, I can't. If I went, not only would it fail to produce any positive results, but it would also complicate matters. The Zoldyck family might even perceive it as a provocation." Allen spread his hands helplessly.
If there was one organization in the entire Hunter x Hunter world that Allen was most wary of, the Zoldyck family undoubtedly topped the list.
Setting aside Nanika, who was like a "bug" in the system capable of granting any wish, Zeno and Silva alone were incredibly dangerous.
The latter had managed to kill a Phantom Troupe member right in front of Chrollo and retreat unscathed, facing no retaliation from the Troupe afterward. That alone proved his immense power.
As for the former, the Chimera Ant arc had demonstrated the terrifying AOE capability of a master Transmuter—"Dragon Dive," which covered an entire palace.
Fortunately, the Zoldycks weren't maniacs who killed for sport.
To them, killing was a business, a means of survival in this world. Moreover, their assassination targets were mostly mafia members, fugitives, and others outside the protection of the law.
Therefore, until he possessed the strength to speak on equal terms, Allen would absolutely not voluntarily approach this mysterious family of assassins.
"Eh? Is that so?" Gon blinked in surprise.
"I believe he makes a valid point. After all, a homeowner will react very differently to a lion knocking at the door versus a flock of sheep. Although it's frustrating to admit, right now, we are the sheep, and Allen is the lion," Kurapika explained from a rational perspective.
Gon nodded in realization. "I see! I get it now!"
"Then let's say our goodbyes here. If you run into trouble and need help, feel free to call me. See you!" Allen waved to the trio, then began walking slowly down the main road with Lupos.
"See you!"
"Bye-bye!"
"Hope we meet again!"
However, they hadn't gone far when Lupos suddenly stopped, fixing his sharp gaze on a dark alleyway.
"Who's there?" Allen instinctively raised his guard.
He had heard that there were people in this world who specialized in robbing novices who had just obtained their Hunter Licenses, selling the licenses on the black market for huge sums of money.
"It's me!"
The rejuvenated martial artist, Bodoro, stepped out of the shadows.
"Hmm? Is something the matter?" Allen asked, his tone uncertain.
"To repay a debt! You consumed your own life and lifespan to save me, and even restored my body to its prime. I cannot simply walk away as if nothing happened after such a great favor! If I did, how would I be any different from a despicable scoundrel? From now on, my life belongs to you!" Bodoro solemnly stated his purpose.
To be precise, ever since the final phase ended, he had been looking for a time to speak with Allen alone but hadn't found the opportunity until now.
Hearing this typically straightforward declaration, Allen couldn't help but smile and shake his head. "No, I think you've misunderstood. I didn't save you expecting a return, and I certainly don't need your life. I just felt that a man like you shouldn't die in such an insulting manner. So, go do what you want to do, whether it's pursuing the pinnacle of martial arts or something else."
Unfortunately, Bodoro was clearly the type who would never change his mind once he set it on something. He insisted, "What I want is to follow by your side and do anything for you."
"Sigh…"
Allen sighed slightly. He picked up a piece of broken brick from the ground and activated his Transmutation ability, slowly melting it into a scorching hot liquid. "Do you see? This is the power I possess. Do you really think you can be of help to me as you are now?"
"Is that the power called 'Nen'?" Bodoro asked, his eyes glowing slightly.
"Oh? You know about Nen."
This time, it was Allen's turn to be surprised, and he began to look the man up and down.
However, he didn't sense any Aura coming from this martial artist, whose physical age was around thirty despite being over fifty chronologically.
"It was during the final test against Hisoka. He told me."
Bodoro didn't hide anything and bluntly revealed who had taught him the concept.
"Hisoka? I see."
Allen immediately realized that the whisper Hisoka shared with Bodoro in the anime was actually an explanation of Nen, which was why the martial artist had chosen to concede.
"I know you are also a master of Nen... In terms of combat power, you are far beyond my current self. But I am willing to risk my life to learn. Until I am qualified to help you!"
As he spoke, Bodoro clenched his fists tight, his eyes emitting a look of unwavering determination.
Feeling the intense resolve radiating from the man, Allen immediately adopted a serious expression. "Are you sure you want to do this? My future journey will be filled with danger, perhaps even a dance with death."
"I am sure! As I said just now, from this moment on, I will follow you until death takes me." Bodoro gave an affirmative answer without hesitation.
"Fine. Then prepare yourself to experience a living hell. I am not a kind teacher; I will only do my utmost to wring out every ounce of potential you have. Whether you can survive it depends on whether your will is tough enough."
With that, Allen focused his Aura into his hands and gently tapped the martial artist on the shoulder.
"Is... is this Nen?"
As all the Aura Nodes on his body were forced open, Bodoro could finally see the life energy that was pouring out of him, leaving him in a state of shock.
"Correct. This is Nen. Now relax your mind. Visualize the Aura flowing around your body in a stable loop. You have thirty minutes to complete this first step. If you can't even do this, then leave my side. I need a helper, not a burden who drags me down at a critical moment." Allen said with a cold demeanor.
However, he soon discovered that Bodoro's talent wasn't bad at all; he mastered Ten in just a few minutes.
Evidently, years of martial arts training had given him a vague sense of Ki, and once the Nen was triggered, he was able to quickly grasp and utilize it.
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You can read the ahead chapter on Patr if you're interested: p-atre-on.c-om/Overgod [Just remove the hyphen to access normally]