Standing on a large wooden platform located in the town square, a tall man with white stubble, short white hair, a cloak, and piercing red eyes stands above the crowd of examinees.
Liv:
So, that's the triple-star head examiner, huh?
That pressure he's giving off is something else…
I've never experienced anything this terrifying, right Hunde?
Liv turns her attention towards Hunde who is frozen in place with fear, trying to hide himself within his cloak
Liv:
Hunde?
Is the pressure too much for you to handle?
Frank:
Man, that guy's even scarier than the rumours said he was!
I never thought it would be this hard to keep myself standing in his presence!
Is this the level of skill it takes to be at the top?
Gou:
Alright, all of you, be quiet!
As the head examiner, it's my job to explain how this exam will work.
This exam is pass or fail.
There's no doing better than others, just passing or failing.
The exam will be divided into four rounds. If you pass a round, you'll continue the exam, otherwise you'll have to end your exam and try again next time.
Pretty simple stuff, right?
There are many single-star hunters observing the exam, taking notes on all of you.
If enough single-stars agree you deserve to continue on, you'll be allowed to do so.
The only exception is if I as the head examiner disagree. I might overturn their decisions to pass or fail an examinee, so ultimately, I'm the one you'll want to impress.
During the four rounds, we'll be testing the different proficiencies required from hunters, and these will be your opportunities to prove you deserve to continue on, so don't worry if you feel you didn't do well in one round, as long as you pass you can prove yourself in the next round.
Any questions?
No?
Good, I didn't feel like answering any.
Now, if you'd all follow the indicated pathway, it will take you to the location for the rest of our tests.
After he finishes talking, Gou lazily drags himself along the pathway to show examinees where to go.
Liv:
Wow, triple-star hunters are…something else…
Frank:
You're telling me, I never expected the legendary Gou to be so…apathetic…
Hunde, we gotta get moving, or else they'll leave us behind!
Hunde:
R-right, sorry, I'm coming!
Liv looks concerned as she taps Frank's shoulder
Liv:
You go on ahead, I wanna talk to Hunde for a second.
Frank:
Alright, I'll see you up there then.
After Frank leaves, Liv crouches down to Hunde's level
Liv:
What's going on?
Hunde:
What do you mean?
Liv:
C'mon, every time you hear that examiner's name, you tensed up, and when you saw him, you were frozen in place.
There's definitely some history between you two.
Hunde:
…
You know how we agreed there are things you just don't like to talk about?
This is one of those things…
Liv:
Alright, I'll leave it for now, but just remember, you shouldn't avoid the problem and hope it goes away.
Let me know if you ever need to open up about something.
Hunde:
Thanks, Liv, I knew you were a good person!
At the examination area, Hunde and Liv find Frank standing near the front
Liv:
What did we miss?
Frank:
Nothing much, we've basically just been watching Gou getting scolded by the other examiners…
It was kinda sad…
Liv:
Ugh, y'know, this is making me reevaluate if I really want my licence.
Frank:
Not me, I've got someone important I want to protect!
If I want to protect her smile from the cruel world, I'll need to become a strong hunter!
Liv:
Wow, you have someone special waiting for you back home?
Frank:
That's right!
I'll do anything if it's to protect my Nana!
Liv:
Ew, you were talking about your grandma?
Frank:
Yeah, what about it?
She's protected me her whole life, of course I'm gonna pay back that favour!
Liv:
Whatever you say…
Gou:
Alright, it looks like the last few examinees have arrived, and with that, it's time for the first round of the test!
In this round, we'll be having you spar against some single-stars in order to see how proficient you are with your weapon of choice.
If you can't handle this round, then you don't have any hope of passing what comes next.
So, with that said, please form lines.
Liv:
Alright, this is the kind of thing I can handle!
I'm gonna go find an easy looking opponent, good luck guys!
Frank:
Since this is a 1 on 1 match, I'm gonna do the same as Liv and just get it over with quickly, see you in the next round!
Hunde:
Ah…
Hunde is left alone in the large crowd, as he makes his way towards one of the small areas reserved for battles and decides to stop and watch the battle.
In the small arena, the single-star is struggling to keep up with his opponent, a young man who appears to be around 20 who is leaping around the arena and evading each and every attack sent his way.
Examinee:
Say, this guy's pretty good!
Hunde:
What do you mean?
He's just fast.
If he ever fights someone who can match that speed, he doesn't have the technique to win.
???:
You make it sound like you know what you're talking about.
Hunde:
I wouldn't say that, this is just from my observations.
Hunde looks up to see Gou staring down smiling at him
Gou:
Hey, Hunde.
Long time no see.
Hunde feels his heart sink as Gou marches towards the battlefield and stops the current fight
Gou:
Hey, good work out there.
You pass this round.
Single-star:
Huh?!
Boss?!
But, I haven't finished the fight yet–
Gou:
What are you talking about?
It's obvious you aren't winning this fight, he's got you outclassed.
It's better to just pass him and let some other examinee try than waste anymore time trying to protect your ego.
Single-star:
Tsk, I understand.
Congratulations on passing the first round…
Young man:
Huh?
That was it?
Wow, I was expecting more!
Gou:
I guess it's your lucky day, go get some rest before we start the second round.
Stay nearby so that you know when we start.
Young man:
Yes sir!
Gou:
And you, go find somewhere else to continue the test.
I'm gonna be using this field for myself.
Single-star:
You'll be sparring with an examinee?!
Are you sure that's a good idea?
If you were to use your power, isn't there a chance everyone here dies?!
Gou:
Don't worry, I won't need anything other than my pressure to win.
Single-star:
Alright, but remember, triple-stars need permission from nobility to use their abilities!
Gou:
Yeah, yeah.
I know all that, just let me do my thing.
C'mon, Hunde.
Prove to me you deserve to become a hunter.
Hunde hesitantly steps onto the field, his red eyes meeting Gou's, without warning the two lunge at each other, as Hunde tries his best to land a hit on his opponent, Gou effortlessly dodges each of his attempts.
Ten minutes pass, and Liv notices a large crowd gathered around one of the fields
Liv:
Ah, that was refreshing, I'm so glad that single-star wasn't a big deal!
Examinee 1:
Hey, what's that guy thinking, this is suicide!
Examinee 2:
I know, who fights without a weapon!
It's like he's asking to lose!
Liv:
Hey, Frank, why's there such a big crowd gathered over here?
Frank:
You won't believe it, they're saying that Gou is fighting one of the examinees himself!
Liv:
Ha, I feel bad for them.
I can't even imagine what kind of poor soul would get into a fight against that monster of a man!
Let me get a look–!?
Liv and Frank are horrified as they watch Gou mercilessly kick Hunde across the field, bloody and beaten, yet refusing to surrender.
Hunde attempts to stand up, fiercely holding onto his cloak, refusing to let it fall.
Gou:
Is this all you can do?
I don't believe it.
You're hiding something from me.
What happened to the beast from ten years ago?
I guess I expected too much from you.
This fight is over, surrender now and I'll make your end swift and painless.
Hunde glares at Gou before unleashing an intense wave of pressure
Gou:
Is that how you want to do things?
If you want a competition of pressure…
…you'll find yourself sorely outmatched!
Gou begins to unleash another suffocating wave of pressure, forcing Hunde down to his knees before Gou, as Gou raises his fist
Gou:
I suppose your effort is worthy of praise, not many people can go this long against me.
But you weren't anywhere near strong enough.
As Gou goes in for one last punch enhanced by his monstrous pressure, the flat edge of a sword as well as a large body stand between him and his target
Gou:
Are you aware you're interrupting his exam?
Liv:
Exam?
Don't make me laugh, it's obvious this is an execution!
Gou:
And what of it?
I'm the head examiner.
Countless hunters die every day, what's one more?
Frank:
If you think I'll let you kill my new friend after he fought so hard, you have another thing coming
Liv:
That's right, I'm not gonna stand by and just watch you kill him.
If you want to kill Hunde, we'll kill you first!
Liv prepares herself to fight with her longsword as Frank prepares to swing his metal bat
Gou:
Pft ahahaha!!!
Oh, that's a riot!
You two, killing me?!
Oh man, I swear, you examinees get funnier each time.
Fine, you win.
I'll let him continue on, if he has the spirit to anyways.
Good luck Hunde and friends.
Liv and Frank breathe a sigh of relief as they pick up Hunde. Gou turns his back to the three and begins walking back towards the platform he started on.
Gou:
Oh, just one more thing…
In an instant, Gou grabs onto Liv and Frank's throats, unleashing even more of his suffocating pressure than when he was fighting with Hunde
Gou:
In the future, you should judge your opponent's strength better before throwing your lives away.
If I had used my full power, this fight would have finished in an instant just from my mere presence.
Gou lets go of the two of the two
Gou:
Make sure you treasure those lives I spared.
Pass this exam and prove I made the right choice letting you three live, alright?
Liv:
What an ass…
We need to get Hunde some medical care, quickly!
Frank:
Do we?
Liv:
What do you mean?!
Of course we…do?
Liv and Frank look down at Hunde, seeing that all of the wounds had already sealed themselves, with only the blood remaining on him
Frank:
Is that because of his pressure?
Liv:
I-I don't know…
(Hunde, just what are you?)
Hunde is lying unconscious on a bench between Liv and Frank, Liv looks up to see the young man from before coming up to them
Young man:
Is your friend alright?
Liv:
He's alive, but he hasn't woken up yet.
Young man:
It makes sense, I've never heard of anyone fighting a triple-star and living, even if they had a handicap.
Liv:
I guess we can consider it lucky that Gou didn't want to use a weapon or go all out.
Then again, I think that the fact he could do all of this without breaking a sweat is terrifying on its own…
Wait, who even are you?
Young man:
Oh sorry, I got ahead of myself.
My name's Frederick Katze, but my friends call me Fred.
What are your names?
Liv:
I'm Liv, that's Frank, and the unconscious one is Hunde.
Fred:
He must be strong if he's able to survive all of that at such a young age!
Liv:
He's not that young, he's only 16.
Fred:
Huh?
No way, you're kidding, that would mean we're the same age.
Liv:
It's weird but true.
Fred
Well, I hope he pulls through, I want to see what he's made of in the other rounds.
Liv:
I'll let him know.
What are you going to do now?
Fred:
Probably go watch some of the other matches, I wanna get an idea of who to watch out for in the rest of the exam.
See you around!
Frank:
Liv, I think we should be careful about that guy in the exam…
Liv:
Why?
Frank:
Well, I might be wrong, but the Katzes are a renowned family of hunters that go back generations.
They're said to be some of the strongest hunters, even able to rival the Imperial elites in power.
Liv:
Woah, Hunde seems to catch the eye of the weirdest people
Frank:
Well, it's not like he's exactly normal either.
I've never seen anyone's wounds recover that quickly, I mean, after we washed the blood off of him, there isn't even a scratch left.
Liv:
And yet no matter what, he won't let go of that cloak, I wonder why?
Frank:
Maybe it was a gift from a relative?
I mean, I got this leather jacket from my Nana and I would rather die than let it get damaged.
Liv:
I think that's a different problem…
Hunde slowly starts to open his eyes, as he attempts to sit up
Liv & Frank:
Hunde!
Hunde:
Huh?
What happened?
Frank:
You scared us!
Glad you woke up!
Hunde:
What's going on?
Liv
You tell us.
How come you got into a fight with that triple-star?
Hunde:
H-he's someone I know from my hometown…
I guess since I woke up here, I failed the test…
Liv:
That's what you're worried about right now?
You passed, but you should be careful.
After that fight, the remaining contestants have definitely got their eyes on you.
Hunde:
That's fine!
I'm just here to get my licence after all, so I don't really care what they think about me!
Liv:
Uh, are you okay?
Your mood took a pretty big 180 just now…
Hunde:
I mean, I was mad I lost to Gou, but sulking won't do anything!
It's better if I just push myself and do better next time!
The next time I fight Gou, I'll definitely win!
Liv:
Are you su–
Frank
That's the spirit!
C'mon, I think they should be announcing the next round soon!
The trio make their way back to the large platform from the start
Looking around, Hunde finds Fred in the crowd who waves at him, and also the boy in rags from before
Hunde
So, he passed too…
Liv:
Who did?
Elliot
Why me of course!
Your good friend Elliot!
Elliot's beaming smile is met with silence from the three
Hunde
Uh, who are you again?
Liv:
What are you doing here?
Shouldn't you join the others who failed the exam back at the train?
Elliot
That's rude!
I'll have you know I passed with flying colours!
Liv:
…
Elliot:
Wait, don't you believe me?
I really did!
Here, let me prove it to y–
Gou
Alright everyone!
Enough chatter already!
I'm in a pretty bad mood right now, so I'd prefer it if you could just make things easy on me!
Candidate
Heh, I heard he lost to a little kid, guess triple-stars aren't so special–
The candidate is pushed to his knees as he struggles to breathe
Gou
Hey, did you not hear a single word I said?!
Ugh, I wish I could just go on a hunt right now!
But no, I have a job to do…
The pressure eventually loosens, with the man falling down, unconscious.
Gou
Oops, looks like I overdid it.
Oh well, I guess we'll just fail him.
Candidate
Can he do that?
Gou
Of course I can!
Didn't you listen to me explain the rules at the start?!
Now, let me speak!
Liv:
(I think he's gone mad with power…)
Gou
Congratulations to all of you who made it past that first round.
Honestly, I'm shocked.
We cut more than half of our original number down to only thirty of you left!
Don't get too cocky though, remember, that was just the first round.
We'll be moving onto the second round soon.
In it, we'll be randomly dividing the remaining players into teams of three into various chambers where we'll begin the second round.
Currently, single-stars are coming around giving you a number.
Don't trade these numbers with anyone else, and make your way towards the chamber that corresponds with your number.
Hunde holds a scrap of paper with a large three on it, before making his way to a chamber. The chamber doesn't appear to be made of any known material, with its exterior being shadowless and stands in stark contrast with the rest of the surroundings.
Standing outside of the ominous chamber is Fred and a girl who appears to be in her late twenties holding onto a pillow
Fred
Hello Hunde, good to see we're on the same team.
Hunde
Uh, yeah?
You waved at me earlier, do I know you?
Fred
Oh, sorry, I introduced myself to your friends while you were sleeping. I'm Frederick Katze, but you can call me Fred!
It's nice to meet you officially!
Hunde
Oh, I'm Hunde!
What's your name?
Hunde turns to meet the girl who appears to be sleeping while standing
Fred
Uh, is she in the right place?
She looks sort of out of place…
Hunde
I'm sure it's fine!
I mean, she managed to make it past the first round, and that round was really hard!
Fred
No, you just got an unfair test…
Still, it's amazing you were able to survive a fight with a triple-star with zero injuries!
How'd you do it?
Hunde
Uh, sleeping I guess?
???
Sleep is wonderful, isn't it?
Hunde and Fred jump back in shock as the girl who was fast asleep seconds ago suddenly joins their conversation
???
I love sleeping, I swear, sleeping is the best part of my day!
Fred
Uh, hi, I'm Frederick Katze, and this is–
???
Hunde, right?
I saw your fight against the head-examiner earlier, you're special, aren't you?
Hunde
W-what do you mean?
???
You obviously had a great sleep last night!
Hey, what kind of pillow do you use?
Fred
Uh, excuse me, what's your name?
You still haven't introduced yourself…
???
Oh, didn't I?
My name's Ada Schlafen.
Now, let's get back to talking about sleep!
Gou
I hope all of you have had a chance to meet your new teammates
The various teams are shown, with Liv being on a team with Elliot and a man in all green with a crossbow.
Frank is teamed up with the boy in rags as well as a middle aged man with a large axe.
Gou
Everyone, enter your chambers.
The second the final member of each team steps inside their chamber, the door suddenly shuts behind them, despite scratching and banging on the door, it refuses to budge
Gou
Welcome to the second round of the Hunting licence test.