Alex wakes up and glances at his [Destiny Watch], thinking, eight hours until the fight. I'm starting to get nervous. I've always been the type to freak out before a big test and then end up delivering average results. I guess I'd be happy with just an average win today!
He heads to the main room of his suite, immediately catching the scent of Menchi's cooking wafting through the air. Unlike traditional breakfasts with eggs, toast, or simple foods, Menchi always prepares full-fledged dishes.
"Good morning! Smells awesome as always," Alex says as he enters.
"Today, I'm going all out. Eat well so you'll be ready for your big fight tonight," Menchi replies, carefully carrying several dishes to the dining table.
Alex sits down, impressed. He sees soup, several vegetable dishes, and a variety of meat—no bread at all. Smiling to himself, he thinks, As usual, Menchi's not into carbs. I guess Keto is the way to go, even in Hunter x Hunter.
As Alex hastily digs into the meal, he says with a big smile, "Seriously, Menchi, I want to eat your food every day. I'll never get tired of it. Having you as my master is such a luxury—you're the best."
"You… why…" Menchi stammers, her face suddenly turning red. To Alex's surprise, she blushes deeply and quickly runs out of the room.
What the fuck? Alex pauses mid-bite, confused. Ah… I guess that could be slightly misunderstood in some cultures. I better clear that up later, he decides, realizing he might have unintentionally sounded like he was proposing.
After finishing the meal, Alex cleans up the small mess Menchi made while cooking. It's a small price to pay for such a wonderful breakfast, he thinks, feeling grateful.
Suddenly, his phone rings. He glances at the screen—it's Sua.
Alex picks up, answering casually, "Hey, Sua. What's up? Want to cheer me on for my big fight?"
"Nope," Sua replies bluntly. "I still think you picked the wrong Floor Master to challenge. If you'd been a bit more patient, you could've gone for a weaker one. Even now, I'm still offering you a chance to throw the fight 10-0. I could have billions riding on you losing with just a call. With five major mafia families involved, I can guarantee you 500 million just for cooperating. No risk, no downside," Sua suggests, his tone calm but persuasive.
"Sorry, Sua," Alex responds decisively. "I need the title, and I need it now. Money's useless to me."
Sua sighs but doesn't push further. Instead, he shifts topics. "Alright, fine, but I've got another favor to ask. Despite my fake 'lowly job' as an elevator attendant, I've got a lot of connections. One of my betting partners offered me a hefty sum to convince you to do an interview with one of his sugar babies.
"He wants to promote her—turn her into one of the big-name fighting commentators and analysts. You know how huge the fighting industry is. There are millions of jobs tied to it, and Heavens Arena is at the center of it all. This could be a solid opportunity for her. Can you do me this favor?"
Alex listens carefully, but he can't help but think, Why do I feel like this favor's going to be trouble?
"I've always turned down interviews—I don't need the attention," Alex says, sighing. "But if it's that important to you… why not. I won't make a huge show of it, though. And I might want to talk about something that's not strictly related to fighting."
"Seriously? You've declined everything I've ever offered you before!" Sua exclaims, genuinely surprised. "Not that I care why. Alright, here's the plan: I'll prepare a space for the interview, and you show up in five hours. A big interview just a few hours before the main event. We can live stream it. My friend will be thrilled—that's a huge scoop."
"Fine. But you owe me!" Alex warns. "I'll be gone after my win, but when I come back, I might need some information."
… … …
After hanging up, Alex begins preparing his equipment. He carefully organizes his gear, items, and two small bags containing "special presents" for his fight with Darius. As he waits for Menchi to return, his mind drifts back to their earlier conversation.
"Look, Menchi, about earlier—that came out a bit wrong. I was just complim—" Alex starts, but Menchi cuts him off, pressing her hand firmly over his mouth.
"Focus on the fight," she says, her tone both embarrassed and commanding. "We'll talk later. Just win, and your reward will be even sweeter."
Her slightly flustered expression leaves Alex no room to clear up the misunderstanding.
"Fine…" Alex mutters as she moves her hand. "Anyway, I gave in to Sua, and now I've got an interview lined up in a couple of hours. Want to come with me?"
"Is it one of Sua's sleazy contacts?" Menchi asks, her tone sharp. "It's probably some slutty girl looking for a promotion, huh? Of course I'm going with you! You're naive and too easily influenced—I can't let you get manipulated by some lowly bimbo!"
Alex raises an eyebrow, amused by her sudden outburst. "Sure. I can't say I'm the type to fall for 'lowly bimbos,' like you call them, but…" His eyes wander to Menchi, who is once again wearing her usual skimpy outfit and hot pants. I can't say I dislike it either, he thinks, but wisely keeps the thought to himself.
"BUT WHAT, HUH?" Menchi snaps, glaring at him with a dangerous expression.
"Nothing. Please come with me, then. I'm always thankful for your support," Alex responds with a perfectly innocent smile.
"Hmph. You should feel lucky," she mutters, crossing her arms. "I guess I'll help you out, then."
Whatever… let's just relax and go over my strategy until the interview, Alex thinks, turning his focus inward.
First, I'll use my special presents to confuse him. Speed will be key—I'll avoid direct confrontations, relying on the techniques Menchi taught me and my [Nimbus Cloak]. Then, I'll coat my sword and claw with a portion of the [Two-Headed Black Eel's Poisonous Blood]. After that, there's [Stolen Breath], and of course, my recovery items—I'll spam those generously throughout the fight.
[Tribaio Village Healing Liquid], [Lurkwort], [Healing Potion], and even the probably molding [Navalia Wolf Jerky] are all ready to go. I'll gorge on them until I throw up if I have to.
Lastly, I'll use my pistol. Sorry, Darius, I like you, but I'm betting everything on this fight. I won't let something like 'honor' hold me back. I've killed people to progress in this exam—I don't think being dishonorable is a good enough excuse not to use every tool I have at my disposal.
Confident in his strategy, Alex, closely followed by Menchi, makes his way to the interview room Sua mentioned. As it turns out, it's the same room where the moderator will later host Alex's fight.
As Alex enters, he immediately feels a twinge of regret. His eyes land on his interviewer, who is standing next to Sua. Damn, this is exactly like Menchi and Sua predicted.
The woman is an over-the-top, fake-looking blonde, no older than 25. She has exaggerated features—huge breasts, heavy makeup, plump lips, and an ass that seems almost comically large. This is way overdone… This interview is going to be awkward as hell. I mean, I'd probably enjoy her company in private, but like this? Damn, Alex thinks, mentally cursing his decision to accept this interview in the first place.
Standing beside her is an older gentleman who looks somewhat nervous.
Alex approaches the group. "Hi, Sua. So, this is your friend and his up-and-coming moderator you're supporting? Nice to meet you both. I'm Alex Kerber—Weapons Hunter and future Floor Master."
Sua introduces them. "This is Mina. She's not only going to interview you but will also be the moderator for your fight. And the gentleman here is my good friend, Lugh Nando. He's the Don of the local family in charge of Heavens Arena and Laki City."
Alex shakes both of their hands. Lugh gives Alex an approving look, his demeanor calm but calculated.
Before Alex can say much else, Mina interrupts in a cold, businesslike voice. "Can we start this interview now? I don't have much time, and I need to prepare for the fight moderation itself."
What the hell? Alex thinks, her tone catching him off guard. Is she dumb? Slightly offended, he responds, "If you don't have much time, we can just postpone the interview. I wouldn't want to bother you."
"Okay," Mina says immediately, without hesitation.
Sua and Lugh yell in unison, "NO!"
Alex and even Menchi are left stunned.
"This is turning weird," Alex mutters, looking at Sua. "Maybe I should just leave?"
"Give us two minutes!" Sua pleads.
Alex watches as Sua and Lugh pull Mina aside for a hushed but clearly heated discussion. Two minutes later, Mina turns back to Alex with a dazzling smile plastered across her face.
"Welcome, Master Alex!" she says in a chipper, overly enthusiastic tone. "I'm such a huge fan of yours, and it's so incredible to meet you in person! We can start the interview whenever you're ready. I'm just so hyped to be here! Tell me when to start the cameras."
Alex blinks at her sudden 180-degree shift in demeanor. "Did you just switch into business mode or something?" he asks, glancing at Sua and Lugh. Both shake their heads, looking slightly exasperated.
Alex sighs. "Whatever. I'm ready. Let's do this in your style. Just remember—I have a personal topic I want to discuss during the interview, and it needs to be included. It'll only take a few minutes."
"Of course! Whatever you want!" Mina chirps, all smiles.
This is going to be so weird, Alex thinks, but he forces a polite smile as the cameras start rolling.
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