"Did you know? I used to live in a place completely isolated from this world. It's been less than a year since I stepped out into the broader world," Morin began casually.
"And even in that year, most of my time was spent in training," he added with a small smile.
"However," he continued, "training across the world has allowed me to witness many fascinating people and extraordinary sights."
"I've seen towering trees that pierce the clouds, giant land-dwelling turtles with strawberries growing on their backs, and earth-colored frogs resembling chameleons."
"Suspended waterfalls, dragons soaring freely in the sky, and what seemed like the dinosaur kings of the Cretaceous era... and so much more. I'm certain there are countless marvels I have yet to encounter."
"The ever-changing climate gives rise to diverse natural landscapes, which in turn foster unique flora and fauna.
"Humans living in various environments develop different cultural customs, and the fusion of culture and nature creates all sorts of interesting people," Morin mused, swirling the liquid in his glass.
"I've played with grotesque-looking magical beasts deep in the forest," he said softly.
"I've listened to mountain folk songs sung by a girl bidding farewell to her lover in a quiet village."
"In the fields, I've seen siblings frolicking and playing, adults toiling happily in their farming work."
"And in an unknown country, a humble chef created a local dish so flavorful that just one bite left a taste forever etched in my memory," he said, smiling wistfully.
"Then why do you even ask about good and evil?" Botobai asked, downing his glass in one gulp.
"Let me ask you a question first," Morin countered, his gaze meeting Botobai's directly.
"Botobai, why are you so determined to change the world? Where there is light, there will always be shadow. Even if you didn't know that truth, surely your years of experience have made it clear?"
"It's simple," Botobai paused, then answered slowly and firmly. "Because both of my parents were police officers who died in the line of duty."
"I understand," Morin said with a light nod.
"But you haven't shared your thoughts yet," Botobai prompted, pouring himself another glass, his face slightly flushed.
Morin gazed up at the round moon in the sky as a gentle breeze carried his calm voice.
"Because the magical beasts I played with were burned out of their homes by foolish villagers who saw them as monsters."
"Because the village where the beautiful girl lived was erased from the map, used as a pawn in a political power struggle."
"Because the two siblings, so close and full of life, were devoured by a new species of monster born from a research experiment."
"And because the humble chef offended the powerful, causing his entire family to vanish without a trace."
"If you, Botobai, represent the light in this world..." Morin's gaze pierced into Botobai's eyes, "then I don't mind being the voice of the darkness."
Botobai was silent.
Not because he didn't want to speak, but because he couldn't find the words.
His face flushed red as he began to feel his tongue become uncooperative.
"You should rest for a bit," Morin said calmly, putting away the water jug, cups, and peanuts.
"With your physique, you should wake up in about half an hour."
By now, Botobai could barely make out Morin's words. His body swayed, and his head slumped onto the table.
"Had I known your tolerance for alcohol was this poor, I wouldn't have even bothered with my [Miraculous Drinking Snack]," Morin said, glancing at the now-sleeping Botobai.
Item: [Miraculous Drinking Snack]
Effect: A type of peanut that can transform water into alcohol, inducing a mild drunken stupor.
Even though Botobai had been vigilant and hadn't eaten a single peanut, he still fell victim to Morin's ploy.
The water they drank? It wasn't ordinary water at all.
While it tasted like regular water, it had been processed.
Item: [Drunken Bottle Cap]
Effect: Any liquid passing through this cap will induce a drunken haze in those who drink it.
The water Morin served had been poured through the [Drunken Bottle Cap] multiple times.
Though the taste remained unchanged, the intoxicating effect was overwhelmingly potent.
Morin had only sipped a little at the start, leaving the rest for Botobai.
No matter how high Botobai's alcohol tolerance was, even he couldn't withstand such a direct assault on his senses.
"This year's Hunter Exam ends here," Morin muttered to himself, glancing at Botobai before turning his gaze toward Tonpa, who was huffing and puffing as he pushed an [Any Cannon] toward them.
"It seems it's time for me to start my journey," he said quietly, feeling a bit melancholic.
Forty minutes passed.
Botobai suddenly woke up, sitting upright as a powerful surge of aura burst forth from his body.
The sheer intensity of his Nen caused the surrounding environment to tremble violently.
"Drunk?" Botobai thought to himself, sighing internally with regret.
"My training is still insufficient. To be taken down so easily... I need to be more vigilant in the future," he resolved, scanning his surroundings.
Aside from a trembling candidate cowering in a corner, the room was empty.
"Has he left?"
Botobai retracted his Nen, the overwhelming energy dissipating as he stood silently, lost in thought.
"Um..."
Tonpa timidly approached. "Before Morin left, he asked me to pass along a message to you."
"Hmm?" Botobai's sharp gaze instantly locked onto Tonpa, making him shiver under the pressure.
"Morin said, 'I really enjoyed talking with Botobai. Next time we meet, I hope to properly share a drink with him.'"
Tonpa swallowed nervously as he conveyed Morin's words.
"Properly share a drink, huh?" Botobai repeated, contemplating the meaning.
"Does he hope that next time we won't meet as opponents?"
Looking up at the moon, Botobai's eyes grew distant and profound.
"I look forward to that day."
Without Morin, the Hunter Exam lost much of its intrigue.
Botobai, however, remained impartial.
When the 72 hours passed, he resumed the third round of the exam.
Though he never let personal feelings interfere with his duties, his standards for becoming a Hunter remained as strict as ever.
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