The next day, in his room.
Oboro sat cross-legged, aura flowing around him, eyes closed in deep meditation.
Above him, the button of the game interface materialized.
'Loading game...'
'Module initialization, please wait.
'Update progress 100%, update complete!
The interface gave its mechanical notification before dissolving into mist.
Oboro opened his eyes and wiped the sweat from his brow.
Conceptual development proved to be a challenge.
Normally, Nen users develop their Hatsu within months, maybe a year, with exceptions like Hisoka and Netero.
Oboro had spent six months in seclusion, followed by a year of progressive training to develop his ability.
Though a Conjurer, his path of development deviated from the norm.
His understanding of adjacent Nen types allowed for a unique integration, a path few could follow.
Of course, he couldn't use these adjacent types like pure Specialists or Transmuters; he could only carefully blend elements.
Like a mathematician with basic linguistic skills unable to compete with literary experts.
Working within strict limitations.
In order to transform his aura and construct his ability, Oboro had put tremendous effort into it.
He'd studied the nature of life energy, observed countless creatures to build his foundation.
Otherwise, the concept of his Hatsu would remain hollow, pure conjuration alone would cripple "The Game Archive of Endless Dreamers"!
His process was methodical.
First, conjure the physical interface, the 'game button' that was his access point.
Then, imbue that interface with specific functions that were the core of the ability.
"Dimensional Link"
This concept existed in other Hunter abilities, such as Knov's Hide and Seek. His portals accessed another dimension by storing massive amounts of data in pocket spaces.
How else could such spaces exist within physical constraints?
Owl's Fun Fun Cloth demonstrated similar principles, a simple cloth containing a warehouse-sized space.
All conjuration abilities, sharing basic principles.
Oboro's difference was the nature of his space, not passive storage, but active modification. He could shape his game world within this dimension!
The true power of the Game Archive lay in two aspects!
The first was all the game resources - items, skills, maps, etc.
This was the surface-level functionality.
Second: The 'game rules' that operated in the background.
Most Nen users couldn't see these underlying mechanics!
At present, its limitations limited both its 'game world' and its 'rules'. When fighting Aisemilu, its manifestations remained random, the appearance of soldiers was beyond his control.
Drawing from the resource category produced soldiers, as his current framework only included basic units such as soldiers, crabs, wolves, raptors, and frogs. Advanced units such as elemental dragons remained beyond his current capabilities.
The game rules had similar limitations, and much remained incomplete.
His goal was to fully restore five categories: maps, equipment, skills, and everything in between. Therefore, his Hatsu was a massive undertaking.
This explained the complexity of his ability!
Hatsu could be simple or profound, basic abilities serving basic functions, complex ones following complex principles, all depending on the user.
Obviously, Oboro chose complexity.
His ability to make the Archive dynamic, allowing for the continual expansion of the 'game world', came from the successful harmonization of specialization and manipulation elements.
Typical Nen abilities manifested the user's aura resonating with their will through 'mental projection', often requiring conditions, purpose, and refinement. Kurapika's development under his master clearly illustrated this.
Nen maintained a balance.
There were no worthless abilities, only inadequate users.
Stronger abilities required greater cost; Kurapika exemplified this. During the Yorknew Arc, his base level could not compete with the Phantom Troupe due to insufficient growth time.
His victory came through Nen conditions, the cost of which was obvious.
Similar principles governed Oboro's ability.
The pursuit of unlimited potential required massive aura and computing power.
But time favored him, unlike Kurapika's urgency.
Thus, beyond the mental demands, his costs remained manageable.
The mental demands came from controlling the "game world" and managing its variables. His intimate knowledge of the source material provided shortcuts that allowed him to skip years of development.
His understanding of Nen crystallized into "Nen provides the framework, but physical ability and intellect determine true power!
His ultimate goal: to manifest complete 'game worlds', creating domain-like effects.
If possible, several worlds.
Though challenging, the future potential remained uncertain.
Despite its advantages, reality remained.
There were superior talents in every world.
Even Netero and Ging might find such goals daunting, how could he assume success?
Oboro kept his perspective between confidence and arrogance.
Time would tell...
The future remained unwritten.
"Zalong a mercenary with nine consecutive victories above the 200th floor, zero losses or points conceded."
Later, Oboro sat reviewing documents, tasting pastries provided by the arena, and smiling slightly.
Another formidable opponent!
...
"So? Did you review the material I sent?"
In another room, Wing meditated under Biscuit's guidance.
She held a phone and questioned her contact.
"Indeed I have." A hearty, distinctive laugh answered.
"Your thoughts?" Biscuit's expression hardened.
"Hmm..." The voice pondered.
As Biscuit's face darkened, almost snapping, the voice continued, "I'll say this: Today's youth are proving to be terrifying. They're really something!"
"Maybe it's time for this old man to step aside."
"Chairman, I'm not asking for trivialities! His age makes such an understanding impossible, his fighting style screams 'rookie', it's illogical and completely inconsistent. The more I think about it, the more disturbing it becomes. Such an anomaly..."
"In all my years with Nen, I've never met anyone like him!"
"Simply put, could even you train someone to his level?" Biscuit pressed.
In fact, she was addressing Isaac Netero, the chairman of the Hunters' Association.
"The world is constantly evolving, life is constantly changing. Your limitations don't define the possibilities of others. Individual differences are what make existence fascinating!" Netero chuckled.
"Aren't you curious?" Biscuit insisted, "Won't you investigate for yourself? If he could join the Association..."
"Someone of his caliber going the wrong way, imagine the consequences, what a waste, I'm warning you out of concern!"
She put her hands on her hips and sulked disapprovingly.
"We cannot force unwilling recruitment..."
"..."
"Nen mastery defines hunters, it's fundamental. Few encounter Nen naturally, usually requiring the guidance of another Hunter. Passing on Nen knowledge remains a Hunter's duty So, who taught him? Where did he learn?" Cookie pressed.
"Well..." The Chairman paused, audibly sipping tea.
Biscuit's forehead veins pulsed.
Was he even listening?
"The boy's background seems spotless..."
Netero, clearly sensing Biscuit's expression, always waited until her patience almost broke before he answered calmly. Then he changed the subject: "How is your apprentice doing?"
"Excellent, thank you for asking!"
Biscuit hung up abruptly.
Air hissed through her nostrils, murderous intent rising.
Wing swallowed nervously and remained silent.
"Tch! Obviously interested, but playing hard to get. Fine! If you don't want to investigate, I don't care!" After venting, Biscuit collected herself and reminded Wing to keep up his training.
Then she bounded out of the room.
"Girls should concentrate on beauty, why worry about such things..."
"I heard that an auction house is offering precious gems. How exciting! I can't miss it. Maybe I'll buy some!"
Biscuit's mood immediately lifted.
Her psychological resilience was indeed remarkable.