Becoming a Hunter in a Dark Fantasy

Chapter 16 – Central Island, Mediale (1)

Unlike the massive four continents in the north, south, east, and west, the center held just a single island.

Or to be more precise, a cluster of multiple islands forming one whole.

That was “Central Island, Mediale.”

As the invisible airship approached Mediale, several beams of light fired from spires scattered across the island—perhaps triggered by the vessel’s presence.

Soon after, a message window floated into the air.

[Verifying the identity of the entrant. Please wait a moment.]

“Oh! What’s this now?”

Swoosh.

Gale reached out to touch the floating message, but his fingers passed right through it as though it had no form.

“This is also a cutting-edge magical engineering system, born from a collaboration between the Magic Tower and the Clock Tower. It oversees the entirety of Mediale.”

“Oooh! That’s amazing.”

Zeeeeeeing—!

Beams of light swept over the airship and every inch of Elwin’s group.

[Identity confirmed: Elwin Krieger, Special-Class Hunter of the Emperor and Commander-in-Chief, Guardian of Central Island Mediale.]

[Identity confirmed: Nahrhan Ferdic, Secretary to Elwin Krieger and Top-Class Hunter, plus one additional human.]

“Hey! Why am I the ‘additional human’!?”

Gale, who had been quietly observing, suddenly flared up.

[Welcome back to Mediale, Special-Class Hunter Elwin Krieger. We are honored by your return.]

At last, the dome surrounding Mediale opened wide.

Fwoosh—!

The stunning scenery of Mediale unfolded before their eyes in an instant.

“Oh—ooohhh!”

Gale exclaimed in awe.

“To think I’d get to see Mediale’s sights myself after only hearing rumors!”

At the center lay the largest island, the Land Island, surrounded by seven Sky Islands and Sea Islands, each rotating in opposite directions.

It was truly a breathtaking sight.

“It’s incredible. It’s like watching magic. Or maybe gears turning…”

Mesmerized by the scenery for a moment, Gale then noticed something odd.

“Come to think of it, I knew Mediale was a trade hub, but… was it always this crowded?”

The island teemed with people, almost like a major metropolis.

As Gale looked down at the colorful streets filled with hair of all shades, Elwin approached him.

“It’s not usually like this. Since Mediale houses the headquarters of the World Hunter Association, entry is typically restricted.”

“Then who are all these people?”

“They’re probably all applicants for the Hunter Exam…”

Gale’s jaw dropped.

“That many people?!”

“Ha ha! Just kidding!”

“Oh, whew. You got me for a sec…”

But before he could relax, Elwin added,

“Well, it’s not entirely false. Most of those people probably failed the previous rounds.”

“Failed? Previous rounds? …There’s more than one?”

Frozen in place, Gale mumbled in confusion. Elwin, unaware of Gale’s rising panic, continued.

“Of course. The only remaining exams are the third round—Combat Evaluation—and the final round—Personality Assessment.”

Leaning on the railing, Elwin looked down, a bit bored.

“Plus, you’ll find families of the passers and the ones who failed. Some people are just here to observe in preparation for next year.”

“…They even have observers?”

“Well, most of them are from Rusram Academy. Academy cadets are granted the right to observe. The pass rate for the Hunter Exam is absurdly low, so they try to pick up whatever insights they can.”

“Absurd…”

“I say all this, but I never went to the Academy myself! Ha ha!”

Then, as if he just remembered something, Elwin turned to Gale.

“Oh, right. Don’t worry about the Personality Evaluation. It’s just a simple interview. And anyway, Gale, you’re getting a free pass. …Gale?”

Seeing Gale blink blankly, his face pale, Elwin looked puzzled.

“What was that? Combat Evaluation? Personality Evaluation? What’s that supposed to mean?”

Gale murmured in a panic.

His pupils trembled violently.

“Hey, Gale. Do you know anything about the Hunter Exam? Like the requirements, or how many stages there are…”

“What’s that?”

Elwin was silently horrified.

Gale knew nothing about the Hunter Exam.

Even though he was a participant who would be taking it soon…!

Gale muttered defensively.

“I mean, I wasn’t interested, so I didn’t bother learning. People only pay attention to stuff they care about, right?”

“That’s true. Anyone can be like that.”

Elwin smiled gently.

“…If you really think so, then could you not look at me like I’m the dumbest idiot alive?”

What the hell is that expression? It's not even a mismatch of words and actions.

Elwin scratched his cheek awkwardly as Gale grumbled.

“Ha ha, sorry. I just assumed you’d know. Most people are really into Hunters, after all.”

Elwin shrugged.

“When Hunter Exam season rolls around, people even place bets on how many will pass that year.”

“…Really?”

Gale began to recall.

—This year’s batch will definitely produce more than ten Hunters! My friend’s dad’s cousin’s neighbor’s in-laws are affiliated with Rusram Academy, and they say the candidates this year are incredible!

—No way! You think another golden generation will come so soon?

—Come on, it’s already been five years since the last one. It’s about time for some new prodigies to show up!

He remembered people in squares and taverns having heated debates.

“That was all about Hunter pass rates? Wow, do people really have nothing better to do? They’re so obsessed with other people’s lives.”

“Ha ha… You do realize you’re one of the people they’re obsessing over this time, right?”

Elwin gave a wry smile as Gale clicked his tongue in irritation.

“Oh, right. Hah…”

“But don’t worry. There are only two exams left, and you just need to pass the Combat Evaluation. Like I said earlier, you’ve already got a free pass on the Personality Evaluation.”

Gale was curious as to why he had a free pass, but the next question made him bite his tongue.

“You didn’t forget all the training we did, right, disciple?”

“O-oh…”

Gale replied weakly, trying to avert his gaze as Elwin stared him down.

“What’s this? I personally gave you one-on-one intensive training… You’re not saying you plan to fail, are you?”

“W-well, actually… Ah! Right! Hey, hey! I’ve been meaning to ask something!”

Sweating profusely and clamming up, Gale abruptly changed the topic.

“Kiddo, about the Hunter Exam. You said it’s already in the third round, right?”

“Yep. The Combat Evaluation starts in three days.”

“Then… is mid-entry allowed?”

Elwin firmly replied.

“Nope!”

In that instant, a panorama of pain and suffering flashed through Gale’s mind.

—GYAAAAAAH!

The memory of the past few days—vomiting up meals, being tossed and rolled in every direction until he was utterly spent—returned vividly.

—P-please stop…! You’re going to kill me!

—It’s fine! You won’t die. I’ve already gone through it all myself!

—…Wha?

—Don’t worry! It’s just almost deadly. You’ll survive! I did, so you can too!

Recalling Elwin’s expression back then made Gale shudder uncontrollably.

That pale, lifeless face staring down at him without a hint of a smile—he feared it would haunt his dreams.

—Trust me, Gale. Even if you die, I’ll make sure you pass.

Gale’s face turned as white as a sheet.

It would be a waste if all that training went to nothing… but he feared even more what Elwin would do to persuade him into taking the exam!

“Th-then what do we do?!”

“There’s always a way.”

Elwin smiled, then spoke seriously.

“Remember this, Gale. In this world, money and power are everything.”

“…Huh?”

Gale would soon understand the meaning behind those words.

***

“You’re surprisingly on time today, Elwin. Looks like your damned meddling habit didn’t kick in for once.”

“Ahaha… I told you, didn’t I? I wouldn’t be late this time. Just believe me for once.”

“If I believed your words, I’d have changed my race already. …Ahem. Well, you kept your promise this time, so I’ll give you some credit.”

The Dwarf scolded Elwin while watching him laugh awkwardly.

“Nahrhan. Been a while since I’ve seen you in person.”

“It’s a pleasure to see you again, Chairman. I’m sorry for not paying my respects sooner. I hope you’ve been well.”

“Oh, me? Always. You’ve had a rough time, serving such a difficult master.”

“It’s my greatest honor to serve Master Elwin.”

“Tsk tsk. Hopeless, hopeless.”

The Dwarf clicked his tongue and slowly turned his gaze.

“And you must be the one. Elwin’s second chosen companion.”

Gale Garav flinched under the intense gaze looking up at him.

“I’ve heard plenty about you from Elwin. Your name… was Gale Garav, yes? A mercenary?”

“Y-yes, sir!”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Pan Tveron, though lacking, I serve as the Chairman of the World Hunter Association.”

The Dwarf with intense eyes politely offered a handshake.

A public figure I’ve only ever seen on the news…!

Gale was overwhelmed.

Again, he wasn’t good with famous people whose faces appeared in the news.

***

“To apply for the Hunter Exam, you’re usually required to be a graduate of ‘Rusram Academy.’ Attending and graduating is one of the conditions.”

Zeeeeeeing—

At some point, they had stepped onto a moving path.

“But neither you nor Elwin here are Academy graduates.”

“Then… how?”

Gale looked at them, puzzled. Elwin chuckled and answered.

“Special-Class Hunters have a unique privilege. Three times in their life, they can recommend anyone to take the Hunter Exam.”

“…! Wait, so kiddo, you too?”

Elwin nodded brightly.

“Yep! My master is one of the Special-Class Hunters.”

“Aah, I see now.”

Gale finally felt the mystery of this little prodigy unraveling.

So Elwin wasn’t just a freak talent that popped out of nowhere.

A monster had raised another monster.

“As long as the exam isn’t over, that privilege can be used anytime. And fortunately, the third round hasn’t started yet.”

“I intended to use my recommendation on you, Gale.”

“…On me?!”

Gale looked stunned. Pan Tveron chuckled softly.

“Judging by your face, I guess that rascal never told you. Don’t worry. We arranged everything long ago. Your participation won’t be an issue.”

“R-really…?”

Gale bobbed his head nervously, completely flustered.

He was never good at dealing with big-name figures.

Which is why he failed to pick up on the subtle implication in Pan Tveron’s words.

That Elwin had long since decided to bring Gale in as his companion and had made all the necessary preparations for this exam.

Elwin gave Pan a light nudge.

“Don’t go saying unnecessary stuff. I don’t want things to get awkward.”

“What did I even do? You’re the one who can’t be honest with your partner!”

The two exchanged silent glances.

Crackle.

It was like sparks flew between their eyes.

“…?”

Only Gale, unaware of it all, wore a confused look.