NOVEL NEXT Chapter 123: Struggle x Ren - Unleashing Rage!
"You… You just learned Ten and Zetsu. Are you insane? Why do you want to jump straight into learning more? No, you need to master the basics first! There's one technique that's technically considered a basic technique, but its requirements are way harder, and it's strictly tied to your aura reserves," Menchi responds sharply.
"Then at least tell me about the two other major principles you mentioned," Alex replies, clearly annoyed by her refusal.
"Well, I can tell you, at least. You're still missing Ren, which is a bit like Ten, but it generates a far larger amount of aura and projects it outward in an explosive way. This is your main fighting skill because it significantly boosts your strength and durability. Ten is purely defensive, while Ren forms the foundation of offensive Nen techniques," Menchi explains.
"The last major principle is Hatsu, and it's a bit more complicated. Hatsu is your personal Nen technique, unique to you. It's your own expression of Nen, involving the creation of a technique that reflects who you are. It's tricky because everyone falls into one of six different Nen types. I won't bother explaining those for now, especially since you already know a form of Hatsu. You need to forget about that for now and focus on mastering Ten and Zetsu! Besides, there are also the adv—"
"Menchi…" Linne interrupts, cutting her off again. "Alex, you seem pretty eager to learn Nen. Do you have some reason for wanting to master it so quickly?"
Alex thinks, Do I? The system said I could stay in this world a little longer after passing, so I should have more than just the week that's left of the exam. But still… I can't waste time.
He finally answers, "Yes and no. I'll need to go on a journey soon—not right away, and I think I have a few months. But I am in a bit of a hurry, which is why I want to master the basics as soon as possible. Once I have those down, I can keep polishing them on my own, even during my journey. I'm afraid if I don't learn them now, I won't have the chance to later."
Alex thinks calmly, Everything I said is true. I want to take my time, but I don't have that luxury. I need to learn these skills fast… maybe I'll be allowed to take a skill book back to the Realm with me?
"Now, Menchi, listen," Linne begins again. "Every student has their own circumstances. Alex is a reasonable man, but it looks like he's determined to progress quickly and learn the basics. How about I give you some motivation? Since my student is your master, that makes me your grandmaster, doesn't it? If Alex can master the four major principles of Nen before the exam ends, I'll give you something really special. I'll even write it down for you during the time we have left. Does that motivate you?"
Linne's mischievous grin grows as she adds, "And Menchi, your student isn't a total beginner. He should be able to get the hang of Ren fairly soon. Of course, I mean just the basics, enough to use it briefly. Also, if you can make him succeed… you'll finally get the reward I promised you all those years ago!"
Menchi looks stunned. "Really?! Great! I guess we're going for it, then!" she says, a newfound determination in her voice.
[Hidden Quest updated:
Mission: Learn the Four Major Principles of Nen
Ten: 1/1 Zetsu: 1/1 Ren: 0/1 Hatsu: ERROR/1
Reward: ???
Time Limit: Until the end of the Hunter Exam
Failure: none]
Alex smiles excitedly, thinking, A reward? She's writing it down herself? Could it be… her Nen experience? Come to think of it, she stopped Menchi from mentioning the advanced techniques. I need to get my hands on this reward!
"So, explain to me… how does Ren work exactly? How can I project my aura outwards and increase my strength just like that?" Alex asks Menchi, clearly motivated to succeed in this little task.
Menchi stands in front of him, her expression serious, and suddenly releases a powerful surge of aura. The sheer force shocks Alex, making his skin tingle as if electricity is running over him.
"Ren is easy once you figure out how to activate it. Maintaining it is about stamina, aura reserves, and concentration. There's no easy way to teach you, it's all about imagination. Personally, I envision my aura exploding. It's like a muscle for me… I can't even remember how I first learned it. It's like discovering an invisible muscle. I want to win this bet with Linne, but..." She glances at Linne. "For now, try it once every few hours. In between, concentrate on practicing Ten and Zetsu. If you're tired from training Ten, switch to Zetsu to recover quickly. Once you're back in good condition, try Ren and return to Ten. After each cycle, try working a bit on Ren. I think that's the smartest and fastest way to improve right now."
Alex nods. He also notices Linne's approving expression, making him think, I got lucky. They're teaching me the best way to progress and reach my goal. Now it's just about putting in the effort!
Over the next few days, Alex dedicates himself to training. At one point, he even thinks, Life can't get any better right now. Eating delicious food, cooked by Menchi and sometimes even Linne, training hard every day… This is great. But my progress feels slow. Even though I'm practicing Ten and Zetsu, I feel like I'm only getting slightly better at it. Is it because I still lack any real skill in Nen or is it my bugged aura reserves?
Finally, on the eighth day of the trial, Alex decides to change things up for once. He leaves his training room and joins Menchi and Linne in the supervision area where the Hunter staff is monitoring the ongoing exam. There, Alex notices that he's missed some developments. Eirini and Patricia have been eliminated. He thinks, Looks like they failed at the very end. Still, they'll have a decent rank and shouldn't worry too much. They made it back alive and didn't miss out on much.
Scanning the remaining contestants, Alex notes, No surprise there—Palm, Shalnark, and Melody are still in the game. I wonder how Palm managed to survive. Did she threaten the other contestants? Anyway, it's boring. Those three are official Hunters in the lore, so it's obvious they'll pass.
Alex's attention shifts as Bushidora reveals the trial's big surprise. The twist is simple: the examinees can vote to end the current challenge and instead participate in a series of fights against other contestants who choose this option. However, only groups with at least two out of three members voting in favor of the fights will be allowed to compete. If the group votes no, the trial continues as usual.
To Alex's surprise, every single group refuses the option.
"What a boring bunch of candidates. I can't believe this," Bushidora grumbles, clearly irritated. A few of the staff behind the monitors look equally disappointed, their boredom written on their faces.
Alex knows what's really going on. This is clearly Shalnark, Melody, and even Palm pulling the strings. He thinks, Shalnark can just manipulate one of the remaining candidates. He'll guarantee a 2 vs 1 vote and then flip it into a 2 vs 0 when the time comes. He's a guaranteed pass. Melody probably uses her music and voice to make herself seem harmless, she can also act as a lie detector, she'll find her way through this exam easily. As for Palm… well, whatever. Not like I care or root for her. Let's get back to training.
Another two days pass, and the exam is minutes away from ending. Alex, despite his relentless effort, hasn't made any progress. His calm focus from a few days ago has been replaced by anger and bitter disappointment.
"Alex, calm down," Menchi says, her voice soothing. "This competition was silly to begin with. Don't worry—you're not missing out on much, forget this silly price!"
Over the past few days, Alex and Menchi have become close. Even though she's nine years younger than him, Menchi's intelligence, knowledge, and experience with Nen have impressed him. Alex has picked up countless tips from her, and her stories, along with her cooking, have been a bright spot in the training. But why do I suck so much at this? he thinks. Do I seriously have no talent for Nen? I feel like I'm letting Menchi down by being such a pathetic student.
What can I even do? he wonders, when suddenly a voice echoes in his mind:
"Human… letsss try together. Thisss time, do not sssstay calm. Unleasssh your anger. We will exxxplode in rage!"
Alex looks at Menchi and nods. "I'll try something else now. Don't worry," he says.
He activates Mustrano's Malice Mauler lvl 3, pouring all his rage, frustration, and disappointment into his aura. He focuses on everything he hates and the worst memories he can recall, while Mustrano's spirit adds its own rage to his aura. Alex lets his emotions take over, thinking about all the negative experiences and feelings he's ever endured. Finally, he screams, his rage erupting—and in that instant, his aura explodes outward.
His previously thin, barely visible Ten shatters into an enormous surge of Ren, flooding the room with his energy.
"That's it! That's Ren! You did it!" Menchi exclaims, her voice full of excitement and pride.
Alex breathes heavily, completely drained. He finally feels like he's tapped into something he couldn't before. Testing himself, he stops calling on Mustrano and tries to activate Ren alone. It's weaker and less impressive, but it still works just fine. Menchi smiles, clearly satisfied with his progress.
Just then, Linne walks into the room, clapping lightly. "Congratulations," she says, her expression a mix of amusement and approval. "Looks like you barely managed to pull it off, good job young ones! Guess I can give it to you after all… no need to take that knowledge with me to the grave."
[Hidden Quest completed:
Mission: Learn the Four Major Principles of Nen
Ten: 1/1 Zetsu: 1/1 Ren: 1/1 Hatsu: ERROR/1
Reward: Advanced Nen Techniques Manual, Basic Nen Manual
Time Limit: Until the end of the Hunter Exam
Failure: none]
Alex suddenly notices it. Not only has he received the [Basic Nen Manual], clearly a reward from the system itself, not Linne, but also a second manual: the [Advanced Nen Technique Manual].
[Basic Nen Manual], [Advanced Nen Technique Manual]
Alex stares at the two manuals, barely able to believe what he's seeing.
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