After two hours of driving, the duo finally arrived at their destination, a blimp airport. In this world, airplanes didn't exist, making blimps the fastest means of transportation.
Admiring the technology of this world, Nicolas stepped out of the car, feeling light-hearted. He was finally going to experience a semblance of freedom.
"This is where our paths part, sir. I hope you have a pleasant journey."
Nicolas nodded at the butler's words. In the end, the man had never acted against him. Maybe he'd been wrong about him…
Turning around, Nicolas walked toward the boarding area, flight ticket in hand.
Watching him disappear into the distance, the butler pulled a phone from his pocket and dialed a number. After a few rings, someone picked up.
An unusually cold voice came from his mouth. "This is Nelson. He just left for the Hunter Exam… Yes, it won't be a problem. After all, he knows how to use Nen… Very well, godfathers. My ability allows me to track him at any time anyway… Yes, thank you for everything, godfather."
Once the call ended, Nelson removed the SIM card from the phone and snapped it. He watched a blimp take off with a grave expression.
Watching the ground shrink from the blimp window, Nicolas couldn't hide the smile on his face.
After eight months in this world, it was finally time to explore and meet the main characters.
His father had bought him a seat on a luxury blimp. He wandered through it during the flight, visiting the restaurant, the movie theater, and the arcade.
Still a young man in his twenties at heart, he had made a point of keeping hobbies outside of training, even after these eight months, so he could fully enjoy moments like these.
After fifteen hours of travel and a good night's sleep, an announcement woke him up: they had arrived at Zaban Airport.
Is it already over? I wish I could've enjoyed this vacation a bit longer…
Gathering his things into a small backpack, he was escorted to the ground by a hostess, one of the perks of traveling rich.
He pulled his laptop from the bag to double-check the address before calling a taxi.
Nicolas had wondered whether the exam information was accurate, but after a quick comparison with his knowledge of the manga, he confirmed there were no issues with the data retrieved by the former Nicolas.
The fact that this information is available online is probably meant to reward candidates with strong investigative skills, he thought.
The taxi dropped him off in front of a restaurant. Nicolas thanked the driver, paid the fare, and approached the chef. "Hello, I'd like a steak, slow-cooked over low heat in the back room."
With a knowing look, the chef nodded toward a room. Nicolas walked there directly.
Inside was a large table filled with meat, and a sweet barbecue smell filled the air.
Clang!
Suddenly, the elevator mechanism activated. Without wasting any time, he sat down and began to eat. He knew his next meal wouldn't be until the second trial, so he took this moment to fill his stomach.
Ding!
The elevator stopped just as he'd nearly emptied the table, and the door opened. A hundred pairs of eyes turned toward him. Unfazed, he calmly walked in among the candidates.
A person who looked like an alien approached him and handed him a badge with a smile.
Without hesitation, Nicolas took it and clipped it to his shirt. He had long gotten rid of the clownish clothes of the old Nicolas. Now, he wore a white dress shirt and dress pants — the bare minimum his father would accept.
I should probably rethink my style in the future… But for now, this outfit will do.
The number he'd been given was 181. There was still time before the first trial, which would begin with the 400s.
As he was about to find a quiet spot, he saw a man with a wide grin approach him.
"Hey there! I'm Tompa. You must be new, huh?"
Oooh, here we go. Finally, a character from the actual story. I'm a little emotional, even if it's him, it's still something.
A true sense of joy filled Nicolas. "Hello, yes, this is my first time participating."
Slightly puzzled by this sudden joy, Tompa adjusted his tone. "Haha, I see. You've got a good personality and strong build. I'm sure you'll do great! To celebrate your first time, how about a drink? I've got an extra can, here, take it."
As he spoke, Tompa pulled two cans from his bag and handed one to Nicolas, who accepted it with a smile.
Taking the can, a memory resurfaced in Nicolas's mind. Now that I think about it, it's partly because of Tompa that the old Nicolas got eliminated… I guess I should get a little revenge.
"Let's toast to this occasion!" he said with a smile.
Tompa returned the same warm smile and raised his can. Taking the opportunity, Nicolas struck the can hard, making both fall to the ground. Before they hit, he caught them both with a quick move.
"Phew, that was close," he said, handing the poisoned can back to Tompa. He then opened his own and took a few sips.
Tompa stared at his can for a few seconds before forcing a smile. "Sorry, I just remembered I have to meet a friend later!"
Nicolas watched him leave in a hurry, a playful look on his face. He had a way to tell which can was the poisoned one. It was only logical.
Thinking of another way to get back at the newcomer-killer, Nicolas suddenly felt a subtle gaze on him. Turning toward it, he spotted a white-haired boy curiously watching him, a similar can at his lips.
After a few seconds, the boy turned and rolled away in the opposite direction on his skateboard.
That was Killua… He's a professional assassin. If I was able to sense his gaze that easily, I suppose it was intentional… Maybe he wanted me to notice him?
I'll try to connect with the main group during the exam anyway. I can approach him later, when Gon is around, I'll have a better chance of not being rejected, haha…
…To think I'm over 20 years old and still afraid of being rejected by 12-year-olds…