chapter 12 Awarding the Hunter Diploma

For the 286th exam session, the candidates Hashibara, Amori, Umori, and Leafa are qualified to be Hunters. Congratulations!

"Tomorrow at 10 AM, you will receive your licenses for passing the exam. We will escort you to an appropriate location to receive your licenses. Enjoy the scenery during the journey," announced one of the examiners.

Within an hour, the examiners and the men in black had dismantled the tents that served as a hospital in the forest after ensuring that all participants were treated. The successful candidates boarded a vehicle heading to the diploma-awarding area, while the disqualified ones were on their way to another location. The only disqualified candidate not present was Kyon, and Examiner Satosu was also absent. It seemed likely that Satosu had taken Kyon under his wing as a student.

Upon arrival at a building belonging to the Hunter Association, Amori approached one of the examiners and asked, "Since I don't have a family name, can I create one myself?"

The examiner looked at him and said, "You can. Tell me what it is, and I'll have it added for you."

Amori replied, "My name will be Alucard. (It's not because of anything vampiric I just like the name.)

They were then shown to a dormitory where they could rest. It was already 9 PM when they arrived. Amori and Umori chatted about trivial matters before falling asleep.

The Next Day at 10 AM

The diploma-awarding hall was grand, adorned with vibrant banners and the iconic symbols of the Hunters. The qualified candidates sat in front of a podium, awaiting their licenses.

Ten minutes later, an older man with a white beard and a nonchalant air entered, accompanied by some examiners. This man was Netero himself.

Amori thought, "I didn't expect this eccentric to come here personally. He must attend every diploma-awarding ceremony."

Netero scanned the candidates, now the new Hunters. Though few in number, they had been meticulously selected.

"Congratulations on passing your exam. I will now read the rules of the Hunter Association before giving you your licenses," Netero began.

The Hunter Commandments

 1) Hunters must hunt something.

2 )All Hunters require a minimum level of martial competence. Being able to use Nen is the minimum requirement.

3) No matter what happens, someone who becomes a Hunter will never have their title revoked. However, a Hunter license will never be reissued under any circumstances.

4) Hunters cannot hunt their fellow Hunters, except those who have committed atrocities.

5) Hunters who achieve extraordinary feats in a specific field receive one star.

6) Hunters who receive one star, become senior officers, and have students who earn a star themselves receive two stars.

7) Hunters with two stars who achieve extraordinary feats in multiple fields receive three stars.

8) If the Hunter President does not receive a minimum level of support, their position is abolished. The minimum level is the support of the majority of fellow Hunters. If the president's seat is vacant, an election for the new president must be held immediately. The vice-president must take charge until the new president is decided.

9) The president decides on new Hunters chosen. However, to make significant changes to the existing method, they must receive the support of the majority.

10) Everything not written here is to be decided by the president, the vice-president, and their advisors. The president has the right to choose who becomes the vice-president and the advisors.

"These are the rules or rather the commandments of a Hunter. Come forward to receive your licenses."

Each of us received a diploma along with a Hunter license. Netero then gave a brief speech on the importance of not losing our Hunter cards before concluding with, "That's all, young ones. Welcome to the world of the grown-ups," and left immediately after his speech.

Umori remarked, "Finally done, but he didn't tell us what we wanted to know. Did we come here for nothing?"

Amori replied, "Don't worry. Let's go back to Zaban to get Imori. I'll explain the plan."

Umori agreed, "Okay."

Like the other participants, they mingled with the crowd to blend in.

In his office, Netero reviewed the examiners who had participated in the exam. "Among the four new Hunters, three don't possess Nen, while the other does. I've already decided on Nen masters for them. Fiona, you mentioned that Satosu took one of the disqualified candidates as his disciple, correct?" Netero said, his gaze lingering on Fiona's chest rather than her eyes.

Despite her irritation, Fiona simply nodded, confirming without arguing with the perverted chairman.

Netero then turned his attention to Togari. "Although you weren't wrong to disqualify him, you will still be demoted for using Nen in front of the candidates. You could have hurt or worse. I understand your dilemma, but you failed to control your opponent."

Togari did not reply. He knew that the clown would return next year, and he would seek revenge for the affront he had suffered. His scars, though healed, still pained him deeply.

Amori's POV

On our way to Zaban, we found a bus. When it was time to pay the fare, we realized we were out of money. An idea popped into Umori's head. He showed his Hunter license and asked, "Can we get a free ride if we're Hunters?"

The driver looked at Umori skeptically but verified the card. To his surprise, it was genuine.

"Yes, you can ride for free," the driver confirmed.

A smile spread across our faces. The advantages of being a Hunter were fantastic.