Chapter 106: Team Assembled!
Host: Haze
Age: 23
Specialization: Classic Literature Hunter
Combat Class: Grandmaster National-Level Hunter (Advanced to Sub-World Level)
Overall Attribute Rating: First-Class Transhuman
After Biscuit's departure, Haze opened his system control panel to check his current status.
Over the past year, his stats had changed once again.
From Combat Master to Grandmaster his Psychic Power had risen to that of a National-Level Hunter, and his overall classification had advanced from an Evolved Human to a First-Class Transhuman.
His wounds had long since healed. He had mastered several new martial arts techniques, strengthening his body and blood, resulting in a significant boost to his physical stats.
His skin and muscles pulsed with energy and life force. Even without using Nen, his body felt as though forged from iron.
He had tempered his exterior body to the peak.
Next came the inner organs a process requiring gradual advancement through deep breathing techniques.
Though his progress was slow, his inner ki and vitality had risen immensely, and now he possessed three Nen abilities in addition to fifteen extraordinary martial arts techniques, each one targeting a different aspect of combat.
As a practical fighter, his foundation was naturally superior. The system even indicated he no longer needed to study ordinary martial arts.
What he needed now were techniques like acupressure, pulse control, and breathing manipulation skills capable of wounding or even threatening powerful Nen users and beings beyond them.
As for his three Nen abilities they could be considered three Heroic Skills: one passive and two active, obtained through his "Treasure of the Infinite Dreamer."
He also possessed two summoner abilities: Teleportation and Flash.
That was his current combat capability.
Despite his growth, he had only achieved a modest mastery of acupressure and pulse techniques though now he could perform them smoothly. This advanced combat method was far more complex than traditional martial arts.
His breathing techniques could be maintained 24/7, though they were limited to static and abdominal breathing.
In the two years since Donggudo's resurrection, Haze had undergone an unimaginable transformation.
He no longer needed to worry about the Hero's Island or the game. As Biscuit had said, he could leave it in the hands of the NPCs. If the island was invaded beyond control, he could simply teleport back. Players would continue enjoying the game on their own.
For him, the purpose of creating a living world within a game had been fulfilled.
A week later, Haze returned to the city where the Association's headquarters were located.
He was ready to begin accepting missions his sights set on earning a Hunter Star.
The prestige and influence of a Star Hunter within the Association were unmatched among ordinary Hunters.
After building his strength for so long, it was time to act and test his new powers.
His timing was perfect this year's Hunter Exam had just concluded.
He wanted to meet his new team first: specialists recruited by the Firth Family.
There were five in total six including Haze.
Every one of them was a Nen user. Every one of them a Hunter.
Two had just received their licenses and joined the Association a Firth Family requirement.
All of this was arranged for Haze's benefit.
Inside a suite owned by the mafia-connected hotel chain, Haze faced the five individuals, introduced himself, and began asking about their skills and areas of expertise.
"Feitan, 37 years old, Enhancement Type. My ability is called 'Emotional Aura.' Depending on my emotions, the nature and effects of my Nen attacks change."
The rugged man exhaled a puff of cigarette smoke, his sleeveless vest revealing thick arm hair.
Haze nodded.
"Anthony, 25. My ability's called 'Diabolic Observation.' Basically, under certain conditions, I can invade the target's mind, create illusions, and disrupt thought patterns. I'm good at extracting information or stealing secrets you could say I'm a Negotiation Hunter."
The second man spoke flashy haircut, confident posture, a rockstar attitude.
"Interesting…" Haze's eyes lit up as he looked at Anthony. "Your ability doesn't exactly match your appearance."
Anthony smirked. "Don't judge by appearances. The more you get to know me, the more you'll fall for my charm."
Haze chuckled. "I look forward to it."
"M-my name is G-Geb… vich…"
The third person, a young man with a nervous look, stuttered heavily.
Understanding, Haze raised a hand to interrupt gently, smiling warmly but Gebvich misunderstood, tears forming as he slumped into a corner like a scolded child.
Despite his demeanor, he was a skilled Nen user and a newly licensed Hunter at just 19.
His ability, "Telepathic Chat Group," allowed him to form mental communication links among multiple people within range essentially creating psychic walkie-talkies.
At first glance it seemed simple, but in environments where normal communication devices failed, it was invaluable for team coordination.
"Hi, Captain!"
A woman's energetic voice broke the tension.
She had bowl-cut hair, thick glasses, and dressed like a country girl bursting with enthusiasm.
"Very lively," Haze said, scratching his ear. "Hello."
"Present, Captain! I'm Rita, Manipulation Type, 23, single, from Sander Region my father is "
"Your ability," Haze interrupted.
"Yes, sir!" Rita straightened. "My ability is 'Rural Botanical Garden.' I can control and sense plants' states, analyze the environment through them, and use that data to detect potential threats."
Haze smiled. Another fascinating ability. David and Lily really had done their homework.
Anthony burst out laughing. "Manipulation? I thought a tomboy like you would be Enhancement!"
Rita didn't get angry. Instead, she calmly replied, "Department of Operations, sir."
Anthony laughed even harder. "You're funny! I like you already."
"Talk later," Haze cut in, turning his gaze to the last person.
And froze.
He knew her.
A girl with pink hair tied in buns, wearing a black mesh top, denim shorts, and a yellow headband the youngest of the group.
Menchi.
A Gourmet Hunter. Three years later, she would become an examiner in the 287th Hunter Exam almost eliminating every candidate.
A one-star Hunter, strict and uncompromising.
Though she wasn't one yet, her achievements and experience easily qualified her.
Among the five, her power rivaled Anthony's.
"Menchi, Materialization Type, 18 years old. My ability is 'Exquisite Cooking Tools' used to dissect, prepare, and cook all kinds of ingredients."
Haze smiled. He had always assumed she was an Emission Type. But Materialization fit her temperament better.
"You're not here for the Firth Family, are you?" he asked. "You came for me."
Menchi crossed her arms. "I've heard a lot about your exploits in the Association. I'm curious about this team you've formed."
Haze grinned. "Curious about the mission, not me personally?"
"You could say that."
"Fair enough. Welcome aboard."
Now he had his team:
A rugged middle-aged fighter.A charming, eccentric negotiator.A shy, stammering telepath.A passionate, country-born manipulator.And a sharp, strong-willed gourmet girl.
Five distinct personalities yet all powerful Nen users.
"Anyone who can wield Nen has already defied mediocrity," Haze thought. "Each of us has our own edge… our own conviction."
Anthony spoke up suddenly. "Since we're forming a team, shouldn't the captain be the strongest?"
Haze stood from the sofa, hands in his pockets. "You're asking why I should be captain?"
Anthony nodded. "Exactly."
Haze smiled faintly. "No reason. Just because I'm strong enough."
In the next instant, a crushing wave of psychic pressure flooded the room.
It was like a roaring tide suffocating, inescapable.
All five immediately fell into defensive stances, activating their Nen.
But under Haze's overwhelming aura, their minds trembled.
For a moment, the room itself seemed to darken.
To Menchi, it was as though Death itself stood before them.
Haze's Nen radiated raw killing intent heavy, suffocating, merciless.
Each of them felt it differently.
Anthony saw visions of his own death blood spraying across the floor again and again.
Then suddenly, Haze withdrew his aura. The room brightened once more.
He looked at Anthony, who was drenched in cold sweat, and smiled.
"Is that reason enough?"
Anthony exhaled shakily, raising his hand in defeat. "I admit it."
"Admit it." Feitan.
"Admit it!" Rita.
"Admit… it…" Gebvich.
Menchi's heart raced.
She'd made the right choice joining this team.
This man… just like Biscuit-senpai said.
She closed her eyes and nodded.
(End of Chapter)
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Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood: Under the Law of Equivalence
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