Alex awakes as the airship begins to lift off the ground, thinking,


    He decides to use his free time until the airship arrives at its new destination to take stock of his current items, skills, and stats.


    First, Alex remembers that he obtained a white-quality chest from the examinee who tried to assault Eirini and Patricia during the last exam.


    Alex thinks.


    [Chest]


    Heavy Mace]


    Alex examines the [Heavy Mace], quite happy with it.


    Alex pauses, thinking, Alex reflects on his experiences and gains in this world.


    S~ea??h the n??el Fire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He takes stock of his new status and inventory. [285th Hunter Exam Application] and [Navigator’s Ticket] are redundant at this point and removed from his updated status. His [Energy Bars], [Lucky Miracle Clover], and [Miso Ramen with Extra Pork] were consumed. He received 10,000 FC and 1 Soul Crystal from Emma earlier, and an additional 1,000 FC from the chest he just opened. He also has 10 vials of [Two Headed Black Eel Poisonous Blood], 10 portions of [Diluted Gel’s Panacure], and the [Heavy Mace], which will likely be sold later.


    The airship continues flying steadily through the clouds. Alex checks his [Destiny Watch] and notices they’re surprisingly heading back toward the capital. Alex wonders, confused.


    Taking a walk around the airship, Alex spots Linus, Eirini, Patricia, and Shalnark sitting at a table, drinking coffee and tea. They immediately spot him and wave. Alex, despite being antisocial and reluctant to join, feels like he has little choice and relents.


    “Good morning,” he greets, sitting down.


    “Slept well?” Linus asks. “I’m glad you made it out alive after what happened last night. Good job surviving that.”


    “Thanks, I guess… I won’t stay up much longer. I’ll lie down again since today we probably won’t be doing anything,” Alex responds.


    “You already figured out where we’re headed?” Shalnark asks.


    “My bet is the bunker on the outskirts of the capital. Judging by our flight direction, I think so at least,” Alex replies.


    “I liked the underground carnival!” Eirini says, adding, “I couldn’t enjoy it because I was so worried about passing, but I’d love to visit again under different circumstances.”


    “I fear the next task won’t be as relaxed, if what Menchi said is true,” Patricia adds.


    Alex sighs. They continue to discuss and speculate as the day passes. Later, they hear a message: “Examinees, we will reach our target tonight. You will leave the airship at 6 AM tomorrow and will be escorted to your next exam site.”


    They talk a bit more before deciding to sleep early.


    At 6 AM, the 50 remaining examinees leave the airship. They soon realize they are back in front of the bunker where their first exam took place.


    They walk slowly back inside, descending into the bunker’s massive depths. Finally, they reach the same hall where the underground carnival was held. To their surprise, no trace of it remains. Instead, Alex vaguely makes out five large structures hastily assembled from metal containers or modular parts.


    “Oh no… this will suck, I bet,” Alex mutters under his breath.


    Suddenly, a man approaches the group. He wears a long white trench coat, gloves, and a police cap decorated with a flame motif.


    As soon as he arrives, Alex curses inwardly.


    “Hunter examinees! I am Bushidora Ambitious, a Single-Star Blacklist Hunter! It is my duty to judge whether you qualify to become hunters! Hunters are not just special individuals; they carry heavy responsibilities. It is their duty to uphold morality and help the common people! I will test myself whether you are ready to shoulder that responsibility.”


    Alex thinks.


    Bushidora clears his throat and loudly declares: “Now the theme for the fourth exam is: DEMOCRACY!”


    “...” Everyone is staring at him with a blank expression.