Alex, unimpressed as Bruno reveals his table, plans to take a quick look and leave. His thoughts wander as he glances at the merchant’s setup. he muses,


    Alex reflects, Feeling reasonably satisfied with his earlier gains, Alex braces himself for yet another disappointment.


    But as the merchant dramatically reveals his wares, Alex is caught off guard. For the first time today, he’s genuinely impressed. Bruno’s table holds only three items, but all of them are recognized by the system.


    Alex’s heartbeat quickens, but he forces himself to stay calm, using every ounce of willpower he’s developed through rigorous Nen training to avoid showing his excitement.


    On the table before him, Alex sees a small [Soul Crystal], [Ben’s Knife], and [Ancient Rapier].


    His eyes dart toward the [Soul Crystal] first. he thinks, inwardly fighting the urge to grab it. Still pretending indifference, he moves his attention to the next item: [Ben’s Knife].


    [Ben’s Knife]


    Alex glances at the knife, his face neutral as he tries to act unimpressed. “This looks kinda cool,” he says casually, tilting his head. “Reminds me of the moon… or maybe a small scythe. It looks a bit girly and ornamental, but also kinda old.”


    Bruno smiles faintly, his expression unreadable.


    Alex shifts his gaze to the [Ancient Rapier], feeling a flicker of disappointment as he scans the stats.


    [Ancient Rapier]


    He analyzes the rapier, comparing it to his old friend, the [Solid Marine Saber], as he examines its various stats. he thinks.


    Alex acts like he’s deep in thought before finally saying, “Okay, merchant. Let me make this simple—I’m not like your type. I don’t like bullshitting, deceiving, or manipulating. If I want something, I’ll take it. These three items all interest me. Name your price.”


    The merchant’s smile broadens as he leans forward. “Oh, you’re interested in all three items? What an honor, my good sir hunter! Now then, what can we do about the price? Don’t worry, I won’t charge you too much; surely a powerful, mighty hunter like you can afford these with ease,” he says with a chuckle, clearly savoring the moment.


    He gestures toward the [Soul Crystal] first. “Let’s start with this mysterious crystal. You know as well as I do that it holds unknown powers, and there are collectors out there willing to pay handsomely for it. I won’t sell it for less than 50 million. No bargaining on this.”


    Next, he picks up the [Ancient Rapier] with a flourish. “Now, the rapier. This is a real antique, over 500 years old. It once belonged to a prestigious family from the Kakin Empire. It’s crafted from several rare ores only found in that region. My price is 75 million Jenny, and I won’t go lower.”


    Finally, the merchant picks up the beautiful and smooth [Ben’s Knife], his tone becoming more dramatic. “And now, the knife… It may look ‘old,’ as you put it, but it has a history—an extraordinary one at that. This piece was forged by Benny Delon, the infamous serial killer and blacksmith who murdered 288 victims, dedicating a knife to each one.


    “This particular knife, is unique compared to most of his works. While many of his creations are cruel and sinister, this one embodies beauty, hope, and positive emotion. You might find other Ben’s Knives for 5 to 10 million Jenny, but this is a rare, elegant masterpiece. I can’t tell you the full backstory, which slightly lowers its value, but I demand 150 million for it.


    “So, if you want everything, that will set you back 275 million Jenny. Can you afford it, Hunter?”


    Menchi, standing beside Alex, bursts into laughter. “Hahahaha! Are you serious? This is the worst scam attempt I’ve ever seen! No way in hell…”


    The merchant flinches at her reaction and quickly defends himself. “You… I’m sorry, but I haven’t lied! These items really are quite valuable, and I have to make a profit. I also have to justify this to my…”


    Before he can finish, Alex cuts him off. Without a word, Alex slams a suitcase filled with nearly 300 million Jenny onto the table. The thud echoes through the room.


    He only says one sentence: “Shut up and take my money.”


    “WHAT!” “WHAT?” Menchi and the merchant shout simultaneously, both stunned.


    Alex calmly counts out 275 million Jenny and then forcefully grabs all three items. His voice is filled with unrestrained joy as he shouts, “Deal is a deal—NO takesies backsies!”


    As the merchant stands there in disbelief, Alex adds, “I want more of this stuff! And I’m not just talking about weapons and armor. I want herbs, crafting materials, and anything rare or unique. Bring me whatever you can find—I’ll continue to pay handsomely!”


    The merchant, now fully elated, claps his hands together and celebrates. “Wonderful! I love customers who appreciate rare items like you! Of course, I’ll return soon with more treasures. You won’t be disappointed!”


    [System Detects Error - Mission Balance Integrity in Jeopardy]


    [Calling Administrator - Manual Override Required]


    Alex wonders, feeling a sudden sense of unease.


    [...]


    [...]


    [...]


    [Administrator 161: This player rightfully gained these items and is allowed to keep them. However, for balance’s sake, I will be cutting off further use of this particular merchant and the cooperation of the Hunter Association regarding further requests. These items are far too easily gained and were never intended to be within the scope of this mission. He shouldn’t even be allowed to be a fully recognized Hunter or have access to the Association’s full support. Well, it seems his initial innate skill was highly compatible with Nen, and his other innate skill pushed his Nen to exceptionally high levels. Still, I’ve seen worse abuses, and despite these advantages, he’s not as strong as some others, I have seen before. System, let him keep everything but implement my earlier decision—no more of this!]


    [Cutting off Player Alex Kerber’s access to Hunter Association cooperation regarding the acquisition of various items and services]


    [Also, revoking the power and influence of NPC Menchi, who acts as a Proxy to the Player]


    Alex thinks, his frustration enormous but quickly subsiding again.


    As if on cue, the merchant and all the others suddenly begin packing up their things. Alex hears them mumbling under their breath:


    “Need to leave… not allowed… to do more business.…”


    Menchi grabs Alex’s hand and drags him out of the room without warning. She doesn’t stop until they’re safely inside the elevator, heading back to floor 199.


    “That was close!” she exclaims, her voice filled with concern. “Do you realize what just happened? Someone, probably a strong manipulator, was clearly controlling those merchants! I know it wasn’t you, but somehow a conditional Nen ability was triggered by you. I just hope we’ll be okay.”


    Once they’re back in their hotel room, Alex finally decides it’s time to open up.


    “Menchi,” he begins, his tone serious, “I think it’s time for me to tell you the truth.”


    Menchi looks surprised but quickly regains her composure. “Finally. You didn’t seem too surprised earlier, and the merchants’ behavior didn’t even bother you. What’s going on?”


    “I…” Alex hesitates, then presses on. “I’m what you’d call an outsider. Take that however you want. I don’t belong here. I’ll be leaving soon… but I hope to come back someday. I can’t tell you much more than that. I ‘play’ by certain restrictions. It’s not that I don’t want to tell you—I’m not allowed. If I break the rules, I’d probably die. Let’s just say that the Ramen I gave you is from somewhere else entirely. I think that’s as much as I’m allowed to share. Sorry.”


    Menchi stares at him, her mind clearly racing. “Is this related to your weird abilities? During your fight, I noticed that your blade produced a frost effect not connected to that conjuration ability, and you almost magically sped up for no reason. I know your physical abilities and limits, but somehow, you surpassed them mid-fight.”


    Alex nods silently, confirming her suspicions.


    “I have just one question,” she says, her voice steady. “How can I go to that world? I need a new goal. Just being a good cook and gourmet hunter isn’t as exciting anymore—not since I’ve learned that magical food like that ramen exists.”


    Alex looks at her, surprised by her determination. “You obviously can’t… or wait…” He pauses, considering his options carefully. “Maybe… if you really wish for it with all your heart, there might be a way. I’m as sure as hell not allowed to tell you how, but if you desperately want it… I think I’ll see you again, even after I leave. It all depends on what you want—and on luck as well.”


    Menchi’s expression hardens into one of unshakable resolve. “Good. Then there’s no need to think about it. My intentions and my will are as clear and powerful as they can be!”


    Alex smiles but shakes his head. “I wouldn’t be too confident about this… but I think I’d really appreciate it if it happens.”


    Switching gears, he sits down and says, “Anyway, I’m going to take some time to study the videos Sua sent me. She found a suitable target for my next challenge, a floor master who is very likely to accept any challenge. Apparently, this guy openly brags about never refusing a challenge from anyone. I’ll aim for him next. I don’t have the luxury of picking a random floor master. Heavens Arena grants them a huge amount of preparation time, so even if I’m technically allowed to fight them, they could just abuse the rules to delay the match indefinitely.”


    Let’s see who my target is…. Sёarch* The N?velFire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.