Whale Island.
"Alright, Gon! If you can catch the Lord of the Swamp, I'll allow you to take the Hunter Exam."
Aunt Mito sighed, her voice carrying both concern and resignation.
"The Lord of the Swamp? I can totally do it!"
Gon's eyes lit up, his face filled with excitement and determination.
Aunt Mito turned to the boy beside him—Li Mu, Gon's close companion since childhood.
"As for you, Li Mu... if you want to take the exam alongside Gon, then you'll have to defeat Morad, the master of the Yixin Dojo."
Li Mu nodded silently.
Originally from another world, Li Mu had inexplicably arrived on Whale Island and was taken in by Aunt Mito. Over time, he became Gon's closest friend and training partner.
"Aunt Mito, Master Morad is the strongest person on Whale Island!"
Gon added from the side, looking at Li Mu with a mix of awe and encouragement.
Aunt Mito chuckled, "What's wrong? Are you scared? If so, it's better to give up on the Hunter Exam now. You're both still young."
Gon stepped forward. "Even if Master Morad is strong, I believe in Li Mu! He can win!"
That confidence froze Aunt Mito's playful smile for a second.
"Thanks, Gon."
Li Mu placed a hand on Gon's shoulder. "I'll do my best. And I believe you'll catch the Lord of the Swamp too."
"Then let's both go all out!"
Gon grinned and dashed out the door, rod in hand, heading straight for the swamp.
"Gon, at least eat lunch first!"
Aunt Mito called out after him.
"I've got snacks in my pack!" Gon's voice echoed as he disappeared into the distance.
"This child…"
Aunt Mito shook her head, though her lips curled into a soft smile.
She turned back to Li Mu. "I'll pack a lunch. Bring it to him later, alright?"
"Okay," Li Mu nodded.
---
After lunch with Aunt Mito and Grandma Mitene, Li Mu made his way to the swamp. Gon was already perched on the massive tree overhanging the water, his eyes fixed on the still surface.
Li Mu leapt up onto the branches and sat beside him.
"I brought lunch. You'll need energy to reel in that monster."
Opening the bento box, the scent of fresh sushi filled the air.
Gon grinned. "Thanks! I was starving."
After eating, he let out a satisfied burp. "Mito's sushi is the best!"
Li Mu stood, brushing off leaves from his clothes. "Alright, I'll leave you to it. I'll be training on the lakeside. Holler if you need anything."
Gon nodded. "We're in this together, remember? Let's crush the Hunter Exam!"
---
On the lakeside clearing, Li Mu launched into an intense workout.
1,081… 1,082… 2,999… 3,000!
His sweat-soaked shirt clung to his toned body. Without pausing, he moved into sit-ups, training like a man possessed.
Evening came faster than expected. As the sun dipped below the trees, Li Mu returned to Gon, who was lounging on a tree branch.
"I hooked the Lord of the Swamp once—but it broke free."
"That's still impressive," Li Mu replied. "Next time, you'll be ready."
"Li Mu, do you think you can beat Master Morad?"
Gon asked curiously.
Li Mu shook his head. "Not yet. He's the real deal. I've seen him spar. But I'll keep training."
"What do you think the outside world is like?"
Li Mu looked to the sky. "They say it's filled with monsters, lost relics, ancient ruins, dangerous beasts, and unknown lands. It's dangerous… but incredible."
"Why do you want to become a Hunter?" Gon asked again.
"Because in this world, only Hunters get to live freely and chase their dreams."
Li Mu's eyes gleamed with determination.
"If fate dropped me into this world, then I'll make sure it remembers my name."
---
Later that night, Li Mu lay in bed, restless. In five days, the ship to the Hunter Exam would arrive. Time was running out.
I have to get stronger—fast.
Just then, a cold, mechanical voice echoed in his mind.
"Detected host's strong desire for strength. The One-Yuan Spike System has been activated."
"One-Yuan Spike System?"
Li Mu blinked.
This... this is just like the pay-to-win features from online games in my old world!
The voice continued:
"As a welcome gift, the host has received two spike chances."
A virtual panel appeared before his eyes—visible only to him.
---
[One-Yuan Spike Shop]
1. Frozen Fruit
From: One Piece
Effect: Grants the power of ice. The user becomes a Logia-type, immune to physical attacks.
Original Price: 3 Billion Rene
Spike Price: 1 Rene
2. Super Soldier Serum
From: Marvel
Effect: Enhances physical and mental capacity to the peak of human potential.
Original Price: 100 Million Rene
Spike Price: 1 Rene
3. 100 Explosive Tags
From: Naruto
Effect: Standard ninja explosive scrolls.
Original Price: 100,000 Rene
Spike Price: 1 Rene
---
Li Mu's lips curled into a slow, confident grin.
"The game's on."