"Don't hurt Mom!!"
The girl—previously the hostage—shrieked, throwing herself in front of the female Kiriko.
Ryker's fist stopped an inch from her nose.
Whoosh.
The wind pressure alone carved a fist-sized crater into the wall behind her. The girl collapsed, her mind blank with terror.
"We... we are the Navigators..."
The male Kiriko groaned, struggling to stand up from the wreckage. His voice trembled.
Fifteen minutes later.
"So that's the situation... We are the Navigators appointed by the Association. We test applicants to see if they are worthy. We just didn't expect... a monster like you to show up this year. Cough... I mean, a candidate of such caliber."
The male Kiriko, now sporting a swollen face and several missing teeth, explained pathetically.
"The young master definitely held back," the mother Kiriko sighed, nursing her bruises. "Otherwise, we wouldn't be having this conversation."
They were terrified.
Usually, they would evaluate the candidates based on empathy, observation, and teamwork. But now?
"You all pass! Definitely pass! 10/10!" the father Kiriko declared hastily.
"But we didn't do anything?" Gon tilted his head. "Why do we pass?"
"You are friends with Him," the Kiriko pointed a shaking claw at Ryker. "If you can be friends with such a powerhouse, you must be extraordinary too. Our family has unanimously decided you are worthy! In fact, why don't we take you to the exam site right now? Tonight! No delays!"
"Yes, yes! Immediately!" the mother agreed, nodding so hard her neck cracked.
They were desperate to get this walking calamity out of their house before he decided to remodel the basement with their bones.
The son and daughter—the "injured man" and the "hostage"—stared at their parents in shock. They had never seen the fierce Guardians of the Forest grovel like this.
"Are your injuries okay?" Kurapika asked, his conscience pricking him. "Maybe we should rest tonight and go tomorrow..."
"NO!" both parents shouted in unison.
"Your exam is the most important thing! These wounds? Scratches! We go now!"
Ryker smiled pleasantly. "Well, if you insist. Oh, and before we go, could I get your contact info? You guys were so helpful. Once I become a Pro Hunter, I'd love to come back and thank you properly."
A renewable source of [Shapeshifting] shards? Can't let that slide away.
"Th-thank us?" The father Kiriko shuddered.
"Dear, just give him the number! Quickly!" the mother hissed.
Trembling, they handed over a contact card. Then, the entire Kiriko family escorted the Ryker squad to Zaban City at breakneck speed, praying to whatever gods they worshipped that he wouldn't hit them again.
Zaban City.
The journey took all night. They arrived at a bustling metropolis teeming with life.
The streets were packed with vendors, tourists, and shady characters. The father Kiriko, now shapeshifted into a generic human guide, led the way, while the rest of his family fled back to the mountains as fast as their legs could carry them.
"They left in a hurry," Gon noted. "Almost like they were scared of us."
"Haha... imagine that..." the guide laughed nervously.
He stopped in front of a towering skyscraper that pierced the clouds.
"Wow! That's huge!" Leorio gawked. "This must be it! A building worthy of the Hunter Exam!"
"The gathering place for the world's elite..." Kurapika murmured, awestruck.
"My dad must have stood here too," Gon whispered.
"Actually... sorry," the guide interrupted, looking pained. "The exam site is over here. The BBQ restaurant."
He pointed to a greasy spoon diner next to the skyscraper.
"WHAT?!" Leorio exploded. "You're joking! A roadside dive? This is where the world's toughest exam is held? Are you messing with me?"
"It's Association policy to keep a low profile," the guide apologized. "Mr. Ryker, if you please..."
"Let's go," Ryker waved his hand, stepping towards the diner. "This is it. Oh, and Guide? We're starving. Since you're the host, you wouldn't mind treating us to a pre-exam meal, would you?"
"Of... of course! My treat!" The guide forced a smile that looked more like a grimace.
They entered the small shop. The smell of roasting meat filled the air. A chubby chef flipped steaks behind the counter.
"Is the back room open?" the guide asked, using the code phrase. "I'll have the steak combo for four."
The chef looked up, his eyes scanning the group. "Wait... usually you just drop them off. You're... ordering food?"
"Yes! And make sure they are full! Put it on my tab!"
The guide slapped a frog-skin wallet onto the counter.
The chef blinked. This particular Kiriko was known for being stingy and bad-tempered. Since when did he pay for candidates?
"Uh... sure. What can I get you boys?"
"I'll take a steak!" Gon chirped.
"Half a roast lamb for me!" Leorio added.
"Thirty orders of your best premium wagyu beef," Ryker said calmly.
The entire restaurant went silent. The chef dropped his tongs.
"Thirty...?"
"Don't worry, my appetite is excellent," Ryker grinned at the guide. "Mr. Fox, you don't mind, do you?"
"N-no! Not at all! Chef, give him whatever he wants! Just keep him happy!" The guide cried, tears welling in his eyes as he mentally calculated the bill.
"You're a good person," Ryker said, patting the disguised beast on the shoulder. "Thanks."
Ryker wasn't just being greedy. With [Monstrous Strength] (Gold), his caloric needs had skyrocketed. He needed fuel. And if the local landlord was paying? He was going to eat like a king.