Time passed quietly like flowing water.
January 1, 1999.
In the early morning of Thousand Needle Forest Valley, a thin mist wound between the ancient tree canopies as usual.
Leo stood in front of the camp, looking at the undulating mountains in the distance, a trace of emotion suddenly arising in his heart.
It had been more than two years since he transmigrated to this world.
From initially struggling to survive in the Secret Realm 'Eternal Chamber' to now becoming a Two-Star Hunter, exterminating the Genei Ryodan, and becoming a Floor Master of Heavens Arena—these two-plus years of experience were more exciting than the twenty-plus years of his life before Transmigration.
He looked down at the tattoo on the back of his hand.
[Rank: Level 65 (7%)]
In five months, he had risen from Level 59 to Level 65.
The creatures in Thousand Needle Forest Valley had been mostly cleared out by him; those remaining were either too weak or too few in number, providing less and less Life Energy.
It was time to change locations, but that was for later.
Tonight was New Year's.
Leo took out his phone, looking at the string of names in his contacts, the corners of his mouth turning up slightly.
The first call was to Satz.
It rang three times before the call was picked up.
"Hello, Leo?"
Satz's voice came through the receiver, still in that steady and gentle tone.
"Mr. Satz, Happy New Year!"
Leo smiled.
"Happy New Year!"
Satz also laughed.
"I heard you were promoted to Two-Star Hunter, congratulations! I didn't expect your achievements to surpass mine so quickly; it's truly admirable."
Leo shook his head—though the other party couldn't see it.
"I wouldn't dare claim that. Mr. Satz, you are dedicated to the restoration and maintenance of various ruins, spending a lot of time, money, and energy; these merits are obvious to all. I believe you will also be promoted to Two-Star soon."
Satz gave a hearty laugh.
"I'll take your word for it. By the way, congratulations on becoming an examiner for this Hunter Exam. How is it, have you chosen the exam location yet?"
"I've chosen it. Mr. Satz, you are also one of the examiners for this term, right?"
Leo said, a meaningful smile on his lips.
Satz seemed to take an interest and teased him.
"Hmm? Do you need me to be a bit stricter and eliminate more Examinees? So it'll be easier when it's your turn?"
Leo also laughed.
"That's not necessary. I believe by the time it's my turn for the test, the number of Examinees will have already decreased significantly."
"By the way, what about Caspar and Serena?"
"Haha, true."
Satz replied.
"Are you looking for Caspar and Serena? They've both gone home for the New Year."
Leo nodded.
"I see, then I won't disturb you. See you at the Hunter Exam."
"Alright, see you."
After hanging up, Leo successively dialed Caspar and Serena's numbers.
Caspar's voice was very excited when he answered, rambling on for a long time about things at home and asking about Leo's recent experiences.
Leo spoke briefly, omitting the bloody details of the Phantom Troupe and only mentioning the part about Heavens Arena.
Serena's style was as bold and straightforward as ever.
As soon as the call connected, there was a barrage of complaints like "you brat, not contacting me for so long," and then hearing Leo was promoted to Two-Star Hunter, she said "good job" three times in a row.
Finally, she urged him to treat her to a meal when he had time before hanging up.
Leo then called Goreinu.
Goreinu was still traveling around the world at this time and shared some interesting things he had encountered during this period with Leo.
Leo also shared his promotion to Two-Star Hunter and becoming a Floor Master at Heavens Arena; Goreinu was greatly shocked, not expecting Leo's strength to have become so powerful. Goreinu became interested and said he would find him to hang out in a while.
Next was Sophia.
"Master!"
Sophia's voice was still crisp and loud, with faint background noise.
"Happy New Year!"
"Happy New Year,"
Leo said.
"Where are you guys?"
"At Heavens Arena!"
Sophia said.
"Shizuku is here too. That kid Nico has already fought his way to the 200th floor, so I've officially taken him as an apprentice and am teaching him the basics of Nen. Mr. Uvogin is also here; the few of us spar every day, it's quite lively!"
Leo smiled.
"How is Uvogin doing?"
"Very strong!"
Sophia's voice became a bit more serious.
"His talent is really good, and he's especially hardworking. He's the first to wake up for training every day and the last to rest. Nico is so stimulated by him he doesn't dare to slack off."
"That's good."
Leo paused.
"Let Nico take the phone."
After a rustling sound, Nico's voice came through.
"Grandmaster Leo! Happy New Year!"
"Happy New Year,"
Leo said.
"I heard you've reached the 200th floor, not bad."
Nico's voice was filled with irrepressible joy.
"It's all thanks to the good teaching of you, Grandmaster, and Master Sophia!"
"Alright, stop flattering me,"
Leo said.
"I have a task for you—participate in this year's Hunter Exam."
The other end of the phone was quiet for a second.
Then Nico's voice rang out, with a hint of confusion.
"This year's... Hunter Exam?"
"Yes," Leo said.
"With your current strength, getting a license shouldn't be a problem. Go give it a try."
Nico took a deep breath, his voice becoming firm.
"Yes! I definitely won't let down your expectations!"
"Mm. Put Uvogin on the phone."
A few seconds later, Uvogin's voice came through, steady and respectful.
"Master Leo."
"Uvogin,"
Leo said.
"How do you feel?"
"Very good,"
Uvogin said.
"I'm making progress every day. Young Miss Sophia and Young Miss Shizuku are both very strong, and I've gained a lot from sparring with them. Nico is also very hard-working; he's a good prospect."
Leo nodded.
"That's good. By the way, since you've joined the team, you're one of us from now on. If anything comes up, talk to Sophia and the others directly; don't be polite."
Uvogin was silent for a second, and then his voice became even more solemn.
"I understand. Thank you, Master Leo."
After a few more words, the call was hung up.
Leo looked at the phone screen, feeling somewhat emotional.
Two years ago, he was still all alone.
Now, he already had partners like Sophia, Shizuku, Nico, and Uvogin.
The last two calls were to Machi Komacine and Kansai.
Both were busy and only chatted briefly before hanging up.
Machi Komacine said he was preparing Materials for a certain hearing, and Kansai said he was protecting the safety of a political figure.
After hanging up the phone, Leo put it away, looked at the night sky, and closed his eyes to sleep.
A new year, a new beginning.
The next day, January 2, 1999.
Leo packed his gear and took one last look at the camp where he had stayed for five months.
The simple wooden shack, the embers of the campfire, and the paths he had trodden around it—all would be left here.
He turned and strode into the forest.
Three days later, Hunter Association Headquarters.
Leo walked out of the airport, the familiar outline of the building coming into view.
The metal and marble structure gleamed with a cold, hard luster in the sunlight, with staff and Hunters bustling back and forth.
He walked straight to the front desk and found the staff member in charge of Hunter Exam preparations.
"Mr. Leo!"
The staff member was a young woman; her eyes brightened slightly upon seeing Leo.
"Hello! Mr. Satotz already informed us that you would be coming. May I ask what you need?"
Leo took a list from his pocket and handed it to her.
"I need these items. They are for the Hunter Exam."
The staff member took the list, scanned it quickly, and nodded without asking much.
"Alright, I will have them ready as soon as possible."