Capítulo 11: Chapter 11: Up For Eggs
Me and Nicholas soon enter the forest to search for pigs. Catching a pair of Great Stamps is gonna be easy with my knowledge.
"Hey, Nicholas, come here." I call out.
"You called, boss?" Nicholas responds happily.
"Do you have any cooking research on your computer or your database at all?" I ask.
"Of course, boss. Based on the evidence from previous exams, I predicted that a survival setting could happen, so I researched this topic." He replies.
"Alright, good. I want you to use your data brokers to tell us about any herbs that could be found in these forests and that can help us pass the test." I instruct.
"You got it, boss. Give me five minutes." Nicholas says as he start typing away on his laptop.
After a short wait, Nicholas turns to me with a look of accomplishment.
"Alright, here it is. They say there are a couple of spices that can be found in the Biska Forest. One of them is called Phoenix Pepper, which is so hot that it burns your taste buds, but then, once settled, returns the taste buds to normal almost in seconds, squeezing the most out of the flavor of the meat and making it taste extremely savory."
"And where is it supposed to be located?" I ask.
"It's In the east of Biska Forest, boss. If we head to the east, there should be a nest of red-beak chickens that feed on the pepper." Nicholas informs me.
"Anything else we should know before we head there?" I inquire.
"The only things we should take into account is that the chickens run in packs and can shoot fire, sir." Nicholas answer somewhat uncomfortable.
"Alright, good to know. Once we take care of these chickens and get the Phoenix Pepper, we'll catch up with the others." I say.
"Very well, boss. I'll lead the way this time." Nicholas replies confidently.
We make our way east through the dense forest. The air was thick with the scent of vegetation and the sounds of wildlife, but it is much easier than navigating through the Swindler's Swamp. As we move deeper into the forest, the trees grow taller and the underbrush gets thicker.
It isn't long before we encounter the red-beak chickens nest.
True to Nicholas's information, they are gathered around a cluster of vibrant red peppers. The chickens are larger than I expected (more or less Nicholas height), with feathers that shimmer like flames and beaks that glow a fiery red.
"Alright, Nicholas, stay back. I'll handle this." I say, preparing to use my Nen.
"Yes, boss. " He answers.
Activating my aura, I focus on Gyo to enhance my vision and see the subtle flows of energy around the chickens. Their fiery nature make them dangerous creatures.
As I approach slowly, one of the chickens notice me. It squawks and launch a small fireball in my direction.
I dodge quickly, rolling to the side and closing the distance between us. Using my short sword covered in aura, I deflect another fireball and struck at the chicken, aiming for its neck. With a swift, precise cut, I brought it down.
The rest of the pack reactes aggressively, but I am ready. Using my speed and agility, I move through the flock, dodging their fiery attacks and striking with precision. Nicholas watches in awe, staying clear of the fight.
After a few intense minutes, the last of the chickens lay defeated. I gather the Phoenix Peppers, their heat radiating in my hands.
"We've got the peppers. Now, let's find some pork." I say putting the peppers in my bag and catching my breath.
Nicholas nods, clearly impressed. "You're amazing, boss. With these peppers, our dish will be unbeatable."
With the Phoenix Peppers secured, we head to search for wild pigs. It isn't long before we find a group of Great Stamps in a clearing. As soon as they see us, they let out their loud high-pitched growl and charge at us.
Using my canon knowledge, I easily defeat one of them by hitting his forehead, and I advise Nicholas to do the same. Although he initially runs away from the Great Stamp in fear, after a while he gathers his courage and tries to defeat it, succeeding after a few attempts.
With Nicholas having achieved the objective, we each grab our Great Stamp (which turns out to be quite a bit lighter than one would expect), and make our way back to the exam site.
Upon returning, we see the other applicants preparing their dishes. Like in the 2011 version, all they did was scorching the pigs under the fire, lacking dedication and passion. We quickly set up our cooking stations and get to work.
Nicholas uses the data he's recollected about cooking techniques to assist me. We season the pork with the Phoenix Peppers, adding other herbs and spices we found in the forest. The aroma of our sizzling pans is intoxicating, a mix of savory and spicy that makes our mouths water.
As we cook, I notice how the other examinees start bringing their plates up. They come in droves, each one with full bad roasted pigs.
Each dish looks like it, with some poorly decorated and others presented as is. Even though Buhara eat all the dishes brought up, Menchi looks at them with disgust and chooses to not try any of them.
Kurapika's dish is a little different compared to the rest. He has cut the pork into many slices and added other vegetation from the forest as spices. Menchi finally try a dish, deciding it's worth a try. However, her face soon turns to disgust.
"IT'S DISGUSTING!!!" she screams throwing the dish, which is caught by Buhara. "It's important that the dish looks good, but only if it tastes good too. You're just as bad as #403!"
After Menchi rejects Kurapika's pork slices, our dish is finally ready. We present the giant meal to the Gourmet Hunters: Pork tenderloin seasoned with Phoenix Pepper sauce with cooked rice as a side dish.
"Wow, it seems someone else has tried to cook a real dish. But why are you two here at the same time?" Menchi asks with the same indifference she showed towards Kurapika.
"Well, we've gathered the ingredients and cooked it together. So whether we pass or not, it's something we want to take on together." I answer her very nervously, trying to look away from her voluptuous and barely covered body.
"Just like the boss says. Judge us together, please." Nicholas says nervous too but for different reasons.
"Very well, if that's what you want. Let's see if it isn't also a disappointment." Menchi says, sticking her fork into the dish.
She and Buhara take a bite, chewing it slowly with their eyes closed and savoring every taste it has.
'Although Menchi looks satisfied with our dish, a single-star Gourmet Hunter is what we are talking about. She has eaten all kinds of food around the world.' I nervously think while waiting for Menchi evaluation.
Suddenly, their eyes widen in surprise and delight.
"This is incredible! The meat has been cooked with attention to temperature and roasting time, seasoned with the right balance of salt and spices! And this sauce... is made from Phoenix Pepper, right?!" I nod stiff at Menchi, who has a big smile of excitement and satisfaction on her face. "You two must certainly have great ability to have dealt with the red-beak chickens guarding them."
"And not only that, but I can also detect the vegetables dissolved in the sauce in its flavor and fragrance. You've certainly passed our test. This dish is exceptional." She says lifting the sign of O along with Buhara, having left the plate empty.
Buhara looks at Menchi with a squinted eye. 'Menchi isn't the type to say something like that. It looks like she's been impressed by the dish these guys served. Well, I also like it though.'
With their approval, we know we have passed the second phase of the exam. Nicholas and I exchange a triumphant glance. We have done it, thanks to our teamwork and strategic use of resources.
The other applicants look at us with envy that we have passed, and curiosity about what the dish tasted for it to pass the picky Menchi taste. 'What's so special about them? Are they professional chefs or something?' Some of the failed examinees think.
"Alright. Seeing that they're the last applicants, this phase is over." Menchi declares. "Only #15 and #187 passed my test and will move on to the next phase. The rest of you can go home; you've failed. There's no next phase for you." At Menchi's words, the candidates burst into words of complaint and disbelief.
Point of View Switch: Satotz
'Just as I feared, she reverted back to her bad habits as usual. This won't do.' Satotz thinks from atop a tree, observing everything unfold. 'I'll have to call the chairman.' He thinks as he takes out his phone and starts calling.
"Hello. We have a problem," Satotz said into his phone. "there are only two applicants left for the second phase. The other applicants don't seem to think it's fair, saying that they met the criteria of bringing pork and actually cooking it. So what should we do?"
Point of View Switch: Chairman
"What should we do now, chairman?" Beans asks holding the phone.
"Well, I guess I have no choice. I'll have to make an appearance to settle this once and for all. She won't listen to anyone else." The chairman says standing up before ending the call.
Point of View Switch: Kai
As we make our way back to the exam site, we are met with loud cries of dissatisfaction.
"Nobody passed?" One applicant asks aloud.
"Does she actually mean what she just said? That none of us but two passed? Isn't that a little too outrageous?" Another applicant questions.
"Is the exam really over then?" Another asks.
"You've got to be kidding me. That doesn't seem fair at all." Yet another adds.
As this was going on, a loud boom is heard as someone destroys the equipment. "This is unacceptable! Do you hear me? I won't accept this farce!" Todo the wrestler shouts.
Menchi responds, "Say what you want, but you all still failed. Well, all but two." She says smiling at Nicholas and me.
Examinee Todo retorts, "You shut your damn trap! You asked for pork and we gave it to you! We risked our lives to catch enough food for you!"
Menchi fired back, "Your challenge was to prepare a pork dish that both examiners would find delicious, not just one. He might have said yes to all your dishes, but I sure didn't. And to be honest, none of you even came close to succeeding but two."
"You all did pretty much the same exact thing as the rest of the applicants. You had no original ideas. And your cooking was bland. Those of you who tried to decorate did so half-heartedly. It's clear to me that none of you took this exam seriously."
Hanzo interjected, "Yeah, but come on, it's pork. No matter how you cook it, it's still just gonna be pork."
"No matter how you cook it, it's still just pork?" Menchi echoes mockingly. "You want to say that one more time?" She threateningly asks Hanzo, grabbing him by his clothing and looking at him with an irritated look.
Buhara, the giant man, watches Menchi's temper flare. 'Hah, there goes Menchi again letting her temper get the better of her." He thinks to himself.
'But I guess it's no surprise. There are only a few chefs who can satisfy her. The #294 should be thankful that there was someone who could please her demanding taste buds, or else her reaction would have been much worse.'
Menchi continues as she sits on the cushion chair, "So as I was saying, not a single one of you had the guts to create something different or new."
The applicant Todo shouts again, "Shut your trap! I'm not here to be a gourmet cook, but a Hunter!"
The crowd chims in agreement, "Yeah, tell her, Todo!"
"My goal is to become a Blacklist Hunter. No stupid Gourmet Hunter is gonna tell me I can't." Todo proclaims.
"Well, that's too bad because that stupid Gourmet Hunter is your examiner. Better luck next year, fatso." Menchi says.
"What did you say? Don't mess with me!" Todo charges towards Menchi, anger burning in his face.
Just when he was within range, Buhara intervenes, sending Todo flying with one swipe of his hand. Using Gyo, I see that Buhara used a bit of his Nen to pack more of a punch.
Menchi protests, "Buhara, please don't interfere in my affairs."
Buhara defends his actions, "Sorry, but you were looking pretty angry. I'm pretty sure you would've killed him if I didn't step in."
"Probably, but let's get this straight. We Gourmet Hunters face ferocious beasts for the finest ingredients." Menchi says, starting juggling a large amount of knives while making them spin at high speeds.
"Every Hunter is proficient in at least some martial arts, and those who won't focus and experiment with new things disqualify themselves from becoming Hunters." Menchi asserts stopping juggling her knives.
As I look at the reaction of the rest of the examinees, I see Hisoka preparing his J of Hearts card, 'I'd be worried if I didn't know what is coming next.' I think.
"Examiner Menchi! You can't just pass two applicants and tell the others they failed. That won't be enough for what we have planned." A loud voice suddenly booms, making everyone look up to see where it's coming.
In the sky, we see a blimp, with one applicant noticing the symbol of the Hunter Association on its side. "Hey, that blimp is from the Hunter Association!" He points out.
"It's the judging committee!" Another applicant adds.
Just as they finish speaking, a black dot descends from the sky, growing larger and larger. Soon, it becomes clear that it is a humanoid form, who crashes into the ground, causing dust to fly everywhere.
As the dust settles, a man with a long goatee and traditional martial artist clothes, white with blue stripes, stands there.
"Wait, who is that?" One of the applicants asks.
Menchi corrects him, "That's the head of the exam committee, and is responsible for the Hunter Exam itself. That's Chairman Netero."
Here it is—the man who was once considered the pinnacle of human power, Isaac Netero. Even if Gon's Adult Form possessed more raw power than him in his prime, Netero experience and skillset made him more powerful than that transformation.
His arrival brings a wave of calm and anticipation, not only for me, but for all the examinees. The determination that I feel at seeing him, is different from what I feel when I stare at the protagonists; I don't want to prove myself at him, I want to surpass him.
Despite my excitement, at activating my Gyo I can see the stillness and tranquility of his aura, without any movement or disturbance at all. This brings me back to earth, making me understand the very long road ahead of me.
Netero responds to Menchi, "Possible, yes, but I prefer to work behind the scenes. I only act to solve this kind of problems. Examiner Menchi."
"Yes, sir." Menchi replies.
Netero continues, "Did you fail them because you thought they lacked the will to challenge the unknown?"
"No... I steamed when an applicant insulted the Gourmet Hunters, disrespecting the arts and crafts of cooking, and I made the test harder than necessary." Menchi answers.
"So you understand that you failed the mission ordered to you?" Netero asks.
"Yes, I do, sir. I'm sorry. When it is a food-related topic, I tend to forget my role and let my dysfunctional attitude affect my judgment. I've failed as an examiner. I'll resign my post, and withdraw my decision!" Menchi exclaims.
Before Netero can respond, I intervene. "Wait, miss examiner, you said we passed, remember? It wouldn't be fair to make us do the test all over again, would it?"
Netero nods. "Well, these two should be exempt from what we're going to do next. They did pass, even with you as the examiner."
"Yes, it's right." Menchi responds with a kind smile.
"Okay. As for you, it would be difficult to find another examiner at this point. Instead, I'd like you to stay on as examiner. However, you'll also participate in the new test you choose, to set an example for these examinees. How does that sound?" Netero asks.
"I'm sure that will help the applicants accept the results."
"That's true..." Menchi replies. "So, to make it easier on you all, this time we're doing boiled eggs!" Menchi announces surprising the examinees.
"Mr. Chairman, can you give us a ride to Split Mountain in his blimp?" She asks, pointing at the airship.
Netero retorts, "Split Mountain? Yes, of course. All applicants, please follow me to the blimp."
Each of the applicants board the blimp one after the other. Soon, the blimp takes off, ascending quickly. We watch the ground disappear as we fly north until we reach our destination; Split Mountain.
The blimp lands near a gash in the mountain. I and Nicholas got off to see the test is going to unfold. Upon closer inspection, the gash looks even deeper, as if the mountain was cut in half by a giant sword (In this world it would be a real possibility).
"Okay, applicants, here it will be. Don't worry. There's a very deep river underneath, so if you fall, you won't die. But do worry, because the current is very strong, so try not to fall in unless you want to be whiked out to the sea." Menchi instructs as she jump in the gash.
Seeing her jump, I get a little surprised. I remember this part of the exam clearly, but it still seem a little extreme. Luckily for me and Nicholas, we don't have to do that.
Netero starts his explanation, "Menchi jumped to get a Spider Eagle egg, an indigenous species that lives on Split Mountain."
"These birds builds their nests in deep ravines, where they hang their eggs in webs in order to protect them from predators. This makes them one of the most difficult ingredients to obtain, earning them the name of legendary eggs."
The rest don't quite understand what Menchi is doing, so they get closer to the edge to see what´s happening. Soon, they see Menchi descending through the air. She grabs hold of the webbing, hunging upside down to get impulse and stand on the web. Then she gathers the eggs one by one, runs on the web and climbs back up.
'It's even more impressive watching her do it in heels.' I think in awe of her performance.
"Very well. As you saw, that's how you take the eggs. Then all you have to do is boil them, and you will finish the test." Menchi says.
Killua and Gon exclaims loudly, "That was so cool! I can't wait to try it! LET'S GO!" The four main characters in their group takes the first dive into the mountain cliff.
Nicholas is a little scared but relieved that we don't have to be a part of this portion of the test. I try to calm him down.
We are soon called by Netero. "Hey, you two, come over here." We approach him at his request. "You must be great cooks to pass Menchi's test. I commend you for your good work."
"You know, I won't stop you if you want to be a part of the test. It'll be a fun experience." Netero adds.
"Yeah, I'm not really interested in risking my life if I don't have to. It's an interesting way of doing things, though." I reply.
"I see. Well, you never know what life will bring you, young one. How about you, #187?" Netero asks.
"The same thing, I pass." Nicholas says a little startled. "I'm not interested in being a Gourmet Hunter at all. I'm more of a Blacklist Hunter, you know? But don't get me wrong, I now understand what the boss was saying and I respect the Gourmet Hunters just as much."
"Hmm. I see you have big dreams. Then I wish you the best of luck with the rest of the exam." Netero says.
Soon, most of them capture the eggs they need and return to the top of the mountain. They then boil their eggs in a pot of water large enough to fit all the eggs and cook them for a few minutes. Menchi also puts regular eggs from chickens into the pot.
When they are finished, Menchi gives each applicant one of both eggs. "Okay, now that you have your eggs, I want you to compare the regular egg to the Spider Eagle egg. Oh, and you two," She says pointing to me and Nicholas, to our suprise, "here you have." She says offering one of both eggs to each of us.
"Why do you give them to us?" I ask in confusion as we take them.
"Consider it my thanks for the good food you provided me. Phoenix Peppers aren't easy to obtain, so I know you have the right attitude for being great Hunters." As she says this, she digs through her shorts, picking up a piece of paper with a phone number on it.
"Take me out to lunch sometime if you find anything appetizing again." She says with a wink at the end before walking off to the other examinees, leaving me with a blush on my face.
"Wow, boss. I didn't know you were a ladies man too." Nicholas says beside me trying to tease me.
"Shut up!" I shout with my face completely red from the embarrassment.
As I take a bite, the flavor is out of this world. The egg is savory, greasy, yet sweet, and much creamier on the inside than a regular egg.
Other applicants have similar expressions, some even exclaiming loudly about how great it tastes. Even Todo, who didn't participate in the test, is forced to concede.
"That's right," Menchi says. "I made you understand the joys of discovering new, exotic foods. That's what we Gourmet Hunters do. We risk our lives for it."
"So with that, those who participated in this portion of the exam have passed, which means all of you qualify! I wish you luck in the next phase! That goes for all of you, of course!" Menchi exclaims.
With the second phase completed, we are one step closer to becoming true Hunters.
45 examinees are left for the third phase of the Hunter Exam.
REFLEXIONES DE LOS CREADORES 
David_Arenas
David_Arenas I've changed Menchi's reaction to Hanzo from what is canon. Tell me in the comments if you like it or if you prefer it to be changed. Also, the Split Mountain part is more based on the manga. The wind currents in the ravine were going to be very complicated to include.
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