Chapter 66: Pride and Prejudice

A few days later, in an enclosed training ground.

A row of special soldiers stood at attention.

Outside the field, several high-ranking officers of the military stood ready and waiting.

Today's weather was decent, but the morning brought a bit of a cold wind, occasionally kicking up dust across the grounds.

"Do you think… he can really do it?"

One military leader looked at his colleague, voicing doubt.

Clearly, he was referring to Xiang Nan.

Xiang Nan had indeed only recently become a Nen user, but from his battle record—and from what Garo and others had disclosed—it seemed Xiang Nan had long possessed a detailed understanding of the Nen-user world, particularly of battles between Nen users.

He had a talent far surpassing the average.

Yet being personally strong didn't necessarily mean he also had a gift for nurturing others. Just because you're an academic genius doesn't mean you can be a good teacher.

Initially, the Republic of Padokea had wanted to attempt an assembly-line approach to producing large numbers of Nen users, but eventually found such notions simply a fantasy.

Aptitude, inborn nature—these appeared to be the fundamental keys to becoming a Nen user.

Possibly there exist special methods to mass-produce Nen users, but at least the Republic of Padokea wasn't aware of any.

"Leaving aside Nen users, just look at what he's done in our military district—he indeed has made significant achievements, whether in the medical field or in combat. He's managed to train up some fairly outstanding personnel. Relying on him now is our 'shot in the dark' approach…"

Another officer let out a long breath, sounding helpless.

"Here they come!" someone spoke up.

Everyone turned their gaze forward, seeing a military car drive in and come to a stop. The door opened, and Xiang Nan—clad in his signature black windbreaker—stepped out, striding toward the field.

He didn't bother greeting those leaders, heading straight for the formation of Nen-user soldiers.

Of course, Xiang Nan's appearance drew the soldiers' attention as well.

They'd been summoned here today, presumably for some special operation.

Word was that the higher-ups had found them a "coach."

As for Xiang Nan's reputation, most of them had at least heard something… The man standing before them was, over the past year or so, the brightest star in Bartochia's military, enjoying tremendous prestige. Rumor had it he'd made numerous contributions, benefiting the entire armed forces, and had broken many records.

He was only thirty years old—quite young for someone of his position.

"An assessment, maybe?"

"Not sure…"

"So he's also a Nen user, like us? Did the military train him up as well? But… his aura seems pretty average…"

"Regardless of his personal strength, he's our superior officer. Don't be so casual—show some respect."

"I heard the higher-ups say whoever wins against him in this test might get a special commendation, an award of distinguished service…"

"Hah… there's so many of us—wouldn't that be a bit unfair to him?"

The soldiers all eyed Xiang Nan, murmuring softly among themselves—but outwardly maintaining a stern, soldierly facade.

Meanwhile, Xiang Nan himself only needed one quick glance over this neatly aligned group to form a judgment.

From the start, as soldiers, they were indeed different from the typical Nen users out there—both in appearance and aura. They looked extremely disciplined, wearing uniformed training gear, eyes sharp… exuding a certain killing edge.

But…

Xiang Nan shook his head, looking disappointed.

His reaction was obvious to see, and the leaders observing from the sidelines all caught it.

He made no effort to hide his disapproval.

"Hello, all. Our first meeting… Let me introduce myself. My name is Xiang Nan. Presumably you've heard of me. Today, having you all called here, you can guess the reason, so no need for me to explain in detail."

Xiang Nan stopped in front of the lineup and spoke calmly.

Just that shake of his head a moment ago caused about ten or so soldiers to fail at masking their displeasure, looking mildly annoyed.

"You there, step out."

Xiang Nan directed one man, ordering him forward.

The soldier in question, a typical white man with a bald head and muscular build, nearly two meters tall, stepped out as instructed. Yet the gaze he sent Xiang Nan brimmed with defiance and scorn.

"How long have you been a Nen user?"

Xiang Nan asked.

"Four years," the bald man responded curtly.

"Four years, huh…"

Xiang Nan smiled faintly. "After becoming a Nen user… what've you been doing?"

Even before the soldier replied, Xiang Nan continued: "No need to say—I can guess. Guarding special officials, essentially an assigned bodyguard, correct? Or else performing certain private missions for the army—assassinations, captures, reconnaissance, etc.…?"

"…"

The big man said nothing.

"How many times have you actually fought against other Nen users—those outside your own ranks? I don't mean sparring with your fellow soldiers but real outsiders."

"Five."

"Five times in four years, an average of once a year. Judging by your style of missions, none of them would have been especially dangerous. So presumably most of your time is just wasted. Because you haven't had a 'special environment' that drives positive growth. Not just you—all of you should be the same."

Xiang Nan concluded confidently.

"Huh, well, as soldiers we just follow commands. Top brass arranges our missions. We don't feel we're wasting anything."

The bald man's tone had obviously turned cold.

"Indeed… your sense of duty is commendable."

Xiang Nan nodded in mild praise.

"Let me ask one last thing: as the army's Nen-users, presumably you know about Heaven's Arena, and that it's crawling with hands-on Nen fighters. With your free time, why not go over there to fight them? It'd be interesting, right? A direct way to hone your understanding of Nen and how to judge an opponent's strength—"

"Heaven's Arena?" someone in the group chuckled aloud, a mocking undertone.

"That place is stuffed with trash… what's the point?"

The big bald man, looming a head taller than Xiang Nan, retorted.

"I see."

Xiang Nan gave up on further questions.

They were soldiers, with strengths such as obedience, grit, a better-than-average baseline.

But they also had glaring flaws—prejudice and conceit.

Without any actual experience, they already looked down on so-called "wild" Nen users—like those from the underworld.

"Alright then—let's begin. I'm pressed for time. Calling you here is for just one purpose. All thirteen of you, each having trained in Nen longer than me, and apparently rather confident in your skills. If you want to earn credit… well, just beat me."

Xiang Nan said simply.

"But let me warn you all: this trial is a death match… meaning some of you might die here. So you'd best use everything you've got—don't hold back."

"A death match?"

The bald man's face remained stoic, though his eyes sharpened. "Sir, we don't care. But if something happens to you—someone so high up, wouldn't that be a big loss to the army?"

Xiang Nan laughed.

He gestured toward the few leaders on the sidelines.

"Don't worry—I've already cleared it with them. You can go all-out. If I die, that just means my skill was lacking, and I have no complaints."

"Heh."

Hearing that, the bald soldier finally grinned, baring a row of white teeth.

He'd been waiting for Xiang Nan to say so, wanting a formal assurance.

He didn't want trouble from top brass afterward.

"Honestly, I get excited at the thought of thrashing a high-and-mighty officer like you."

the man said, cracking his knuckles.

"Mmm-hmm…"

Xiang Nan nodded affably, his face full of smiles.

"But let me clarify: you're not just thrashing me—you have to kill me. If you can't… there'll be consequences, y'know~"

~~~

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