Gido took a slow breath, then let it out evenly. "Shizuku, we have a proposal for you. We hope you'll hear us out before making a decision."
"Oh... sure." Shizuku thought it was a little strange, but agreed anyway.
Gido rested both hands on the table and continued with a serious expression.
"Here's the situation... The Hunter Association lost a great many members in the chaos surrounding BW1, so we're looking to bring in new members."
"In extraordinary times, we need extraordinary measures. We can't use the same examination and selection process on the New Continent that we used on the Six Continents, so we've chosen the quickest, most flexible approach."
"That means Micenei Strome, Sacho, and I will conduct thorough background checks, then directly invite the candidates we think are suitable to join the Hunter Association."
"There are only three names on the list so far: you, Kajin Dorudo, and Meleoron."
"Kajin Dorudo and Meleoron have already accepted. The paperwork isn't complete, but they're already professional Hunters."
"So I'd like to ask you, Shizuku: would you be willing to join the Hunter Association and become a professional Hunter?"
Shizuku hadn't expected to be able to skip the Hunter Exam and become a professional Hunter directly.
She blinked her big eyes and instinctively looked at Gelman and Biscuit beside her.
But Gelman and Biscuit both shook their heads without saying anything, leaving the decision up to her.
Seeing that even the two people closest to her wouldn't decide for her, she thought it over and asked,
"Um... I'd like to know what I'd gain by joining the Hunter Association."
Gido first glanced at Chairman Netero and Micenei Strome. After exchanging looks with them, she turned back to Shizuku.
"First, you'll receive all the full rights of a professional Hunter. That's