"Nen is the technique of controlling life energy—called 'aura'. It's the power every living being emits. When harnessed for combat or defense, that energy becomes 'Nen'."
Li Mu paused, organizing the fragmented knowledge he had gleaned from the system.
"I only remember the basics, but that's how it works."
"Oh! Where do we learn how to use Nen? Li Mu, do you already know how to use it?"
Gon leaned in with eyes full of curiosity.
"I don't know how to use Nen yet. But after we pass the Hunter Exam and officially become Hunters, we'll be guided by professionals through the Hunter Association. They offer structured Nen training."
Li Mu knew that mastering Nen wasn't just about talent—it required formal initiation and training, often after becoming a licensed Hunter.
"Then let's both work hard and become Hunters! I want to learn Nen too!"
Gon beamed, inspired by the thought of reaching that new stage together.
…
Noon.
Aunt Mito returned home after a morning of work.
"Gon, didn't you say you were going to take the Hunter Exam with Li Mu? If he's not going, are you still planning to leave?"
She spoke casually, watching Gon munching snacks on the couch, TV flickering in front of him.
Gon had already delivered the Great King Fish she'd asked for—his ticket to participate. But Mito still wanted to keep Gon from leaving, so she planted a seed of doubt.
"Why wouldn't Li Mu go? We already agreed to take the exam together!"
Gon tilted his head toward the kitchen, where Li Mu was preparing some Vance tofu, clearly confused.
"He lost to Master Morad at the gym. According to our agreement, he's not eligible to go anymore."
Aunt Mito said it quietly, trying to avoid direct eye contact with Gon.
"What? That's not right! Li Mu won against Master Morad. I remember—he challenged him just recently!"
Gon frowned and scratched his head. "Wait… Aunt Mito, are you trying to stop me from going to the exam by making that up?"
"Li Mu… won?"
Aunt Mito's voice rose slightly in disbelief.
"Aunt Mito, I did win."
Li Mu looked over from the stove and confirmed with a calm tone.
"That's impossible. I saw Morad this morning, and he didn't deny—"
"Uncle Morad is the type to save face. Of course he wouldn't admit to losing. Want me to call him?"
Li Mu washed his hands and picked up the landline. He quickly dialed the number for One Heart Gym.
"Hey, Uncle Morad, Aunt Mito's asking if I really beat you. Mind confirming it for her?"
Li Mu handed the phone to Aunt Mito and walked back to the kitchen, unfazed.
Morad, hearing the question, felt the corners of his mouth twitch. "This little brat!"
"M-Master Morad… Did you really… lose to Li Mu?"
Aunt Mito asked hesitantly.
"Ah, well… I was only using about 50% of my strength. But yeah, Li Mu's got talent—he beat me fair and square. Hahaha…"
Morad tried to laugh it off but clearly sounded a bit embarrassed.
"Honestly, Morad! You know I don't want Li Mu risking his life with that high-mortality exam, and you still let him win?"
Aunt Mito scolded lightly, clearly upset but not heartless.
"Well, Mito… You can't keep them under your wing forever. Even eagles need to learn to fly. Letting them go is hard, but sometimes necessary. I still remember when Jin and I left Whale Island for the first time, heading to Yanbian City for the Hunter Exam…"
Morad's tone grew nostalgic. He had taken the exam with Gon's father, but unlike Jin, he had failed.
"But—" Mito tried to object.
"My daughter's calling me to eat, I have to hang up!"
Morad said suddenly.
From the background: "Dad, lunch isn't ready yet!"
Morad: "…"
Click.
Aunt Mito sighed as she gently hung up the receiver.
"Gon, Li Mu, I know the Hunter Exam is dangerous. The death rate is high. I just don't want to lose either of you. If you were two years older, maybe I wouldn't stop you."
She glanced between Li Mu in the kitchen and Gon still sitting on the couch.
"Aunt Mito… I want to be a Hunter, just like my dad."
Gon looked up, his voice firm with purpose.
"And I defeated the strongest martial artist on Whale Island. I'm confident about the Hunter Exam. I'll protect Gon out there."
Li Mu brought out a plate of poached chicken and set it on the table, his tone calm and resolute.
"When children grow up, they need to leave the nest eventually."
Grandma Fangte stepped out of her room. She, too, felt the sorrow of parting, but wouldn't let that stop them from living their lives.
"Grandma Fangte, Aunt Mito, come try the poached chicken. It's my farewell meal, and I made it just for you."
Li Mu smiled and picked up a piece, offering it to Grandma Fangte.
"It's delicious! Everything my sweet Li Mu makes is wonderful!"
There was a hint of sadness in her eyes as she chewed.
"Li Mu, your cooking's amazing too!"
Gon praised with a grin, gobbling up another piece.
"Yeah… It's tasty. Too bad I won't be eating your food for a while."
Aunt Mito sighed, accepting the bite Li Mu offered. Her voice was soft, eyes slightly wet.