NenMaster
patreon
Chapter 67
🕑 Added 2024-11-29 19:52:26 +0000 UTC"Are you the newcomer Kuruk mentioned? The one even she finds tricky to deal with?"
Botobai's words were direct, even more straightforward than Kanzai's.
"You have a good presence and sharp eyes," he said, nodding in approval.
There was no arrogance in his tone, no sense of superiority or entitlement due to his position. Botobai simply gave an honest, heartfelt evaluation.
Morin, knowing Botobai's character, could tell there was no malice in his words. Smiling, Morin pulled out a table, chairs, and a bottle of fine liquor.
"How about a chat?" he offered, shaking the bottle slightly in Botobai's direction.
"No, thank you," Botobai declined.
Though intrigued by Morin’s ability to produce items so effortlessly, Botobai maintained his professionalism and rejected the invitation.
"The liquor's not poisoned. You can drink it safely," Morin said, raising an eyebrow.
"I know," Botobai replied in his deep voice. "But as an examiner, I must remain clear-headed at all times to prevent anything from going wrong during the test."
"I see," Morin said with a knowing nod, not appearing surprised—he had expected this response.
Without skipping a beat, Morin put the liquor away and replaced it with a pot of water and a plate of peanuts.
"If you’re not drinking, then water should be fine, right?"
Morin poured water into two glasses, placing one in front of Botobai along with the peanuts.
"This is pure mountain spring water. Full of nutrients."
Botobai, keeping his Gyo active to check for anomalies, found nothing suspicious. Seeing Morin’s casual gesture, he sat down, accepted the glass, and took a small sip.
It was indeed water.
After tasting it, Botobai swallowed.
"I’ve always had a question for you," Morin said, sipping his water. "In your eyes, what defines good and evil?"
"Good is good. Evil is evil," Botobai replied plainly.
"Straightforward and accurate," Morin nodded. "But what if someone with a wicked heart pretends to be good their entire life?"
Botobai’s gaze sharpened slightly as he responded, "How do you know that person’s heart is wicked?"
He was genuinely curious about Morin. "If they’ve acted good their whole life without showing any signs of malice, how can you say their heart is evil?"
"You’re right," Morin said, raising his glass to Botobai. "That’s what we call judging actions, not intentions."
Morin smiled and continued, "But what about this: Suppose there are two people. One is a great philanthropist, praised for their good deeds, while the other is a notorious villain.
"Then, one day, the philanthropist unintentionally does something wrong, while the villain impulsively does a small act of kindness.
"The philanthropist gets criticized as a hypocrite, while the villain is lauded as a reformed soul. What do you think of that?"
Botobai answered matter-of-factly, "I’d stay far away from those critics."
"Why?"
"Because associating with unreasonable people is dangerous," Botobai replied earnestly.
"Hahaha! You really are straightforward!" Morin laughed, giving Botobai a thumbs-up. "Impressive!"
"But you must know," Morin added, his tone more serious, "that most people in this world are like those critics. That’s human nature."
"A robber who studies is considered inspirational, while a student who steals is condemned as a failure.
"A monk drinking alcohol is criticized for breaking his vows, but a drunkard praying is praised for their sincerity.
"A good person must endure 81 hardships to achieve their goals, while a villain can become a saint just by putting down their blade.
"If, one day, Botobai, while pursuing a criminal, you accidentally damage someone’s car or home—or if you’re framed and misunderstood by the public, leading them to curse you—how would you feel?"
Morin threw another question at Botobai.
Botobai lifted his head and met Morin's gaze directly.
"That would mean I still have a long way to go!"
His expression grew more resolute, and the red blush of his painted cheeks seemed to deepen.
"If I damage someone’s property while chasing a criminal, that’s my mistake.
"If I’m misunderstood or framed, it means my reputation isn’t strong enough for the public to trust me unconditionally.
"If I can’t achieve that, how can I call myself an excellent Hunter?!"
His response was firm, filled with an unshakable determination to do what was right, no matter the cost.
This steadfast will was part of what made Botobai one of the most respected members of the Zodiac Twelve and the Hunter Association.
"You hold yourself to the standard of a saint," Morin remarked, a hint of admiration in his voice.
"I intend to use my small influence to try to change the world," Botobai replied.
"That’s incredible," Morin said again, raising his glass. "I’ll toast to that. At least I know I could never do it."
"Being a saint sounds exhausting."
"So, does that mean you intend to embrace the darkness?" Botobai asked, his expression growing even redder.
He had a feeling he already knew the answer based on their conversation.
"Not exactly," Morin said with a faint smile. "But if the light refuses to embrace me, I don’t mind hiding in the shadows."
"Hmm?" Botobai leaned in slightly, waiting for Morin to elaborate.
