Bisky finally gets to put the boy's training to the test.

Raphael thought he would've had more time to train. Had they never learned Shu, it would've taken months for them to dig their way to Masadora. He thought he would at least have a couple of weeks, maybe a month for them to make their way to the city with their aura output. But the boys beat his expectations…

They dug through the tunnels without complaint, learning to better manage their aura so they weren't expelling so much on each movement. Within two weeks, they were now at the base of the city, cheering loudly.

While he felt envious of their improvement, a smile cracked across his face. He was impressed, not like a father would be. He was impressed by their sheer enthusiasm to beat all odds stacked against them.

Barely half a month was all it took for them to master Shu to a level that wouldn't be considered taxing. He remembered how long it took him to learn Shu to the level he's at… a little over a month.

Luckily, they didn't zoom way past his skill level; he didn't know how he'd feel at that moment. But that doesn't mean he's not out of the woodwork. He still must improve… to still be able to beat them.

Killua looked at Raphael with a massive grin "We beat-"

"Back to the starting area!" Bisky directed the three boys before they had time to get into a petty argument.

"You're shitting me!"

"Seriously?!"

Raphael chuckled at the boys' reactions, breaking out into a small jog as he got ready to beat them once more, "Last one at the start is a rotten egg!"

When Raphael was already running back, Killua ran after him "Come back, you damn cheater!"

The teen chuckled at the anger being directed at him. But if he can beat one of them back to the starting line, he doesn't care. He just needs to prove he's still able to beat one if not both of them.

"~"

Bisky looked at the three eager boys, thinking long and hard about how she'd be able to test their abilities.

Raphael already gave away how to beat the monsters, so that idea was out. Although… it's still feasible because the bubble horse and Marimo-chi were cards they failed to obtain on their own.

"I was going to test you on your ability to strategize, but Raphael already gave away the way to catch the difficult monsters around here."

"Not all of them…" Raphael confirmed with a smile.

"What do you mean?" Bisky fumed, "You didn't run into anything else!"

"Anything that spawns naturally…" He returned with a bemused smile, "There are two monsters I can think of to test their abilities, but that means we have to play the game to unlock them…"

Bisky's expression fell, "Which isn't something we should be doing right now. They still have things to learn before we start."

"How about we meet in the middle? I'll go and accept the quests and the monsters will spawn for us as long as I'm in the vicinity. Deal?"

Bisky thought on it for a moment. She wondered if it was the right thing to do, to rely on the teen to pick and choose who the boys would go up against. He could make terrible choices… but then again, he knows a lot more hidden mechanics than she would. She guesses she could always veto his choices in the end.

If it comes down to that, she could always ask him to go out and try again "Does the quest involve restricted slot cards?"

"Nope… just difficult monsters, with high risks and rewards. A great way to test your abilities. Think of them as elite challenges…" He could see the woman thinking it over, mulling over the possibility. He screwed up the original way she planned on training them. So, it's the least he could offer

Bisky gave a nod, "As long as they aren't restricted slots, and it's a good method to test their ability to strategize I'll be happy."

"Oh, believe me… they will test Gon and Killua's abilities."

"And no hints!"

He gave a thumbs up, "I'll go pick them up now because the quests drop hints within their dialogue." With a wave, he ran off.

Bisky looked towards the two boys "While he does that, we're going to do some defensive training."

"~"

Given how Greed Island was designed, all the mechanics were planned with skill barriers in mind. There were a multitude of ways to not only put Killua's and Gon's but everyone on the island's abilities to the test.

Speed, strength, wits, techniques, problem-solving… it doesn't matter what kind, there was always something lurking around the corner for a player to sink their teeth into. It was a massive amalgamation of different issues to test anything a player may lack.

If he didn't know any better, he would've assumed the game was designed to put someone to the test. But that was highly unlikely. Most players were failing given that there were a lot of hidden monsters, items, and spell-style cards yet to be discovered. But unfortunately, they'll be avoided because they didn't count towards the restricted slot cards.

That's all everyone cares about these days…

But not him… he sought them out for the sheer challenge, even if they didn't count towards his final pay cut.

Raphael found the first of three quests he planned on accepting. A man hunched over, shivering in the corner of the tavern. He muttered to himself, constantly reminding himself that everything was going to be okay.

The teen approached the man, taking a seat in front of him. As usual, it activated the quest.

The man's horrified gaze met the boy's, "It's a m-m-monster… a devil in disguise haunting the wastelands." With a slow wave of his palm through the air, he expanded on the terrible visage of the creature he was trying to describe, "Armour as black as night. Hallowed by nature. Their scream is as Ghastly as their form. Those who hear its screams are said to die unless they answer its plea. It seeks death… but how are you supposed to kill something already dead? It doesn't even have a head… How can it even scream?"

This was all theatrics, an over-exaggeration of what the monster is. A Nen creature that moves like a corpse up until you land the first blow.

"Where can I find it?"

"It hunts at night to the far east. Listen for its screams of anguish, but be warned. It may consume your soul next if you're not careful."

The same spawn point as last time. It doesn't seem to matter how he accepts these kinds of quests. It's a high-risk, high-reward special event.

The first to beat it gets the reward… the only reason why no one tended to do it, besides it not being a restricted slot, was that it's an incredibly difficult fight.

But if you can beat it and return to the quest giver within the day, you get to see the NPC filled with serenity.

He surmises that no matter where this NPC was to go, they'd forever be tormented by the blood-curdling screams from the monster stalking the wastelands.

But there is one funny thing about accepting these kinds of quests. They're programmed to always react to the player as though they've accepted the quest, no matter what they say.

"I'll banish this monster!"

"You will? Thank you!"

To be honest, if he turned around and told the NPC to go fuck themselves or fuck off, that would still count towards accepting the mission.

It wasn't an oversight or bug on the creator's part. It was this specific quest that had the issue. He could probably place all the blame on this NPC being stuck in a vicious loop of constant fear.

Not that it was an issue. The quest was still able to be completed from start to finish.

This quest would be one of the three missions he needed to accept on behalf of the boys for them to challenge said Nen creatures.

This monster was known as the Wandering Vagabond, an elite Dark Knight. To those who researched the mission, they would've found the true name of the monster.

Dullahan, the Wandering Vagabond…

It may look weak on first appearance, but it was way more than that. It was a miniboss, one that required you to seek its many weak points that were randomised.

Without Gyo, it'll be virtually impossible to beat.

It'll be the perfect test for someone wanting to test their skills.

That was one mission down, now it was time to accept the second quest.

"~"

Raphael drew close to a big burly man, a cleaver in his hand. As he hacked away at a carcass, he was undisturbed by the bustling crowd.

One would never think to approach this NPC considering the type of quest he was looking for had nothing to do with this kind of monster.

It wasn't like the last guy, tormented for the rest of his life by its screams. This quest happens to be triggered by this guy.

Stopping mid-swing he greeted the boy "What can I do for you kid?" He brought the cleaver down, hacking away once more.

"I heard you have some vandalism issues." The teen uttered the magic words, watching the cogs turn in the NPC's head.

"It has been an issue." He stopped to bury the cleaver in the board, "An annoying beast has stumbled onto the building site of an uncompleted town, halting all progress. Most of the people we send in fail to return. Those who do… refuse to talk about what happened. Until it's gone no one wants to return to the site."

Picking up the cleaver, the man returned to work.

He still remembers the first time he picked up the quest thinking it had to do with one of the restricted slot cards. Some kind of rare beast like Miniature Dragon. Unfortunately, it had nothing to do with that.

This specific event gives you a card that allows a player to summon a creature that protects the player. It's not as powerful as the original creature, but it's still considered stupidly powerful.

"Where can I find the town?"

"It's hidden away near the wastelands, tucked away in the forest towards Masadora. I can mark it on your map."

Producing his map, the man pointed to the spot near the edge of the wastelands.

One of the many abandoned towns on the Island. Only this one was made to look like it was still being worked on and not some ancient ruins left behind by the previous occupants.

His expression shifted into a smirk, knowing the little secret dialogue option hidden in the quest acceptance process. Most people would gloss over it because it expands on the mission, but not him "Anything I should know about this specific beast? Any distinguishing features like… horns?"

"Now that you mention it. While it does act like a wild beast. There's been… some conflicting information." The butcher pauses for dramatic effect, eyes glazed over as he is deep in thought.

It was a usual circumstance for most NPCs with this mechanic. The man drew his attention back to the teen "Some rumours say it's just a crazy man in animal skins clinging to the last vestige of their hometown. A lost berserker out of time, perhaps a barbarian's soul clung to the area, still desperate to protect their homeland. But if I'm being honest, it acts just like a wild beast stumbling on an area it plans to make as its new nest."

"I'll help you get rid of it."

"Great. I would ask for proof of the kill with the beast's head, but honestly, if you get rid of it, the people will be happy with that."

Technically, he has gotten rid of it before. But that wouldn't stop NPCs from reissuing the quest. Besides, the area where the Nen creature lingers is a place that was never planned to be renovated into a town.

It's merely just a zone acting as a miniboss spawn point.

"Consider it done." He smiled. That was the second quest obtained. There was only one more he needed to take on. One, for himself. It'll act as a rite of passage proof that he has improved since he started training.

This was considered the most difficult miniboss he failed to beat, time and time again. It was always a win he failed to grasp within his fingertips.

Retexicol, the Silver Werewolf Pack Leader…

It was a multiple-enemy fight, something he struggled with. He could lure the minions away to deal with them, but by the time he dealt with the summons, the leader's passive healing restored any damage they would've taken.

To make matters worse, the miniboss was always seconds away from summoning more to his side.

He should be strong enough to take them on without the need of having to kite the minions away.

"~"

The quest is straightforward. He needed to find an NPC that looked like a stereotypical beast hunter. A fur cap and vest, with leather boots and pants. It didn't matter the gender, just their clothing.

He found the character standing near cages with a few exotic Nen creatures, a Hyper Puffball, and a terrified Radio Rat.

The rat won't be manipulating suits of armour anytime soon. It was merely there for aesthetic purposes.

With a glazed-over expression, she met the teen's eyes, "What can I do for you kid?"

"What beasts would you recommend hunting in the wastelands for a pretty Jenny?"

"There's a couple of smaller easy beasts that fetch good money for quick cash. Things like the gelatinous slime. Hyper Puffball is good if you're quick on your feet. The Radio Rat is easy once you know what you're looking for."

"What about problematic beasts in the area? Anything to steer clear of?"

"Besides the Cyclops and Melanin Lizard? Well, there is one I can think of. Most Beast Hunters avoid its hunting grounds. I would suggest avoiding that area if you hear the howl of the beast."

"What is it?"

"It's a werewolf pack leader. Fur as pale as the moonlight stalking the area for food to feed its pack."

"Where are this beast's hunting grounds?"

"In the north-eastern part of the wasteland. I would avoid trying to beat this creature since its pack always isn't too far from its leader."

He found himself smiling. If he can beat this creature now, he has gotten stronger. If he fails to do so…

It still means he has a long way to go.

Even if he can't beat it now, if he can keep up with the hordes of monsters, he has improved.

"I'll take it down."

"I wish you luck…" The quest giver grimaced at the situation.

It was merely a part of their programming, a way for them to inform the player it wasn't going to be an easy fight.

"~"

Raphael returned with a smile, finding Gon and Bisky locked in a pose. It didn't take long to figure out what's going on. Especially after seeing Gon collapse.

He panted heavily while on one knee, his opposite hand propping himself up.

He was exhausted from overusing Ren most likely.

"Still not enough…" Bisky drew her lips into a thin line, "Back to-"

"Raphael is back!" Gon beamed brightly, standing as though he weren't exhausted a few seconds ago.

"Did you pick them up?"

"Yup, but we've run into a dilemma. Two monsters, with two separate mechanics to understand."

That wasn't their main problem. It's that once Killua or Gon understand how to beat the monster, the second player will have an easier time.

The other issue with who goes first…

"So once one figures out how to beat it the other won't struggle at all?" Bisky could see the dilemma. But she could also tell there was more to this problem than he was letting on.

"More or less…" He offered the teacher a meek response, idly scratching at his ear "I think it's best we discuss it with each other."

"Gon, Killua. I want you to dig out three tunnels. One kilometre in length each."

The two boys whined loudly, Bisky forced to smack her hand "Chop, chop. And use Shu. I want you two to be able to last thirty minutes with Ken. Shoo…"

The two younger boys rush off with shovels in tow, the two now left on their own to discuss the plan.

Raphael went over the details of the monster's mechanics, explaining everything he knew about them.

Bisky hummed along, listening to every detail. She wants them to challenge their skill levels. The question was who would be going first and with what? She already had an idea. But she wanted to know Raphael's opinion "What do you think is the best monster to test their skills?"

"Killua fights the Dullahan. Gon is best suited for the Berserker." He didn't need to think about it. He picked these quests up for that exact reason.

These monsters will put their skills to the test. They aren't monsters that could be beaten in a single hit. It takes time, precision, and a well-thought-out plan to beat them.

The only major difference between them is that one is on the offence, whereas the other is defensive.

"Killua would find the berserker too easy, due to their offensive nature. Given how he exploited my weaknesses, it wouldn't be a great test for him."

"Given how you explain how Dullahan worked, I feel the same. I'm happy with your choices especially when most of the monsters in the area can be defeated so easily. This should act as a challenge to test their current skills. But still… why didn't you pick monsters with similar abilities?"

"Because I'm going to give him a hint, even you would accept." The teen leaned in to whisper all the details.

Her smile grew as he explained a hidden mechanic. She liked the idea of Killua's skills being pushed to the limits "That's good… does the berserker have something similar?"

"No, unfortunately. But he does have the mechanic that makes the fight difficult, given Gon's fighting style." The boy thought about it for a second, "but I suppose we could coax him into a more difficult position…"

He explained a detail about the berserker to the older woman.

"I guess that can work… it's not as good as the Dullahan, but it works."

Giving a nod he pulled out his map, pointing to the areas where the monsters reside. He pointed at Dullahan's location first, "The vagabond is here. It's not easily triggered, so we should be fine to approach it as a group."

He moved his finger across the map to the forest area, "This is where the berserker resides. We need to send in Gon first. Given my encounter with him, it was triggered at first sight. So, he'll probably go straight for me if I'm leading the group."

"That works." With a smile, Bisky offered a nod at the information being presented. He understands how many of the game's mechanics work, including how some of them are triggered.

Provided he doesn't interfere or give away too much information…

These monsters should help test how far the boys have gotten.

"I did pick up one more for myself. The last time I tried this, I failed."

"Oh, how so?"

"It's a multi-enemy fight where you deal with a pack of werewolves. I struggled to keep up with the hordes last time. But I think I can beat them now. If not, it just means I have room for improvement."

"I see…" She was glad the teen was willing to tell her that much, "On one condition. I need to observe so I can see where you're lacking."

"I was hoping you would." Raphael tore his eyes from his teacher to look off in the distance. As much as it wounded his pride to feel this way… he probably would've never improved had she never forced her way into his life "Maybe I got used to you tearing me a new one… or maybe, I needed that little bit of consultation. To be told I've improved."

"At least one person is willing to say it to my face."

"I'm sure Gon and Killua feel the same way."

"After I've worked them into the bone? I'll be happy if one of them admits it. Two would be asking for a miracle…"

Raphael chuckled at that. He knows which one would be verbally thankful. To be honest, she'd be lucky if she was thanked without being called a granny or an old hag.

Bisky held a hand up to point at the teen "Gon and Killua will be observing too. I need them to watch you, to see your En in action. That and your Ryu. It'll come in handy with their next training session with you.

"Sure…" He could agree to those terms. It wasn't going to be that intrusive, nor would they be able to pick up En or Ryu after watching him in action.

Those are best learned through practice.

A/N: Leave a review, it helps inspire me.