“I can make my hits repeat after initial impact. Currently I can only make my hits repeat five times. So essentially, whenever I hit anyone, I actually hit them six times.” – Victor

“You’re incredible, Vic!” – Alex

“I know right!?” – Victor

Whenever he attacks anyone, he effectively hits them 6 times?

So his specialty makes him six times stronger…

That must be massive advantage in combat!

“You must be almost unbeatable in combat with other D-rankers, right?!” – Alex

“Heh, I wish…” – Victor

Wait, even with an ability like that, he’s still not on top??

“There are a lot of monsters out there, Alex. Although my specialty isn’t anything to scoff at, it’s not even a drop in the bucket compared to some people. Even when your brother was D-rank like me, he could easily beat me.” – Victor

He could…?

And easily too?!

“What’s big bro’s specialty then?!” – Alex

He takes a big breath then starts to explain.

“Compared to my specialty, Leo’s is actually really simple. He has the ability to create and control fire. If he wanted to, he could burn down this entire forest in the time it would take me to destroy a single tree…” – Victor

The entire forest?!!

“I wouldn’t stand a chance against him even when he was a D-rank hunter. Why? Compatibility. His specialty gives him the range and defenses needed to negate mine altogether... I have no way to fight back in long range battles, so that’s a no go. But that’s not all… If I somehow were to get close to him, I’d still lose. He can wrap himself up like a cocoon with his fire. If I attack him when he’s like that, it’d be more dangerous for me than him…” – Victor

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

How would you even beat someone like that?

You cant fight him at close range, and you can’t fight him at long range either?

“But it’s important to keep in mind that no one is unbeatable, except for maybe the Emperor… If he fought someone with a specialty that directly counters Leo’s or someone that is just exponentially stronger than him, even Leo wouldn’t be able to do anything…” – Victor

So strength isn’t all there is to a fight then…

Compatibility and strategy is just as important it seems.

No one is unbeatable.

There will always be someone that counters you.

When I figure out my specialty, I’ll need to keep that in mind.

But…

What could my specialty be?

Maybe something similar to big bro’s?

“If big bro’s specialty is making fire, does that mean mine will be something similar?” – Alex

“Well, not necessarily. There are cases of family members having similar specialties, but it’s very rare. Your specialty is most likely something entirely different.” – Victor

Dang.

Controlling fire would have been awesome!

“But like I explained earlier, high ranking hunters are sometimes able to use SDM for things other than their specialties. It’s quite possible that controlling fire would be easier for you to do than something entirely different, as a secondary ability.” – Victor

Oh?

So, I might be able to learn it in the future!

I’ll keep that in mind too!

“It’s only about five months left until the hunter exam, so you’ll have to continue training your BDM. If you’re lucky you might accidentally learn SDM, but don’t get your hopes up.” – Victor

“Wait, how have I not asked this question yet, Vic…” – Alex

He looks at me confused.

“How does the hunter exam even work?” – Alex

“Hmm. Well, it’s different every time so I can’t really tell you any details. How it works is that you will complete a series of tasks. Sometimes there are many, sometimes there are few. Those tasks could be combat related, theory related, or anything in between. Usually there is at least some combat involved in one way or another though. But what you need to understand is that in reality, it’s all based on performance. When the exams are over the different guilds will choose who they want to invite. You may only join one guild so if you get multiple requests you will have to choose which one you want to join. Even if you ace every task given to you in the exam, it’s still possible that you don’t get any invitations… If that happens, you fail… So make sure to not just do the bare minimum, you need to impress the people watching.” – Victor

I see…

If there isn’t a set list of tasks I need to complete, then I’ll have to prepare for anything…

“Also, joining a guild is what makes you a licensed hunter. You start at F-rank, and there are yearly exams for people to rank up. They’re run by the government and people from all guilds take part in them. They’re very similar to the F-rank hunter exam that you’re training for now.” – Victor