NOVEL WEB Chapter 3: Nen Type
As more aura poured into the glass, changes began to unfold. The once-clear water took on a soft pink hue, deepening into a rich purple color. Larry watched closely, expecting that to be the end of it—until the floating leaf began to curl inward. Slowly, it sank toward the center of the glass, where it stopped, forming a perfect sphere. The surface of the leaf took on a crystalline sheen, intricate patterns appearing on it, resembling the letter "M."
Larry's eyes widened slightly. From his perspective, the strange crystal in the water bore an uncanny resemblance to a Poké Ball—no, more specifically, a Master Ball. With the purple liquid around it, the resemblance was striking.
After double-checking that no further changes were happening, Larry withdrew his hands and let out a slow breath. A knowing smile crept onto his face. 'So it's a Specialist-type ability after all...'
In Nen classification, there are six primary categories, each determined through the Water Divination Test. Enhancement is identified when the volume of the water increases, indicating the ability to strengthen or improve the natural properties of oneself or objects.
Transmutation is revealed when the taste of the water changes, with each user producing a unique flavor, signifying the ability to alter the properties of their aura to mimic different substances or effects. Conjuration manifests when a materialized object appears within the water, representing the ability to create tangible constructs from aura.
Emission is indicated by a change in the water's color, reflecting the ability to project aura away from the body while maintaining control. Manipulation is shown when the leaf floating on the surface moves unnaturally, suggesting an aptitude for controlling objects or living beings.
Finally, if the result of the test does not fit into any of the five standard categories, the user is classified under Specialization, a rare and unpredictable category that grants abilities outside the conventional framework of Nen.
Characters like Kurapika, Chrollo, and Pakunoda are well-known Specialist-type Nen users in Hunter x Hunter. Unlike other Nen categories, Specialization does not follow a fixed pattern and often incorporates traits from multiple types, making it highly unpredictable.
Kurapika, for example, naturally belongs to the Conjuration category, but when his Scarlet Eyes activate, he shifts to Specialization, granting him the rare ability to wield all Nen categories with 100% proficiency. Chrollo Lucilfer, as a Specialist, possesses the unique ability Skill Hunter, which allows him to steal and use the Nen abilities of others, effectively granting him access to abilities across different categories. Similarly, Pakunoda's Psychometry ability lets her read and transfer memories through Nen-infused bullets, a power that does not conform to any of the standard categories, reinforcing the enigmatic nature of Specialization.
At first, Larry suspected he might belong to the Emission category when he noticed the water's color change during the Water Divination Test. However, as the test continued, a series of unique transformations occurred, solidifying his suspicion—he was indeed a Specialist. Thinking it through, Larry realized that his "Pokémon Master" ability seamlessly incorporated elements from multiple Nen categories.
The influence of Manipulation was evident in how he could command his Pokémon in battle and analyze them through his Pokédex, exerting control over their actions and abilities. The traits of Emission became clear in the way his Pokémon could freely enter and exit his body, functioning similarly to being stored in Poké Balls, a hallmark of projected Nen energy.
Finally, the presence of Conjuration was undeniable, as the Pokémon he summoned were tangible, independent beings that could be seen and interacted with by others, even those who did not possess Nen.
The complexity and versatility of his ability left no doubt—Larry was a true Specialist, possessing a unique power that blended multiple categories in a way that defied conventional Nen classification.A chill ran down his spine. If what he was thinking was correct, then his ability was far more powerful and versatile than he had originally thought. Was the rumor true? That Specialists were the rarest and most unpredictable of all Nen users?
Now that he had confirmed his Nen category, the next step was clear—Larry needed to train in the four fundamental principles of Nen. Mastering these core techniques was essential to building a solid foundation, ensuring that he could make full use of his abilities.
The first principle, Ten, involved focusing and maintaining a constant flow of aura around the body, preventing it from dissipating and providing passive defense. It was the basis for all other Nen techniques, promoting longevity and resistance against external Nen attacks. The second principle, Zetsu, required shutting off one's aura completely, rendering oneself undetectable to those using aura detection techniques. It was an invaluable skill for stealth and recovery, though it left the user vulnerable to direct attacks.
The third principle, Ren, focused on enhancing and intensifying one's aura, unleashing it in powerful bursts to amplify strength and presence. If Ten was about accumulation, then Ren was about release—allowing for stronger offensive and defensive capabilities. Finally, Hatsu, the most personal of the four, was the manifestation of one's unique Nen ability, influenced by personality, experiences, and goals.
Among them, Larry decided to prioritize Ren, followed closely by Ten. Ren's practical application—Gyo, which allowed a person to concentrate their aura into their eyes—was essential. Without it, he wouldn't be able to see other Nen users' auras, which put him at a serious disadvantage. After all, if he couldn't see his opponent's moves, how could he command his Pokémon effectively?
Ten, on the other hand, was crucial for maintaining control. Not only did it serve as a foundation for further techniques, but it also helped preserve aura within the body, indirectly enhancing longevity and physical health.
Compared to other Nen users who had to master all four fundamentals step by step, Larry had an easier path. Since his combat style focused on commanding Pokémon rather than direct engagement, he could skip extensive training in Zetsu and Hatsu for now. Still, training was important, but… Larry's gaze drifted toward the luxurious, plush hotel bed. "Eh, I'll start practicing tomorrow."
The next day, Larry slept in until nearly noon. After a hearty meal, he finally got around to preparing for his training. He had a clear goal in mind. His life back on Earth had been tough —now that he had a golden opportunity in this world, he had no intention of grinding endlessly like some hardcore protagonist in a typical Novel. Seeking out a master like Biscuit Krueger for hellish training? No thanks.
Larry knew his limits. Long-term, rigorous training wasn't his style, and he doubted he'd have the dedication to endure it. Instead, he planned to take things at his own pace—enough to stay alive, but without overexerting himself. "Pokémon Master" as a Nen ability was perfect for him. All he had to do was travel, participate in events, and Pokémon would practically come to him. A passive power-up system suited him just fine.
Before diving into his training, though, there was something else he needed to check first. Soon, a hotel staff member brought him the morning newspaper. Larry's eyes immediately darted to the top right corner, where the date read 1998. A smirk tugged at his lips.