Kurapika sat down next to Kaizen.
Along the way, they hadn't spoken much. However, they'd already met on the boat during the qualifiers. Though they weren't exactly close, they had formed a certain level of camaraderie.
Among the remaining examinees, Kaizen was the only one Kurapika was somewhat familiar with.
"The Hunter Association is providing free food and water," Kaizen said.
"Good."
Kurapika took a brief rest, grabbed some food and water, and returned to his seat next to Kaizen.
"I hope Gon and the others are doing okay."
He opened a bottle of soda and took a long sip, as if trying to regain some of his energy.
"Yeah, me too."
Kaizen glanced toward the trap doors.
In the original sequence of events, Gon and the others had all passed. But Kaizen's presence had already altered the course of the exam.
Netero had deliberately assigned Old T from the Kute Gang to face Kaizen. That meant the trial that awaited Gon and the others had likely shifted as well.
Killua and Gon probably had no trouble making it through, but Leorio was another story. He had no significant background or special abilities—his current strength was, at best, average.
At this stage, Pokkle was already much stronger than Leorio. In the original story, Leorio had made it this far not because of his strength, but because of sheer determination and, frankly, luck.
Suddenly, the sound of a door unlocking echoed through the hall.
Click!
A stocky, middle-aged man strolled out of the passage, scratching the back of his head as he took in the scene.
"So far, so good."
His gaze landed on Kurapika, lingering there for a moment before he smirked.
"Didn't expect to see a rookie like you make it this far."
Tonpa chuckled to himself.
"Well, this just means my plan can continue into the next phase."
To Tonpa, Kurapika was the only rookie worth considering. He didn't classify Kaizen or Illumi as newcomers. To him, those two were simply terrifying.
Kurapika, sensing Tonpa's malice, frowned slightly.
...
Meanwhile, in a secluded chamber, Netero stood surveying the aftermath of Kaizen's battle.
Old T's body lay sprawled on the ground.
"What a promising young man."
Netero studied the scene with interest.
"That guy might've been imprisoned for years, but he was still an A-rank Nen user. His spirit may have dulled, and his body wasn't in peak condition, but he wasn't someone to be taken lightly."
"Yet Kaizen defeated him with ease."
Netero tapped his fingers against his chin, thinking.
"He mainly used two Nen beasts—one controlling flames, the other manipulating lightning. Both highly destructive techniques."
"There's also a third beast standing guard. Most likely a defensive type."
"And then, there's that spatial movement ability…"
"Though he wasn't fighting at full strength, he still held back."
Netero chuckled to himself.
"Better than I expected."
"Another gold."
A figure appeared behind him.
"Chairman, what should we do with the body?"
"Burn it."
"After the cremation, scatter the ashes in the river. These people have been exposed to certain… influences. Best not to let them leave any traces behind."
"Understood, Chairman."
...
The countdown continued.
By now, over twenty examinees had gathered in the hall.
With eighty hours still on the clock, there was a long way to go. Yet, no additional candidates had emerged.
Whispers of speculation filled the air.
"Looks like it's just us."
"No way any new candidates are making it through now."
"The real competition starts here."
"I wonder how many will actually pass this year."
The number of available spots in the Hunter Exam was never fixed. Some years, only one or two passed. Other years, it could be four or five. But it was impossible for all twenty to make it through.
At this stage, the remaining candidates were already analyzing their competition.
Kaizen, however, paid no attention to them. Instead, his gaze was locked on a floating crystal ball in front of him.
The data displayed on it had updated significantly.
"Finally over thirty percent."
The unexpected encounter with Old T had raised the difficulty of the Hunter Exam significantly.
"Otherwise, there's no way I'd have improved this much."
The clock continued ticking—ninety hours had passed.
Another click echoed through the hall.
A figure stumbled into view—Killua.
His clothes were tattered, dust covering his body.
Illumi's gaze followed him, an unreadable expression on his face.
"Killua, over here!" Kurapika called out excitedly.
Killua nodded, walking over.
"Gon and Leorio aren't here yet?"
"Not yet."
Kurapika frowned. "Different examinees face different trials. It might take them some time. But I believe they'll both make it."
"Yeah."
Killua glanced at the leaderboard on the wall.
Gittarackur, Hisoka, Geretta, Kaizen...
Ninety-five hours.
Leorio staggered out.
"Boom!"
As soon as he stepped forward, he collapsed to the ground, completely drained.
Kurapika rushed over to help him up.
"Did I pass?"
"You did."
Leorio let out a deep sigh of relief and slumped back down.
Kurapika handed him a bottle of soda. "Here, replenish your energy."
"Thanks."
A few minutes later, another trapdoor opened.
This time, an examinee stumbled out—worse off than Leorio.
"Boom!"
The candidate hit the ground with a sickening thud.
For a long time, they didn't move.
The hall fell silent.
A nearby candidate stepped forward to check for breathing and a pulse. Then, shaking his head, he simply muttered:
"Dead."
Leorio stared at the lifeless body, a look of shock on his face.
"He… died?"
Another candidate glanced at the corpse, indifferent.
"What a waste. Risking your life to get this far… And for what? If you die, none of it matters. Would've been better to give up and try again next year."
Killua, Leorio, and Kurapika exchanged uneasy glances.
"Gon… He's going to be okay, right?"
"He has to pass."
"With Gon's strength, he'll be fine."
Finally, the ninety-sixth hour arrived. The countdown on the wall reached its final minute.
Some candidates were already stretching, preparing for the next phase.
Click!
A figure burst through the door.
"I made it!"
Gon rushed in, panting heavily.
"Gon!" Leorio shouted excitedly.
Hisoka smirked from the sidelines.
Illumi observed Killua's expression and narrowed his eyes slightly.
An examiner stepped forward, addressing the group.
"Congratulations, everyone."
"You have passed the third phase of the Hunter Exam."
"Now, follow me."
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