Chapter 3: The Trial of the Forest
The first rays of sunlight pierced the dense canopy, scattering golden stripes across the forest floor. Kurapika stirred, muscles aching and body stiff from sleeping under the open sky. His shoulders and back ached from lying on the cold, damp ground, but he forced himself to sit up.
Follow the river. Find the stone arch. Reach the cabin.
Ronan's instructions from last night echoed in his mind. Each word was clear and precise, leaving no room for error. Kurapika's stomach growled, a sharp reminder that he hadn't eaten in days, but hunger could wait. Survival demanded focus.
Every step he took sent shivers through his body. The forest was alive with sounds: the rustle of leaves, distant bird calls, and the low hum of unseen energy coursing through the ground. Kurapika's Nen still pulsed faintly inside him, reacting instinctively to the life surrounding him. Even without activating it, he could sense the aura of the forest—strong, chaotic, and wild.
I can't rely on Nen yet. Not during the trial.
After walking for hours, he arrived at a riverbank. The water rushed swiftly over smooth stones, glimmering under the morning sun. Kurapika's instincts screamed caution. Slipping into the river could mean instant death.
A rustle behind him drew his attention. His pulse quickened. From the underbrush, a massive boar charged, tusks gleaming. Kurapika had no weapons except a crude stone knife. Nen was off-limits.
He dodged instinctively, barely avoiding a deadly tusk strike. The boar collided with a tree, shaking the ground, but it recovered instantly. Kurapika's mind raced—he had to survive without relying on power he wasn't allowed to use yet.
Think. Don't panic.
He remembered survival lessons from his old life: use the environment, conserve energy, anticipate movements. He grabbed a long, thin branch, swung it toward the boar's head, and the animal recoiled. Using a combination of quick dodges and clever misdirection, he managed to lead the creature into a dense thicket. The boar yelped, finally losing sight of him.
Kurapika exhaled heavily. His muscles trembled, and his chest burned. The forest had already tested his physical limits—and he was just beginning.
By midday, the forest grew denser. Fallen trees blocked the path, and the river twisted into a narrow gorge. Crossing it would require careful observation and precise movements. One misstep could spell death.
Kurapika crouched, examining the stones that jutted from the river. Some were slick with moss, others loose and unstable. He closed his eyes briefly, focusing, and imagined himself stepping across carefully. His mind, sharp with canon knowledge from his previous life, calculated distances, angles, and timing.
Every move matters. One slip, and it's over.
He leapt onto the first stone, then the next. Halfway across, the current pulled at his ankle. He stumbled, slipping dangerously. His hand shot out, catching the edge of a stone. The water gushed past him, cold and forceful, but he held on.
Fear surged, but he suppressed it. Memories of his clan, the massacre, and promises he had made merged into determination. I can't fail. I won't die here.
With a final effort, he leapt to solid ground on the other side. Exhausted, soaked, and shivering, Kurapika felt the first taste of true relief—but it was fleeting. The forest still had trials to offer.
By late afternoon, Kurapika's hunger had reached a critical point. His stomach rumbled violently, making him dizzy. He scouted the forest, finding small roots and edible berries. Some were safe; others left a bitter taste that reminded him of poison.
He chewed carefully, conserving every bite. Using his memories from his past life, he identified patterns in nature: birds' nests indicated fruit-bearing trees nearby; insects hinted at clean water sources.
Each discovery was small, but it built his confidence. Kurapika realized survival wasn't just physical—it was mental. Focus, observation, and calm decision-making were just as important as speed or strength.
As the sun dipped lower, shadows lengthened. Kurapika noticed movement near the edge of the clearing. Three wolves emerged, their eyes gleaming faintly in the twilight. Their growls sent shivers down his spine.
He froze, aware that one misstep could mean death. Nen remained forbidden, and his stone knife would barely be enough against these predators. He had to think.
The first wolf lunged. Kurapika sidestepped, letting it crash past him. The second circled, jaws snapping. He swung his branch with precision, connecting with the wolf's side. The third approached silently from behind.
Kurapika's mind raced, recalling tactics he had read about and practiced in his past life. He kicked the third wolf, sending it tumbling, then threw dirt into the eyes of the first. Confused, the wolves stumbled toward the river, where the current swept them away.
Panting, Kurapika clutched the branch and surveyed the clearing. Every heartbeat reminded him that survival demanded more than just strength—it demanded cunning and control.
Finally, Kurapika saw the stone arch in the distance. Beyond it lay a modest wooden cabin. Relief washed over him, but he kept moving cautiously.
As he approached, a familiar figure emerged. Ronan, leaning on his cane, observed him with calm, piercing eyes.
"You survived," Ronan said simply.
Kurapika lowered himself to the ground, still catching his breath. "Yes… I made it."
Ronan's eyes scanned him from head to toe. "Not bad. Endurance, quick thinking, and instincts intact. Most would have failed halfway through without Nen."
Kurapika's scarlet eyes glimmered faintly. Even without fully awakening Emperor Eyes, his aura responded instinctively, alert and strong.
"I want to learn," Kurapika said firmly. "I'm ready for whatever comes next."
Ronan nodded slowly. "Good. Surviving the forest proves one thing: you have the will. But potential alone won't make you a Hunter. Discipline, control, and training will. If you want to master Nen, you must dedicate yourself fully. I won't hold your hand, and I won't spare you."
Kurapika met his gaze, determination blazing. "I understand. I'll do whatever it takes."
Ronan smirked faintly. "Tomorrow, we start. First, you'll learn to control your body, your mind, and your instincts. After that… aura mastery. But for tonight, rest. You've earned it."
Kurapika lay down on the mat inside the cabin, exhaustion weighing him down. Outside, the forest whispered with unseen life, but for the first time, he felt a spark of hope.
I won't fail. I'll grow stronger… and I'll make sure my clan's story doesn't end here.