Training, learning, and making medicine.
Time slowly passed in this process.
Soon it was the last week of December.
A black stretch limousine slowly pulled up to the entrance of the Nostra Family's manor.
Kevin was already waiting at the door.
The car door opened, and Wing stepped out.
Seeing the waiting Kevin, he smiled and greeted him, then his gaze fell upon the vast manor.
"It seems you've been through a lot since we last met."
"You could say that."
Kevin responded with a smile, then led Wing into the manor.
In the manor's main hall, Light, Kurapika, and others had been waiting for a long time.
Kevin introduced the two parties to each other.
"The matter I'm entrusting you with this time is simple: please protect their safety while I'm away participating in the Hunter Exam."
"Also, conduct some basic Training for these three, primarily preparatory Training for learning Nen Ability."
Before coming, Wing had already learned about the relevant situation.
He looked at the three Kurutas.
"You plan to have them awaken Nen through Training? That will take quite some time."
Compared to directly infusing Nen to awaken it, self-awakening through Training indeed requires more time.
"No, they are all very talented.
You just need to conduct physical fitness Training for them, to prepare for when I infuse them with Nen later," Kevin said.
Hearing Kevin's words, Wing carefully observed the few people, then slightly frowned, unable to help but remind him, "These two are still children; their willpower and control might not be able to withstand high-intensity Training."
"There might be problems."
For children, Wing preferred to let them awaken Nen naturally through Training.
After all, a child's body is still developing, and with appropriate Training, awakening Nen is relatively easier.
Of course, this also takes a longer time.
"It's alright, just train them in this direction.
If it ends up taking too long, I will infuse them with Nen myself."
Kevin had learned about this kind of Training from Bisky before.
Self-awakening Nen through Training is itself a process of strengthening control over the body, and also a process of cultivating willpower and the physique.
This kind of Training is greatly beneficial for subsequent Nen infusion and better control of Nen.
So, just train them like this, and it will be relatively easier and more relaxed for them to awaken after he finishes the exam and returns.
At this moment, Wing seemed to sense something, walked over to Pairo, and gently pinched him on the body.
"He's been injured, right?
His body is very weak and might not be able to withstand this kind of Training; it could even cause other problems."
Impressive, he saw it just by looking.
At least in this aspect, Wing was indeed better than himself.
Kevin sighed inwardly, nodded, and said, "I know, but you also know my Nen Ability.
Finding another doctor who can perform a more detailed examination afterward should be able to solve his problem."
Although his medicine was potent, the problem was that his examination couldn't be meticulous.
He didn't want to cause problems due to his rashness that would affect the other person's future.
Especially Pairo, who was already considered one of their own.
"Oh, right."
Wing then remembered Kevin's Nen Ability and nodded.
Afterward, he seemed to think of something else and looked at Kevin: "Your potions don't have side effects now?"
Kevin couldn't help but show a proud smile and nodded slightly.
Seeing Kevin's reaction, Wing immediately made a decision and said without hesitation, "Then I request to exchange my commission for suitable potions."
Wing was not foolish; when he spent time with Kevin, although he didn't fully understand the potions Kevin could make, he had heard Kevin say that his own physical Training level and ability improvement benefited greatly from the aid of potions.
Previously, because the potions had side effects, Wing, although envious, did not ask Kevin for or buy them.
Now that there were no side effects, there was nothing to worry about.
"Haha, you have good taste."
Kevin said with a smile, "No problem, I'll convert it into potions for you at the internal price."
"Alright, although I'm not as good as you in combat now, when it comes to training people, I'm quite confident."
During this time, Wing had visited many dojos, sects, and clubs, and he himself was growing rapidly.
The few Kurutas had been listening quietly all along.
Finally, Pairo couldn't help it anymore, and with a slightly uncomfortable expression, he reminded Wing, "Your - your coattail."
Hearing the reminder, Wing fumbled to straighten his coattail.
In an instant, his imposing aura from before vanished completely, replaced by a clumsy, awkward smile: "S-sorry."
This scene made Kurapika and the others can't help but worry, was this person reliable at all?
Kevin helplessly rubbed his forehead; he had known Wing for a long time and naturally knew some of Wing's habits.
Wing always deliberately left a little bit of mess on his otherwise neat appearance, which was very uncomfortable to look at, practically 'killing obsessive-compulsive disorder'.
And Kevin had already gotten used to the other party's behavior and subconsciously didn't remind him.
Soon, Light arranged for everyone to have lunch together.
During the meal, Wing gradually became familiar with everyone.
He clearly noticed Neon's abnormality because she had been maintaining the Zetsu state, so he looked at Kevin with an inquiring gaze.
"She is a key protection target," Kevin explained.
Wing nodded understandingly and did not press further.
A Hunter must have their professional integrity.
"Now that you're here, I can rest assured."
Wing looked at Kevin and, after a moment of thought, said, "Pay more attention during the exam; some challenges cannot be overcome with just Nen Ability."
Kevin nodded, indicating that he was mentally prepared.
The next day, Kevin arranged his itinerary and took a train to North Blue Port.
As for why he didn't take an airship, it was because for some reason, all airships going to North Blue Port had been suspended in the past few days.
If one wanted to take an airship, they had to find a way themselves or take a private airship.
Kevin had gathered intelligence on this situation early and speculated that it was likely an arrangement by the Hunter Association.
It is said that millions of people participate in the Hunter Exam every year, but only a handful pass.
The acceptance rate is as low as one in hundreds of thousands or even millions, and this is counting those who registered to take the exam.
This shows how fierce the competition is.
Therefore, even on the way to the exam site, various screening mechanisms are set up, aiming to eliminate the vast majority of candidates during the journey.
After boarding the train, Kevin found his seat and sat down, looking around at the passengers in the carriage.
He saw individuals with fierce physiques, many openly carrying weapons, scanning the carriage with vigilant, scrutinizing eyes.
If there were no surprises, most of the people in this carriage should be going to participate in the Hunter Exam.
After acquiring Nen Ability, Kevin's senses became much sharper, and the conversations in the carriage clearly entered his ears.
Soon, the train slowly started.
This train would take about two days and one night to reach North Blue Port.
Kevin picked up a book about medicinal herbs and began to read quietly.
In the latter half of the night, Kevin woke up leisurely and took out the earplugs from his ears.
At this time, the carriage was filled with thunderous snoring, one after another, with various tones intertwined.
Kevin shook his head helplessly.
He thanked the passenger next to him; the other party seemed to have foreseen this noisy scene and specifically gave him a pair of earplugs.
However, this gentleman's snore was also the loudest in the carriage, right next to him.
It was clear that this person was very tired.
Suddenly, Kevin felt the train begin to slow down, and the deceleration process was very slow, until it came to a complete stop, and the shaking when it finally stopped was extremely subtle.
From the moment the train started to slow down, a very small number of people had gradually woken up.
After the train came to a complete stop, through the window, one could clearly see a train staff member standing outside the carriage, holding a sign with words on it: [Tunnel collapsed ahead, members participating in the exam please get off and proceed on foot.
Please do not disturb the surrounding passengers.]
Seeing the sign, the few people who had already stood up exchanged glances and quietly got up from their seats.
One of them walked to the door and looked into the distance in the dark night, and indeed saw that the entrance to the tunnel in the direction of the train engine was blocked by mud and rocks.
This meant that even if they stayed on the train, it would be almost impossible to arrive at the venue on time tomorrow.
"I apologize for the inconvenience, everyone."
The staff member outside said with a smile, his bright white teeth and shining smile showing no sincerity of apology at all.
"Tch, they pull this trick every year."
One of the candidates had an exaggerated pompadour hairstyle and seemed not to be participating in the exam for the first time.
After complaining, he walked directly towards North Blue Port.
The others also set off in the same direction, maintaining a certain safe distance from each other with great tacit understanding.
"Be careful, passengers, this area is in the wilderness, and the road to North Blue Port is easy to get lost on, and you also need to watch out for wild beasts in the forest!"
The staff member reminded them with a smile while waving from behind.
"You don't need to worry about that," one candidate complained impatiently, and as he spoke, he pulled a hunting rifle from his suitcase.
Kevin wondered to himself, how did this guy get past security?
Forget it, after all, they are all here to participate in the Hunter Exam, so they must have some skills.
After the few people had successively disappeared into the forest in the dark night, the staff member withdrew his gaze.
Suddenly, he frowned and sniffed the air with his nose.
"What's that smell?
Why is it so stinky?"
This smell was coming from inside the carriage.
The passengers who had been sleeping soundly in the carriage were all woken up by the pungent smell.
"It stinks so much, did you fart!"
"Ugh! So disgusting."
"Damn it, why did the train stop?"
At this point, the people in the carriage realized that the train had stopped at some point.
And they saw the sign he was holding and the words written on it.
The staff member pinched his nose and looked at the scene with a surprised expression.
"Who did this?
Doesn't this mean overtime again?!"
His face, which had been wearing a professional smile, now showed an expression of helplessness like an overworked ox.
Looking at the confused passengers running off the train, the staff member shook his head helplessly and had to re-explain: "I must remind everyone, this is the wilderness, it's easy to get lost, and there are many wild beasts and poisonous insects in the forest.
If you are not confident, please stay in the carriage and wait for a while; there will be a rescue vehicle in the morning."
Hearing this, many people started to back down.
The staff member added fuel to the fire: "I'm not kidding, there are quite a few fierce beasts and poisonous insects here.
Actually, you are already considered the batch that has been screened and eliminated to some extent.
Save your life, train, and come back next year."
It wasn't until someone took the lead and returned to the carriage that the others also followed suit.
The reason for such a choice was that the death rate of the Hunter Exam each year was not low, and it was openly stated.
Soon, only one person remained at the original spot.
The staff member looked at the person who stayed and advised with some distress, "Under normal circumstances, you have actually lost your eligibility for the exam.
Although I don't know who caused this, do you really want to leave alone in the dark night?"
The person nodded silently, then turned and walked towards the forest in the dark night.
"I really misjudged him, he's a kind fellow."
The staff member couldn't help but think that this person didn't leave at first but waited until the end to set off alone, clearly considering the bandwagon effect.
If he had left first, it might have emboldened those who were already hesitant, leading some people to make irrational decisions, potentially causing these prospective candidates to encounter danger in the forest tonight.
In the forest, a muscular man with a pompadour and a mustache walked side by side with Kevin.
He spoke to himself, "At this speed, it's a bit uncertain whether we can reach North Blue Port before noon tomorrow."
Kevin was a little helpless; this guy was too familiar.
When they first entered the forest, everyone kept a certain distance, but not long after, they met again in the same direction, and then they traveled together to the venue.
Anyway, the exam hadn't officially started yet, and they weren't considered competitors at the moment, so Kevin didn't pay too much attention to it.
"When you left the carriage earlier, did you leave something on your seat?"
The man with the pompadour asked as he walked.
Kevin glanced at him: "You're quite sharp."
He had indeed left a bottle of potion on his seat; according to his setting, the potion would automatically open shortly after he left.
The gas released by the potion had a pungent odor; besides the foul smell, there were no toxic substances.
Suddenly, they heard movement behind them.
The man with the pompadour looked behind him vigilantly, but Kevin remained unmoved, continuing to walk steadily through the forest.
"Hey!
Didn't you hear?
Someone is following us from behind."
"Don't worry about it, someone in the carriage must have woken up and is catching up," Kevin said.
Hearing Kevin's words, the man with the pompadour instantly understood.
"So the thing you left can wake up everyone sleeping in the carriage?
You really are a good person.
Why would you do that?"
At this moment, the person following behind them no longer hid and ran a few steps to catch up.
"Thank you, this should be yours."
A simple-looking man with a buzz cut and a round head ran up to Kevin holding the potion bottle.
Kevin took the potion bottle directly and said with a smile, "You're welcome, just consider it returning the favor for the earplugs you gave me."
"Haha, then I made a big profit."
The man said, and looking at the man with the pompadour under the moonlight, he seemed to remember something when he saw the distinctive hairstyle.
"You - you're Bajiao, right?"
The man with the pompadour, called Bajiao, turned his head sharply and asked with a frown, "Who are you?
I don't remember seeing you."
"My name is Goreinu, I also participated in the Hunter Exam last year, but I was eliminated right at the beginning of the second phase."
Hearing this, Bajiao nodded, thinking that with so many people participating in the exam last year, it was normal not to recognize him.
Last year, over five hundred people participated in the exam, three hundred of whom entered the second phase, and a large number of people were eliminated in the second phase.
"You were able to enter the second phase, how could you have failed there?"
Bajiao asked curiously.
Goreinu smiled awkwardly: "A small accident."
"Then let's talk as we walk; the wilderness at night is indeed quite boring," Kevin suggested from the front.
Bajiao pouted and said to Kevin, "You must be participating in the Hunter Exam for the first time, right?"
"Why do you ask?"
Kevin asked doubtfully.
Goreinu reminded him, "The journey definitely won't be peaceful, after all, we haven't seen the guide yet."
"Guide?"
Kevin repeated, his heart full of questions.