Killua's look of facing a great enemy gave Roy immense satisfaction in a rather mischievous way, and Gon and the others, who had been watching the whole scene unfold, could tell that Roy didn't actually mean any harm. Gon had already taken a liking to Killua, since he was about the same age and size as him and had also shown up at the Hunter Exam venue, so he stepped forward and cheerfully said,
"Your physical ability is amazing. Hi, I'm Gon."
As he spoke, Gon held out his hand to Killua.
Killua looked at Roy, then at Gon. After a moment, his instincts told him there was no danger, so he accepted Gon's goodwill.
"I'm Killua."
And just like that, the two met and started talking.
It had to be said, since they were both kids, they quickly found common ground.
After all, they were the same age, and both had come to take the Hunter Exam. With so many things in common, the two of them became familiar with each other in no time.
Only Leorio and Kurapika still kept their guard up. After all, this was their first time meeting Killua, and they didn't know what he was really like.
As Gon and Killua kept chatting, Killua soon learned the names of everyone in Gon's group.
He also found out that the person in front of him with that incredible speed was named Roy.
As the conversation opened up, Killua gradually relaxed.
"Roy seems really strong."
"Yeah, Roy's the strongest out of all of us!" It was obvious that Gon admired Roy a great deal.
Roy, on the other hand, neither confirmed nor denied it. The blonde beauty beside him was the strongest person present—no, the strongest in the entire world.
"Killua, when we came in just now, Roy said you were strong too."
"Did he?" Killua shot Roy a glance, still a little traumatized by what had just happened.
Seeing Killua look over, Roy said, "You do have excellent physical ability and sharp reflexes. As expected of someone raised by a famous assassin organization. But if you haven't learned that yet, then you still don't amount to much."
"That?" Killua froze.
"What is that?" Killua keenly sensed that this "that" seemed to be something very important.
"Normally, it's not something that can be explained to ordinary people. But if you pass the Hunter Exam, you'll naturally find out what it is."
"I see. So the Hunter Exam has hidden depths like that? I'm starting to look forward to this exam."
Ding ding ding~~~
A man in a suit appeared. He had pinkish-purple hair and two upturned mustaches that perfectly hid his mouth.
In his hand he carried a strange creature that looked like a living version of one of those British wall clocks that chimed on the hour. The ringing sound was coming from the mouth of that mysterious creature.
"The Hunter Exam will now officially begin." Satotz arrived at the venue carrying the odd bird-like creature and spoke.
The moment those words fell, the atmosphere at the scene instantly became tense. Everyone held their breath and sharpened their focus. Of course, there were exceptions—such as Hisoka over there in the corner playing cards, and the beautiful older-sister type beside Roy who remained unmoved by anything.
The Hunter Exam was about to begin. Gon and the others were all somewhat nervous. Even Killua licked his lips.
"Relax. There definitely won't be any problem."
At that moment, Roy's calm voice rang out, and Kurapika, Leorio, and the others unconsciously felt their tension ease.
"That's right. With our strength, we'll definitely clear it!"
While Gon and the others were steadying themselves, Satotz, the examiner for the first phase of the Hunter Exam, finished rattling off a long list of rules and confirming the final number of participants. Then the large group followed after him and began the first phase of the exam.
The content of the exam was to keep up with this examiner and not fall behind, launching into an ultra-long-distance marathon through a dim underground passage without any idea where the destination lay.
"I understand now. The number of first-time participants is 406." As soon as they started moving, Satotz already knew how many people were taking part.
There had originally been 407, but one had been crippled in advance by Hisoka. The unlucky fellow who had lost both arms was obviously no longer able to participate.
"The real exam has begun," Roy said softly.
"Hm?"
"Based on the exam events in previous years, it's obvious this isn't just a long-distance run. This pitch-black tunnel with no daylight and no visible end point, together with the examiner's easy, effortless walking posture without the slightest sign of fatigue, all suggest that this phase is testing endurance, stamina, and a person's willpower."
Some nearby examinees had drawn closer, and upon hearing this, they all stiffened and became even more serious.
"Is that so? Stamina and endurance? If it had been before, this might've been a little troublesome, but now... heh heh!" Leorio was clearly much more confident.
Before awakening Nen, this phase really would have been rough for him. But now...
Kurapika and Gon beside him also showed slightly relieved expressions.
This first phase wouldn't be enough to stop them!
…
Time slowly passed, and more and more people were beginning to fall behind the main group, eliminated in this pitch-black tunnel.
Roy yawned. This really was a bit boring.
He thought for a moment, then slowly released a trace of his aura and sent it toward Satotz.
Satotz, who had been rapidly advancing at the front, suddenly stumbled for a step, causing the examinees behind him to freeze in surprise.
At that moment, out in front where none of the examinees could see, beads of cold sweat were running down Satotz's face.
"That aura just now... was that from one of the examinees? How could there be such overwhelming pressure? I've never felt anything like this—not even when exploring some extremely dangerous ruins before!"
(End of Chapter)
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