Examiner?: Look at this...
He drags a monkey-like humanoid creature out from the bushes. Its face closely resembles Satotz's. It appears to be either dead or unconscious.
All the applicants are shocked.
Gon: He looks just like Satotz-san!
Examiner?: It's a Man-Faced Ape—one of the creatures that dwell in the Numere Wetlands!
Leorio: Man-Faced Ape?
Examiner?: These apes crave fresh human flesh. They're weak due to their thin limbs, so they disguise themselves as humans to lure people into the wetlands. Once they succeed, they team up with other beasts to hunt and devour their prey. This one clearly intended to trap every applicant here.
He points at Satotz. All the participants eye Satotz with suspicion, while the self-proclaimed examiner grins smugly, thinking he's convinced them.
Leorio: Bastard...
Hanzo: He does walk a bit strange…
Max (thinking): That's a human walk… but it's more like how a royal soldier moves. Still, something feels off—almost non-human, like a wind-up toy soldier or a robot. Even so, I still believe Satotz is the real one.
Suddenly, six playing cards fly through the air—three aimed at Satotz and three at the fake examiner. Satotz effortlessly catches three cards with ease, while the imposter isn't so fortunate. Two cards embed themselves in his body, and the last one pierces his skull. He drops dead on the spot.
Leorio: Huh?
The jester, Hisoka, twirls a few more cards in his hand with a mischievous smile.
Max (thinking): Yup, that was Hisoka's card. I saw him sharpen them with Nen before throwing them—even before the exam started. He sliced off both arms of some guy who bumped into him with one of those cards. Still can't figure out how he pulled off that flower trick, though. That had to be real magic, not Nen.
Hisoka: I see, I see... that settles it. You're the real one.
The crowd gasps, turning their attention back to Satotz.
Hanzo: What?! He's the real examiner?!
Man-Faced Ape: Huh?!
The monkey-like creature suddenly springs to its feet and bolts, revealing it was only pretending to be unconscious.
Hisoka: Examiners are Hunters appointed by the committee. They serve without pay. Any true Hunter—bearing the title we seek—would've been able to block my attack.
Satotz: I'll take that as a compliment. However, if you attack me again—for any reason—I will report you for turning on an examiner. And you will be disqualified. Is that clear?
Hisoka: Sure.
Vulture-like birds swoop down and begin feasting on the dead impostor's corpse.
Leorio: Damn… nature really is brutal.
Kurapika: So he was a Man-Faced Ape after all.
Max (thinking): How the hell did those vultures show up so quickly? It's like they were just waiting for one of the participants to drop dead so they could feast on the corpse.
Satotz: He intended to sow doubt and lure you all off course. Be warned—deception is common during the Hunter Exam.
Killua: We can't afford to let our guard down.
Gon: Yeah.
Satotz: I imagine several of you doubted me just now.
Some applicants look embarrassed. Leorio and Hanzo laugh awkwardly.
Satotz: Understand this—if you lose sight of me in the fog of the Numere Wetlands, you will not reach the Second Phase of the exam. Keep that in mind. Now, let's move. Please follow me.
Satotz began walking—but just like before, he quickly picked up the pace.The ground was getting wetter as we moved deeper into the swamp, but that didn't bother me. I've been through tougher training than this.
Leorio: Tch... another damn marathon.
Kurapika: And this time, we're running through a swamp. Wet ground uses up more stamina.
Max: Kurapika.
Kurapika: Yeah? What is it?
Max: I know this isn't the best time, but I want to ask you something personal. You don't have to answer if you don't want to.
Kurapika: "Go ahead. I just hope this isn't about that gender thing again."
Max: "What? No, of course not. We already settled that—remember?"
Kurapika briefly recalled what Max did back on the boat… then quickly dismissed the memory.
Kurapika: "I don't remember any of that."
Max: "Oh? Should I help you remember?"
Kurapika's hand moved to his wooden baton, ready to strike if Max pulled anything.
Kurapika: "Don't you dare. Don't even try."
Max: "Relax, I'm just kidding. This is actually about your past."
Kurapika: "My past? I thought I already told you everything."
Max: "Not everything. There's still one part that's been bothering me… How did you survive the Phantom Troupe's massacre?"
Kurapika: "That came out of nowhere."
Leorio: "Hey, Max—that's kind of a harsh question. Maybe save it for another time?"
Max: "I know you've already shared parts of your past, but you never really explained how you survived. I'm just curious… but if it's something too painful, you don't have to answer."Max (thought):And if I never find out… maybe I'll be wondering about it for the rest of my life. I'm not usually the type to dig into someone's past, but his story… it's just too interesting. I really want to hear it.
Kurapika: "It's alright, Leorio. I've already told you guys some of it… I don't mind sharing a bit more."
Max (thought):Thank god. I was really worried I overstepped.
Leorio: ...Well, if you're okay with it. Still, maybe don't make a habit of asking that kind of stuff.
Max: "Don't worry—this'll be the last time."Max (thought):I hope.
Kurapika takes a breath, then begins.
Kurapika: "It was pure luck. I wasn't there when it happened. Normally, members of the Kurta Clan aren't allowed to leave the village unless they pass a special test. I passed and set out on a journey to find a doctor for my friend, Pairo. He was injured after falling off a cliff while trying to save me. Because of that, he ended up with weak legs and worsening eyesight. Thanks to him too, I was able to pass the test. Six weeks after I left… I received the news. The rest… I think you can guess."
Max: Damn. If your friend hadn't been hurt, you never would've left. You would've died with the rest. So in a way... it's thanks to him that you're still alive.
Kurapika: "Yeah... he was always there for me whenever I was in trouble. Even now... in his own way, he saved me again."
Leorio: "I'm sorry for your loss."
Kurapika: "It's alright."
Max: Thanks for sharing that—and sorry for asking. I was just curious.
Kurapika (sighs): It's fine. You've always been like this, Max—curious to a fault.
Max: Alright then. I'm heading up front. Catch you later.
Max jogged ahead, disappearing into the thickening fog after Satotz. Time passed, and the mist grew even denser.
Satotz: "Pay attention now. Be sure to stay close behind me."
Kurapika: "The fog is getting thicker..."
Max glanced behind him and spotted Hisoka casually walking through the haze. Hisoka caught Max's gaze and gave a slow, eerie wave with a smile. Max quickly turned back around, a chill running down his spine.
Max (thinking):I hate clowns. Or insane people. I don't want to fight him. Just because I'm strong doesn't mean I'm fearless… I'm still human, after all.
Behind Hisoka, Max noticed a few other participants eyeing the jester suspiciously.
Max (thinking):Looks like they're planning something... bad idea. If they try anything stupid, they're doomed. The jester can do whatever he wants to them—it's not even against the rules.
He moved closer to Gon and Killua, who were also keeping a wary eye on Hisoka.
Killua: "Gon, Max..."
Gon: "Huh?"
Max: "What?"
Killua: "Let's move up."
Gon: "Okay. We don't want to lose sight of the examiner."
Max: "You don't even need to tell me—I was already planning on it."
Killua: "Honestly, I just want to put more distance between us and Hisoka. Being too close to him feels... dangerous. I can smell it in the air."
Gon: "Smell?"
Gon sniffed the air but looked puzzled.
Gon: "Hmm... I don't think he smells."
Max: "I don't smell anything either, but yeah, I'm with you. I really don't want to be near that guy."
Gon: "I'm gonna warn Leorio and Kurapika!"
Gon raised his voice so the others could hear.
Gon: "Leorio! Kurapika! Killua says we should move up!"
Killua: "Tch... Hey, can't you feel the tension in the air?"
Max: "Don't worry. The other participants still don't seem to care."
Leorio: "Moron! If I had the strength, I'd already be there!"
Kurapika: "Don't worry about us!"
Gon: "Huh?"
Max: "Welp. I'm heading out first."
He dashed forward.
Killua: "Let's go too, Gon."
Gon: "Ah, wait!"
Kurapika and Leorio exchanged glances as they watched their friends disappear into the fog.
Kurapika & Leorio (thinking):Even if we wanted to follow… we can't even tell which way to go anymore.
Time passed. Kurapika and Leorio were still nowhere in sight—Then suddenly, blood-curdling screams echoed through the fog.
Gon: "I hear people screaming all around us..."
Max: "Welp, that's definitely the sound of terror."
Killua: "Stay on your guard."
Gon: "I wonder if Leorio and Kurapika are okay..."
Suddenly, Max sensed something and came to a stop.
Max: "Guys, wait! There's something below us—"
Gon & Killua: "Huh?"
But it was too late. A massive frog-like creature burst from beneath and swallowed Gon and Killua whole. Max barely managed to dodge the trap, rolling to the side. He quickly hid his presence, trying not to attract attention.
Max: "Guys?! Are you okay?! Still alive?!"
The frog paused, reacting to Max's voice. But before it could spot him, Max had already circled around it and hidden again. The frog resumed walking, seemingly unaware.
Max (thought):They didn't answer… Damn, did they really get eaten? No way. Gon's the protagonist—he's not going out like that. And that frog didn't look that strong either. Killua should've been able to escape easily... They can't be dead already, right? I want to attack, but... I don't think I will. They've got this. They can escape on their own.
His train of thought stopped when the frog started to look uneasy—its cheeks bulged. Then it puked. Out came Gon and Killua, both still completely intact.
Max (thought):Knew it!
He rushed over to them, noticing they were covered in sticky slime.
Max: "You guys didn't lose any flesh? No skin melted?"
Gon: "Nope! Guess he didn't like how we tasted."
Killua: "It was this."
Killua held up a can—one of the ones Tonpa had given them earlier.
Gon: "That was from Tonpa-san!"
Max: "From that fat bitch."
Gon: "Hey, that's rude! At least it ended up saving us."
Max: "Why should I thank someone who gave it to us with bad intentions? I'm sure you could've escaped even without it."
Killua: "He's got a point."
Gon: "Still… I'm worried about Leorio and Kurapika."
Killua: "Forget them for now. Let's keep moving."
Max: "They'll be fine. You should have more faith in them."
Gon: "You're right. Let's go."
The three of them started running again, but after a while, Gon suddenly stopped.
Gon (thought):But I'm still worried... I have to go back.
He dashed off without a word. Killua didn't notice. Max did—but stayed silent.
Max (thought):He'll be fine. He's the protagonist. Besides, I haven't seen that jester around.
Time passed. Max and Killua eventually caught up to Satotz and the remaining participants who had managed to keep up.
Killua: "We've caught up to the main group. Huh? Wait… Where's Gon?"
Max: "He went back to look for Leorio and Kurapika."
Killua: "That idiot! And you saw him go and didn't stop him?!"
Max: "I could've stopped him… but I couldn't stop his will. He didn't want to be stopped."
Killua: "Then why didn't you come tell me?"
Max: "I thought you noticed too. Guess not. Well dont worry As long as he doesn't cross paths with that crazy jester. If he does… all we can do is pray he gets away in one piece."
Killua: "...Then how will he catch up to us?"
Max: "He can follow the footsteps."
Killua: "There are so many footprints out here. Will he even notice ours?"
Max: "Uhh… well, he has his own way. Let's go with that."
Killua: "Just say you don't know."
Max: "...All we can do is pray. But I bet he'll be okay."Max (thought):Because he's the protagonist.
Killua: "...If you say so."
Max: "Let's keep going."
Max moved ahead to catch up with Satotz. Killua hesitated for a moment, then followed, choosing to place his trust in Gon.
Time passed, and eventually, they arrived at the starting point of the second phase of the Hunter Exam, It was a big castle. As they waited for the other participants to catch up, Max noticed someone approaching. It was Hisoka—calmly walking toward them, carrying an unconscious Leorio in his arms. Leorio's face was bruised and battered.
Max (thinking):Well, crap. They actually ran into them… Is he dead? I hope not.
Mustering some courage, Max stepped forward.
Max: "Is he still alive?"
Hisoka:(smiling faintly) "Don't worry. He's alive. The other two are as well... but not everyone was so lucky."
Max: "The other two… one's a kid with pineapple hair, and the other looks kinda girly?"
Hisoka:(chuckles) "You could say that. Don't worry—they'll catch up. Here you go."
Hisoka handed Leorio over to Max and casually walked off, waving as he disappeared into the distance. Max carefully laid Leorio down against a tree. Killua approached shortly after.
Killua: "So, the old man made it. What about Gon and the blondie? What did Hisoka say?"
Max gave him a thumbs-up.
Max: "They're fine."
Killua let out a small breath of relief.
Killua: "Then... how are they gonna catch up?"
Max: "Don't worry they have their own way"
Time had passed. Satotz glanced at his wristwatch—the wait was nearly over.
Killua: "Time's almost up. Are you sure they're gonna make it?"
Max: "Yes... I think?"
Max (thinking):It should be fine… he's the protagonist, after all... right? Plus, that jester said they'll come.
Killua: "You think?"
Max: "The jester said it too."
Killua:[facepalms]
Just then, Gon and Kurapika came into view, arriving at the last possible moment—cutting it dangerously close.
Max: "Umm, hahaha... Look! They're here! I told you—you should trust them."
Killua (thinking):Looks like you were about to lose faith there… but whatever. All's well that ends well.
Gon and Kurapika finally arrived, both panting as they scanned the area, clearly searching for Leorio. Max was about to call out when Gon suddenly froze—feeling a chill run down his spine. He turned to the source of the sensation and spotted Hisoka leaning casually against a tree, silently pointing in their direction.
Following Hisoka's gesture, Gon and Kurapika rushed over. Gon gently placed Leorio's briefcase beside him.
Gon: "Leorio... He's still unconscious."
Max: "Don't worry, I'll wake him up."
Kurapika: "Don't use brute force."
Max: "Relax. I've got a better idea. Good thing there's a river nearby—makes refilling this easy."
He grabbed his water bottle and began pouring it over Leorio's face. Leorio jolted awake almost immediately.
Leorio: "Blub—what the—blub blub! Stop! I'm already—blub—awake—blub!"
Max kept pouring.
Gon: "Umm... Max? He's awake now."
Max: "He hasn't stood up yet, so I'm helping him recharge. Must've been tired from all that running."
Killua: "Well... you have a point."
Kurapika just stared in silent judgment.
Leorio: "BLUB—I SAID STOP!"
He quickly scrambled to his feet, coughing and dripping wet.
Leorio: "Jeez! You nearly drowned me! And with that giant water bottle?! Couldn't you hear me saying I was already awake?!"
Max: "Oh, I heard you. You just looked super thirsty, so I figured I'd help you hydrate. Get those legs moving."
Leorio: "You should've given it to me, not poured it on my face! And—gah! My handsome face hurts! What happened? Why am I all beat up? Max, did you do this?!"
Kurapika and Gon: "Huh?"
Max: "Hey, don't blame me for everything! I have no idea how you got hurt."
Leorio: "If not you, then wh—GAH! That stings... My memory's kinda fuzzy. I don't remember anything at all."
Kurapika then quietly motioned for the others to huddle up, leaving Leorio to bandage his face nearby.
Kurapika (whispering): "We'll tell you all later. It's probably better if he doesn't find out what happened."
Max: "Huh? Why?"
Killua: "Yeah, I'm curious too."
Gon: "Still, it's probably for the best."
Max: "Well, if you say so. I'll wait."
Killua: "Same. By the way, Gon, I can't believe you made it on time. It was close... I thought you were toast. How'd you get here without getting lost?"
Max: "Yeah, I'm curious too."
Gon: "I just tracked Leorio's cologne."
Killua: "Cologne? That's how? You're definitely weird."
Max: "Fair enough."
Just then, Satotz stepped forward and raised his voice.
Satotz: "Excellent work, everyone."
All the remaining participants turned to face him.
Satotz: "Phase Two of the Hunter Exam will take place here, in Biska Forest Park. I shall now take my leave. Best of luck to all of you."
He turned, giving Gon a brief glance before walking away.
Gon: "Is it just me, or was Mr. Satotz staring at me just now?"
Max: "He was probably impressed you made it just in time."
Gon: "Yeah... maybe you're right."
As soon as Satotz disappeared into the distance, the massive castle doors ahead creaked open—signaling the start of the second phase of the exam.
Max (thinking):I wonder what the next exam will be…
To be continued...