Max (thinking): That's an interesting way of walking... He's like a royal soldier, or maybe a toy soldier—or even a robot.
Leorio: Of course no one turned around and left. I was hoping a few might drop out.
Max: How about that one guy?
Leorio: I don't think being knocked out cold counts as "withdrawing"...
Suddenly, Satotz begins to speed up his pace.
Leorio: Wh-What!?
Gon: The people in front started running. The examiner's picked up the pace!
Max: Huh… come to think of it, I forgot to ask his name.
Satotz: I neglected to introduce myself. I am Satotz, the Phase One examiner. I shall now lead you to the Second Phase of the exam.
Max: There we go.
Hanzo: Second Phase? What about Phase One?
Satotz: It has already commenced.
The crowd murmurs in confusion.
Crowd (murmuring): It's already begun? This is part of the test?
Satotz: You must follow me to reach Phase Two. This journey is Phase One.
Hanzo: Follow you? That's it?
Satotz: Yes. I cannot tell you when or where this ends. You must simply follow.
Kurapika: I see… that's clever.
Gon: This test is really weird.
Leorio: It's probably an endurance test. Fine by me. I'll be right behind you!
Kurapika (thought): But there's the added mental stress of not knowing how far we'll have to run. He's testing our willpower, too.
Max (thought): Looks like all that training with weights paid off, huh? I could run forever. Welp—time to put on a good song.
Max pops in his earbuds and hits play on his MP3, blasting "Free Bird" as he runs with a grin.
Two hours have passed since the exam began. The applicants have already covered over thirty kilometers, yet none of them know how far they still have to go. They are forced to match the examiner's pace, with no destination in sight. The path is monotonous, endless—and many have already dropped out.
Leorio (panting): I underestimated the Hunter Exam… Everyone here's a damn monster. It's a whole damn monster convention.
Max pulls out his earbuds and glances at Leorio.
Max: You know, you should count yourself in too. You're here, aren't you?
Leorio: You must be joking! I'm just a regular guy—hell, I'm lucky to even be here. Unlike you.
Max (chuckles): Well… (If you were in my past life, you'd definitely not count as a normal man.)
Leorio's eyes narrow as he spots a young boy skating effortlessly beside them.
Leorio: ...Hey! Wait up, kid!
Silver-Haired Kid: Hmm?
Leorio: Show some damn respect for the Hunter Exam!
Silver-Haired Kid: What're you talking about?
Leorio: You're using a skateboard! That's cheating!
Silver-Haired Kid: Why?
Leorio (flustered): Because…! This is supposed to be an endurance test!
Gon (casually): No, it isn't.
Leorio: Huh!? Gon, what are you even saying!?
Gon: The examiner just told us to follow him.
Leorio: Whose side are you on, huh!?
Max: He's just stating the facts, Leorio. Bringing tools to use is part of the Hunter Exam.
Leorio: I... I know, but it's still unfair. Everyone's running while he's riding a skateboard!
Max: Then think of it this way—maybe he doesn't have the stamina to run, so he's forced to ride it. Cut him some slack, he's just a kid.
Silver-Haired Kid (overhearing): I don't have low stamina. I just don't see any reason to run.
Max: Well, suit yourself.
The silver-haired boy then glanced at Gon and casually approached him.
Silver-Haired Kid (curious): Hey, how old are you?
Gon: Twelve.
Silver-Haired Kid (thinking): Hmm… We're the same age.
Gon: Huh?
With a smirk, the kid flips his skateboard with a flashy trick, catches it mid-air, and starts running.
Silver-Haired Kid: Guess I'll run too.
Gon (amazed): Whoa! That was so cool!
Killua: I'm Killua.
Gon: I'm Gon!
Max: You said you don't have any reason to run?
Killua: I just feel like it suddenly. Maybe I'll go for a little exercise.
Leorio(grumbling): Damn brat... made a fool out of me...
Max watches Killua run ahead, his footfalls completely silent.
Max (thinking): That silver-haired kid… I couldn't even hear his footsteps. Does he have some kind of special shoes? No… they look normal. Must be training. Interesting. I can copy that.
Unaware, Killua continues running, thinking nothing of it. For him, silence is just a habit.
Max: Well then, I'll be going ahead. See you guys later.
He slips his headphones back on and this time blasts "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" as he sprints ahead.
Gon: Okay!
Leorio doesn't respond, too focused on conserving his energy.
Killua suddenly notices Max's footsteps are also soundless.
Killua (thinking): ...Huh. His steps are quiet too. Is he an assassin? ...Eh. Not my business.
Kurapika: It's been about four hours now. We've probably covered over sixty kilometers… How much longer will this go on?
Max approaches Kurapika.
Max: Still good to keep going, right?
Kurapika: Don't worry. I don't tire easily. But you… you haven't even broken a sweat.
Max(grinning): Well, you could say all that training is paying off. I'll be going ahead. See you later!
He jogs off again.
Kurapika (thinking): What a monster… I'm glad he's on our side. Even if he is a little weird.
More time passes, and a massive staircase comes into view. Satotz turns around briefly.
Satotz: We've reached the eighty-kilometer mark. Now it's time to pick up the pace a little.
Without warning, he starts prancing up the stairs effortlessly.
Geretta: Wait, is he serious!?
Hanzo: That guy's insane. He's hopping up the stairs like they're nothing.
Todo: At this rate, tons of people are gonna fail.
Max (thinking): Good. Fewer competitors means better odds for me.
He glances behind and sees Leorio now shirtless, struggling but still moving, with Kurapika beside him. Max slows down, pulls off his headset, and jogs over. He catches a bit of their conversation and decides to join in.
Kurapika: Leorio, are you okay?
Leorio: Of course! Just look at me.
Max: Why are you taking your shirt off?
Leorio: I realized I can keep going if I stop caring about how stupid I look!
Max: Thank god the badge is a sticker type. If it were a pin, you could say goodbye to your nipple.
Leorio: Hey! If it was a pin, I'd stick it in my pocket. You think I'm crazy?
Max: …Yeah, you've got a point.
Kurapika (thought): Maybe I should follow his example.
Kurapika takes off his outer cloak and stuffs it into his bag.
Max: You're following his example, huh? Then why not take your shirt off too?
Kurapika ignores him.
Max: Ignoring me, huh? Fine, I won't press. Honestly, it's probably for the best—you've got too pretty a face to be shirtless.
Kurapika sighs, clearly used to Max's nonsense, and turns to Leorio.
Kurapika: Leorio… I have a question.
Leorio: What? Is this too easy for you, Kurapika? Talking wastes energy!
Kurapika: Are you really trying to become a Hunter just for the money?
Leorio's smile fades. He falls silent.
Kurapika: You're not, right? We've only known each other for a few days, but I feel like I understand you.
He gives a faint smirk.
Kurapika: Sure, you've got a nasty attitude and you're not the sharpest.
Leorio:[screeches like a monkey] Hey, what the hell?!
Kurapika: But you're not shallow. I've met people who only care about money, and you're nothing like them.
Leorio:Tch. You and your damn logic…
There's a moment of silence. Then Kurapika speaks up again, more solemnly.
Kurapika: Scarlet Eyes. That's why the Kurta Clan was hunted.
Max (thought): Huh, finally some backstory. Maybe I should ask...
Max: Mind if I listen in too?
Kurapika gives a small nod, then continues.
Kurapika: We Kurta are known for our unique Scarlet Eyes. When we're emotionally agitated, our eyes turn a vivid scarlet, like they're on fire. They're considered one of the seven most beautiful colors in the world… and fetch a high price on the black market.
Leorio: That's why the Phantom Troupe attacked you?
Kurapika: They harvested every eye from my fallen clan members. I can still hear their cries. I swear, I will capture the Phantom Troupe… and reclaim the eyes of my people.
Max(thought): So it's like a Sharingan… the way it works is similar, tied to emotions, but with different powers. If the Sharingan is a scary eye, then the Scarlet Eyes are a cursed beauty. I get it now. But honestly, I'd still count Scarlet Eyes as scary.
Leorio: So that's why you want to be a Hunter?
Kurapika: Yes. If I gain wealth and influence through Hunter work, I'll gain access to the black market and its information.
Leorio: But… that means you'll have to become the kind of Hunter you despise.
Kurapika: That's a small price. My pride means nothing compared to the suffering my clan endured.
Leorio: ...Sorry, but I don't have any noble cause like that.
Kurapika: Huh?
Leorio: I really am just after the money.
Kurapika: Don't lie!
Leorio: I'm not lying!
Kurapika: You really think money can buy everything?
Leorio: Damn right! For the right price, you can buy treasures, dreams, hearts—even lives!
Kurapika: Take that back, Leorio! If you're insulting the Kurta, I won't forgive you.
Max: He didn't even mention your clan. Chill. And honestly, I half agree with him—money can buy almost everything… but not life. Not revival. And Kurapika, have you ever asked why Leorio wants that money?
Kurapika(thought): Yeah, I never asked why. I just assumed he wanted it for glory. But now...
Kurapika: Can you tell me?
Leorio looks down, visibly emotional.
Leorio: If I'd had money… my friend wouldn't have died.
Kurapika: An illness?
Leorio: It was treatable. But the operation cost a fortune. I was so naïve… I thought I could become a doctor, save kids like my friend, and tell them it was free of charge. That was my dream. But guess what? Becoming a doctor costs even more money. That's why I need it. That's why I'm here.
A tear escapes down his cheek.
Max: …See?
Kurapika: Leorio… I didn't realize—
Leorio (cutting him off): It's in the past. And… I'm sorry about your clan too.
The tension softens. A brief moment of understanding forms between them.
Max: Y'know, if Kurapika were a girl, I'd say you two would make a perfect couple.
Leorio and Kurapika both immediately tense up, mentally picturing it… then shake it off.
Leorio & Kurapika (at the same time): CUT IT OUT! / THAT'S NEVER HAPPENING!
Max (smirking): Who knows? In another timeline, maybe Kurapika is a girl… and you two are together.
Kurapika: I don't want to hear another word.
Leorio: Yeah, spare us.
Max: Come to think of it, where's your briefcase, Leorio?
Kurapika: Yeah, I haven't seen it. It had all your stuff, didn't it?
Leorio: Damn... I must've dropped it in the heat of the moment. There's no way I can go back for it now… I guess I'll just have to let it go.
Max: Well, too bad.
They fell into silence and focused on running again. A short while later, Gon and Killua caught up.
Gon: Leorio! Kurapika! Max!
Leorio: Gon… and that silver-haired kid. Thanks, Gon. Without your encouragement, I don't think I would've made it this far.
Gon: I didn't do anything. You got here on your own, Leorio.
Then Leorio noticed something on Gon's fishing rod.
Leorio: Wait… is that my briefcase?! Thanks for carrying it, Gon. It's got all my stuff inside.
Gon: No problem!
Leorio: I know it's a lot to ask, but… could you help me carry it for a while, after the first phase? If not, it's okay.
Gon: Sure! It's not that heavy anyway. Compared to Max's bag, your briefcase is a breeze.
Max: You just need to work on your strength.
Leorio: Hey! It's your stuff! Why the hell did you bring so much, anyway?
Max: You never know what you'll need. Gotta be prepared for anything.
Leorio: Not that prepared! I mean, do you really need cooking utensils? Well, I guess you did use them back in the cabin… but when I saw you digging through your bag, it was stuffed with so much stuff—even a musical instrument?! And who knows what else! You're lucky the Kiriko could even lift you. You know what, whatever... Thanks again, Gon.
Killua (whispering to Gon): Did he seriously pack that much?
Gon (nodding): Yeah. He really did.
Max (thought):I can hear you, you know... Whatever.
They continued running, but Gon and Killua picked up their pace, pulling ahead.
Gon: We'll be going ahead then. See you at the goal, Leorio, Kurapika, Max!
Killua: Catch you later, old timer.
Leorio: I'm not old! I'm a teenager, just like you guys!
Everyone was shocked—except Max.
Killua & Gon: Huh? No way!
Leorio: Huh? You too, Gon? How rude!
Kurapika(thinking): I'd better keep my distance...
Max(thinking): Why are they all so shocked? He looks like he's at that age. Especially you, Kurapika. Aren't you the one who said, "Don't judge a book by its cover?" Whatever, I won't say anything for now. Gotta focus on finishing this exam.
Max: How about I beat you two to the goal instead, Gon and... Killboy?
Max dashed off with incredible speed.
Gon: Wait for us!
Killua:My name is Killua, not Killboy!
Without wasting another second, they both started sprinting, quickly leaving Leorio and Kurapika behind. We pass and see so many drop
Some Dude 1: I… I can't take another step…
Some Dude 2: Th-This is it for me…
Meanwhile, Max is running slightly ahead of Gon and Killua when he overhears their conversation.
Killua: I'm impressed you can keep up with me.
Gon: Really?
Killua: Or maybe it's just that everyone else is too slow. Man… the Hunter Exam's supposed to be tough, but this is a breeze. Kinda boring.
Gon: Hey, why do you want to become a Hunter?
Max (thinking): Huh. I'm curious too.
Killua: Me? I'm not really interested in becoming a Hunter.
Gon: Huh?
Killua: I just heard the exam was crazy hard. Thought it'd be fun. But this? Kinda disappointing.
Max smirked and jumped into the conversation.
Max: Then how about this—what if the exam ends with a fight between you and me… or maybe that jester-looking guy over there? Or heck, even one of the examiners?
Killua: Hmm… I might have to take that back. Fighting you or an examiner could be fun. That jester, though… not so sure about him.
Max (thinking): Yeah, good luck with that, kid. You're not beating me. That's for sure.
Killua: What about you two? Why do you want to be Hunters?
Max: Want the long version or the short one?
Killua: Hmm… long version, I guess.
Max: Alright. I asked someone once what a Hunter was, and they gave me this answer…
Max cleared his throat and mimicked the narrator's voice with dramatic flair.
Max (dramatic voice):"Fearsome monsters… exotic creatures… Vast riches, hidden treasures… Evil enclaves… unexplored lands… The word 'unknown' holds magic, and some incredible people are drawn to that magic. They are known… as Hunters!"
Killua: …You didn't have to go that hard. But still—pretty cool voice trick.
Gon: I know, right?
Max: Thanks.
Killua: So, your reason?
Max: I'm just curious. Got interested—that's all.
Killua: Fair enough. That kind of answer would make anyone curious. What about you?
Max (thinking): At least his reaction was better than that old captain's…
Gon: Well, my dad's a Hunter. I want to be one too—to understand why he chose that path over staying with me.
Killua: Huh… What kind of Hunter is he?
Gon: I don't know.
Killua: That's… kinda weird.
Gon: Really?
Killua: You want to be like him, but don't know anything about him?
Gon: I was raised by Mito-san, my aunt. I've only seen my dad in photos.
Killua: Oh… I see.
Gon: He took the Hunter Exam when he was twelve, passed, and left the island. I want to know why he became a Hunter instead of staying with me.
Max: That's fair. You got a photo of him with you?
Gon: Sorry, no. We only have one photo of him in the album back home—no copies.
Max: Ah, too bad. Then what's his name?
Gon: Ging Freecss.
Satotz, running nearby, visibly twitches at the name. Max notices but shrugs it off.
Max: Ging Freecss… Nope. Never heard of him. What about you, Kill?
Killua (suddenly showing killing intent): Don't call me that. I hate that nicknames. Just say Killua.
Max (raising his hands slightly): Alright, alright. Chill. No need to throw out killing intent over a nickname. Fine, I won't call you that again. So, Killua—do you know him?
Killua relaxes, his expression returning to normal.
Killua: Nope. Never heard the name.
Max: Oh well, two blanks. Tough luck.
Gon: It's okay. I know it won't be easy to find him.
Some Dude: The exit!Some Other Dude: Finally! I can get out of this dark tunnel!
Max: Welp, I'm going first. Bye.
Max suddenly dashes off with incredible speed.
Killua: He's even faster than before… Oh well, I give up on catching him. But he's not part of our race, so it's just between you and me now, Gon. I'll be first!
Gon: No way! I'm gonna beat you!
The two boys sprint even faster, neck and neck.
Satotz(thinking, nearing the tunnel exit): Now, let's see how many made it this far…
But Max zips past him and reaches the exit first. Satotz follows shortly after.
Max: Sorry if it was rude to pass the examiner like that.
Satotz: No, it's perfectly fine.
Max looks around and sees thick fog blanketing the area. Despite the haze, he recognizes it's a forest.
Max(thinking): A forest, huh? Should've figured. Of course, a Hunter Exam would take place here—Hunters often work in the wild.
Moments later, Gon and Killua arrive at the same time.
Gon & Killua: Goal!
Satotz observes them, then glances at Gon.
Gon: Yay! I win!
Killua: What are you talking about? I was faster.
Gon: Nope, I was.
Killua: Nah, you were just loud.
Gon: I beat you, so you have to buy dinner!
Killua: Nope! I was faster. You owe me dinner!
Gon: No way, I won!
Max: What about me?
Killua: You weren't part of our race. It was just between the two of us.
Max: Fair enough.
Satotz(thinking): So that's Ging's son… I'd love to talk to him, but now's not the time. Maybe after the exam—if he makes it through. I really admire his father, even though I never met him.
Gon: Hey, Mr. Satotz, who was faster?
Satotz(thinking): Even if he's Ging's son, I need to be fair.
Satotz: You both crossed the finish line at the same time.
Gon: Max, what do you think?
Max: I agree with Mr. Satotz.
Gon: Oh… Then I'll buy you dinner!
Killua: Huh?
Gon: And then you buy me dinner!
Killua: I don't get it.
Max: Where are you two even planning to buy dinner?
Killua: …Now that you mention it, good point.
Gon: Maybe after the Hunter Exam?
Max: You know the exam can take longer than a day, right?
Gon: Eeeeh? That long?
Max: Yeah. Just getting here took us a whole day, remember?
Gon: Hmm… good point. Then do you have any ideas, Max?
Max:Sigh… I was saving this for later, but fine. Just this once. And don't complain if the reward's small.
Max sets his bag down, rummages through it, and pulls out two chocolate bars.
Max: Here. One for each of you.
Gon: Thanks, Max!
Max: You're welcome. This acceptable?
Killua: Too bad it's not a Chocolate Robot… but I'll take it.
Max(thinking): You mean that crazy expensive chocolate? Damn, this kid must be rich…
Both boys tear open the wrappers and immediately start eating.
Max: You didn't want to save it for later?
Killua: Nah, I'm kinda hungry.
Gon: Same here.
Max: Alright, just don't ask for more.
Killua: Tch. So stingy. I bet you've got a whole stash of those.
Max (thinking): Tch… ungrateful brat. At least it's free for you guys can't complain about that.
After they finished eating the chocolate, Gon turned to Satotz.
Gon: Hey, Satotz-san. Is this where the Second Phase of the exam takes place?
Satotz: No, we still have quite a way to go.
Gon: Oh...
As Gon spoke, more participants started appearing, and the fog began to lift. Kurapika and Leorio arrived as well, both looking exhausted, but Leorio appeared even more worn out.
Gon: Hey, Kurapika!
Kurapika: Hey. Is this our destination?
Gon: No, it isn't.
Kurapika: I see. The fog is fading.
Max (thinking): Is that a Persona 4 reference? Wait, it should be "The fog is coming." Well, close enough...
Gon: Really?
The fog continued to dissipate, not entirely, but enough for the others to finally make out the forest ahead.
Satotz: The Numere Wetlands, also known as Swindlers Swamp. We must cross these wetlands to reach Phase Two of the exam. This place is home to many bizarre creatures, many of them cunning, insatiable beings who deceive humans to prey upon them. Be very careful. If you let them fool you... you're dead.
The tunnel door started closing, and a participant who had almost made it shouted out.
Some Dude: Wait for me!
Sadly, the door closed before he could reach it, and he failed to make it through.
Max: Poor guy. Just a few more steps and he would've passed. Too bad, though; the door's not opening again.
Kurapika: It's probably for the best. Even if he had made it to the exit, I don't think he would've been able to run any further. He's too exhausted for that.
Max: You're right.
Satotz continued his explanation.
Satotz: These wetland creatures will use every trick in the book to fool their prey. An ecosystem where creatures obtain food through deceit... Hence the name Swindlers Swamp. Stay very close to me so you won't be deceived.
The participants began murmuring amongst themselves.
Leorio: What a joke. How can they fool us when we're expecting it?
???: Don't let them fool you!
Leorio: I just said they can't—
He stopped mid-sentence, realizing the voice wasn't coming from any of the participants. A figure stumbled out from the forest, clearly injured.
???: D-Don't fall for it... He's lying to you!
The stranger pointed directly at Mr. Satotz.
Examiner?: He's an impostor! He isn't an examiner... I'm the real examiner.
Leorio: A-An impostor? What's going on?
Max (thinking): He's actually believe this guy?
Hanzo: Then who is he?
Max (thinking): And that guy... looks like I'm about to witness some drama. I wonder what'll happen next.
To be continued...