After a few minutes of running, they could no longer feel the vibrations of the soil collapsing beneath them. Surprisingly, they had also made their way out of the heavy mist. Instead, Diego and Jojo found themselves on a forest path. The ground beneath them bore a few footprints—evidence that others had passed through. Taking this as a sign that they might be headed in the right direction, the odd pair—Brando and Joestar—followed the trail.
Before long, they spotted a familiar duo. It was Kurapika and Gon.
Jojo's lips curled into a half-smirk, while Diego's expression remained tense, his body on edge.
"Oi, Kurapika! Gon! Finally found you guys!" Jojo shouted, waving as he and Diego jogged to catch up.
"Oh, you're okay too, Mr. Joestar," Gon said with genuine relief.
Kurapika gave a curt nod, though his posture remained rigid—clearly on guard. After all, they had just escaped a place called Tricker Swamp. It wouldn't be strange for another illusion to greet them here.
"Hey Kurapika, no need to be so tense—it's really me. And if you don't believe me... well, who could possibly replicate this level of beauty, huh?" Jojo grinned flamboyantly. "Maybe if they copied Leorio, sure. Maybe."
That was enough to convince Kurapika. It was hard to believe that any creature could perfectly imitate someone's appearance, voice, mannerisms—and memories.
"Good to see you made it," Kurapika said as they continued along the trail. "And... he's awake?"
"Hell, it's a pleasure to meet you. Name's Diego Brando," Diego said, giving a polite nod. "Thanks to Mr. Joestar—and you—for looking after me while I was out."
"So... do we have any idea where we're going?" Jojo asked.
"Yep! I'm sure this is the right way," Gon replied enthusiastically. "That's the direction Leorio's unique perfume scent is coming from. Oh, and remember that scary clown guy—Hisoka? He carried Leorio over there. Apparently, we both passed some sort of test of his."
As Gon finished speaking, the trees gave way to a clearing, and a large gathering of people came into view. They had made it.
Wading through the crowd, searching for Leorio, an odd sensation suddenly struck both Jojo and Gon. As if by instinct, their heads snapped in the same direction.
There, leaning calmly against a tree, stood Hisoka. The strange man simply pointed to his right, at another tree a few meters away. Lying there—conscious but clearly exhausted—was Leorio.
Kurapika, Gon, and Diego immediately rushed to Leorio's side. Diego had a goal in mind: introduce himself and possibly make some allies.
But Jojo kept walking—straight toward Hisoka.
"Hey hey, Mr. Clown, good to see you again," Jojo said smugly, his tone half-mocking.
"Hmm, quite. It is nice... After all, it'd be such a shame if you failed so early," Hisoka mused, placing a finger to his chin, striking a near-theatrical pose. "You're quite fascinating, you know."
"Wow, wow, man—calm down. I know I'm alluring, but I don't swing that way," Jojo quipped, raising his hand and stump in playful defense.
Just then, a voice boomed across the clearing, silencing murmurs.
"The first phase of the exam ends here. Beyond these doors, the second phase will begin," Satotz announced. "I commend you all for making it this far."
"Well, first phase is over..." Jojo muttered to himself. "How many phases does this Hunter Exam even have? And I still haven't gotten an answer to what a Hunter even is... but I can't just ask. I mean, I'm in the exam—why would I not know? I already almost blew my cover when Kurapika and Leorio were talking about it..."
He glanced over at Diego again, and his thoughts sharpened.
"But I gotta stay sharp. That weird clown's still around... and Brando. That name—it's familiar."
Jojo's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Brando... as in Dio Brando? Ah, that's where I've heard it. Granny Erina hates when that name comes up... but it's tied to Uncle Speedwagon's past. Maybe even my grandfather's? Well, at least this confirms one thing—I'm still on Earth. Not some parallel world... or dream."
"Well, I'll be off then," Hisoka said playfully, waving as he strolled away, vanishing into the crowd.
Jojo turned back and headed toward his group. Diego already seemed to have made a good impression. As Jojo approached, the others were mid-discussion—most likely about the upcoming phase.