"Interesting. Looks like this year's exam won't be so peaceful after all."
Satotz retracted his gaze, glancing calmly at Hisoka and Gittarackur by his side.
Without another word, he turned around and began walking down the long tunnel. His flat tone echoed back as he addressed the candidates:
"Before the exam starts, I must make one thing clear—
The Hunter Exam is not a game.
The trials ahead are brutal and dangerous.
If you lack the courage—or luck—you may be injured, or even die."
Then he added coldly:
"If you still wish to proceed, follow me.
If not, the elevator is behind you. You're free to leave."
Leave? Are you kidding?
Everyone who made it this far had overcome hell to get here.
The "Poseidon Storm," the insane quiz town, the man-eating fox family…
No matter how varied the trials were, just thinking about them made one's scalp go numb.
Back out now? All that suffering for nothing?
"Step… step… step…"
The sound of heavy footsteps filled the air—
Not a single person turned back.
Satotz raised a brow as he counted mentally:
"Still 405?
Even after Gittarackur took care of that one unfortunate soul…"
He shook his head slightly, then marched forward like a wind-up machine, disappearing into the darkness ahead.
—
Gon stretched his limbs, slung his fishing rod over his back, and grinned at Roy:
"Uncle, let's go too!"
Kurapika and Leorio were right beside him, ready and eager.
Somehow, Roy had naturally become the anchor of their little group.
Fate really did have a sense of humor.
But…
"Walk? Why walk when I can ride?"
Roy smiled mysteriously and waved them off:
"You guys go first. I need to 'feed my horse'."
Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio blinked.
…Horse?
Leorio scratched his cheek awkwardly:
"Uh… Mr. Tenwei, that guy Matthew isn't here anymore.
He passed out somewhere back in the jungle before Quiz Town…"
(He didn't say it, but in his heart: And you were the one who broke him.)
Roy just chuckled.
"That 'horse' is useless. Not strong enough.
My white stallion is much better."
Then—with a flick of his fingers—he yanked something from the advancing crowd using his Armed Nen Threads.
Thud!
A body flopped to the ground.
Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio leaned in.
They turned into bean-eyed emoji faces.
Lying at their feet was… Killua?!
Hair like silver-white horse mane. Dusty, bruised, furious…
"THAT'S YOUR 'HORSE'?!"
"Ugh… damn it, Roy… let me go…"
Killua grumbled, tangled in aura-imbued threads, looking as miserable as ever.
"Are you alright?!"
Gon reached out helpfully. But Killua slapped his hand away, eyes blazing, and launched a kick at Roy.
It was a good kick. The kind fueled by thirty years of pent-up rage.
But…
WHAM!
Roy casually slapped Killua's head, sending him back to the dirt.
"Strong-willed. Sturdy body. Good stamina.
Excellent horse material. I'm proud of you, little brother."
Roy smiled like a satisfied rancher.
"You have two choices.
Carry me, or carry me.
You pick."
Killua trembled with rage.
"I choose… to kill you!!"
His eyes burned with hatred. He was practically foaming.
Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio stood to the side, pity written all over their faces.
This kid's life is too hard…
But Roy was serious.
You don't get to run when you owe your brother money.
Giving him options was already a kindness.
"Because…" Roy whispered softly.
Killua froze.
His fists clenched… then loosened… clenched again…
Eventually, with a deep breath, he pulled out his skateboard, stepped on, and grumbled:
"Get on…"
"Now that's more like it~"
Roy grinned, stepping onto Killua's shoulders like he was mounting a royal steed.
He took a swig from his wine gourd and pointed heroically forward:
"Charge!"
Killua bit back a scream.
He wanted to throw Roy off.
But the bastard had strength and skill—and no shame.
So… reluctantly…
Killua zoomed forward, carrying Roy like a noble rider.
"Tap tap tap—"
Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio exchanged looks, shuddered in unison, and followed quickly.
The tunnel echoed with footsteps.
The first test had officially begun.
—
Crunch!
Up ahead, Gittarackur suddenly stopped, spitting out a broken tooth.
"What's wrong?" Hisoka asked casually.
Gittarackur (a.k.a. Illumi) was trembling.
His eyes locked on Roy—who was riding Killua like a damn mount.
His mental threads twitched violently.
He's mine…
My brother…
Who gave you permission to ride him?
Illumi's voice dropped coldly:
"Hisoka… I really want to kill someone right now…"
Hisoka's eyes lit up.
He licked his lips.
"Oh~? If that someone is Roy…
I'd advise caution.
He's… my prey."