Whale Island, an unassuming small island wedged between the continents of the world, was named for its resemblance to a whale. Due to its geographical isolation, it remained semi-separated from the outside world, preserving a relatively primitive natural landscape. Even its technological level lagged about a decade behind developed regions, with most residents relying on fishing and hunting for survival.
If it weren't for producing a Hunter like Ging Freecss, who stands at the very apex of the pyramid, and one of the protagonists, Gon, perhaps no one would ever pay attention to this small island. Yet, it is precisely this relatively secluded environment that likely forged the unique character of father and son, allowing them to shine brightly in a world dominated by the strong.
January 4th, a highly significant date.
On this day, the barely twelve-year-old Gon had just fulfilled his promise to his foster mother, Aunt Mito, successfully catching the massive Master of the Swamp within the stipulated time, officially embarking on the journey to follow in his birth father's footsteps.
Currently, he was standing on the deck of a wooden sailboat, excitedly talking with everyone, including the captain, exuding a pure, extreme curiosity untainted by notions of good or evil.
"Pure, hence focused. Focused, hence unwavering in following through with a decision, and capable of unleashing astonishing potential at the crucial moment. Is that your innate talent? In a way, it's truly terrifying…"
Allen silently sighed as he observed the small, energetic figure not far away. If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn't have believed that people like Gon could exist in the world, much like water that is perfectly pure and devoid of impurities shouldn't exist in nature.
He had also already met the other two main characters, Kurapika and Leorio, who likewise possessed remarkable aptitude and potential.
Due to spending the last two-plus months on Whale Island either in the wilderness or immersed in fierce combat within dungeons, Allen looked a bit run-down. His gray trousers and clothes were somewhat ragged, with some spots even burned black. It was clear that the monsters and bosses in the high-level dungeons had given him a tough time.
Especially the large number of caster enemies, whose attacks were purely energy-based. There was no way to defend against them using advanced Nen techniques like Ken, Ryu, or Ko. Many of them even had homing capabilities, making evasion impossible and forcing him to rely on his health pool to tank the damage. Once his health dropped to zero, he would either have to risk death to continue fighting or turn and run immediately.
Of course, the rewards were immense. Through intense combat, Allen had learned many fighting techniques and accumulated vast experience. He no longer feared close-quarters combat and could skillfully use his Enhancement Nen ability to imbue melee weapons and armor with different attribute enhancements, completing kills with abilities like Mongoose Bite and Raptor Strike.
Although only one year had passed in the real world, he had spent nearly seven or eight years within the dungeons, mostly fighting or vigorously training his body and Nen ability. Coupled with the boundless potential brought by his Night Elf heritage, he was no longer the weak person he was a year ago. The Ten constantly enveloping his body was like a bottomless lake.
Calm.
Smooth.
Fluid.
As if completely merged with the surrounding environment!
Anyone who saw such Aura would instinctively applaud, for this was the evidence of strength and power, a crystallization achieved only through thousands of grueling trials.
"Awwnng…"
Given the limited skill level of the examinees on the ship, which made it hard to get excited, Allen couldn't help but yawn. He lay down on the deck and closed his eyes to rest. Before long, he fell asleep. With Lupos guarding him nearby, he didn't have to worry about being ambushed or plotted against.
However, this nap didn't last long; he was soon awakened by the sound of thunder and lightning, along with the loud crash of waves hitting the ship and the sea.
"Hmm? Has the storm arrived?"
As soon as Allen opened his eyes, he saw the sky above, black as ink. The usually calm sea was now displaying its most brutal and terrifying side, repeatedly trying to overturn and tear apart the small wooden sailboat. For safety, all the examinees had retreated into the cabin, but only he and Lupos remained on the deck, using Nen to resist the torrential wind and rain.
Suddenly, the tightly shut cabin door was pushed open, and Kurapika and Leorio emerged one after the other. Ignoring the violent pitching caused by the storm, they took up fighting stances on the deck.
Just as Allen was preparing to watch the impending "famous scene," the Captain suddenly walked between the two of them, coming directly up to Allen. "You are Allen, the only examinee who was deemed qualified by the Association last year but refused to accept the Hunter License for your own reasons, correct?"
"That's right, that's me. Though there's a slight misunderstanding; I don't believe my past self passed last year's exam," Allen corrected, holding up a finger.
"What?"
"This guy passed the exam but refused the Hunter License?"
Kurapika and Leorio immediately halted their tense confrontation, turning to stare fixedly at Allen, who was sitting on the deck completely unaffected by the storm, and the huge wolf beside him. No matter how fierce the rain, wind, or waves hitting the deck, the man and the wolf remained clean and dry; even their clothes and fur hadn't been dampened.
"Huh? You passed last year's Hunter Exam? That's so cool! My name is Gon Freecss. Is this wolf your partner? What's its name?"
Gon had slipped out of the cabin below at some point. He was wide-eyed and excited, peppering Allen with questions and even attempting to pat Lupos's head, nearly getting bitten in the process. If Allen hadn't reacted quickly and restrained his pet's attack, Gon's Hunter Exam journey might have ended right there, requiring an emergency trip to the hospital.
Facing this "curious baby," Allen warned him with a smile, "Don't touch Lupos; he doesn't have a good temper. Also, didn't I just say? I don't think I passed last year's Hunter Exam, which is why I'm here to retake it this year."
"Oh, I see."
Gon looked enlightened, but his gaze remained glued to the Shadow Wolf Alpha. Just as he was about to say something else, the Captain suddenly interrupted. "Enough! I don't care what your reasons are, but you already have the qualifications to enter the testing site directly. There's no need to waste time here. I've already notified the Examination Committee. They will send someone to pick you up as soon as the ship docks."
"No problem, thank you."
Allen nodded lightly, gladly accepting the Captain's arrangement. In truth, he wanted to get to the testing site earlier than anyone else, preferably to settle his grievances with the perverted Hisoka before the exam officially began. Unfortunately, he didn't know the location of this year's Hunter Exam. Since he also wanted to catch a glimpse of the three protagonists, he had chosen Whale Island as his starting point.
"Wait! That's not fair! Why does he get to go directly to the testing site, and we don't?" Leorio questioned, looking indignant.
"Fair? Hahahaha! You really are cute and naive." The Captain didn't spare Leorio's feelings, jabbing a finger into his chest. "Remember, kid, the Hunter Exam isn't some fair game; it's a process of eliminating the weak and selecting the strong. As for you, you can't even sense the chasm of strength between yourself and others, yet you dare to stand here brazenly talking about fairness? Ridiculous!"
"Damn it!"
Leorio angrily punched the air, venting his internal frustration. But no matter how disgruntled he was, he didn't dare openly defy the Captain's decision, retreating to sulk alone in a corner.
Meanwhile, Kurapika's attention was firmly captured by the sudden appearance of Allen, and he forgot the verbal clash with Leorio. He actively approached Allen to greet him, trying to glean specific details about the Hunter Exam through subtle questioning.
By the time the ship reached the port, Allen had established a friendly rapport with the protagonists. He then went off alone, following the Kiriko sent by the Examination Committee, heading directly to the testing site.