Chapter 138: Intermission: December 29th and January 7th

"I was swallowed by the atmosphere of that place, it was a bit like a joke, and my head was full of trying to understand his explanation. There was no way to stop it from taking effect...! That is why I told you everything. I thought you might be the most reliable people I have met on this island..."

Abengane laughed inwardly at his own blunt words.

The reason they were able to form a small team of dozens and then escape with Genthru was not a lie, but the reason I told them, "Of all the people I've met on this island, you might be the most reliable," was a blatant lie.

I don't think it's unreliable. At the very least, I sincerely believe they will be much more reliable than those players who gave up on returning to the real world after passing the screening and participating in the initial open recruitment.

However, Abengane tried to simply contact them, "Magnetic, the only player story you can encounter is the Gon group."

Due to the adverse effects of teaming up with Nikkes and the others, there was almost no need to cooperate or interact with other players, so Abengane had almost no one on his list whose face, name, and ability matched, so he was perfect. I just chose Gon by process of elimination.

This is why the reason Abengane gave them the information was an insurance policy of the "I can't count on it, but it's better than doing nothing" level.

Pigs can climb trees too. They are the Bombers; even if you can't beat a cat, a cornered mouse wants to bite the cat. The reason I said this is because if I let you cause even a heavy injury to me, I might still have a chance to release the feelings toward me.

"If you can, Spell, I want to tell you all this, but I don't have time. For the remaining time and Spell, I intend to use this card to tell more people."

If you meet other players, "Bomber, please give me information. If you can understand the mechanism, you should be able to take countermeasures."

And, if possible... I want you to take revenge for us...!"

Of course, these were not his true intentions either, just adding fuel to Gon's conscience, appearing childish.

Even if I wanted to let others leak information, it was not to reduce the number of Genthru's victims, but to increase the chance of Nen being released.

First of all, Abengane had no intention of dying.

He is an Exorcist.

Borrowing the power of the Forest Spirit (=collecting the Life Energy of creatures in the forest), combined with his own incarnation ability, he has the ability to create a Nen Beast to eat (pay off) the emitted Nen Ability. Nen cannot be eaten, although it is a Nen Beast. "Countdown" is a fairly strong Nen Ability, but if it is someone like Abengane, it is a degree that can be dispelled.

But this is only for myself.

If there were about 2 or 3 people, I might still be able to carry it, but not everyone.

The Abandonment Beast, a Nen Beast created by Abengane, varies in size and appearance according to the target Nen skill and takes a form that conforms to the strength and nature of the skill.

And because it eats the Nen Ability until the user dies or Abengane satisfies the conditions to cancel the Nen Ability, if it were only him, then all the people in the Nikkes group could... I can't imagine how fierce a Nen Beast that eats "Countdown" would be.

This is why I cannot even guarantee the life of the Abengane I created.

This is why Abengane had no motivation to pick a few people and help them.

It was originally a give-and-take relationship, there was no sympathy at all, and if there wasn't, I could only think that even if I gave up, I could push everything onto myself and then run away.

Besides, if it were just me, even if I escaped and survived from the simultaneous Explosion, I would have a high probability of not being noticed.

Although Genthru is the oldest member, considering he is taking these measures, it is clear that his sympathy for the Nikkes group is no more than his. Such a guy, a newcomer to the Nikkes group, is fine for now; he can't get rare cards, so he doesn't stand out.

If you don't remember the name, even if the light proving you are participating in the game is on the list, this list will continue to increase the number of names you don't know, even if you haven't passed each other as long as you are within a certain range, only players who don't even recognize this face will think.

But the more humans who survive, the more likely they are to be noticed, and the greater the risk for Abengane.

"If there is a martial arts master with a very high chance of defeating Genthru, you can take a gamble, but the Nikkes group is a bunch of rabble, better than players who have already given up on returning to reality."

Precisely because I have no confidence in my own strength, I have no further expectations for those who rely on long-term suffering wave tactics.

In this way, he is rationally thinking about what kind of choices he will make and what kind of actions he will take to produce results favorable to himself.

Although he sympathized with Nikkes and the others who were supposed to take care of him, there was no guilt in abandoning them, and he was also a child who was basically irrelevant, none.

It was not to force himself in front of Genthru and the others, nor was it to lie to make Genthru and the others think he was weak or absolutely had to fight. Bomber, even if you end up fighting them, that is Gon's responsibility, not yours.

I think so too.

So what happens to him from now on must be a punishment for Abengane, who is ungrateful and selfish like Genthru.

"Wait!"

Abengane on the Spell Card "Return" was about to leave Gon and the others, but Gon stopped him.

Abengane was worried that he would be caught by his own intentions and implicitly rejected Gon, saying: "What's wrong? Sorry, time is precious...", but such circuitous words from Gon could not be understood.

"Yeah, I know. But please wait a little longer!"

"Hey, Gon!!"

"!?"

Biscuit was startled by Gon's words and stopped him, but it was too late.

Abengane's eyes widened: "Is that so!?"

As for Abengane, if they really knew anything about other Exorcists, then he had to restart his plan from scratch, which is why he was in a hurry to question him, but for some reason, he was not honest. Kind-hearted Biscuit did not know Abengane's true intentions and thought he was biting him because he found hope in Gon's words and felt guilty for not feeling sorry for him.

However, Gon did not realize that there was a fundamental problem with his proposal, and he told Abengane with a smile.

"It's true!!"

"If it's Sora, not just you, that Countdown should be able to help everyone!!"

"Pfft!!!!"

Involuntarily, Abengane sprayed out with great momentum.

At this, not only Gon, but even Biscuit looked at him with a confused face.

Fortunately, his words were too persuasive, so Gon and of course Biscuit were convinced and did not notice the cold sweat on Abengane.

Abengane was relieved to hear this, and although he knew the Count would be faster, he kept shouting "Danger!" in his heart.

(These guys... Sora Shiki-ori, I know you!!)

It's dangerous, it's dangerous, it's dangerous! I know I'm an Exorcist, if he finds out about this, he might freak me out!!)

Gon has only said "Sora" so far, but I can't count on the coincidence of sharing the name with a rare Exorcist.

Since that's the case, I hope their acquaintance "Sora" is just the fake girlfriend I met about a year ago, but that might not be the case.

First of all, Abengane's relationship with her was that encounter a year ago, and he knew nothing about her.

But even in that all-too-brief exchange, there was some information.

That white hair, the gender-unknown beauty, and the eyes that lived up to the name, the reason I met her, possessing a strangely powerful Nen Ability, was not for work.

Just a coincidence. I had a job, but I'm sure she wasn't asked to do it, she just volunteered to finish it all.

Due to the madness of the dead, unless certain conditions are met, this mountain is already terminally ill; although it is light, it cannot be entered.

The reason I decided to solve this problem is for the sake of the children who treat the mountain as a playground.

Abengane thinks that the person named Sora is much more compassionate than him, and that she is definitely someone who loves children, and he is likely right.

Therefore, it would be no surprise if these children, who should be among the best in the Nikkes group in terms of pure combat power, have some kind of acquaintance with Sora. Abengane thinks that if a problem arises, she could become an "in case" teacher for these children.

This guess is spot on, but no one knows whether it is fortunate or unfortunate that he does not realize he is making a fundamental, massive mistake.

In any case, as far as Abengane is concerned, what would happen if she, who is cold and ruthless to her enemies, discovered what I am trying to do?

Abengane cannot imagine a good outcome.

I am barely afraid of being criticized for not trying to get rid of Nikkes and the others.

This is obviously too risky for me, so even if I am blamed, I can confidently argue that it is the arrogance of a smart person. If you understand that "in case" is synonymous with Abengane's death, I think even if there are complaints, I wouldn't blame Abengane.

But what happens to Gon and the others is a different matter.

If he cooperates with Gon and the others to eliminate the feelings imposed on him, doing so would increase the possibility of contact with Genthru and the others.

But even so, it is not because they expect them to be able to defeat Genthru and the others. It is viewed as a complete one-off work.

If that person who loves children finds out...

Abengane remembers saying, "I'll put on Noshi and throw it!", and more cold sweat breaks out.

That person named Sora is definitely a good person, but she is not a saint who hates violence. On the contrary, Abengane's impression of her is that she is a problem child who puts feelings first, and could be said to have become better because she is a good person.

That is why she feels that her anger, which is unusual for an abolitionist and specializes in combat, is likely directed at the thoughts of the dead at the time, and even more so at herself.

I thought she wouldn't kill me, but in that brief exchange, I learned so much about her character that she doesn't know what she is going to do, I don't know what will happen, and I don't know what will happen.

If something goes wrong, it would be better to just be blown up by Genthru, and coupled with the fact that I know this person, my imagination is running wild in the wrong direction.

"... Gon. Do you know how cruel you are being when you say that?

How could you bring that idiot here?"

"............ One."

Abengane's future prediction, the degree of slander against Sora is negative, but it is interrupted by Biscuit's shocked voice.

Just having been stuffed into Biscuit, Gon makes a faint sound, his face apologetic and about to cry, but Abengane is covered in cold sweat, his stiff body suddenly relaxes, I let out a sigh of relief and swallow it with guts.

(That's right! That guy, G. I'm not here!! Great! This is really helpful!!)

Even Abengane, who does not feel guilty about abandoning the Nikkes group, did not have the option of abandoning it from the beginning.

Genthru's "Countdown of Life" is attached to everyone in the Nikkes group, and it is impossible for him to get rid of it by himself; it must be abolished by Sora.

If she could defeat the undead in one blow, as long as it is not an extremely limited ability that only works on the undead, even killing so many people would not be too much of a burden. The dead? I think.

If I ask for the abolition as part of my work, the reward will be huge, but if it weren't for the Genthru case, the cleanup is right in front of me, so this money is controllable. Besides, considering her kindness, if I don't give her money in advance, she won't say she saw my feet, and I'm quite worried about whether she can get a reward.

If you ask her, if you are lucky, everyone will be saved.

Even if not everyone can be saved, it is still the same, even if there is resentment like "Why didn't you help him".

This idea is not a convenient calculation for him, but it is the correct answer, but Abengane immediately determined that it was impossible, and he has stuck to it until today.

The reason is simple and clear.

The only way is to get rid of her, who is not a game participant, either by bringing her here or by bringing the players back to the real world.

However, there is simply not enough time to do this.

If there were at least two days, Abengane would return to the real world once, contact Sora, and have Battera find her as soon as possible. I would be able to find a way to pass it on and let them enter the game.

Since one player was blown up on the first day Abengane and the others joined the game, there should be at least one empty slot for a player, and there is no limit to the number of people who can play this game initially. There is a Memory Card frame.

So if you didn't bring a Memory Card here just for a souvenir, Battera wouldn't lose anything either.

On the contrary, since the Nikkes group is about to be liquidated, they are more likely to be willing to cooperate rather than complain.

But even so, time is far from enough. Unless they use cold sleep to temporarily stop their heartbeats, they don't have two days, let alone an hour. Unless you are inside me, there is no hope.

As Biscuit said, Gon's proposal is too cruel, like hanging a "might be saved" bait, telling him it's an illusion before being eaten.

"I, I'm sorry!

So, although Gon's eyes were filled with tears, as if he shouldn't be crying, he still held back his tears and continued to apologize for making Abengane anticipate something cruel, his meager Conscience aching.

"No... no... don't worry...

It doesn't look like you guys are lying, but it's hard to believe that you are someone who possesses the power to eliminate dozens of powerful feelings...."

Gon's innocence makes his Conscience uneasy, and the more guilty he feels, the more guilty he becomes, and Abengane successfully follows behind Gon.

However, the more attention Gon gets, the more he is unable to help the people he wants to help, and I painfully realize that I am caught in a vicious cycle.

"Anyway! I appreciate your feelings, but don't you worry!

I said that if possible, I hope you can take revenge, but since I participated with a heart ready to die, you don't have to bear our deaths!!

Okay! I beg you, please don't do anything unreasonable or irrational!! We are all good adults, so no matter what happens, we will be responsible for ourselves, but since you are children, protect your own lives first! Never let the people who care about you be sad!!"

I know that saying anything more will be counterproductive, but even so, Abengane is 100% self-protective, but this time I am really worried about Gon and the others, suggesting they run away, or rather, I am completely emotional. "Run away" and "Return" left them.

And Abengane decided to be careful to keep himself Hidden from now on, and if possible, not to participate directly in the Gon organization.

It's just a hunch, but if that person's innocent and kind child is really an acquaintance of the Sora he knows, then even if it's too late, she is really a G. I. I feel like I'm going to come and find me.

Contacting the Gon bomber is just an "in case" insurance.

But, of course, as a punishment for being a non-Abengane, it is not enough.

He doesn't know yet.

... If Nikkes and the others are not saved, it's fine to abandon Nikkes and the others, but if not, Sora will mourn their deaths, but she will not blame Abengane.

And likewise, whatever "Remember" he does is his job, so he cannot complain.

However, if Abengane tries to hurt "him" to eliminate the "feelings" he carries, that is another matter.

I have no complaints. However, Sora does her best to protect "him", and he is her happiness and salvation.

To her, this is a life activity equivalent to breathing before work, so no one can complain, and Sora herself cannot stop herself.

Abengane dug his own grave, not knowing that perhaps the best outcome would have been: "As soon as Sora's name was mentioned, I should have honestly told him everything and become Gon's companion."

【January 7th】

He stayed with me for a few days and brought me near the Venue. After guiding the navigator and parting ways with the Kiriko, he followed the Kiriko's instructions, disguised himself as a discount store employee, took the elevator, and entered this year's Hunter Exam.

Just like the basement of the cafeteria last year, it was unclear whether such a facility had existed from the beginning or if it was built solely for the Hunter Exam; I looked around the room, which was plastered with numbered labels.

Killua's Number Plate was 1219. Last year there were only 400-some people, so even if Killua was the last participant, this number was three times that.

(There are more people this year than last year. Does anyone recognize me?)

With this in mind, Killua looked around for acquaintances.

At the edge of his vision, he saw Tonpa hurriedly holding a can of juice and hiding from him, but Killua thought, "That old man never learns," and ignored him.

Then, I was approached by three brothers who had failed the exam four times; not realizing they were talking about me, I let them pass. Is there any point in looking for acquaintances?

Just like that, as I displayed a thicker skin than last year, the buzzer sounded to notify me of the start time of the exam, and the Examiner for the first exam appeared.

Last year's exam was a bit gloomy and impersonal, but the impression of Ritz, who was a gentleman both in appearance and heart, was the complete opposite.

"Welcome, gentlemen.

It seems 1489 people have arrived at the Venue this year... Actually, the second Examiner asked me to narrow the range down to about 300 people at most.

I never thought we would gather like this. Well, what about the exam?

Hmm~~~~~~, do you want to hit people?"

"?"

Furthermore, contrary to his appearance, the Examiner announced the sloppy content of the exam.

"For the time being, we still have time... I see. There are two hours until lunch... At the same time—defeat the five of us.

Take the Plate of the person you defeated... In other words, come find me when you have collected 5 Plates. I will be waiting by the fire escape over there."

The Examinees felt uneasy about the exam content they had been told.

Considering that some exams were confirmed to drastically reduce physical strength from the very beginning, Killua might have felt it was tough, but for Killua, this was a very lucky exam.

Whether it was exam content I wasn't good at, like last year's second exam, or the third exam, even if I had no problems, the interference of others, like in the fourth exam. It was decided that the end time of the exam was Fixed, so it wasn't that I couldn't leave early, but what made me happier was—

"Is that okay? I'll go in and close the door, and the exam will begin."

Saying this, the Examiner opened the emergency stairwell door with great fanfare and walked inside.

And as the door slowly closed, the students faced the people around them, regardless of anything else, and prepared for battle, ready to act at any moment.

The moment the door slammed shut, shouts, screams, fighting spirit, and killing intent erupted from the other side of the door.

(Hmm... considering the trade-offs, about 150 to 200 should be enough to advance to the second stage...)

Lighting a cigarette, he smiled and roughly predicted the number of successful applicants.

"It would be good to put everything into a test like this. Unless you are a strong person, you cannot stop."

This was an Extreme theory, but it was true.

However, about 30 minutes after this, he realized that his thinking was correct, but it was truly Extreme.

Run.

Jump.

Run past, deal with them in a hurry.

Killua ran freely in the space; it should have been a large space, but because there were about 1500 people, it felt crowded.

Of course, it wasn't just slipping away from students and running around aimlessly.

From the edges he ran past, Examinees fell one after another.

He cut his Sword into the students' medullas with the most precise method, continuing to harvest their consciousness.

A long time ago, he had defeated 5 people within about 3 seconds of the exam starting, but Killua didn't stop. I didn't want to stop.

The Training had already been fun, and I was dissatisfied that I was the only one who left halfway through when I was about to start a full-scale game strategy.

The days spent with the Kiriko were happy, but Killua's only wish was to pass the exam as quickly as possible and return to Gon's side.

So for Killua, this test was simply convenient.

Because this was a field I was good at, and the Examiner wasn't watching, nor had he announced any restrictions, so defeating 5 or more people in this exam didn't violate the rules.

As expected, the Examiner wouldn't be stupid enough to forget to mention that, and even if he was, Killua had no reason to blame him because it was the other party's fault.

First of all, he knew very well that the Hunter Exam wasn't so sweet that such a well-behaved rule would be set from last year's exam.

Even the rule in the final exam, "If you kill your opponent, you lose," was not an act of kindness, but a more severe test of your resolve.

So, in order not to let the Hunter Exam delay his time, and not to delay his time again, Killua would show off his ability and growth here.

I intended to find all the students this year in this exam.

I wanted to remind him that the exams after this were meaningless.

This was also a childish revenge against Netero, who had teased him in last year's exam and forced him to face his own immaturity in the final exam, even if it was self-inflicted.

However, the motivation to try to pass the exam as quickly as possible with this unreasonable method was a younger desire than revenge for Netero.

I wanted to be in the same position as my friend. I wanted to return to my friend as soon as possible.

And...

(I wonder what kind of face he would make if he reported that he passed the Hunter Exam on the first day)

I wanted to report it to someone I hadn't seen in 5 months, and hadn't even contacted via phone or email, because I was in the game.

Somehow, she believed she would pass the exam.

So even if I passed the exam normally, I think he would be happier than Killua himself, but if he just did that, I would be a little dissatisfied, so I wanted to surprise him no matter what.

In order to surprise everyone and let them know of his growth, Killua ran briskly wherever he went.

Just like the wish embedded in that Stone sent as a birthday gift, it swayed in my chest.

I can go anywhere.

You can become whatever you want to be.

Even dreams that aren't allowed to be seen are within reach.

This feeling of being able to do anything filled Killua's chest; his body was freed from gravity and fatigue, and he began to run. The Wind was already there, and the sharpness of the Hand Sword he wielded had also increased.

This was no longer just an assembly-line operation, but an attempt to harvest not just the students' consciousness, but their confidence and pride in a direction different from last year.

However, the Hunter Exam forced Killua to face "reality" thoroughly.

"！？"

Killua's right hand, which had been swinging with calculated power and position to avoid aftereffects, was empty for the first time.

Killua ran around at a speed invisible to the naked eye; his ability was average, so from the side, it looked as if the students had suddenly collapsed from gas poisoning or something, so the exam hall was no longer an exam. Most students forgot and panicked.

At first, I tried to run away because of that panic, so I thought Killua had just been accidentally avoided by an unexpected move.

However, I soon realized that this thought was disrespectful to the other party.

The opponent, who stepped forward to avoid Killua's Sword, used the stepping foot as a pivot to rotate and threw a roundhouse kick.

I was fully aware of Killua behind me.

He turned around while kicking and saw Killua.

And just as the opponent captured Killua's figure, he would also capture Killua. Pay attention.

What is your opponent wearing? The moment you look back, the amount of "Goo" seemed to flow from the whole body to the leg that threw the roundhouse kick, making you aware of it.

The opponent was also a novice. I also realized that he was at least at the same level as me, at least at the level of being able to use "Ryu" in practice.

(60 offense and defense on the arm!)

However, Killua had no reason to let his guard down, because he groundlessly believed that there were no other capable candidates besides himself.

Indeed, I underestimated Hisoka a little; my brother and Sora did not seem to have very high abilities in my eyes, but the possibility that "there are talents among the students." Because he kept this in the corner of his mind, he also adjusted the amount of Aura and protected the opponent's kick with both arms.

Just like that, Killua and his opponent finally faced each other.

The opponent who avoided Killua's Sword and countered with a kick, examinee number 419, widened his eyes.

Killua himself also widened his eyes slightly, though not as much as his opponent.

The two of them probably had the same thought.

"Too young," he said.

419 was older than Killua, but perhaps a little younger than Kurapika.

My impression of him was that he was like Gon and Kurapika, divided by 2.

Although not as good as Kurapika, his androgynous, well-proportioned features, somewhat reminiscent of Gon's straight eyes, left a strange impression on Killua.

And the opponent was exactly as I imagined.

"... Are you the one who attacks exam students indiscriminately?"

"If so, what of it?"

When I met him, I was surprised for a moment.

If 419's kick wasn't a decisive blow, he jumped away immediately, asked Killua from afar, and while waving his hand to attack him, responded with his usual rude, thick-skinned attitude.

Since Killua was younger than him, he was even more surprised, and I felt his movements hadn't started yet, so I intended to attack violently.

The words he replied with were also meant to make the other party lose their cool. However, the other party did not show any displeasure at Killua's words, continued to dodge Killua's evil claws with minimal movements, and asked Killua a series of questions with a straight face.

"Why are you doing this? You've already taken down five people, why attack others? What's the point of doing this?"

If it were just this question, Killua's actions seemed to be the same as Hisoka's "test tube play" last year, which was annoying, but 419's eyes were too straight.

No matter how you look at it, it seems he wasn't blaming Killua for what he did.

The Poison disappeared, but the attack did not slow down.

However, when I did this, the self-esteem hurt by Killua's first attack was not even protected by "Ryu" now, and even the fingertips could be dodged. It was dissipating.

Her eyes were so straight that it was foolish to miss such a thing.

I wish my best friend would recognize me, I wish people would see me as someone standing by their side, rather than being treated like a child. I will answer frankly.

"... I want to finish the exam quickly and go home, so I'm going to defeat them here!"

When I said it out loud again, Killua thought this was the best approach, and the ideal Killua was smart and clever, and even though he reached his own conclusion and acted on it, he felt a little embarrassed.

But 419 widened his eyes again upon hearing Killua's answer, paused, and said:

"！I see! You have that hand!"

"... Huh?"

For some reason, Killua's plain "how to finish the exam quickly and go home" began to leave a deep impression; not only Killua, but the students who hadn't been attacked by Killua yet were also dumbfounded.

However, 419 didn't notice at all that Killua was pulling his leg, let alone the people around him.

"I see... The Examiner definitely said 'kill 5 people,' but didn't say 'if you kill more than 5 people and hurt them, you will be disqualified.'

And if you consider combat power as the most important thing, if you defeat everyone here and prove that you are the best, if you are lucky, you won't need to take the test again. At the very least, a multi-person team exam would be impossible, and the number of exams might be reduced...

You... no, you are amazing, number 1219.

If I wanted to pass and go home as soon as possible, I should have acted for that, but I only looked at the content of the exam on the surface and never had such an idea."

"Oh... oh? Are you okay?"

Apparently, there was a reason he wanted to pass 419 and go home as soon as possible, so he was impressed by Killua's ideas and performance ability, and he already respected Killua, but of course, Killua couldn't keep up with the momentum, and I had been confused for a while.

I was confused. I was confused.

That's why he asked, even though it shouldn't have any special meaning.

"... Why do you want to finish quickly and go home?"

The opponent in front of you is someone with at least as much knowledge and skill as you. Far from being the bottom line of his ability, he was just vaguely superior, so he actually had a high probability of reaching the level of Hisoka or his big brother.

I swore I would never run away from such a person.

This is why Killua was determined to defeat 419 and become the only person to pass this year.

I don't need to know. It is better not to know a "reason" that seems to make one empathize.

Although he thought this, Killua inadvertently blurted out the question that popped into his mind.

I want to know.

Like me, why do you want to finish the Hunter Exam quickly?

I want to know what he sees beyond the Hunter Exam, beyond being a Professional Hunter.

I asked him what he could see from those eyes, which held a similar light to the eyes of the two people who changed his life.

"……Someone is waiting."

419 answered the voice of Killua's inquiry.

He answered with an expression least suited for this situation.

"Becoming a Professional Hunter is not my goal.

That is so far away, but…… nevertheless, someone said they would wait 10 years, 100 years, 1000 years, or 10000 years. It was he who laughed at me, saying he believed I would definitely return, and that he could wait, because he knew that waiting is not difficult.

"So I want to go home as soon as possible."

419 looked embarrassed, answering with a shy smile that looked appropriate for a boy of his age.

Startled by this answer, Killua replied with a face that looked like he had drunk a bucket of honey.

"...... I never thought I would hear a stranger's obsession with the Hunter Exam."

"！

"Saying anything other than the girl you fell in love with that face is disgusting!!"

(Absolutely!!!!)

After Killua's strike, the remaining students shouted in unison in their hearts.

Besides, the interaction between Killua and 419 had been ongoing for a long time. To put it bluntly, it was an extremely chaotic exchange and situation.

However, just because Killua bumped into him did not change his trajectory.

Or rather, if this were enough to correct the trajectory, he had probably read the air from the beginning, to the point of being impressed by Killua's words, but did not say it out loud.

"Then what about you!? Even if you have 1500 enemies, why do you want to become a Hunter as soon as possible!?"

Unable to read the mood, but perhaps out of embarrassment, 419 kicked Killua and threw out a question with a slightly flushed face.

Killua responded, dodging the kick lightly.

Killua was poisoned by the air he exhaled to the point of having to answer.

"I don't know where I'm going, with these guys! Really, they won't stop running like wild boars, and they are all idiots who can't even turn around, so at least I should grab the steering wheel, it's about to be out of control forever, I have to hurry home!!"

Although the other party is straight no matter where they go and doesn't know how to give up, which is painful, I saw the face of an important person in the glare, and I couldn't look away, so I was asked by such eyes.

So Killua answered while swinging a fist full of Aura.

Looking straight at the other party, without any hesitation, hesitation, or fear, the reason why I want to go home quickly.

Why you want to be Together with me.

What I gave up on intuition a year ago, I didn't let go of this time.

Smiling, he answered confidently, so 419 narrowed his eyes slightly, as if looking at something bright, and replied.

"……What? You're no different from me, right? I love you. Those people."

"Don't say embarrassing things!!"

419 was definitely satisfied with Killua's answer, but from Killua's perspective, it was more of a provocation, so he kicked him angrily, but that kick was a foot shrouded in Aura.

Before they knew it, Killua's one-sided attack had turned into a close-quarters battle where both sides attacked and defended against each other.

I can't afford it either. Both might be at the same level. Even though the battle was so balanced that the outcome could be decided in an instant, and even though the odds of winning were not high, Killua and 419 were beaming with joy.

It was like a child playing a fighting game.

Killua met an opponent other than Gon who could stand on equal footing with him, and 419 met an opponent who was younger than him but on the same level, and was also excited.

Because they felt that the other party had no desire to kill, they were happy to "fight an opponent who was on par with themselves," and I was the youngest among the students.

This is why the two of them cruelly robbed and destroyed the confidence and pride of the students who escaped from Killua's attack.

Although they were single-mindedly attacking all the students, "I want to go home early," although they were impressed by Killua's thoughts, the two of them might have forgotten their purpose.

I don't know if he remembers that it is currently the Hunter Exam. Just like that, they looked at each other, engaged in close combat, and showed off their high level to other students, and this time, not only Killua, but 419 might not have realized it, but they would harvest the Root.

The two continued to counterattack, ignoring the consumption of their own Aura, while obliterating the root of the students' confidence that they could become Hunters, rather than their consciousness.

I will be the one who passes this year.

If there were no opponents at the level of Hisoka or Illumi, I have learned so much "just in case" that I am confident I would have won easily last year, but the world and reality are not that sweet. Push.

Looking at the students, Killua thought: "I am the strongest, I have no enemies."

It shows the vastness of the world and the infinite possibilities of human beings.

I thought my field of vision had expanded a lot, but it made me realize how narrow it still is.

Killua learned that besides the people he met during last year's exam, there were others who could make him feel this "interesting."

Although I should have known long ago, I should have been taught by a soulmate who is like light itself, someone connected to the end of the world, with eyes kinder than anyone else, but I still didn't understand it properly, I don't know that I was reminded.

Killua knows that as long as one is alive and awake, this world will be very interesting.

＊＊＊

"…………Number 1219, what happened? The first test was as you wished, why are you so depressed?"

"……Shut up. Shut up. Or rather, if you don't have time to worry about me, you can quickly return to the 'person who is waiting'."

About 1 hour after the test started and about 30 minutes after the test ended.

419 tilted his head and asked Killua, who was motionless with his forehead pressed against his knees, and Killua pushed him away without even lifting his head.

There is no way to give an honest answer.

Originally, the "how to finish the exam quickly" that I issued with a mysterious sense of tension was the best brain-teaser itself; it would be embarrassing if I calmed down a little, but for some reason, from the middle... after he, number 419, got involved, the tense atmosphere became even more incomprehensible, forgetting the goal of "finishing the exam quickly and going home," doing Stegoro things with 419, and now actually humiliating Killua. My god.

By the way, I passed the exam just like 419 said.

But it's not like I defeated 419.

If you sneak past them, you are very likely to get caught in a melee between them, where they can only see each other. One student I found went to call the Examiner who should have been waiting in the waiting room. Emergency stairs.

The Examiner, who was dozing off on the emergency stairs, was startled awake to find that all the Examinees except Killua and 419 had either fainted, fled, or lost their fighting spirit in the high-level battle.

The Examiner finally grasped such an outrageous exam result, just like the second exam last year, and used a Mobile Phone to ask the chief administrator for instructions.

As a result, Netero said there was no point in re-examining, that he had already met the passing criteria and there was no problem, so in a sense, Killua passed the exam according to his own wishes.

Killua and number 419.

Killua and Aoura, who should have passed last year's exam, were evaluated as a draw until they were almost exhausted.

419 also obtained his professional qualification in the shortest time, just as he wished.

However, for some reason, the other Examinees left and were taken away by other Examiners who didn't have time to appear in the basement.

That loyal dog-like appearance reminded me of my best friend again; I know Killua is paranoid, but I felt that Gon was looking at me in a cold way that I didn't want to be seen, and I was angry.

That is why it was a reply that pushed me away, but I didn't shout. I couldn't call out.

The reason is also the same as the reason for the stimulation.

I couldn't deal with him so desperately that I didn't care if he hated me, because he looked so much like my best friend.

So, even if Killua couldn't even lift his head, let alone get up until the opponent left, 419 never left Killua's front.

So Killua took a deep breath on his lap and asked, "... Do you have something to do with me?"

Hearing this question, you could feel an atmosphere of thought, but Killua did not look up.

"... Until a few years ago, I was born, raised, and lived as a tool for 'killing'."

However, as expected of where he came from, when he replied that he thought his question had caused a miraculous misunderstanding and misconception, Killua also rolled his eyes and lifted his dazed face.

"I never hated that way of life.

But... by treating me as a 'person', protecting me, and meeting people who mocked my living Together, I realized how guilty what I did was. I don't want to hurt anyone anymore.

... But I was too weak to realize that wish. To protect the person who protected me, all I could do was sacrifice, lose many things, and hurt someone.

... Because I don't like that, I don't want to hurt anyone, I want to get back what I lost, and most importantly, I don't want to give up my wish. Paddy field.

This is a fighting technique because I don't want to hurt you. That's why I never thought fighting was fun, and I don't think it will be fun.

————However, I think 'fighting' with you will be 'fun'."

Perhaps glad that Killua finally lifted his head, he smiled slightly and continued.

This is not you mocking and talking about your Heavy, dark upbringing, but you trying to pull Killua, but you have no right to pull Killua. Last year, on the airship after the second test, he told Gon he was an elite member of an assassination family, and he stabbed his family and ran away from home, with a slight complaint and laughter. Because it was pulled.

So Killua should have noticed instead of flinching.

419's upbringing was about the same as mine.

Although he was treated like me since he was a child, his eyes looked too much like Gon's.

... Somewhere in my heart I gave up "I can't be like that guy," and what I tried not to ask for from the beginning is that 419, who has a very similar past to me, is getting it. Killua didn't notice.

Unconsciously, he just listened quietly.

Killua heard that the boy who was originally a tool became a human boy and harvested more from the values he should have gained from becoming a human.

"I didn't mean to hurt you.

... But the more I understand your power, the more my heart is excited. Although I am frustrated because I cannot move as I imagine, I am happy to know that I still have room to become stronger.

............ Really, I don't know why. I don't want to hurt you, I don't want to hurt you, but I absolutely enjoy this moment."

This is not reasoning. Although he definitely didn't want to hurt people and couldn't enjoy that kind of thing, he was still puzzled; he definitely felt that the battle just now was "fun," and I carefully took what I put in... and handed it to Killua.

"I feel that in the tens of minutes of fighting with you, I have become stronger than during the Training where I was always thinking 'I don't want to fight'.

That's why... um... he seems to want to take advantage of you. Not that meaning..."

"... What exactly were you trying to say just now?"

Although he had been talking naturally about an incomprehensible and sudden story, this time he didn't know why he suddenly became inarticulate, and Killua retorted.

He didn't seem to be offended by Killua's rudeness, but agreed: "You're right..." and then looked straight at Killua again, saying: "You're right."

After a long, Heavy, and chaotic introduction, he finally said the answer to Killua's "Do you need me?".

"Well... I don't know if you will invite me like this, but... if you can be friends with me, I would be happy."

"………………Huh?"

Just like Killua pointed out that this was a "love story," the question asked by his slightly red face was the most difficult to understand for what he had said so far, and I just couldn't say it.

However, I don't know how he interpreted that voice, and Killua's ferocious face, but 419 suddenly lost his temper because of Killua's reaction.

"... No, forget it. It's too embarrassing."

"... I don't understand your 'embarrassment'."

If what you said just now was embarrassing, then saying it was fun to fight with Killua is embarrassing enough, and what's more embarrassing is saying "the person who has been waiting for you" isn't it? When Killua rushed in thinking this, it seemed dull and natural, but like a normal person, there was a sense of shame, and it was gone.

Seeing him like this, Killua paused and laughed again.

"... Haha! You're actually younger than me, aren't you? Why don't you say everything with momentum?"

"... Yeah. I don't even know my actual age, so maybe I'm younger than you, just because I developed well."

"Wait, hey, are you serious? Was that just a joke?"

Killua said it casually, and 419 was still holding his head and answering seriously, making Killua uncomfortable.

But a moment later, he stood up again with a funny smile.

Standing up and saying

"What is your name?"

This time, 419 lifted his head.

A posture and stance opposite to the one from a few minutes ago.

This time, Killua asked while waiting for the other person to stand up.

"I'm Killua. Killua Zoldyck."

When I spoke my full name, the other person opened his eyes slightly. Needless to say, he seemed to know of our notorious family.

But he did not look away.

Looking straight into Killua's eyes, not letting go.

Just like my best friend, Gon himself, who made a place for me in the sunlight, just like that blue-haired girlfriend who taught me "pain," the eyes that saw Killua as "Killua" reflected a smiling Killua.

"I'm busy dealing with those stupid people who are always looking after me, so I have to go home as soon as possible, and I really don't know if I'll have time from now on.

... If you can, tell me your name too."

Even while laughing, I let my eyes swim a little at the end.

Killua, who didn't say anything like "if you can" or why he wanted to know the name 419, couldn't let go of his own meaningless stubbornness; he was still a child.

But that was fine.

Even if he couldn't tell the truth, because the hand extended was truly too honest.

Even he, who was not good at reading the other person's text, could understand that the feelings contained in the extended hand were the same as his own.

"... Enough. I can't talk about people either. So... I'm glad."

So he took the extended hand and stood up.

"I am... Sieg. Nice to meet you, Killua."

Killua rushed out of the discount store at the entrance of the exam site, operating his Mobile Phone while running and shouting.

Gon is G. The call wouldn't go through, and because I am who I am, I could only choose one contact.

Feeling that every ring of the call was a bit long, yet unable to help but look forward to it, and not feeling irritated.

Of course, when I tell him I passed the Hunter Exam on the first day... but when I tell him I made a friend other than Gon, and neither Gon nor his girlfriend are there, what kind of voice will she use? To say, what will he say...

Killua couldn't help but look forward to seeing how happy he would be.

Just having woken up, Killua couldn't help but feel happy.

"Ho ho ho, there's no need for that.

That guy's strength has already been proven, if 419 can be on par with him, there should be no problem."

The Examiner for this year bubbled a series of contacts to me; I felt the way Netero answered the phone was very casual, wondering if he really meant, "Another turbulent event this year," he thought.

The Examiner asked if it was really okay to let just these two pass the first exam, but Netero's reply remained very relaxed, "No problem, no problem."

I knew the Examiner wasn't entirely convinced because it was too light, so Netero had to give him a reason for being too lazy to say "no problem." Start from the beginning, old man.

"Number 1219... Killua Zoldyck took the exam last year, and if you look at his ability alone, he is undoubtedly a genius who passed.

The reason he didn't pass the exam was because his heart was weak... if it weren't for the fact that he caused serious injury to the students who attacked him from the start, and also caused serious injury to 419 who fought him, if he hadn't involved other students, he would have overcome this. This means being taken away. Letting that person take the exam again would be a waste of time for us."

The Examiner understood the reason for Killua passing "no problem" from the other end of the phone, and then asked why 419 passed.

"Number 419... as for Sieg, his combat power is on par with Killua Zoldyck, you have no complaints, right? According to the students who reported to you, he was the first to stop Killua. Part of it is no problem.

Also, this guy studied under a Professional Hunter and has been active as an amateur for three years. And the Professional Hunter who studied with him..."

If I were satisfied with the reason for Killua's passing, I could imagine the reason for Sieg's passing, so the Examiner's question was just a preliminary confirmation, but Netero said, "Sieg's master. In the name of a 'Professional Hunter,' he was overwhelmed for a moment before speaking, then responded in a hoarse voice.

'... If you say you're convinced, then you're convinced, but... in a sense, as his apprentice, I'm worried about passing the exam...'"

"... Hmm. I understand how you feel.

Indeed, he is a disciple and a good son, and Kaito is the only decent person. That immovable idiot."

Just as Netero agreed with the Examiner's words, the idiot Jin Freaks, who was playing dumb in a remote area, said: "I don't want you to say that, you damn old man!!" and sneezed fluently.

I feel sorry for those who were looking forward to Abengane appearing again and what happened to Sora's relationship in the main story.

Sora is not very good to his elders, so he almost forgot Abengane.

As expected, if you look at the face, you will remember it, but it is normal to ignore the name from the Binder list.

Therefore, this is very likely the last story related to Abengane.

Or rather, even in the original work, Abengane's appearance was not much, and what happened after Chrollo was removed is also unclear, so honestly, I don't have much to write, if I think of it, I will say it, but unless that's the case, this might be the last time...

By the way, Sieg's exam number remains the same. 419, I'm carrying it.