I stocked up in town—loads of preserved food, water, and even a few spare clothes just in case. My backpack's gotten pretty heavy, but it can't be helped. With this much, I should be fine even if the exam drags on.
Alright then. Preparations complete—time to head to the diner.
"Welcomeee!! What'll it be?"
"Steak set meal."
"Cooked medium-rare?"
"Slowly, on low heat."
"Got it!"
"Customer, please head to the back room."
…They remembered me. Embarrassing.
Inside the small back room, a steak set meal was already waiting. …Oh, and the rice is a large serving. I mean, I'm happy, but still, kind of embarrassing. Do I really look like that much of a glutton?
I ate the steak while waiting for the "room" (really an elevator) to descend. Delicious. Slow-cooked on low heat actually works surprisingly well. Still, was this whole diner built just for the Hunter Exam? If so, that's pretty impressive. It felt like an ordinary place. Just how much money moves around with each exam?
The elevator stopped. Here already? B100… underground 100th floor, huh? Just how deep is that?
When the doors opened—oh wow. Way more people than I expected. All of them candidates? The moment I stepped out, dozens of sharp stares locked onto me. Hey, don't glare at me. …Well, they quickly lost interest, at least.
"Here's your number tag."
"! …Thanks."
Ohh, Beans! Netero's secretary, Beans! Long time no see! Still looks exactly the same. …Seriously, hasn't changed at all. Thirteen-plus years later and not a hint of aging. Maybe that's just his final form?
"…Um, is there something you wanted to ask?"
"N-No. Nothing at all."
I must've been staring. Sorry, Beans—it's just been a while. Not that he'd recognize me now. …Feels a little lonely.
Anyway, focus. My number is 401.
Right, the real reason I'm here. If there are reincarnators or drifters in this world, chances are they'd have learned Nen before challenging the exam. Meaning, I should look for people using Ten.
…Anyone? …Yes. There. Someone using Ten. Who is it? A reincarnator? Or…
It's the pervy clown!!!
Why!? Why is he here!? Wait—right, I remember now. That perverted clown actually was involved in the story. And in a pretty important role, too!
This is bad. I wasn't expecting to run into him here… Forget his strength—he's just plain creepy! Even though I lived in Meteor City, which was littered with garbage for several years, thanks to my mother, who kept and taught me to always maintain cleanliness, I couldn't stand dirty and disgusting things. Especially the pervert who stares at you intently.
Ugh—our eyes met! He's coming this way!? Help me, Netero! Time for your Hundred-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva! My chastity is in danger!!
"Well well, long time no see♣"
"You must be mistaken. I don't recall ever befriending a perverted clown."
"Fufu… so cold. But I can tell—you're still using it♦"
What? He noticed I can use Nen? But I haven't dropped my "Angel's Veil." To other users, my aura should just look like uncontrolled leakage.
"Didn't you say something similar before? What are you talking about?"
"Don't bother playing dumb. Your aura doesn't react to mine at all. Even if someone can't use Nen, they usually show some response. The fact that you don't means only one thing♠"
"…"
To think he'd catch me on something that subtle… He's sharper than I gave him credit for.
"Which means—you can control your aura. Also, you slipped earlier. You said 'before,' didn't you? So you do remember♥"
Damn. Said too much. Well, wasn't exactly a secret anyway.
"Wonderful. You're wonderful. I could eat you up right now♠"
Ugh… disgusting. I hate this pervert. If it came down to being eaten by him or just quitting the exam, I'd quit. Actually, maybe I should just kill him here and now… Wouldn't have to worry later…
No no, stop it, me. Dangerous thoughts.
"I'm not tasty at all. Look around you—plenty of candidates who look far more… satisfying."
…The atmosphere froze. Everyone's glaring daggers at me, like "Don't drag him onto us!" Sorry! I panicked under his gaze!
"There's only one tasty-looking one here. The rest bore me♥"
Poor soul, whoever that is. If it's not me, please go bother them!
"Anyway, I need to focus on the exam. Excuse me."
"Too bad. Seems I've been rejected♦"
I quickly put distance between me and the pervert clown. Absolutely not someone I want to linger around. In my long life, I've rarely met someone that revolting.
Ah—nearly lost track of my goal because of him. Anyone else using Ten? …Yes. Over there. The guy with needles in his face. …I really don't want to believe he's a reincarnator. And if he's a drifter from my world? That'd be utterly depressing.
After that, more people kept arriving by elevator, but none showed signs of Nen. Ah, another group—three this time.
Spiky-haired boy, a rugged young man, and a handsome youth. Wait… could it be? Most likely, yeah. Those must be the "main characters." I hate calling them that, but it's the simplest term.
Hmm. But even among them, no one's using Ten. Guess that means there really aren't any others from my world here.
So this was a wasted trip?
Well, whatever. If I can snag a Hunter License while I'm here, I will. Those things are ridiculously convenient—95% of public facilities free of charge. Too good to pass up.
Just then, a loud gong resounded. The signal to begin?
"Registration's closed! The Hunter Exam begins now!"
Some square-nosed, scruffy-bearded guy announced it. …Not really the "distinguished uncle" type. Can't compare to Captain's cool ruggedness.
"I'm Tonpa, examiner for the first phase. Nice to meet ya."
…Wait. Was this really the guy? The first-phase examiner? Somehow feels off. But the name "Tonpa" rings a bell, so maybe I'm just misremembering. Besides, it's not like things have to match my old knowledge exactly.
"The first phase is simple. Just follow me to the site of the second exam."
Ah, right. It was something like that. So my memory wasn't wrong. Hard to recall details from so long ago, after all.
"It's quite a distance, so keep up. Oh, and there'll be refreshment stations along the way. Free drinks—help yourselves."
Hmmm… generous, or a trap? Hard to believe the Hunter Exam would provide sports-like conveniences.
"Well then, let's get started. Follow me."
With that, Tonpa broke into a run. Candidates followed, footsteps thundering in the tunnel. …Guess I'd better go too.
◆
Whoa, quite the turnout. 412 candidates, huh? Wonder how many will survive to pass.
I'm Tonpa. Once known as "Rookie Crusher Tonpa," a veteran of the Hunter Exam… or I was.
What I sought here was just the right amount of thrill. I never actually intended to pass. My routine was always the same: shadow veterans, avoid danger, protect myself, and watch death unfold right beside me.
The despair on rookies' faces when their dreams were shattered—that was the best show. Before long, I was actively crushing their hopes myself.
Never once did I imagine I'd actually become a Hunter…
It was seven years ago. As always, I targeted rookies with traps and tricks. And there was one among them—just another newbie, or so I thought.
But no matter what I tried, she avoided every trap. Well, that happens sometimes. She wasn't the first.
The real problem came after she passed.
I'd withdrawn before the danger got too high, so I only heard it from her later—she'd tracked me down after getting her license.
Why? To "straighten out my rotten character." The moment she told me, I bolted. Caught immediately, of course.
She dragged me into her dojo—Kazama-ryū Aiki Jujutsu—for "spiritual training."
Three years of hellish discipline. I tried escaping countless times, but she watched me day and night. Said if she starts something, she sees it through. At night she'd set up so many sensors not even a cat could sneak past. Was that really necessary!?
Three years stranded on that island dojo whipped my body into shape. She still said I had more to "squeeze out," but come on…
Anyway, I earned her acknowledgment and was allowed to re-take the Hunter Exam. She warned me that if I tried crushing rookies again, she'd "crush something of mine." That look in her eyes was dead serious. I didn't even think of pulling old tricks.
The result? I passed. Actually got a license.
And then, surprise—she was waiting again, as an examiner this time. Straight back to the dojo that very day. This time, training in Nen.
Didn't even know such a thing existed. But after three years of that, I learned the basics and even cleared the "secret back test" of the license. Official Hunter status, at last.
But… I had no idea what to do. No dreams, no goals.
Then—like a revelation from the heavens—the idea struck.
If I became an examiner, I could watch rookies' faces collapse in despair all I wanted!
That moment was divine inspiration. How had I never thought of it before?
I applied immediately. Unpaid, but I didn't care. I'd gladly pay for the privilege.
And so here I am, conducting my very first exam as a proctor. I even created a Hatsu specifically for exam safety and maximum enjoyment of the show. I'll keep following the exam through every phase, soaking in every rookie's crushed dream.
…Just gotta make sure she doesn't find out. If she did, the punishment would be unthinkable.
Alright then. Time to start Phase One.
◆
Since everyone started running, I figured I should too.
Then it hit me—if I ran at the very back, maybe the pervert clown wouldn't bother with me. And if he did come all the way to the rear, I could just dash forward at full speed.
Might as well stay in Zetsu too. With Angel's Veil active, I'd still be burning aura even while keeping Ten. But with Zetsu, aura drains slower, and that pervert clown would have a harder time noticing me.
…Though, it feels like I'm burning through aura a little faster than usual. Nerves from the Hunter Exam, maybe? Mental state does affect aura consumption. I didn't think I was that fragile, but whatever. Best to stick with Zetsu.
By my sense of it, we've already run about fifty, maybe sixty kilometers. If this were my previous life, I'd be completely wiped by now. Back then, my best record in long-distance running was around a hundred kilometers—but at a way slower pace. At this speed? I'd have quit ages ago. Yeah… maybe I never stood a chance of passing the Hunter Exam with my old body.
But this body's specs are crazy. Even after all this, I'm not tired at all. And none of the other applicants have dropped out yet either. So maybe this kind of physical ability is just standard in this world?
As I was thinking that, a rugged-looking young man came running up beside me. …Wow, he looks exhausted. His breathing's ragged, sweat dripping like a faucet. Ah, he just grabbed one of those drinks set out at the corner. Hydration's important, sure, but…
"Um—"
"Uwoah!? Hah—hah—w-what is it, lady!?"
Ah. My Zetsu startled him. Sorry about that.
"That drink… I think there's a good chance it's poisoned or something. You shouldn't drink it."
"Hah!? Y-you serious!?"
"Just my guess. But really, would the Hunter Exam provide free refreshments like that?"
"Leorio~ I just took a sip, but it tastes weird. Better not drink it, like she said."
Oh, the spiky-haired boy backed me up. Nice. …Though seriously, don't taste-test poison traps, kid.
"Damn it! That bastard examiner!!"
Poor guy. Running this distance, sweating buckets—of course he'd want water. That's exactly why it's such a cruel trap: so obvious you know it's bait, but tempting enough to torture you mentally.
"If you'd like, you can have this juice. I bought it before the exam."
"R-really!? You mean it!?"
At this rate, his spirit might break before his stamina does. I've got plenty stocked up, so one bottle's no problem.
"Of course. Ah—but sorry, this one's already opened. I'll give you an unopened one."
"! N-no! That one's fine!"
"Eh? But it's opened—"
"Just give me that one!"
And he snatched the half-empty bottle straight from my hand, gulping it down. Wow, that desperate, huh? And drinking from an already opened bottle… If I'd poisoned it, what then? Trusting a stranger that easily…
…He's simple, but a good guy.
"Pwaaahh! Th-thanks, lady! I'll definitely repay you!!"
"No need. It wasn't anything major."
"Alright! Fired up now!! I'm gonna be a Hunter, no matter what!!"
And he took off sprinting like a man possessed. At that speed, he's just gonna burn out again though…
"Thanks for helping Leorio, Onee-san."
Oh, spiky-hair again. So that guy was Leorio, huh?
"No problem. Like I said, it was nothing much."
"You're too kind. Helping strangers during the Hunter Exam, of all things."
Now the silver-haired pretty boy chimed in. If it were the old me, I'd probably be grumbling "ugh, damn handsome types…" But I've grown past that.
"Kindness? Not really. I just have leeway to spare. A truly kind person is someone who'd help others even while in crisis themselves."
"Hah? Helping others when you're in trouble yourself isn't kindness—it's stupidity."
"…Maybe so."
"Either way, you helped Leorio. That deserves thanks."
"I'll accept that, then."
Good kids. If I recall, they were the main characters… What were their names again?
"You know, Onee-san—"
"—Aisha."
"Eh?"
"My name. Can't have you calling me 'Onee-san' forever."
"Oh! I'm Gon! Nice to meet you, Aisha-san!"
"I'm Killua. Won't be for long, but nice to meet you."
"Pleasure. Gon-kun, Killua-kun."
"Just Gon's fine. You're older, after all."
"Same here, drop the honorifics."
"Then call me Aisha too. We're not that far apart in age."
""Eh?"" both of them
"…Why the surprised faces?"
Well, I can guess why.
"No, it's just—how old are you? I'm almost twelve, but you don't look our age."
"I'm almost twelve too. What about you, Aisha?"
Wow, Gon's quick to adapt. Already dropping honorifics. Feels natural though, so I don't mind.
"I'm thirteen. I'll be fourteen this year. So about a year older than you two."
"Thirteen!? Just one year!? I thought you were at least five years older…"
"…I matured early. By eleven, I already looked like this."
"Oh, I see."
"Though after eleven, my growth slowed a lot. Haven't gotten much taller since. Just, well… my chest keeps growing."
Probably because I stopped drinking Mother's milk. That stuff must've had growth-boosting effects. My bust though… still growing. Honestly, I don't need it.
"Your… chest…"
Huh? Killua's gaze seems oddly fixed there…
"Hmm. Lucky you. I wanna get taller too."
"Girls just mature earlier. You two are just starting your growth spurts. In a few years, you'll both be taller than me."
"That so? Then I'm fine with that."
Ah, Gon really is a straightforward good kid.
"Heh. I'll pass you in no time."
…And Killua's a bit cheeky. Cute in its own way, I guess.
Anyway—what was Gon about to say before? Guess he forgot mid-conversation.
"Hey, if you keep dawdling, you'll be left behind."
"That's fine. I'll go at my own pace. You two go ahead."
The further forward, the likelier I am to run into that clown.
"Then let's go, Gon."
"Yeah. See you later, Aisha! Good luck!"
"Thanks. You too."
And off they went. Gon and Killua. Yes, I remember now. They were central figures in the story.
But here, in this world? Who knows. This isn't ink and paper anymore. Every living person here has their own story, their own will. Change is inevitable. Even without me, things wouldn't necessarily follow the "original."
Running at my own slow pace, apart from Gon and the others, I noticed someone up ahead staggering along while lugging a computer.
"Wheeze—huff—gasp—huff—wheeze—!"
Whoa, is this guy okay? …No, definitely not. He's way worse off than Leorio was. Honestly, I don't think he can keep going.
Ah, he just grabbed one of those corner drinks. Better stop him—
"Um, excuse m—"
Gulp gulp cough cough wheeze wheeze gulp gulp!
…Too late. He downed it all before I could say anything. I really hope he'll be okay.
"Don't…believe it… wheeze… there's no way… gasp… I'd be the… wheeze… loser here…"
Hmm. Maybe he'll be fine after all. Maybe some of the drinks are normal?
"N-no… way I'll… lose… urgh!?"
Oh no, he's clutching his stomach and doubling over. Figures something was in there. Hopefully it's not lethal poison… they wouldn't go that far, right?
"Um, are you al—"
Bwooorrrp gurgle guuurrrgle!!
"Here, I'll leave some water for you. Feel free to use it. Okay bye now!"
Full speed ahead!! Whatever that noise behind me was, I'm pretending I didn't hear it! Eyes forward, just run!!
…There really are people I can't save. Ugh, how powerless of me…
Oh, stairs. Guess since we took the elevator down, now we've gotta climb back up. No wonder a few people are dropping out here. Stairs are rough. I'm okay for now, but I'm not speeding up. Running into creeps is absolutely not allowed.
Hm? Voices up ahead. Talking in the middle of a marathon, huh? Then again, we were too. …I can faintly make out something about the Kurta Clan. That Kurta Clan?
…More and more people are collapsing. Maybe around a hundred have dropped already. Still no encounter with the pervert. Good. This strategy was a success. …Oh? Light up ahead. Is that the exit?
Finally, goodbye to this gloomy tunnel—wait, what!? Why are shutters coming down!? Nobody told me there was a time limit!! Run, run, run!!
Phew! Slid through just in time. That was way too close. If I'd been locked out, I was ready to smash that shutter to pieces.
"Now, the real trial begins. This is the Numere Wetlands, also called the 'Swindler's Nest.' You'll have to pass through here to reach the Second Exam site."
Tonpa kindly explained. Numere Wetlands, huh. …And why exactly does a swamp connect directly to that diner's basement? No way they built this just for the Exam.
"The flora and fauna here have evolved in unique ways. Most are cunning and greedy creatures that trick humans to turn them into food."
Why would animals in an uninhabited swamp evolve specifically to trick humans? That's just evolution in the wrong direction.
"If you're not careful, you'll get deceived and die."
…Are you sure you're not a native of this place, Tonpa? Honestly, wouldn't surprise me.
"Hm. In that case, maybe we should check whether you're a fake, huh♦"
Wha—!? That pervert just threw a playing card at Tonpa!? What is wrong with him!? And he made it spin perfectly too!
…Huh? The cards all veered away from Tonpa's body. What did he just do? No way the pervert missed on purpose… must've been some technique.
"…What did you just do?"
"That's a secret. But let me tell you this—attacking an examiner isn't allowed. Even if it's to check I'm real. Do it again and you're disqualified."
"Kukuku… shame. I'd love to know what that was, but you're not really my type anyway♥"
Creep.
"Alright, let's move on to the Second Exam site. Stick close."
Ugh, mud everywhere. The mist's getting thicker too. Can barely see ahead. If I stay too far back, I'll lose the group… better use En just in case. That way I can still track them.
…Yikes. A bunch of people are already running the wrong way. And there are things here that definitely aren't human. Screams all around. This really is the Swindler's Nest. So many bizarre life forms evolved just to deceive humans—it makes no sense.
…Wait. Killing intent. Strong. And definitely human, not beast.
Who? Who would radiate that here—
"GYAAAAAAAAH!!"
!? That voice—Leorio's!? It's coming from the source of the killing intent! Did whoever it belongs to attack him? Damn it, I want to help, especially since I actually talked to him. Not far. I'll go check!
…And in the distance, laughter. That disgusting clown's laugh. Figures. So it was pervert clown's killing intent! Of course it felt so sticky and vile! He's targeting Leorio…?
Wait. If pervert clown's targeting Leorio, does that mean… he swings both ways!? Terrifying… a true pervert through and through…
Ughhh… the moment I realized it was him, my urge to help plummeted. But abandoning a good guy like Leorio feels awful too.
I'll observe from afar. With Zetsu, my presence is erased. Even the "Super Pervert" shouldn't notice me. If Leorio's about to die, I'll step in. If not, I'll stay back. It's still an Exam—if I butt in every time, it's not fair. …But then again, this isn't part of the Exam. Pervert clown isn't an examiner.
Ah, there. In that clearing. Pervert clown facing Leorio, along with a handsome young man and a burly older guy. Thank goodness, Leorio's still alive.
Oh—they all split up and ran. Smart. Pervert clown isn't chasing, just waiting. Confident bastard.
Wait, why is Leorio coming back!? He's charging in!? Like that'll land a hit! That's suicide, Leorio!! Reckless, hopeless, impossible!
…Fine. I'll throw a rock to distract pervert clown. Just run while he's distracted!
…Oh? Something hit pervert clown's face—but it wasn't my rock. My rock went wide and smacked Leorio in the face instead. …And down he goes.
LEORIOOOOOO!!
How did this happen!? I was trying to help! That must've been Gon's fishing pole that hit pervert clown. He came to help too. Good kid, but the timing couldn't have been worse…
Wait. Pervert clown's gaze… on me!? He's looking straight at this bush… that gross, sticky gaze…
"Well well. Who's hiding over there? You concealed yourself pretty well, huh♠"
Crap. He hasn't identified me yet, but it's only a matter of time.
"That rock earlier—you threw it at me, didn't you? Between that fishing pole brat and Leorio, it seems there are some promising candidates♦"
Please don't expect anything from me. And stop coming this way.
Ah—Gon lunged at him with the fishing rod! Yes! Get him! Smash him! You have my blessing! …And of course, pervert clown dodged. If this goes on, Gon might… no, I don't feel killing intent. He's safe for now. But if it changes, I'll step in.
"Coming to save your friend? You're a good boy～～～～～♣"
Ugh. That clingy aura again. He's locked onto Gon now, hasn't he? Poor kid.
"Excellent! You pass♥ You'll make a fine Hunter someday♣"
Knew it. Pervert clown seems obsessed with people who are either strong or have the potential to be. So Gon and Leorio both made the cut in his twisted eyes. …Oh no, he's coming this way. Damn it, guess I'll have to step out.
—Beep beep beep—
Huh? A cell phone? Oh, it's pervert clown's.
"Hisoka, time to head back. We're almost at the Second Exam site."
"OK. On my way♦"
So pervert clown's name is Hisoka, huh. Ugh, hated remembering that.
"Nothing better than having friends, right♥"
…If Hisoka has friends, they must be perverts too.
"And as for you…"
Whoa! He just threw a card this way!
"—Tch!"
"Well, well. So it's you, Aisha♠"
"…How do you know my name? I don't recall ever telling a creep like you."
"'Creep,' ouch. I heard it back at Heaven's Arena. They announced it during the matches, remember♦"
"…Right. So, what? You planning to fight me here?"
"I'd like to, but not now. A real fight with you might not end before the Second Exam starts, and I'm not sitting through this test a third time. We'll clash another day♥"
Hopefully that "day" never comes.
"Think you can make it back on your own?"
"I'll be fine. Just leave already."
"Kukuku… so cold♣"
And with a laugh, he vanished into the mist. Damn it. Of all people, I had to catch his attention…
"Gon!?"
Ah, the handsome youth is back. He must be worried about Leorio too. Loyal guy.
"Kurapika…"
"Why are you here? What about Hisoka?"
"He's gone. Headed to the Second Exam site, I think."
"I see… Leorio!? Did Hisoka do this to him?"
…Actually that was me…
"Uh—sorry. That one's my fault…"
"…And you are?"
"I—um—my rock accidentally hit him. I was aiming for Hisoka, but… yeah. Really sorry."
"You threw it to save Leorio, didn't you? If my fishing pole hadn't missed, your rock would've hit Hisoka."
"Gon, you know her?"
"Yeah. We met in the tunnel. She saved Leorio back then too."
"I see. Then let me thank you. I'm Kurapika. Nice to meet you."
"No… this time I hurt him more than I helped. But thank you. I'm Aisha. Pleased to meet you."
So the pretty boy's Kurapika.
"Aisha, are you okay from earlier?"
"That card? Didn't hit me, so I'm fine. What about you, Gon?"
"I'm fine too…"
…His heartbeat says otherwise. Well, who wouldn't be shaken after facing that pervert?
"Either way, we can't linger. If we don't reach the Second Exam site soon, we'll be disqualified."
"Leorio's… no good. He's completely out cold."
"I'll carry him. It was my fault he got knocked out, after all."
"But for a woman like you, that's—"
"It's fine. I'm stronger than I look. Could you carry my bag instead?"
"…Feels backwards somehow, but fine…"
Ugh, heavy but manageable. Just awkward to balance.
"Wh-what's in this bag anyway?"
"Just some rations, water, and a few other things."
"I… I see… (She carried this while running all that way!?)"
Alright. Leorio on my back. This much is fine. But we need to hurry before we're disqualified. Can I track Hisoka with En? …No, he's out of range already. But in the direction he went, there's a trail of what looks like animal corpses. That should be enough to follow.
"Let's go."
"Yeah." "Right."
Hopefully we make it in time.