After confirming his Nen category, Haruto set aside the basic exercises and devoted himself entirely to developing his personal Nen ability.
He already had a clear idea of what kind of ability he wanted, and he reinforced it with exceptionally strict restrictions and vows.
Finally, on the day before the Hunter Exam, he successfully created the ability he had envisioned.
In high spirits, Haruto left the hotel and followed the address he had purchased beforehand.
After winding his way through several streets and alleys, he arrived at an ordinary-looking barbecue restaurant.
The rich aroma of grilled meat filled the lively dining room as customers ate, drank, and talked over one another.
No one would ever suspect that this restaurant concealed an entrance to the Hunter Exam.
Once Haruto gave the password he had learned in advance, the owner casually directed him into the room at the very back.
Although it appeared to be an ordinary room, it was actually an elevator.
The elevator descended for an unknown distance before the doors finally opened.
A short figure with a head shaped remarkably like a bean was already waiting outside.
It was Beans, one of the Hunter Exam’s official guides.
"Welcome. Please take your number badge."
"Wear it on your chest at all times, and be careful not to lose it."
Beans calmly handed him a badge.
Haruto gave the unusual-looking guide a curious glance before accepting it and checking the number.
Judging by that number, he had arrived fairly early.
Haruto pinned the badge to his clothes and surveyed the area.
A considerable number of applicants had already gathered in the underground hall.
His gaze moved quickly across the badges on their chests, committing each number to memory.
As he recalled, one of the later phases of the Hunter Exam revolved entirely around those badges.
...
It did not take long for Haruto to spot badge number 44.
Its owner leaned lazily against a wall, his bright red hair swept upward.
A teardrop and a star were painted across his face, and an amused smile played on his lips, though a trace of madness occasionally flickered through his eyes.
Hisoka.
Haruto’s pupils contracted slightly as every instinct in his body sounded a warning.
He looked away almost immediately.
He had no desire to attract the attention of that deranged "fruit farmer" and bring a mountain of unnecessary trouble down on himself.
Besides Hisoka, Haruto was secretly watching for someone else—Gittarackur, the false identity being used by Zoldyck Illumi, eldest son of the Zoldyck family.
No matter how carefully he searched the hall, however, Haruto could not find him.
He probably had not arrived yet.
Haruto continued observing the other applicants without drawing attention to himself, then took out a packet of jerky and began eating at a leisurely pace.
The jerky had been made from Regal Mammoth meat. It was packed with energy and had a satisfyingly firm texture.
Ever since awakening his Gourmet Cells, Haruto’s appetite had become absurd. Even eight meals a day barely felt sufficient.
There was no telling what the exam would throw at him, so keeping his energy reserves full was essential.
As Haruto chewed his jerky and watched the other applicants, a man wearing a friendly smile approached him.
"First time taking the Hunter Exam, kid?"
The man’s voice was gentle and welcoming.
"Finding this place so early on your first attempt is pretty impressive."
Haruto looked up and immediately recognized him.
Tonpa—the eternal repeat applicant of the Hunter Exam.
His favorite pastime was sabotaging newcomers through every dirty trick he could think of, then watching them collapse in despair.
That had earned him the nickname "Rookie Crusher."
Apparently, he could not resist approaching Haruto.
...
Haruto examined Tonpa without revealing anything, a faintly amused smile tugging at his lips.
"Oh? How could you tell?"
He already knew exactly what Tonpa was after, but there was still time before the exam began.
He might as well entertain himself with the man for a while.
Tonpa’s smile widened, carrying a subtle hint of pride as he patted his chest.
"Heh. Believe it or not, I’ve already taken the Hunter Exam thirty-five times."
Most newcomers would probably mock him after hearing that. Failing thirty-five times was hardly something to boast about.
Haruto, however, looked genuinely impressed.
"Thirty-five times? That’s actually incredible."
He was not being entirely sarcastic.
Continuing for that many years required remarkable perseverance, no matter how questionable Tonpa’s motives were.
Had he put that determination toward something worthwhile, he might genuinely have become a capable Nen user.
Tonpa’s smile froze.
For a moment, he had no idea how to respond.
He had imagined all kinds of reactions from Haruto—contempt, ridicule, or curious questions.
A sincere compliment was the one possibility he had never considered.
A complicated emotion flickered through Tonpa’s eyes, but it vanished almost immediately as his friendly smile returned.
"By the way, the name’s Tonpa. Ask me anything you want to know about the Hunter Exam."
He offered Haruto his hand.
"Suzuki Haruto."
Haruto smiled as he introduced himself.
...
After a few harmless pleasantries, Tonpa reached into his backpack and pulled out two cans of juice.
"I brought a couple of drinks. Want one?"
He offered Haruto the can laced with an extremely powerful laxative.
Haruto accepted it, but his gaze suddenly shifted past Tonpa toward something behind him. One eyebrow rose almost imperceptibly.
"That guy..."
Tonpa instinctively turned to follow his gaze.
Hisoka was leaning against a nearby wall, casually playing with a card in one hand while watching the applicants with an unreadable smile.
The instant Tonpa looked away, Haruto switched the two cans.
His movement was far too fast for the naked eye to follow.
With all his attention focused on Hisoka, Tonpa noticed nothing.
His expression immediately became grave. He knew exactly how dangerous Hisoka was.
When he turned back, Tonpa spoke in a serious voice.
"That’s Hisoka. He’s an extremely dangerous—"
Before he could finish, Haruto pulled open the tab and took a long drink.
The warning Tonpa had prepared died in his throat.
He stared at Haruto in disbelief.
Was this kid really that careless?
Haruto lowered the can and smacked his lips. His brow furrowed briefly before relaxing again, and he spoke with mild disappointment.
"The flavor’s passable, but the quality isn’t very good. It tastes like someone added something extra."
Tonpa only used these drinks to sabotage newcomers, so naturally, he would not waste money on a premium brand.
Despite his criticism, Haruto casually took another large gulp.
The jerky had made him thirsty anyway.
Tonpa’s expression stiffened.
That made no sense!
The laxative he used was completely colorless and tasteless. How could Haruto possibly have detected it?
Waves of panic surged through Tonpa’s mind, though he forced himself to remain calm on the surface.
He had to be imagining things!
If Haruto had truly noticed the laxative, there was no way he would keep drinking it.
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