After a brief introduction, Loki, Gon, and Killua set off together. Kurapika and Leorio gradually fall behind. Examiner Satotz, who initially walked, now runs, unknowingly increasing his speed. Some examinees notice this isn't just a test of endurance, but also willpower and determination.
In the dark, endless tunnel, time becomes blurry. An hour, two hours, three hours—everyone can only guess how long they've been running. This puts immense pressure on their physical and mental endurance.
Loki, however, feels no fatigue. His stamina seems bottomless; the more he runs, the more energy he has. He suspects this is due to absorbing Yō Asakura's abilities. While he has the system, fully integrating Yō's abilities requires adaptation.
Time passes. Loki's breathing remains steady. The three young examinees chat. Even those with high stamina feel immense mental pressure after three or four hours; no one has the energy to talk. Speaking disrupts breathing and increases fatigue. Most are silent, focusing on their breathing.
Kurapika and Leorio, watching the energetic trio, are envious.
"Incredible stamina! They're not tired at all!" Kurapika says, sweating profusely.
"Those brats have insane stamina! I'm older, and I can't keep up!" Leorio complains.
The others feel mocked by the trio's casual conversation. They're taking an exam, not strolling!
Loki glances around. He senses the others' hostility.
"Everyone's looking at us," he says.
Gon hadn't noticed, but he sees people staring.
Killua, arms behind his head, says lazily, "So what?"
This indifference increases the hostility. Loki doesn't care.
The endurance and willpower test enters its second phase. At the exit, Gon and Killua suddenly sprint. Loki sighs; only children would race like that.
The three arrive at the surface almost simultaneously with Satotz.
"I'm first!" Gon says.
"No, I was!" Killua argues.
"You're both slow," Loki says calmly.
Satotz: "..." (Monsters!)
Despite the long run, the three are perfectly composed. Their stamina is unbelievable.
"The Swamps of Misery, known as the Trickster's Nest, is the path to the second phase. There are strange animals here. Stay close…" Satotz warns. "…or you'll die."
The examinees worry. Loki enjoys the swamp, finding it more interesting than the tunnel.
Loki turns toward the tunnel exit.
'It should appear now,' he thinks.
A voice cuts Satotz off.
"Don't be fooled! He's not the examiner! I am!"
A shadowy figure appears—a Swindler's Swamp.
Thwack! The ape is suddenly struck, blood spraying. It flies several meters and lands lifelessly.
Loki steps on the ape, emotionless. "Boring!" He wanted to test his strength, but these creatures are too weak.
Crunch! He crushes the ape with his foot.
He claps his hands and turns to Satotz. "Shall we begin the exam?"
The crowd is shocked.
"What happened?"
"When did that kid move?"
"So fast!"
"Hey! You killed the examiner!"
Some believe the ape. Loki stares at the accuser, who backs away in fear.
"You say I killed the examiner?" Loki asks calmly, approaching the man.
An aura emanates from Loki, like a dark tide.
Thump! The examinee collapses, sweating profusely.
Satotz's eyes narrow. 'That aura… impressive!'
Loki points at Satotz. "The examiner's right there."
Someone else questions Satotz's identity.
Leorio complains about Loki's rash actions.
Kurapika shakes his head. "A professional Hunter wouldn't be killed so easily. Satotz is the real examiner."
He looks at Loki. "Loki, that's why you attacked the ape, right?"
The examinees realize this. They look at Loki with fear. His quick judgment and strength make him a formidable opponent.
Loki nods, not revealing his true reason. He instantly recognized the ape. He doesn't know why he has this ability, but it might be from Yō Asakura.
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