Cherreads

Chapter 3 - HHES: Chapter 3

Although this world differs from the Shaman King world, Loki inherited all of Yō Asakura's abilities except his extraordinary shamanic powers. Perhaps this is due to differing world rules; Yō's shamanic powers and unique abilities manifested differently in Loki.

Ignoring that for now, let's focus on passing the Hunter Exam.

The commotion ends quickly. Satotz stares at Loki for a long time before speaking again.

"Now you understand why this place is called the Trickster's Nest. I'll remind you again: being tricked means…death!!"

"Let's continue to the second exam site."

Satotz runs, and everyone follows. Loki, with Gon and Killua, focuses on Hisoka, who's lagging behind.

"Loki, your reaction was amazing! Your analytical skills are incredible," Gon says.

"Hmph. Nothing special. You interrupted a good show," Killua grumbles, annoyed that Loki is getting the attention.

Loki remains calm. He knows it's getting dangerous; Hisoka is about to start his games. He doesn't want to get involved. Plus, he hasn't triggered any new missions since joining Gon's group. It seems system missions aren't easy to activate.

He decides to prioritize safety, mastering Yō's abilities before facing Hisoka. After all, Yō was an S-rank character.

As Loki prepares to tell Gon he's going ahead, the system chimes.

'Congratulations, host! Mission triggered: Join Hisoka's trial and gain his approval!'

Loki stares at Gon, swallowing his words.

Gon notices Loki's change. "What's wrong, Loki? What did you want to say?"

Loki forces a smile. "Nothing. Focus on the path; the fog can easily disorient us."

"We should get ahead. I can smell it; Hisoka's about to lose it…" Killua says seriously, clearly wary of Hisoka.

"Loki, Gon, let's go ahead!" Gon says, though he can't smell what Killua mentioned.

"Kurapika, Leorio, Killua says we should go ahead…" Gon says.

"If I could, I would have already," Leorio says, frustrated. He's older and should be stronger, but the three kids have unbelievable stamina.

"You go ahead. Don't worry about us," Kurapika says, also impressed by their stamina.

"Let's go!" Killua sprints. Gon follows.

"You go ahead. I'll check on them," Loki says, slowing to join Kurapika and Leorio.

Killua looks at Loki in surprise. "What a weirdo!"

"What? Loki's a good guy!" Gon thinks Loki's actions are kind; he doesn't want to leave Kurapika and Leorio. But Killua's going ahead, and if Gon goes to help Leorio, Killua will be alone.

Killua smiles and says, "Let's go."

Leorio is happy to see Loki slow down. "I knew a kid like you couldn't beat me in stamina."

Kurapika is surprised Loki joined them.

Loki looks at Leorio. "Did you say something?"

Leorio is speechless.

"Stop stroking your ego, Leorio. Loki's stamina is monstrous!" Kurapika says. "We're lost in the fog. We need to follow the others. Why are you falling behind?"

"Follow me. Even if we lose sight of the others, I can find the examiner."

Kurapika is impressed. "Thank you!"

"You think my stamina's weak? A kid underestimated me! I won't lose! AAAAAAHHHHHH…" Leorio speeds up.

Loki grabs Leorio's tie, nearly choking him.

"What are you doing?" Leorio yells.

"Don't be stupid. This will disrupt your breathing and drain your stamina. Maintain this pace; you'll reach the next exam site."

Kurapika agrees. Leorio calms down.

Figures move through the foggy forest. Most remaining examinees are pushing themselves to the limit.

Loki, Kurapika, and Leorio move slowly. Loki senses many creatures watching them. The leading group disturbed them, making the stragglers prey. Most examinees stick with the examiner.

"Be careful," Loki warns.

They stop. A group of examinees surrounds Hisoka.

Hisoka, playing cards, casually kills them with a single card: the Four of Spades. He notices Loki's group.

"Unexpected gains. Interesting!" Hisoka says, his voice chilling.

Cards appear magically in Hisoka's hands, then vanish, leaving only one card.

Hisoka looks at the three, a sinister smile spreading across his face. He flips the card, his eyes narrowing.

'A Joker. Bad luck, or…'

His gaze settles on Loki.

Kurapika and Leorio feel immense pressure.

"Leorio, Loki, when I give the signal, we run," Kurapika says. "We can't win against him."

Loki agrees, but escaping isn't an option. He needs the mission reward.

"On three, we run," Kurapika says.

________________

for more chapter visit patreon.com/bars45

More Chapters