A/N Sorry for the wait guys. I had some stuff come up but here is the latest chapter and don't worry about the next chapter, it will be out this saturday. Thanks for your patience and for reading. Enjoy!

Netero's Airship 9:00 pm

The remaining applicants were gathered on the Viewing deck waiting for instructions from Netero. Netero himself was standing in front of the group of applicants with his assistant Mr. beans by his side. Netero cleared his throat as he began to speak "I will now take the opportunity to introduce myself properly to the remaining 43 applicants. I am Netero, the Chairman of the Selection Committee for this year's Hunter Exam. It's a pleasure to meet all of you." Mr. Beans then spoke up "And I'm his secretary, Beans." Netero then continued speaking "I had originally planned to make my appearance during the Exams final phase but, well seeing as how I'm already here..." Netero paused for a moment to get a good look at the remaining 43 applicants before continuing "I have to admit, there's nothing I love more than this feeling of tension in the air. So, I think I'll stick around for the remainder of the trip." he finished with a laugh Mr. Beans than spoke up again "We are scheduled to arrive at our destination tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. exactly. You'll find dinner waiting for you in the dining hall. You're also welcome to get some rest, of course. You're free to do as you please until we contact you. The evening is yours.

Gon and Killua decided to head off and explore the airship while Leorio and Kurapika decided that they were going to go sleep. As they were walking towards the dorm rooms Kurapika asked "how many more phases are there in the exam I wonder?" but then Tonpa walked up to them saying "As long as I've been doing this five or six." Leorio then commented "Which means that we've still got another three or four left to go." Kurapika then said "Well, in that case we should get some rest now, while we can." as they began to walk towards the dorms again, a shadow came over Tonpa's eyes as an Evil smirk crossed his faced while saying "Okay but I'd be careful if I were you." Leorio and Kurapika stopped in their tracks while turning to look at Tonpa and Leorio gave a quick "Huh?" Tonpa then put a friendly smile on while saying "You heard the secretary, right? He only told us when we're arriving. He didn't say that the Third Phase of the Exam wasn't going to happen right here on the airship itself. And we'll be notified, but who knows if that'll be at 8:00 a.m. or not?" Leorio getting his implication asked "Hold on. Are you serious?" Kurapika grasped the tip of his chin with his right hand and glanced down in thought while he commented "I suppose that makes sense." Tonpa then said while pointing his left index finger up "You might wake up and find out that the Exam already took place and you slept right through it. If you wanna get to the next phase, then ya better not let your guard down, even up here. Understand?" Leorio gave Tonpa a small smile while saying "Well. Thanks for the advice. See ya later" Kurapika also said "We'll be sure to keep it in mind." Ferev who had listened in on the whole conversation, was leaning on a nearby wall with his arms crossed and eyes closed while thinking to himself "I know what you are trying to do Tonpa, but if they are that easily fooled by you of all people. Then I guess they aren't meant to be Hunters." Ferev uncrossed his arms and opened his eyes while walking out the door with everyone else.

xxLine Breakxx

Once Ferev had been to dining hall and eaten dinner he began walking down the long corridors of the airship looking for a dorm room to get some rest. As he was walking his gaze suddenly hardened when he sensed several presences nearby and he stopped mid-stride. Soon the eight men from the cliffside began to surround him in a circle. The Man from before with the orange hair stepped forward acting as their Defacto leader "All right punk! We're gonna show you that cooking isn't what makes a Hunter!" he then drew his two daggers; the others began getting ready to draw their weapons as well. Ferev however, was tired and after reliving that painful memory he was not in a good mood so Ferev held his right hand up in the stop signal. The Defacto leader just raised his left eyebrow while looking at him questioningly saying "Huh? Ferev then pointed with his right index finger up. The group and Defacto leader looked to where he was pointing and they saw what looked like a round video camera zooming in and out. Ferev put his hands in his coat pockets before explaining "The Hunter Association has cameras all over these hallways to prevent something like this from happening. However, I do know for a fact that there are no cameras in the dorm or training rooms for privacy reasons. So, if you'll follow me, we can do this properly." he then began walking down hallway the group parting so he could lead them to a room.

After a few minutes Ferev managed to find a large training room with a wooden floor that had enough room to fit about 20 people. The group entered the room, the last of the thugs to enter locked the door as he came in. The Group surrounded Ferev once again this time all of them brandishing their weapons. One thug had a Scimitar sword while two carried bo-staffs, another had a few Kunai knives on his person, the two others besides the leader only had brass knuckles, the leader himself drew his daggers once again. The leader pointed his dagger at Ferev before saying "All right punk! Let's-" but he was cut off as Ferev moved so fast none of the thugs could react. Ferev was crouched down rotating in a fast circle while jabbing his index and middle fingers from both his hands into the group of men. Once he jabbed all of them, he simply stood up and pushed two of the thugs out of his way and began walking towards the exit with a blank look on his face. One the thugs he pushed grit his teeth in anger before getting ready to charge him while yelling "What! Are you only going to poke us? You Basta-" the words soon died in his throat as the man's right arm began to twitch and convulse before it suddenly expanded and blew up in a shower of gore. "Ahhhhhhhhhhh" the thug screamed in pain but it wasn't over yet soon his other arm began doing the same thing and then his chest following suit. Terrified at what was happening to him he began screaming "What did you do! Make it stop!" but his plea fell on deaf ears as his entire upper body exploded in another shower of blood and organs.

Soon one by one the thugs began dying in the exact same way. The leader could only watch in horror as each of his "men" were each exploding with no explanation. Wide eyed and panicked he looked towards Ferev who was already at the door and getting ready to unlock it the leader realized he was going to be next began trying to run towards Ferev with his right arm held out yelling "Wait! Please, I'm sorry just please stop whatever's gonna-" but he couldn't finish his sentence as his right arm expanded and blew up leaving a stump on his shoulder. He then began screaming and fell to his knees as his whole upper body expanded and contracted until finally one last shower of gore was seen before Ferev opened the door and walked into the hallway and closed it. He then leaned on the door as he bowed his head while rubbing his eyes. "That was careless, I let my emotions get the better of me again." Ferev thought to himself, Ferev then raised his head with a hardened gaze as he began walking while continuing his thought "But, it doesn't matter now no one is getting in my way of becoming a Hunter." Ferev then made his way towards the dorm rooms once again to get some rest before the Third phase. As Ferev was walking away however, he didn't notice the blood running from underneath the door or the pair of yellow eyes watching him.

Trick Tower 8:00 am

The remaining 43 applicants except a certain few that went missing during the trip were all standing on top of a tower that was taller than most skyscrapers. Mr. Beans was standing in the center of the tower as he cleared his throat to get everyone's attention as he began to explain the Third Phase "Everyone, this is the site of the Hunter Exam's Third Phase. You'll be competing here at the top of the Trick Tower. In order to pass this phase, you must reach the base of the tower alive. The time limit is 72 hours. And with that, the Exam's Third Phase will now begin. Good luck to each and every one of you." with that said Mr. Beans boarded the air ship once again and started to fly away. Gon and his group as well as the other applicants began looking for ways down the tower.

Ferev noticed Gon and the others looking down the side of the tower before he decided to walk over. When he was behind them, he said "Hey Gon how's it going." Gon turned around as did Kurapika, Killua and Leorio "Hey Ferev, I'm doing Great!" Kurapika then said with a respectful bow "Hello, it's good to see you again and thank you once again for your help." Ferev just waved his hand saying "like I said before it was no big deal." Leorio having no idea who this guy was asked Gon quietly while leaning down to his ear. "Hey, Gon how do you two know this guy? And how did he help you?" Gon's eyes widened in remembrance then said "That's right you were unconscious, you see Ferev stepped in when Hisoka had me in a bad spot then Ferev ran him off, after that he then he carried you all the way to the Second Phase." Leorio had a muscle spam in surprise before saying "What?" he then glanced at Ferev who was looking at him. Leorio closed his eyes while rubbing the back of his head and saying with a nervous laugh "Wow, I guess I really owe one Ferev." Ferev just shook his head and said "It really is no big deal Mr..." Ferev paused so Leorio could give his name. Leorio realizing what Ferev was doing said "Sorry, the names Leorio and believe it or not I'm pre-med so if you're sick or hurt just let me know I'll patch you right up." Ferev eyes widened slightly after hearing that and said "Really? Are you here on break from medical school?" Leorio had the gall to look sheepish as he rubbed his head again with his eyes closed while laughing nervously and said "Well, you see that's kinda the reason I'm here in the first place." Ferev responded with "I see, that makes sense." Ferev realizing then that Leorio needed a Hunters License to even get into medical school.

Killua then stepped forward while holding his skateboard and saying "Hey, we never got a chance to be introduced, name's Killua and I'm just here because I thought the Hunters Exam would be fun." Ferev had an awkward smile on his face and a tick mark on his head while saying "Oh, that's interesting." However, in his head he was thinking "This arrogant Brat thinking the Hunters exam is Fun? If he is who I think he is I'll kick his ass purely out of principle!" he then mentally clenched his fist. Gon then looked back towards the edge of the tower and Ferev went to Join him as did the others. "Whoa!" Gon said in awe. Leorio seeing how far down it was couldn't help but say "Now what? Are we supposed to climb down?" Kurapika then said "Well, I hope not. That would be suicide." suddenly a deep voice spoke up from behind them. "Sure, for most guys." a muscular man came walking up to them with his arms crossed. he had on a green tank top, grey fingerless gloves, black climbing shorts, and black boots. The man then approached the edge and began climbing down with steady but quick steps. While he was climbing, he said "For an expert rock climber like me, this is gonna be a piece of cake." As the man climbed down, he said to himself while chuckling "By the look of things, I'm about to be the first one to pass the Third Phase." he then paused as the sound of wings flapping could be heard. The man slowly looked towards his left and then suddenly a flock of giant cupid looking monsters of different colors with wings and huge fanged jaws that opened in the center of their body began swarming the man. The man screamed in terror as he yelled "No! Stop! Go away!" when suddenly a monster flew up from under him and grabbed him in its giant jaws. As the monsters flew off into the distance the man let out one final scream "Help me!" Gon and the others just stared in shock with blank looks on their faces as Leorio said "Uh, so, I guess we can't climb down, not this way at least." Ferev continued to stare like the others while saying "Good call."

A few hours later the applicants could be found tapping the surface of the tower checking for signs of a door or any other type of entry. Ferev was stomping on a particular stone tile checking for a door when he heard Gon's voice call him and the others over "Kurapika! Ferev! Leorio!" all three of them made their way towards Gon and Killua. When they arrived Kurapika asked "What is it, Gon?" Gon replied with "Look at this. We found a trap door. Check it out." Gon then crouched down and placed his hand on a stone tile pushing it in slightly. Everyone gasped then Kurapika said "I see, so the only way that we can reach the lower levels is by turning over these stones." Leorio excited that they are finally getting somewhere patted Gon on the back while saying "Okay, good job! Now what do you say we head on down?" Gon looked up at Leorio while saying "Okay, but I'm sort of confused." Leorio responded with "Why? What is there to be confused about?" Gon then started pointing to five other trap doors all within the same vicinity while saying "There's one, and another, and another, and another, and two more over there. There's a lot of them." Leorio said astonished "That many?" Kurapika then grasped the tip of his chin with his right hand while saying "Six hidden doors located in the same area. Sounds a bit suspicious. No doubt a few of them are traps." Killua then said "From what I can tell, each of these trap doors can only be used one time. We saw somebody fall through one earlier, but when we tried to open it, it wouldn't budge an inch." Kurapika then commented "Judging by the door's size, only one applicant can go through it at a time." Killua then finished Kurapikas train of thought "Which means only one person can use each door. It's beginning to look like we're all gonna have to split up. We decided that we'll each pick a door, and see how it goes." Gon then said "And no hard feelings if one of them's a trap. How about you guys? What are you gonna do?"

Leorio replied with "Works for me. Seems like luck is part of the game or something." Ferev then said "Yeah, sounds like a fair deal to me as well." Kurapika then added "No objection here. That settles it." The group of five then stood next to five of the six trap doors. "On the count of three, we all hop in exactly the time, okay?" Leorio said as he got into place. "I guess that means this is goodbye for now, guys." Gon said as he got into position as well. Kurapika then said "We'll meet up at the base of the tower." Ferev gave a two-finger salute while saying "See you guys on the other side." then all five began counting to three "One...Two...Three." and all five applicants jumped on their respective trap doors. Ferev Fell down briefly before landing in a half crouch with his arms spread. He stood up quickly and looked around and saw that Gon, Killua, Kurapika, Leorio, and himself were all in the same room. The room itself was made of grey bricks and it was darkly lit.

However, in the back of the room next to the wall with a sign above it, was a podium with six bracelets that had timers on them as well as two buttons one being an X and the other an O. Leorio who landed face first somehow looked up and saw everyone while saying "Wait, what?" Killua and Gon just laughed like the kids that they were while Kurapkia said while standing up "That was certainly a brief farewell." Gon then walked over to the podium with the others following his lead. Gon looked at the sign that was above the podium and said "Hey, look at this!" Gon then read the sign aloud "The six who enter this chamber must find their way down together by consensus of the majority." Leorio then asked "Wait, six?" Gon then pointed out the bracelets "Look! They have six wrist timers." Killua added his two-cents by saying "With buttons marked X and O." As the group of five slid on their wrist timers Kurapika couldn't help but wonder "Do you think it's possible that we won't be able to leave this room at all until someone else drops in and joins us down here?"

Suddenly a loud speaker blared to life as a voice said "Very good!" everyone gasped in shock with Leorio screaming "Who's there?" as they turned towards the speaker in the corner of the room. The voice came through the speaker once again "My name is Lippo I'm the prison warden here, not to mention, your examiner for the Third Phase of the Exam." Kurapika not believing his ears asked"Did he say prison warden?" Lippo then continued with his explanation "We've gone to the trouble of preparing multiple routes through the Tower, and the one you've chosen is the path of majority rule. If you want to pass, and I'm sure you do, co-operation is the essence of success. One person acting selfishly could derail the entire group. And of course, you won't be permitted to start until you have six members present. That's it, gentlemen. Best of luck!" the loud speaker than cut off with a quick sound of static. Everyone groaned in frustration then Leorio said "We seriously can't start until somebody else shows up? So, what now?"Kurapika replied with "I guess we just have to wait." Ferev however, was not happy with this development and clicked his tongue while saying "Damn it."

Two hours had passed since the group of five entered the secret room and started waiting for a sixth member. Everyone was passing the time in their own way. Gon was skating around on Killua's skateboard, Killua himself was practicing casting with Gon's fishing rod, Ferev chose to sit cross legged by the wall next to Killua and meditate to calm himself down because he was frustrated at their situation, Kurapika and Leorio chose to just sit-down, Kurapika was sitting against the wall with his arms in his lap while Leorio sat against the podium while tapping his foot in impatience. Leorio finally having had enough of waiting stood while shouting "Oh, come on! We've been sitting here for two hours. What if everybody else already found their way down? What are we supposed to do, huh? We can't be the only ones stuck at the top, we'll look like total idiots!" Ferev stopped his meditation and as he stood up, he said "Calm down Leorio, I'm just as frustrated as you but look at your wrist timer." Leorio did and the numbers 69:58:26 were on it. Ferev then continued "We still have about 70 hours left and I'm pretty sure the exam committee wouldn't make all these paths just for one group to be left behind. Right now, I'm guessing the last of the applicants are finding the last of the trap doors so any minute now we should have our sixth member." Leorio however, continued to rant "Calm down? What if nobody else shows up? Huh?" Gon who had been skating this whole time suddenly heard a noise and said "Huh?" then he looked up towards the ceiling. Leorio who still continued his rant said "I can't just sit here-" but he was cut off by Kurapika who also heard a noise then said "Shh! Be quiet. Do you hear that sound?" he then pointed up Leorio's gaze following where he was pointing.

Just as Kurapika said a tapping sound could be heard from above them. Then suddenly the last trap door began to move and soon an applicant fell through and landed on the floor. As the applicant got up and they all got a good look at him Ferev couldn't help but groan and complain "Oh god, please not you." he said while face palming while everyone else but Gon had dejected looks on their faces. There standing in front of them was "Tonpa the rookie crusher" a nervous smile on his face after hearing and seeing Ferev remembering what Ferev did to him and promised to do to him. Leorio then said dejectedly "Look who it is." Tonpa noticed the podium and went towards it and put on the final wrist timer while saying "Okay." suddenly a section of the brick wall opened up revealing a steel door with an electronic sign on it with the letters for X and O on the sign. The group of now six walked towards the door with Kurapika saying "I see. So the door must be programed to appear once all six timers are put on." Gon then read the sign aloud "At this door, select O to open, X not to open." Leorio then commented "Using majority rule, already? All right! At least the answer is obvious." Then all six group members hit their respective buttons.

After that the number 5 appeared next to O and the number 1 appeared next to X. Leorio seeing this questioned "What? Fess up! Which one of you jokers hit the X button?" Tonpa then chuckled nervously while rubbing the back of his head "That was me. Sorry about that. I guess I pressed the wrong button. Leorio then grabbed Tonpa while saying "Stop screwing around, old man! What, you-" Ferev however, cut him off saying "Just drop it Leorio! We don't have time for this!" Leorio closing his eyes realizing Ferev was right roughly let go of Tonpa before he began heading through the door the others following suit. However, when Ferev and Tonpa were alone Ferev quickly grabbed Tonpa by his throat again and slammed him into the wall his feet dangling a little. Tonpa tried to release Ferev's Grip as he was being choked but it was like his hand was made out of steel. Ferev then glared at Tonpa while saying "First, if you pull any of that crap again, I swear I'll break the hand that pushed the button. Second, the only reason you're not dead right now is that it would be too much trouble to drag your corpse around and I wouldn't pass the Exam. Tonpa now with tears streaming down his face had never been more scared in his life, he was now realizing he never should have gone near this guy in the first place. Just as Tonpa was about to pass out from lack of air Ferev let him drop to the floor. Ferev then made his way through the door not bothering to even look at Tonpa. After Tonpa had caught his breath and stood back up he rubbed his throat while heading to the door and thinking "One's things for sure I can't wait for this exam to be over with."

Soon the group of six came across another electronic sign and two hallways blocked by iron bars. Leorio looked at the sign then the hallways while saying "Seriously? I didn't think we'd get another question so soon." Gon then read the sign aloud again "Which way do you want to go? O for right, X for left." All six of them looked towards the right while Leorio said "right?" Then they all looked towards the left with Leorio saying "or left?" All six group members then made their respective choices again the beeping from their wrist timers echoing in the hallway. On the electronic sign the Number 4 appeared by O and the Number 2 appeared by X. Leorio Then groaned in frustration while yelling "Hey! Why would you wanna go right? You always go left! What's wrong with you?" Kurapika then said "That's true. As research has shown, people who are lost or find themselves at a crossroads tend to choose to go to the left much more frequently than the right." Killua then added "Y'know, I think I've heard that before." Ferev then commented "Yeah, when I would travel and come to a fork in the road I'd usually go left." Leorio with a look of surprise on his face said "Hold on a second. The numbers just don't add up! Which direction did the three of you pick?" Kurapika while walking towards the right hallway simply said "Right." Killua following him also said "Right." Ferev with his hands in his coat pockets said "Right." while walking after the other two. As they were walking Ferev looked back and overheard Leorio and Tonpa discuss something. He first heard Tonpa say "Going right makes a lot of sense. The examiner will never see it coming. If they've seen the same research that those three have, I bet they made the left path way harder." Tonpa then made his way down the hall. Leorio growled while looking at Gon then yelled "Fine! We're both simple minded." Ferev then heard Gon ask "We?" before Leorio stormed down the hallway after them followed by Gon.

The group of six had been walking for about 15 minutes when the hallway came to a stop at a ledge. Leorio gasped then asked "Where the hell are we?" The group looked around at their surroundings and noticed that the ledge was in a huge room and in the center was a square platform with four torches around it being held up by a giant pillar. As they looked down below all they could see was darkness and at the moment there was no way to cross to the other side of the room. Killua then spoke up saying "See that, over there?" while nodding his head in the direction of another ledge right across from them past the platform. On the other ledge were six figures in hand-cuffs who wore brown hooded cloaks that covered their whole body and head with slits at the top for eye holes. One of the Figures stepped forward while saying "The applicants are here. Unlock my handcuffs." Then as if by remote the hand cuffs came undone falling to the floor. The figure then rubbed his wrists while saying "Here we go." He then grabbed his cloak and pulled it off. As he stepped into the light the group noticed that the figure mas male and he was bald with scars lining the top of his head, he had a muscular build with his pectorals straining against his grey prison shirt, he wore brown ragged pants and no shoes.

Lippo's voice was soon heard over a speaker somewhere in the room. "Gentlemen, let me explain. You've probably already noticed that some of the prisoners of Trick Tower are standing before you." Kurapika then said in surprise "They're Prisoners?" revealing why the figures were in handcuffs and barefoot. Lippo then continued explaining "Not just prisoners. The Hunter Exam Committee has also officially hired them as examiners. In this phase, you'll be fighting against all six of them. The fights will be one-on-one, with each person fighting only once. Use any style you like. There will be no draws. To be declared the victor, your opponent must admit defeat." The now identified prisoner spoke up once again while he held his hand up in the number four sign. "You can decide which of you will be the first contender. And this is majority rule, which means you have to secure 4 wins in order to pass. The rules are simple." Leorio growled in frustration and said "I'm getting real tired of this." Killua then said "Meh, seems pretty straightforward to me." Lippo's voice then came back over the speaker "Hmm, well, the fights themselves will be anything but. For every hour the prisoners keep you occupied here, their sentences will be reduced by one year. In other words, their goal in this phase is to literally buy time." Kurapika then said while looking at his wrist timer "I understand. We're on the clock, and if we don't reach the goal of getting out of here in 72 hours, we fail." Kurapika then looked back towards the prisoners and finished speaking "So, as you're fighting, remember: time is of the essence."

The Prisoner with the bald head spoke up once again "Okay, I'm fighting whoever's first. Now, who's it gonna be?" Killua then asked while looking at the others "Now what? He said to fight however we want, so I'm guessing that pretty much means anything goes." Leorio then glared at the prisoners while saying "Everybody, be careful. No telling what they'll be trying to pull." Kurapika with an apprehensive look said "Without knowing what's up their sleeves, there's far too much at stake. Given that, I'll-" he was cut off by Tonpa who said "No, I'll go!" Gon surprised at Tonpa's bravery said "Mr. Tonpa?" Tonpa then continued speaking "I'll be the guinea pig; see if I can figure out what they're up to. Consider it an apology for earlier." Ferev who had taken a spot by the wall to lean on had his arms crossed and eyes closed but he overheard what Tonpa had said and glanced at him with one eye open. Leorio also surprised at Tonpa's sudden courage said "Hold on, you're serious?" Tonpa replied with "Sure. You guys don't trust me yet, and I know I've given you plenty of reasons not to." Ferev opening his eyes and thinking to himself "You got that damn right." Tonpa then contiuned speaking "If the score ends up being three to three, who do you want going in there to break the tie? cause it ain't me." Leorio seeing the logic in Tonpa's statement said "That actually makes sense." Tonpa then finally added with a confident smirk "Good, then it's settled then." Suddenly a metal bridge just large enough for one person at a time to walk across moved out from beneath them and headed towards the platform in the middle of the room. Tonpa placed his satchel on the ground before walking across the bridge towards the platform. Ferev thinking Tonpa had taken his threat seriously moved from his spot on the wall and went to watch with the other's.

Tonpa and the prisoner began walking towards the middle of the platform. As they were walking Leorio commented "Well, that was a surprise. Never thought He'd volunteer." Kurapika also added his two-cents "He didn't really strike me as the guinea pig type." Gon being the caring person he was said "Do you guys think he'll be okay?" Ferev couldn't help but say with a chuckle "Probably not." Back on the platform Tonpa and the prisoner had reached they're specified positions with the prisoner speaking up first. "Now, then let's determine the method of combat. My choice would be a battle to the death." Tonpa gasped in fear at what the prisoner said while over with the other's Gon said in surprise "A death match?" Leorio added in his own comment as well saying "They're gonna fight till one of them dies?" Kurapika then whispered "This is bad." before he shouted at Tonpa "Don't let him provoke you, Tonpa!" the prisoner with a confident smirk asked "What do ya say?" Tonpa with a determined look and frown said with no hesitation as he brought his fists up "I accept. To the death, then! Let's go!" Everyone gasped at Tonpa's declaration even Ferev was surprised at Tonpa's sudden change in attitude and thought to himself "Did I scare him that much?"

The prisoner then got into a fighting stance his hands posed as claws as he said "You're a brave man, I'll give you that." there was a long pause as both opponents sized each other up before suddenly a red aura began to surround Tonpa. His eyes turned completely white as he moved his hands slowly in different ways as if to prepare for a special attack. The same could said for the prisoner as well both combatants seeming to be preparing for a one-hit K.O. The prisoner then said as he crouched down "Now, begin!" he then launched himself into the air and started to head towards Tonpa his right hand posed to strike. Tonpa himself posed his hands so they were parallel with the ground his elbows raising above his head. Then suddenly Tonpa's aura vanished and he went onto his hands and knees while screaming "I give up!" The prisoner surprised by this could only say "Huh?" before he landed right in front of Tonpa his arm still stretched out. Everyone on the applicant's side of the room had blank looks on their faces. However, those looks soon turned into surprise as they heard the sound of stone crumbling and they all looked towards Ferev who had embedded his fist into the stone wall with spider web cracks around the impact area and if looks could kill then Ferev's glare would have definitely killed Tonpa.

Gon getting over the shock of both Tonpa and Ferev said "Did he just say that he gives up?" Leorio with tick marks on his face and an awkward smile said "Uh, maybe he meant 'give me a sec'?" The prisoner now in a normal stance asked "What did you just say?" just to make sure he heard him right. Tonpa looked up while sweating with a smile and said "I said I admit defeat. That means you win, right? So, I give up. I lose!" he finished while laughing. The prisoner then began laughing himself before saying with his hands on his hips "All right. Guess the first round goes to me, then!" The number 1 then appeared on a sign above the prisoner's side of the room. The prisoner then continued speaking "If we win another three rounds, that's it. You all fail the exam. You can't advance and you can't turn back. You'll be stuck here for the next 72 hours, until the exam is over. And if that happens. Our sentences will be reduced by a grand total of 72 years." he then walked back to his side of the room while cackling.

When Tonpa made it back over to Gon and the others he had the audacity to say "Oh, man, am I embarrassed! He looked a hell of a lot tougher when I got close." Leorio obviously pissed at Tonpa's actions grabbed him by the scruff of his shirt while yelling "Bastard! I knew we shouldn't have trusted you. All your good for is sabotaging the other applicants!" Tonpa just smirked while he narrowed his eyes at Leorio and said "Took you long enough. That's what I do every year, and I'll keep doing it for as long as I can. I don't care about passing the Hunter Exam. I'm in it for the thrills. Sorry to disappoint. The exam is a proving ground, designed to crush the dreams of the young and over-confident. And that moment when hope and ambition give way to absolute despair... I get a kick out of that. The joy I feel is just exquisite." But before Tonpa could finish gloating Ferev shoved Leorio out of the way and punched Tonpa in the stomach so hard Tonpa fell to his knees and vomited. Ferev wasn't done however, he then grabbed Tonpa by his hair with his right hand forcing him to look up at Ferev. Ferev then grabbed his left revolver and shoved it into Tonpa's mouth "Hmmmmmmm" Tonpa screamed around the barrel, Ferev then said in a harsh voice "Shut up!" Tonpa instantly silenced himself as tears started streaming down his face. Everyone else was just looking at Ferev in shock but didn't dare interfere for fear of Ferev's wrath being focused on them

Ferev then continued speaking his voice cold and unfeeling "If you cause me to fail this exam. I don't care if I have to drag your corpse around. I'll kill you." Ferev then removed his gun from Tonpa's mouth before suddenly pistol whipping him in his nose breaking it instantly. "ahhhhh" Tonpa screamed in pain as he held his now broken nose with blood running down his hands. As Tonpa crawled into a corner whimpering Leorio took pity on him a went over and knelt down while opening his briefcase and grabbed some bandages and a splint for Tonpa's nose. As Ferev put his gun away Gon shouted while glaring at Ferev "Why did you do that! You didn't have to hit him. Passing the exam can't be that Important!" Ferev turned towards Gon his eyes wide with rage as he bared his teeth while shouting back "Don't you dare say passing isn't important! I have to pass no matter the cost!" Kurapika also upset at Ferev's actions questioned "Why then? Why is passing so Important?" Ferev grit his teeth even further before saying "To fulfill a vow a made." Kurapika didn't accept that answer and further questioned "A vow of what?" Ferev frustrated that Kurapika and the others was making him say his reasons out loud frustratingly shouted "Justice for my master's murder okay!" Kurapika, Gon, and Leorio all widened their eyes at this revelation. Kurapika then asked one final question "Who murdered him, If I may ask?" Ferev just looked to the side while crossing his arms and clicking his tongue before answering with "He was murdered by the Zoldyck Family." Ferev finished then looked at them with a glare. Killua who had been leaning on the wall opposite Ferev was looking down at the ground when he had heard what Ferev said and his eyes widened and he let out an inaudible gasp. As Ferev continued to glare his thoughts drifted to back when his master spoke his last words to him.

Meteor city Ferev's and his master's training ground 17 years ago

A young Ferev could be seen kneeling down, his knees in the seiza position while his hands were balling up his pants with his fists, his eyes were squeezed shut as tears streamed down his face, his shirt had multiple tears and through them you could see blood running down his chest. Ferev just ignored the blood and the pain because lying on the ground in front of him, was his master with a hole in the left side of his chest where his heart should have been. Ferev's master turned his head towards his student and began to teach him one last lesson "Ferev Look at me." Ferev opened his eyes and looked at his master's face tears still streaming down his cheeks. "The man who fought me, his name was Silva Zoldyck and the young man who attacked you was named Illumi Zoldyck. They are from a family of assassin's that have dedicated their entire lives to the art of killing. Promise me you will not try and avenge my death; I will not have you waste the life I saved." Ferev's eyes widened as he shouted "Why would you make me promise something like that! How can I! After what they did to you. You were all I had!" Ferev then closed his eyes again his tears intensifying. His master just looked away while saying "Promise me Ferev. It is my dying request." Ferev's master's tone left no room for discussion. Ferev having no choice said through gritted teeth "I promise master." Ferev's Master gave a nod before he let out one last sigh and his eyes closed. Ferev's eyes widened in shock and at some point, during their talk it had begun to rain. Ferev grit his teeth again while his lips trembled in anger before a lightning bolt flashed through the training ground and Ferev let out an anguished scream that was heard throughout meteor city. His aura flaring to life so large it could be seen in a 2 km radius and slowly his aura began to change from the usual white to a deep black with a red hue. Soon his aura died down but it was still flaring around his body. Ferev then glared towards the entrance of the training ground where the Zoldycks left from. He then said in a dark tone "I'm sorry master but it looks like I'm going to have to break my promise." he then reached towards his master and dipped his fingers in his master's blood before wiping some of his own blood and mixing them together in his hands. He then clenched his fists while glaring with as much hate as he could muster, his aura flaring even stronger while shouting "On this day I vow! I will get justice for your murder and wipe out the Zoldyck family from the plain of existence!" he then stood up and packed what little things he had and made his way deeper into meteor city.

Trick Tower Third Phase of the Hunters Exam present day

As Ferev remembered his vow, Kurapika himself now understood why Ferev was so adamant on passing the exam and he should know considering his own background. Kurapika then approached Ferev with his hands held out and said "I understand how you feel, more than you know. But attacking each other right now won't get us anywhere." Ferev just scoffed and said "It doesn't matter now. What's done is done." he then leaned back on the wall and crossed his arms while closing his eyes. Killua then chose to speak up "he's right it doesn't matter now and besides it's actually a good thing the old guy forfeited." Ferev not following opened his eyes and said "Explain." Killua did just that with a smirk on his face he said "Their goal is to waste as much time as possible. That bald guy looks ex-military probably a mercenary. If he had fought with him, he'd have started by crushing his larynx. Pretty hard to give up if you can't talk. Then he'd have tortured him for as long as he wanted." Ferev's eyes widened in realization and mentally kicked himself one for losing his cool again and two for missing something so obvious. Tonpa in the corner looked pale with a shade of blue over the top of his face while saying "Yep, I considered that possibility." Leorio who was crouched next to him with his arms hanging said with a blank look "You look sick, old man."

Across from them the bald prisoner was leaning on the wall with his arms crossed and eyes closed while lamenting on his win he said "Well, so much for that plan, I guess. I was gonna take my sweet time torturing the guy until the clock ran out." Proving what Killua said to be 100% true. Another prisoner began to walk forward this one very skinny. As he walked to the ledge, he said in a high voice "Don't worry. Everything will be fine." As he waited for the bridge to come out and as if by remote once again the prisoner's handcuffs came undone. He then removed his hooded cloak revealing a pale skinny man with black hair that completely covered the left side of his face while the other side only reached the bottom of his ears, he had a laid-back look on his face as if he was so sure was going to win, just like the prisoner before he wore a grey prison shirt and brown ragged pants. He then continued speaking "If we defeat three of the next five, then victory will be ours."

On the other side of the room Kurapika spoke with a determined look on his face "All right. We need to win four more rounds. It's the only way we'll be able to advance." Killua then said "So, who wants to go next?" before anyone could answer Gon spoke up saying "Me! I'll give it a try." Leorio spoke up from behind Gon saying "Are you sure?" Gon looked up at Leorio while saying "Yeah." The skinny prisoner then began walking across the bridge towards the platform. As he was walking Killua said "Well, the next opponent doesn't look too strong." Leorio concerned for Gon's safety said "I wouldn't let my guard down if I were you. he's still a hardened criminal. No telling what he's capable of." As Leorio was talking Gon removed his backpack and fishing rod. While having a casual look on his face he replied "Yeah, I'll be careful." Gon then headed towards the platform himself. Once both combatants made it to their respected sides the skinny prisoner said "Now, then. As you've probably noticed, I'm not terribly strong. I don't enjoy fighting, or running, jumping anything Physical, really." Ferev couldn't help but laugh and say "I see how you got caught then Bahahaha" Gon and the others couldn't help but laugh at Ferev's joke too releasing some of their tension. The skinny prisoner just got a few tick marks on his head while frowning. He then cleared his throat before he continued speaking "So, I came up with a game. One I think we'll both enjoy." Gon looked at the prisoner questioningly and asked "A game?" the prisoner replied with a "Yes. A simple game that doesn't rely on mental or physical activity." Gon then asked "What is it?" The prisoner began to chuckle as he reached behind himself and pulled out two candles. The Prisoner then began to explain his "game" "We each light a candle at the same time and whoever's candle goes out first is the loser. All right?" Gon simply replied "Yep. Makes sense to me. I'm in; let's do it!" he finished with a smile and a thumbs up.

The skinny prisoner then said "Okay. In that case..." The prisoner then uncurled his fingers from around the candles revealing one was really short while the other was really long. Gon and the others gasped at the implications of what the prisoner showed "So which candle do you want to use? It's your choice. Press O for the long candle and press X for the short one. Choose by majority rule." Ferev standing next to Kurapika said "I don't like this." Kurapika then looked towards Ferev and asked "Why? What's wrong?" Ferev then pointed at the skinny prisoner with his left hand outstretched by the elbow "That guy screams he fights with his head more than brawn and him proposing this candle game is suspicious. I see a few different options for this scenario. One, he tampered with one candle and we don't know which of them he did, two, he tampered with both and was just gambling on which candle would burn quicker, or three, he has a contingency plan for whichever candle we pick." He finished while crossing his arms. Kurapika getting what Ferev was saying grit his teeth while his gaze hardened as he turned back towards Gon's fight as did Leorio. Tonpa who was leaning on the outer wall with his arms crossed and a smirk said "Sounds like you've got yourselves a real dilemma." his voice sounding all nasally from the bandages and splint on his nose. Ferev pissed at Tonpa's comment walked over to Tonpa and when Tonpa opened his eyes they suddenly widened in shock as he gasped in fear before Ferev punched him in the gut again while saying "Shut up Tonpa!" Tonpa was once again on the ground vomiting but this time no one bothered to help him or even reprimand Ferev all thinking Tonpa deserved it.

Kurapika ignoring Tonpa's retching said "Something happens when you're presented with an obviously biased choice: Suspicion mounts and the decision-making process seizes up. Yes. This truly is a dilemma. Moreover, the psychological impact of making the wrong choice is much greater than if the option was between two evenly matched options." Back on the platform the prisoner began sitting down with one leg up while the other was curled inward and said "All right, then...Please take all the time you need. It's a majority decision but feel free to talk about it first. No rush. We have plenty of time, believe me." Gon then looked back to the others while saying "Hey! What should I pick?" Leorio after hearing Ferev's theory frustratingly said "Dammit. Good question." The Prisoner just chuckled at their indecision. Kurapika closed eyes while turning his head and gritting his teeth before turning his head back and opening his eyes while shouting "Gon! The choice is up to you! Pick whatever candle you think is the best option. That's how we'll all vote." Killua skeptical said "Are you sure about this? It's just that he doesn't think things through." Ferev thought back to when he saw Gon and Hisoka and thought to himself "Good point." Kurapika confident in his decision said "Instead of fretting over the choice, let's just put our faith in Gon's instincts." Killua still skeptical said "Trust his instincts, huh?" Gon after hearing Kurapika said "Oh, I get to choose? In that case I'll go with the long candle, okay?" The prisoner still sitting down smirked while saying "You want the long one? Are you sure about that?" Gon simply replied with a smile "Of course! The longer the candle, the longer it burns. It's kind of a no-brainer." Kurapika and Tonpa had shocked looked on their faces while Ferev face-palmed himself. Leorio who was posed like an Egyptian hieroglyph said "Well, that's one way to look at it." Killua who had a blank look on his face said matter-of-factly "I told you he wasn't going to think it through." Kurapika then said "Well. That settles it." Then they all pressed O.

The prisoner then stood up while saying "Okay, looks like you get the long candle and I'll take the short one." He then tossed the long candle to Gon who caught it with ease. The prisoner and Gon began walking towards the torches and when they got there, they each stood next to one with the Prisoner saying "All right. Let's light'em together." The prisoner and Gon then placed the top of their candles in the flames of the torches at the same time. Soon they were back in their respected positions a small flame lit on both their candles. Killua looked at his timer which read 68:55:00 he then looked up while asking "So, uh... Normally how long would it take for that candle to burn." Ferev answered with "about two to four hours." suddenly a strong updraft came from below making a breeze and almost blowing out Gon's candle. Gon with his left hand covering the flame to prevent it from going out said "Oh, wow. That sure was a close one." Leorio looking down into the darkness said "There's a pretty strong wind coming up from below. They'll have to stay still and keep an eye on those flames." After a short pause the prisoner began to laugh suspiciously before saying "If you don't pay attention your candle will blow out." Gon replied simply with "Yeah, I know That's because your planning to do something bad. Aren't you? Otherwise, your short candle would go out first."

The prisoner had a calm smile on his face as he said "I won't do anything." he then glanced at Gon's candle while saying in an ominous tone "Cause, you see... I came prepared." suddenly the flame on Gon's candle Grew by five times its normal size. Gon had to hold the candle farther from himself to prevent singeing his hair. Over on the ledge Ferev shouted "I knew it! He booby-trapped the candles!" Leorio noticing that the prisoner's candle was fine said "How? The skinny guy's candle is fine." Ferev looked at Leorio while saying "Remember what I said earlier? What was the third option?" Leorio realizing what Ferev was saying shouted "That bastard! he had a plan no matter what candle we picked!" On the platform the prisoner just smirked and chuckled evilly while thinking "It doesn't matter if you figured out my plan you already made your choice. Like your friend in the coat said long candle or short candle you were doomed from the start." Gon's candle was melting at an alarming rate and the wax was falling onto his hand burning him slightly. Gon after passing the candle between his hands a couple times stared at the huge flame for a couple seconds before an idea formed in his head. He had a huge shit-eating grin on his face as he looked towards the prisoner and said "I guess now that the flame is burning so much stronger..." Gon then placed the candle on the ground of the platform next to his boot before continuing "It'll take a lot more than a little breeze to put it out." Gon then quickly turned on his heel and launched himself at the prisoner so fast the flame on the candle fluttered a little. Gon was soon right in the prisoner's personal space the prisoner thinking "He's so fast!" Gon then simply blew out the prisoner's candle. Gon put his right hand into the victory sign while shouting "I win!" a number 1 then appeared on a sign above the applicant's entryway.

As Gon made his way back to their side celebrating his win the skinny prisoner made it back to his side while sitting down against the inner wall saying "Damn." One prisoner this one having a muscular frame as well only slightly bulkier than the bald prisoner, started walking forward and saying in an agitated tone. "I'm tired of watching you guys play around. I'm starving here! I'm going next." he then began walking to ledge awaiting the bridge to take him to the platform. Ferev sensing the bloodlust coming from the prisoner stepped forward before anyone could volunteer and said "I'm going next." then he stepped forward as the bridge came out. The prisoner on the other side seeing Ferev shouted in impatience "Hurry up and remove my hand-cuffs already! I'm dying of starvation here!" then once again the prisoner's hand-cuffs came undone falling to the floor. The prisoner then removed his cloak and as the prisoner began walking towards Ferev everyone got a good look at him revealing an intimidating site. He had light blue skin, he had a blue bandana wrapped around his head so that his black hair gathered and spread out at the top, he had black eyes that screamed insanity, he wore no shirt choosing to show off all his bulky muscles and 8 pack abs, he wore the usual ragged brown prison pants, But what had everyone on edge was that his teeth were all filed to be fangs.

Tonpa Instantly gasped and cowered back a little, his face going purple as he began to sweat and say "No way, not him! I wouldn't wish that guy on my worst enemy!" Kurapika concerned about Tonpa's declaration asked "What are you talking about?" Tonpa with his voice trembling said "That guy's name is Kisune Hatame, 3 years ago during the Hunters Exam, Applicants began disappearing one by one. At first the examiners just thought it was the exam itself but when an examiner went missing that's when they got suspicious." Back on the platform Ferev and the prisoner had made it to their respected sides. Tonpa then continued his tale "After a few hours of searching they found the examiner and who killed him." Tonpa paused briefly getting nauseous just remembering what happened before he finished his story "Kisune had been killing the other applicants and eating them! When they found him, he was eating the leg of the missing examiner." Tonpa then leaned over the edge vomiting for the third time that day. Leorio couldn't believe his ears "Ferev is about to go up against a cannibal? What kind of shit luck do we Have!" Leorio thought to himself. Kurapika and Gon looked on in worry while Killua had his arms behind his head with a casual look on his face while thinking to himself "I don't get why these guys are so worried I've been able to tell since I met him... This guy Ferev. He's strong." He finished with his eyes Hardening slightly

The prisoner now known as Kisune began speaking in a high but gravelly voice while wiping his arm against his mouth showing he had been drooling non-stop "You have no idea how hungry I am. I haven't had a decent meal in three years." He finished while cackling. Ferev just raised his right eyebrow while saying "So, I assume you want this to be to the death then?" Leorio and the others couldn't believe Ferev's words thinking he was out of his mind for saying such a thing. Kisune then said "Damn right! I don't care about this exam. all I want is your meat inside my stomach." He then began to laugh insanely, while he was laughing Ferev took off his coat revealing that his arms were muscular and very well-toned. He then folded his coat and placed it in the corner of the platform leaving him in just his pocketed vest on his upper body. Kisune confused by this action asked "What's your deal? What's the point of taking your clothes off?" Ferev simply said with a blank stare "I don't want to get blood on my coat." Kisune outraged that he thought he could be beaten so easily shouted "Oh yeah! blood on your coat is the least of your worries. By the time I'm done with you there won't even be any bones left!" he then looked towards the ceiling his arms held out as he began to laugh insanely again. However, while Kisune was laughing Ferev was instantly in front of Kisune. His body slightly crouched as he then made his move. He was so fast all Kisune could do was glance down at him before Ferev jabbed him in the right and left shoulder before poking him in in the middle of his forehead with his right index finger and pushing him slightly making Kisune stumble back a bit.

Ferev then took a few steps back and crossed his arms while glaring at Kisune. Kisune somewhat confused said "What? was that supposed to do something? What a lame atta-" The words died in his throat as his left arm began expanding and contracting before it exploded from the shoulder down "Ahhhhhhhhhhh What's happening!" Kisune yelled in pain and terror but soon the same was happening to his right arm and he began screaming "No! No. No. stop it! stop it!" But soon his right arm followed his left. Kisune looked at Ferev pleading with his eyes for this to stop but all he saw were two Midnight blue eyes staring coldly back at him "Wait! Please make it stop. make it stooahhhh." his words turned into a scream has his head began twisting sideways to an unnatural angle before it expanded and contracted then exploded in a shower of blood. His body began acting like a fountain as blood began falling onto the platform while somehow missing Ferev. Once the fountain of blood ended Kisune body collapsed onto the platform floor in a heap. Ferev began walking towards Kisune's corpse and grabbed it by the ankle and then threw it back over to the prisoner's side as if it weighed nothing "Here's your trash back." Ferev stated coldly as Kisune's body rolled and twisted before landing next to a purple skinned prisoner known as Majitani Kisunes blood running onto his bare feet. Majitani turned an even darker shade of purple while thinking to himself "Thank god Kisune went next instead of me. Otherwise that would be me dead on the floor right now." he finished while inwardly crying. The other prisoners were all terrified at what they just witnessed. the bald and skinny prisoner's faces were locked in a state of abject horror as they stared at Kisune's remains.

As Ferev walked away from the Prisoners side of the platform he went back to his corner and grabbed his coat before putting it back on and headed back towards his group. A number 2 then appeared on the sign above the applicants. while Ferev was walking back the other's they all had sweat on thier faces and looks of shock at what they had witnessed. Kurapika couldn't help but think to himself "He killed him so coldly and ruthlessly. just what kind of person are you Ferev?" Killua after seeing that display was actually impressed and honestly, he wanted to know more about Ferev now. When Ferev arrived, he could feel everyone's tension and stated "He said it was a fight to the death and he was a fucking cannibal so I don't regret what I had to do. Let's just get on with this Exam." Ferev then chose to lean on the outer wall next to Tonpa with his hands in his coat pockets. Tonpa flinched when Ferev stood next to him now even more terrified of him than ever. Everyone in the group realized he was right but they still were a little shaken at the display of strength Ferev showed. Kurapika was the first to get over it before saying and walking towards the platform "All right. I'll take the next one." Back with the prisoners Majitani began walking towards the platform himself. Smirking along the way when he noticed a young blond kid was his opponent. Once both combatants made it to their respected sides the bridges leading to the platform retracted.

To Be Continued...