Orin tried to ignore the ache in his side that had been steadily growing since the First Phase began. He quickly lost track of how long he had been running, and so the boy decided it would be best to find something, anything, to distract him from his aching muscles. Unfortunately for him, the tunnel was the same old design as the beginning, and the applicants in front of him were the same ones as before, minus a couple that dropped. Literally. Their bodies were simply incapable of carrying themselves any further.

While Orin didn't have a clue as to where Satotz was leading the applicants or how far the boy still had to run, he had a hunch that the distance to that point was already well beyond anything Orin had run before. I could've guessed that there'd be a test like this in the Hunter Exam. He sidestepped an applicant that had passed out from exhaustion. Testing the physical ability and endurance of applicants is an easy thing to single out. The boy breathed in through his nose, and out his mouth. Is anyone else here tired, or is it just me?

He shook his head. I'm getting distracted by myself. I've got a hunch that that's what Satotz wants to happen. We're basically running blind. Only he knows how far this marathon goes. He looked around at the applicants nearby. Besides a handful of people Orin didn't recognize, Gon was following behind him, and Leorio was to his left. Kurapika had moved up through the crowd, bringing Tenulan with him, strangely enough.

Orin remembered what Tenulan said before the larger applicant left with the blond applicant. "Orin, stay strong. If you must, lean on Gon or Leorio for assistance in my absence." Orin shrugged to himself. That was a weird thing for him to do. The one time he left me by myself, I got the shit kicked out of me. The boy watched as Leorio began to take ragged breaths through clenched teeth. Well, I guess I'm not alone this time.

Orin then heard the sound of something rolling behind him. It was a sound he recognized from his time spent waiting for the Hunter Exam to start. He glanced over his shoulder to see Killua casually riding his skateboard, steadily approaching. Orin waved wordlessly at the white-haired boy, who in turn smiled slightly. I was wondering where Killua was.

As Killua passed Orin, Leorio finally noticed the skateboard-riding boy. Leorio raised his empty fist as he yelled, "Hold it right there, you little brat!"

"Hm?" Killua barely replied, not even so much as turning to look.

"Why don't you show some respect for the Hunter Exam!"

"What're you talking about?"

Leorio angrily pointed a finger at Killua's feet. "I'm talking about your skateboard! That's cheating!"

"So?"

"'So?' This is a test of endurance!" Leorio was growing exasperated.

Orin puckered his lips. Well, I get where Leorio's coming from, but technically we were just told to follow Satotz. Nothing says we have to run, I guess.

Gon apparently read Orin's mind, closing the distance to Leorio as he butted into the argument. "No, it's not."

"What?" Leorio turned his head to look at the boy in green. "What're you talking about, Gon?"

Killua also turned towards Gon with a look of intrigue in his eyes. Gon explained to Leorio, "The examiner only said we had to follow him."

"Whose side are you even on?!"

Killua let his skateboard slow down, dragging himself back towards Gon. "Hey, how old are you?"

"I'm twelve." Gon quickly replied. Killua stared wide-eyed at Gon for a second before kicking his skateboard into the air. As it spun, he caught it with a hand, tucking it under his arm.

"I guess I'll run for now." Killua said.

Gon grinned as he ran up to Killua's side. "Wow, cool!"

Orin fell back to run in line with the other two boys as Killua introduced himself. "I'm Killua."

"I'm Gon!"

Orin waved again. "Hey, Killua."

"Orin! How come you didn't tell me there was someone else our age here?" Killua pouted.

"Uh," Orin began, running out of breath. Man, how can these two talk so easily while running? "You… ran off? You would've seen him if you were sitting where I was."

Gon glanced at the boys on either side of him. "Do you two know each other?"

Uh, yeah? Isn't it obvious? "Yeah, but we only just met waiting for the exam to start."

Orin hadn't noticed it, but the three boys had begun to get further and further ahead of Leorio as the man dragged behind. Killua put his free hand behind his head. "Well, Orin, I guess I can forgive you…" The white-haired boy leaned forward to look at Orin with that glint in his eyes from earlier. "But only if you tell me more about Wauscondin. Or why you're here. I'm not picky."

"No fair! Killua, I didn't do anything wrong! You just… weren't there!" The brown-haired boy retorted.

"Wauscondin? What's that?" Gon asked. Gon. Please. Don't do this to me.

Killua's grin became oddly cat-like. "Yeah, Orin. Tell us about Wauscondin."

Orin put his hands against his face and groaned. "Fine! Gon, Wauscondin is the place I grew up in. It's one of the states in the United States of Saherta." Gon opened his mouth to ask a question, but Orin put up a finger. "Hold on. It's along the southern border, next to the Great Lake. It gets pretty hot in the summer, but super cold in the winter. I grew up in the city, but once you leave it, there's a bunch of forests and farms. A lot of nature. The people are all nice, too."

"That's 'cause they're all drunk." Killua added.

"Not everyone," Orin pointed at the white-haired boy, but his finger quickly drooped. "But, yeah, a lot of them are. Wauscondinites are, uh, well known for their drinking habits."

"Wauscondin sounds nice," Gon nodded. "Why'd you leave, though?"

Orin grimaced. "Why? Uh, well…" Gon stared at the other boy innocently. Gon, don't look at me like that. Ugh. Every time I've brought it up here, someone keeps asking questions. Can't people tell I don't want to think about that place anymore? I grew up there, and I left. That's all I want it to be. No messy details. "I… don't like to talk about it."

Gon frowned for a second before grinning. "Okay. You can tell me later."

"Gon, you're being too nice to him. Now he'll never tell us!" Killua pouted.

Orin gritted his teeth. Okay. Killua, why do you do this? Why only me? The brown-haired boy turned his attention back to the applicants in front of him. Oh, wait a second. He quickly turned his head back to Killua with a sly grin spreading across his face. "How about you tell me about where you're from. Then I'll tell you."

Killua raised his eyebrows. "Hey! You can't do that! No fair!" Says the one with the skateboard…

"Stop it, you two!" Gon pleaded with the other boys. "Let's just leave it."

Orin sighed. At least Gon knows when to quit. Unlike someone. "Okay. Killua, truce?" He held a first out across Gon, towards Killua.

The white-haired boy begrudgingly returned the gesture. "Fine. Truce."

And so, the three ran in relative silence for what felt like years to Orin, but it was more likely just hours. Ugh, my legs are killing me… How much further are we gonna have to run yet? The monotony of the test, combined with the unknown of how far the tunnel stretched on, was beginning to grate at Orin. And he was even better off compared to some of the other applicants.

Take, for example, Leorio. The man had been lagging behind the crowd for some time now, as his breaths grew more and more labored. He hunched over as his body lurched forward slowly. The trio of Gon, Killua, and Orin hadn't noticed the man's struggles until they heard his briefcase hit the ground. Gon was the first to stop, with Killua and Orin following suit soon after. The three watched as Leorio stopped, placing his hands on his knees as he tried to catch his breath.

Orin silently thanked Gon for stopping. Man, I really needed this. He watched the man with worry. But Leorio's not looking so great at all. Is he going to be okay? I mean, I don't really know the guy, but if Gon's worried enough to stop, shouldn't I be worried, too?

After staring for a few seconds, Killua said to Gon, "Just forget about him. Let's go."

Gon didn't answer. The green-haired boy just kept watching Leorio. Orin saw the look in the other boy's eyes. It was one that said, "I believe in you, Leorio." Orin didn't get it, but he figured it would be best not to push Gon to abandon his friend. Killua grew quiet, and the other two boys said nothing as Leorio breathed heavily. The seconds began to stretch longer and longer. Leorio closed his eyes.

"Who am I kidding?" The man muttered before launching himself forward. As he began to sprint towards the boys, he roared, "I have to become a Hunter no matter what!"

He quickly passed the boys, screaming, "Damn it all!" Orin raised his eyebrows in surprise. Killua, who had been watching Gon with a raised eyebrow before, raised the other to join Orin. Gon simply smiled and let out a small laugh.

The boy in green then wordlessly pivoted and swung the silver rod he had been carrying on his backpack. Orin saw a small red ball of fly off the tip, and he saw the glint of metal attached to it. Is that a fishing rod? With great precision, Gon hooked Leorio's suitcase before whipping the rod back and sending the item flying through the air towards him. Killua and Orin watched with their mouths open as Gon casually caught the suitcase with his right hand.

"Woah, that was cool!" Killua grinned. Orin nodded wordlessly. How'd he do that on his first try? The three boys then began to run down the tunnel once again. Killua asked, "Hey, can I try that out later?"

"Sure, if I can try your skateboard in exchange," Gon replied.

"Deal!"

Orin frowned. "Oh, you'll let him try your skateboard? Just like that? No background check needed?"

Killua laughed. "Yeah, well, Gon has a cool toy, and you don't. Still haven't forgiven you for not telling me about him, by the way."

Gon groaned. "Killua, just quit it!" Orin snorted. "Orin, you too!"

/\/\/\

Tenulan and Kurapika ran side by side silently for kilometers. Both kept their breath steady and their thoughts to themselves. Hm. I feel that you have yet to fully trust me. Perhaps that is justified, but how can I prove to you that I mean no harm? Tenulan put a fist against his mouth as he cleared his throat. "Kurapika, was it?"

The blond applicant kept their eyes forward. "Yes."

"I… apologize for the circumstances in which we met. I fear that, because of it, you do not trust me. Am I wrong?"

"No, you're not. Unlike Gon or Leorio, I can't just throw my trust at someone I just met. You've met Tonpa, right?"

"Ah, he was the man with the juice."

"He's probably not here to pass the Hunter Exam. I'd guess that he's only here to crush the hopes of rookies."

"Hm." Tenulan paused. "That reminds me of what Orin said before. He called the man the Rookie Crusher."

"Figures. Even so, while you two are also rookies like us, I have no reason to trust you."

Tenulan nodded. It is as I feared. Is there any way to convince him otherwise…? He looked ahead, above the applicants in front of him. In the distance, he could see a giant staircase embedded in the tunnel as it climbed back out of the ground. He could also just make out the examiner, Satotz, in front of the other applicants. The man was practically leaping as he passed multiple steps with each stride.

"Kurapika, I understand. Even so, if we are to work together at all, we must trust one another."

"And how can I know you won't stab me in the back?"

Tenulan grew silent as the pair began to climb the stairs. He racked his brain to try to find anything that could help his case. "I do not know, Kurapika. I cannot think of a way to convince you otherwise."

Kurapika remained neutral, keeping their eyes on the path ahead. "You want my trust that badly, Tenulan?"

"Yes, I suppose so."

"That was a rhetorical question," Kurapika said curtly. "Well, you can start by telling me why you're taking the Hunter Exam."

A simple question. "I am here to prove my strength."

"Prove your strength?" Kurapika mulled the answer over. After a few seconds, the blond-haired applicant continued. "Next thing. It's obvious that you're unfamiliar with the world around you. Where are you from?"

What began as a simple question to break the ice had quickly devolved into an interrogation. Is it still so obvious to others? Ah, it cannot be helped. It was now Tenulan's turn to take his time and think the question over. This Kurapika has a similar mind to Orin. I fear then that they will not trust me if I do not answer honestly. If there is no other way, then I have no choice. "It is true that I am from a place far from here. I doubt that you have heard of it before. But, it is a very cold and harsh land. My people live simple lives, traveling across our homeland."

"Hm." Now the other applicant racked their brain. "Well, that doesn't ring any bells, but it seems you're being vague. Why did you leave your homeland in the first place?"

"I was…" Tenulan trailed off. Before today, no one outside of my band, no, former band, knew of my fate. Now, though… "Exiled."

"Exiled…" Kurapika repeated. They closed their eyes in thought. "So you're taking the Hunter Exam to 'prove your strength,' in your words. From there, am I wrong to guess that you seek to return to your homeland after?"

"Yes." Tenulan answered without a second thought. The Hunter Exam has become the spring at the end of the dark winter of my exile. "With a Hunter License, I can prove to my people that I am strong and rescind my exile."

"I see. If you're telling me the truth," Kurapika pointed at Tenulan, "and that's an if, mind you, then I would have reason to trust you."

"I have no reason to lie to you, Kurapika."

"Sure."

The two applicants were interrupted by the rapidly approaching sound of another applicant. Whoever it was, they were grunting hard as they climbed the stairs. Tenulan glanced behind him to see the tall applicant he had met earlier, Leorio. Ah, Leorio. Perhaps he can convince Kurapika to trust me. Tenulan ignored the fact that Leorio had removed his suit jacket and shirt, tying them around his waist, and leaving his tag fixed to his bare chest. His necktie flapped in the wind behind him as he ran.

"Leorio, are you okay?" Kurapika called to the man following them.

"Never been better!" Leorio replied sarcastically. "No matter what happens, I know that I can make it if I forget how stupid I look!

The man roared as he picked up his pace more. Kurapika chuckled, slipping their tabard off before stowing it in their satchel. Watching the blond applicant move up to run next to Leorio, Tenulan followed suit. As he approached, he heard Kurapika ask, "Leorio, can I ask you something?"

"What's up? You seem pretty relaxed, Kurapika. But chatting takes up energy, you know."

"Do you really just want to be a Hunter to be rich?" Kurapika asked. And this interrogation continues. Tenulan watched Leorio look down at his feet. Kurapika continued. "Probably not. We haven't known each other very long, but I can tell."

Leorio grunted as he looked further away. Kurapika's analysis marched on. "I mean, sure, you're really reckless, and you're not that bright either."

This time, Leorio growled. Nonetheless, the blond applicant continued. "But I know that, in spite of it, you're not a shallow person. I've seen too many people who care for nothing besides money, and I can tell you're nothing like them."

Leorio clicked his tongue. "You done now?"

Tenulan took in what Kurapika had said. I myself have not known this man for long enough to make such claims, but I do agree that he does not seem to be selfish.

"The Scarlet Eyes." Kurapika suddenly said. "That's why the Kurta Clan was targeted."

Kurta Clan? I have not heard of such a clan before. I only know the five clans of my people: Tsagoh, Utar, Tsenkh, Nodo, and Shuln.

Ah, what am I saying? Kurapika is clearly not one of my people. This Kurta Clan must be from another land. But "Scarlet Eyes?" What do they mean? Before Tenulan could ask anything, though, Kurapika continued. "The Scarlet Eyes are a trait possessed only by the Kurta. When we experience intense emotions, the color of our eyes change, taking on a shade of scarlet. That dazzling scarlet glow was widely acclaimed as one of the seven most beautiful colors in the world, commanding a hefty price on the black market."

"So, that's why the Phantom Troupe attacked you?" Leorio concluded. Phantom Troupe?

"If you saw the remains of those killed," Kurapika's voice began to shake. "You'd see only the holes in their heads where their eyes once were. Even now, those hollow eye sockets scream to me in anguish. I swear on my life that I will never stop until I get my hands on the Phantom Troupe! And once I do, I'll avenge my clan by taking their eyes!"

"And that's why you want to be a Hunter?" Leorio asked. The Kurta Clan was killed off for their eyes? Great Sky above, how can Kurapika simply live with that on their shoulders?

"Yes. If I can become a Blacklist Hunter and be hired by wealthy clientele, I can obtain lots of information from the black market."

"But that'd mean you'd become the kind of Hunter you hate! Are you sure you can swallow your pride like that?" Leorio noted.

"My dignity means nothing compared to the suffering of my clanmates."

"Kurapika…" Tenulan began before stopping himself. No. My own pain is dwarfed by Kurapika's. It would be rude to offer condolences. Leorio was similarly lost in thought.

"I'm sorry." The tall and skinny man said. "My intentions aren't as noble as yours. I'm only here for the money!"

Kurapika was surprised by his retort. "Cut the crap!"

"I'm not joking!"

"Do you really think that money can buy everything in this world?" Kurapika was growing frustrated.

"Of course I do!" Leorio said without missing a beat. "For the right price, you can buy more than just material items. Fulfillment, fame, and even lives. Anything can be bought."

Kurapika grunted. "Take that back, Leorio! If you're going to insult the Kurta Clan, I won't forgive you!"

"Why? I'm just telling the truth." Leorio turned his head to yell directly at Kurapika. "My friend wouldn't be dead if I had the money!"

Kurapika gasped as Leorio realized the words that slipped from his mouth. Tenulan watched silently. The silence between them grew.

"Was it an illness?" Kurapika asked, their anger gone. Their voice was low and asked genuinely.

"It wasn't a terminal disease." Leorio's voice was tinged with grief. "But the operation cost a fortune. I was so naïve! I figured I could become a doctor, so I could cure my friend and everyone else with the disease. I even told his parents, 'You won't have to pay, it'll be free of charge!' That was what I dreamed of."

His voice now grew with anger. "It's funny, isn't it? To be a doctor like that, I'd have to earn a lot of money! Don't you get it? Money makes the world go 'round. Therefore, I need money!"

Tenulan furrowed his brow. I see now. Leorio hid his pain and true intention behind a façade of greed. Kurapika let a small smile show on their face, until they heard the sound of more applicants approaching on the right.

"See you at the finish line, Kurapika!" Gon called out to the blond applicant. Killua and Orin were running alongside him. Ah, it is good that you are still doing well, Orin. I was worried.

"Oh! Hi Tenulan! I've gotta keep going ahead!" The brown-haired boy called out to Tenulan, who in turn smiled.

"And catch you later, old man!" Killua said to Leorio.

"Hey!" The man yelled back. "I'm not that old! I'm a teenager just like you three and Kurapika!"

Surprise was clearly written on the faces of the other applicants. The tense atmosphere from before had been shattered. Tenulan cleared his throat. "Do not exclude me, Leorio. I am eighteen years old."

If the expression before was surprised, now it was shock. Kurapika, Gon, Killua, and Orin looked back and forth at Leorio and Tenulan, while Leorio gawked at Tenulan, who remained expressionless. "Is something wrong?"

"Okay, now you're definitely lying," Kurapika said with raised eyebrows.

"I do not lie. What reason do I have to do so?"

"No way!" Gon exclaimed.

"Orin, please tell me he's lying," Killua turned to Orin, who shrugged.

"He never said how old he was before. I don't know!"

"Oh, there's no way in hell you're younger than me!" Leorio yelled. "I mean, just look! No way!"

Tenulan was confused, to say the least. "What is wrong? I do not understand."

Out of the corner of his eye, Tenulan thought he saw Kurapika stifle a laugh.

/\/\/\

The trio of Orin, Gon, and Killua forged ahead of the others. As they weaved between fallen applicants, at times needing to hop over them entirely, Orin was quickly beginning to regret his choices.

That was because upon seeing the staircase, Killua challenged the other two boys to a race. Whoever reached the top first would be the winner. And, at Gon's suggestion, the loser would buy dinner for the three. Gon quickly accepted the challenge, but Orin hesitated at first. That hesitation quickly went away thanks to a small push from Killua, though.

By some miracle, Orin had been able to keep up with the other two, who were still only barely breaking a sweat, but the brown-haired boy had a feeling the other boys were simply holding back.

"I'm surprised you two can keep up with me," Killua noted casually.

"Believe me," Orin managed between heavy breaths. "I am too."

Gon chuckled. "Really, Killua?"

"Or maybe everyone else is just too slow." Killua said in disappointment. The white-haired boy hung his head. "Man, I thought the Hunter Exam was gonna be hard, but this is boring."

"Killua, why do you want to be a Hunter?" Gon asked.

"Me?" Killua raised his head back up. "I never said I wanted to be a Hunter. I just heard the Hunter Exam was supposed to be super difficult, so I wanted to try it for fun. So far, it's not as fun as I hoped."

"Orin?" Gon turned to his right. "What about you?"

Huh? Me? Orin looked away in thought. "I dunno. I never even thought about taking the Hunter Exam until a few days ago."

"Huh? What do you mean?" Gon asked.

"Tenulan dragged me along." Orin grunted as he almost tripped over an applicant. "I mean, sure, being a Hunter would be great. I could go anywhere, do anything. But I would never have tried if he didn't make me."

"Well then, what about you, Gon?" Killua piped up.

"It's because my dad is a Hunter." Gon said without missing a beat. His dad? Orin was reminded of something he had been trying to forget. Gon continued. "So I want to be a Hunter just like him."

The boys slid to the right as Killua asked, "So what kind of Hunter is your dad, anyway?"

"No idea!" Gon again answered immediately. Huh?

Orin's mouth hung open as Killua laughed. "You're kinda funny."

"Really?"

"You want to be a Hunter like your dad, but you don't know him at all!"

"That's because Mito raised me." Gon replied. "She told me a little, but I've only ever seen him in old pictures."

"Who's Mito?" Orin asked.

"She's my aunt." Gon answered. "She told me my dad took the Hunter Exam when he was twelve, too. He passed on his first try and left the island out of the blue. I want to know what kind of Hunter he is, and why he chose that over staying at home."

"Huh." Orin let out a small laugh. "That's not what I'd do in your situation."

"What would you do?" Gon asked innocently.

Orin frowned. "I'd never forgive him, for one." The other boy's eyes widened. "Second, I'd never be the same kind of person as him."

"Sounds like you're speaking from experience," Killua noted.

"What if I am?" Orin retorted.

Killua smirked. "I'm just saying. Seems like you and Gon are in the same boat there."

That finally made Gon connect the dots. "Oh! Is your dad a Hunter too, Orin?"

"No," Orin scoffed. "If he was, I'd never take the Hunter Exam. He did try it once, though. Failed right away, then abandoned me. My mom, too. They both left me behind."

"Why?" Gon's innocent eyes were locked on the brown-haired boy.

"Beats me. They never said anything. Just poof." Orin raised his hands with the last word, spreading out his fingers. Lousy, good-for-nothing pieces of shit. Who even does that?

Killua's smirk grew to a full grin. "Apology accepted."

"What?"

"You told me why you're here, and about your dad. Thanks, Gon."

What? Orin had been so caught up in his anger towards his parents that he hadn't realized what he let slip. But before the boy could do anything about it, a light shone on his face from the top of the stairs.

An applicant ahead of them cried in joy, "The exit!"

Another shouted, "We're safe! Finally, we're getting out of this dark tunnel!"

Gon and Killua grinned, eyes on the prize as they darted up the stairs much faster than before. Orin's eyes were wide as the distance between him and the other two grew. Orin scrambled to pick up his pace, almost tripping again over a different applicant who had passed out on a stair. Damnit! How can those two go so fast?

Orin willed his body to go faster. His legs had long since been on fire, and his feet were practically numb from constantly hitting the ground. His sides were similarly burning as his lungs and heart worked overtime. Come on, gotta go faster. He saw the boys ahead of him keep a steady distance as Orin matched their pace.

Faster. The edges of his vision began to fade to black. Faster. The light at the end of the tunnel became blinding. Faster! The applicants in front of him became amorphous blobs. Faster! Sweat stung his eyes, so he closed them. FASTER!

Orin had nearly reached the top of the staircase when his body staged a mutiny. First to go were his legs, as they let the boy fall forward. Then came his vision, stuck out of focus. He could hear his heart pound in his ears as he slammed into the top stair. Other applicants flowed out around him. Gon and Killua had long since crossed the finish line.

The brown-haired boy laid there for what felt like an eternity. Huh? Why can't I see anything? Why aren't my legs working? More applicants climbed into the sunlight, while Orin remained on the brink of it. His head was swimming. Why now? Tears began to mix with sweat. Gon and Killua had been arguing with each other over who won the race and had yet to notice the other boy. Orin thought he would be stuck in that spot forever until the ground suddenly fell away.

At first, he thought he was passing out. But Orin could just barely make out the shape of someone lifting him from the stairs and carrying him out. The person asked in a deep, but soft, voice, "Orin? Are you alright?"

He could barely understand the question. "T… Tenulan?"

"Orin." His savior replied. "What happened? Why did you fall?"

Cradled by Tenulan, Orin heard the sound of another person approaching, breathing heavily. Their hands rested briefly on the boy's face and neck. This person said, "He's dehydrated. Gon, hand me my suitcase."

Orin was set on the ground in a sitting position as the person who had to be Leorio searched through his suitcase. He pulled out a bottle of something and tilted Orin's head back slightly. "Drink this slowly."

Whatever was in the bottle tasted vaguely citrusy. As he followed Leorio's instructions, Orin could slowly feel the world shift back into focus. He soon finished the small bottle, breathing deeply and slowly. "Thanks, Mr. Leorio."

"Please. Just Leorio. And don't mention it. But you shouldn't have pushed yourself that hard. You were lucky to only be dehydrated." Leorio scolded the boy before his face softened. "But I'm glad you made it."

Orin smiled. I made it. To his right, he heard Killua say, "He's okay? Good. After all, he's got to buy me and Gon dinner!"

The brown-haired boy was too tired to think of any retorts. Thankfully, Gon filled in. "Killua! Can't you see Orin tried his best?"

"So?"

"It's not fair to make him have to pay for dinner after all that." Gon paused for a second. "Oh, I know! Orin can buy us dinner, and then I'll buy dinner for the two of you, and then Killua, you can buy me and Orin dinner!"

"What? That doesn't make any sense!"

Tenulan chuckled to Orin's left. The boy was tired, but he made it. And that would be enough. Kurapika then asked, "Is this the site of the Second Phase?"

"Nope." Gon cheerily replied. Orin stared blankly ahead into the fog surrounding the area. Oh. It's not over yet.

He turned to Tenulan. "Hey, Tenulan?"

"Yes, Orin?"

"I'm gonna do the rest of this phase with you. Gon and Killua almost killed me." The boy exaggerated.

"Of course." Tenulan replied. "And I will still carry you if your body again gives out."

While Orin had protested the idea before, now he was more… open to it. "I'll hold you to that."

The First Phase of the Hunter Exam was not over yet. 36 candidates have been disqualified. The 368 applicants that remain await the next challenge of the phase.

Hi, it's Glaive, the author! Thanks for reading!

Don't really have much to say this time around.

Well, I guess to start, I thought I'd be able to cover a whole episode in this chapter, but of course it ends with just a little bit left to cover.

Hm. Yeah, not much else on-topic to say. For off-topic things, I've got plenty! I'll spare you all from my rambling though.

"See you next time!" - Dolce Kamiya, Yakuza 0