NOVEL WEB Chapter 9: Ch: 07
Hello everyone, it's Gon Freecss here, feeling refreshed after returning to my original body, even if only for a little while.
Gin, you can come back once the fourth exam starts, so please wait just a little longer.
Last night was incredible. Though we couldn't take the ball until the very end, we at least made Chairman Netero break a sweat and got to see that surprised expression on his face. Even if it was just a game, feeling like I'm getting closer to Gon-san gives me the motivation I need for what lies ahead.
Anyway, moving on to the third exam: Trick Tower. This tower serves as a prison for vicious criminals and is said to be completely impregnable. To pass the exam, we must descend from the rooftop all the way to the first floor. At first glance, the rooftop appears empty, but hidden floors meant for the first person to reach them are scattered throughout the structure, and each participant must proceed along their respective routes.
Actually, this third exam has one specific purpose: to have the team members gain an understanding of "nen" for the sake of strengthening the group. The ideal progression is for them to learn about "nen" during the third exam, gain a foothold for awakening in the fourth exam, and achieve full awakening at Kukuru Mountain.
To make this happen, we need to choose the same majority decision path as in the original story, but since we don't know where it is, we just need to find it quickly.
Hmm, the pervert who's supposed to pass the third exam in first place is approaching. What's he up to?
***
Some time had passed since the start of the third exam, and in a corner of the rooftop where half of the examinees had already been eliminated, Gon and the others had gathered with Hisoka to discuss various matters.
The topic of discussion was whether to use the hidden floor Hisoka had discovered, but as expected, the reactions weren't exactly enthusiastic.
"The method is a trade secret, but these five entrances all lead to the same room. If we go together, it should be easier to clear. That's why I invited you all."
After being brushed off by Gon all this time, Hisoka had stumbled upon five hidden floors that all led to the same destination. He approached Gon, who seemed lost in thought, and to his surprise, Gon appeared eager to discuss it.
They had gathered to talk it over together, but the other three weren't very enthusiastic, so they pressed them for their reasons.
"I don't trust him."
"It just feels wrong, so I'll pass."
"Even if they're entrances to the same room, there's a possibility of a battle royale. Could he be targeting that because of his obsession with Gon?"
"Well, there's nothing we can do about it, but that's pretty harsh."
Each had their own valid concerns, leaving Gon to ponder what to do. Especially in response to Kurapika, who raised specific worries, Hisoka shared his own thoughts, mixing facts with personal opinions.
"Actually, this is my second time taking this exam. What I've learned is that the exam content is always very specific. If they were going to make the candidates fight each other, they'd announce that upfront. Though, to be honest, there's a part of me that thinks it'd be a nice bonus if I could fight Gon in a battle royale."
Even after hearing that explanation, the other three remained hesitant. It was clear that wasting more time would be problematic, but since Hisoka couldn't be trusted, the conversation was at a standstill.
"Everyone, wanting to take the same route is just my own selfishness. If we miss this chance to separate from the other examinees, the next opportunity might not come until the exam itself."
From Gon's perspective, since he knows it's not a battle royale, he desperately wants to take this route to strengthen his friends. However, to convince them to proceed despite the risk of stepping on the landmine that is Hisoka, he needs to give them a compelling reason, so he plays his card about Nen.
"Leorio and Kurapika, you both felt something was off when you first met Hisoka at the exam site and asked me about it, right? Killua, you also thought something was strange during yesterday's battle with Chairman Netero, didn't you?"
Ignoring Hisoka, who looks shocked to hear about such an enjoyable incident, Gon addresses the three's suspicions.
"That's a proper technique with both theoretical foundation and practical application. It's something everyone inherently possesses, and with training, everyone can learn to use it."
When told that it's a systematized technique that can be mastered through training, their interest is immediately piqued, having experienced it firsthand.
"It's classified technology, so I can't reveal specifics yet, but I'll explain the benefits each of you could gain."
He explains to Leorio that it could be tremendously advantageous for his future as a doctor, to Kurapika that all members of the Phantom Troupe, his enemies, possess this power, and that he must master it to stand against them, and to Killua that without this power, he would never be able to catch up to him, no matter how long he trained.
The three of them, who had been hesitating until just moments ago, were already quite eager to choose this path after hearing Gon's explanation.
"I have a question. If this is classified technology that can only be taught in a place where no other candidates are present, doesn't that mean it's not something to be taken lightly? Honestly, I'd like to learn it right now, but if it would negatively impact Gon's exam performance, I'm fine with waiting until after the exam."
"Thanks for worrying about me, Kurapika. It'll probably be fine. It's more of an unwritten rule not to spread it around carelessly, and anyway, it's a mandatory skill once you become a professional Hunter."
With Kurapika's concerns dismissed as unfounded, the three of them finally decide to choose this route. They settle on their hiding spots and, as a final confirmation, Gon speaks up.
"So, if it turns out to be a battle royale, we'll focus on taking out Hisoka first. If not, we'll work together to clear it!"
"Alright!"
"That's pretty harsh, don't you think?"
The five of them timed their movements perfectly, passed through the hidden floor, and successfully started the majority vote route, aiming to clear the third exam.
Hisoka had been coldly dismissed, but he couldn't suppress the excitement building in his chest at being surrounded by the members who would be the most watched in this exam.
***
[Power stones and reviews please]
Support link: www.patr eon.com/Well_being
[10 Advanced Chs] [7 Chapters/week]