079: All of This is for Work

Shortly before the time was about to expire, Gon and Kurapika arrived, albeit a bit late.

It seems just like in the original story—Gon and Kurapika had become the promising, growing fruits that Hisoka had set his sights on.

After meeting up with Leorio and Killua, Gon also found Ronnel. After some brief introductions, they quickly became acquainted.

Finally, as the clock overhead reached a certain point, Satotz clapped his hands.

"Everyone, gather here."

Once the time was up, Satotz didn't concern himself with the fate of the other applicants. Seeing that most of the remaining applicants had gathered, he called them all to stand together.

"Alright, I want to congratulate you all once again. Everyone standing here has passed the first phase of the test. I hope you'll tackle the second phase with just as much courage. Good luck!"

Satotz's tone was flat as he congratulated the candidates for passing the first phase.

Without further delay, he announced the results, then immediately turned around and disappeared into the nearby woods.

Hearing this, the applicants—who had been wearing serious expressions—finally allowed small smiles to appear.

Gon and Kurapika quickly found Leorio, who was still unconscious. After waking him up, they regrouped with Killua and Ronnel. There were still many unknown phases ahead, and sticking with familiar faces would at least provide some comfort.

Especially since Ronnel's strength was formidable, a presence that seemed reliable and trustworthy.

Moreover, after their encounter with Hisoka, they all felt they were being watched by him—an unsettling thought that only deepened their sense of camaraderie with Ronnel.

As the clock continued ticking toward the next phase, a creaking noise echoed through the air.

"Ka-ka-ka..."

In front of the applicants, a large, heavy door—adorned with a clock at its top—began to open, marking the start of the second test.

The applicants, who had briefly relaxed, now tensed again, feeling the weight of the upcoming trial. Slowly, the door revealed its contents.

Sitting on a couch inside, was a petite woman with unusual pink hair and rather revealing clothing—Menchi.

"Is she the examiners for the second phase?" one of the examinees muttered, bewildered by the sight. Some exchanged curious glances, while others couldn't help but smirk.

Atop a tall tree not far from the gate, Satotz observed the proceedings.

"The number of people who passed the first phase is 128. The Milsy Wetlands really took their toll—over three-quarters didn't make it."

"The examiners for the second phase are Menchi and Buhara," Satotz murmured to himself.

"By the time this round is over, there'll probably only be 40 or 50 left... maybe fewer, depending on how tough the tasks are. But I'm sure a few of them will pull through, especially those two troublesome examinees—the champions of the Battle Olympia. This should be interesting~"

As a seasoned Ruins Hunter with a passion for exploration, Satotz was never one to pass up a good show, particularly one involving rising stars like Menchi, known for her fiery temper.

Those two troublesome examinees, he thought, were bound to stir up some excitement.

Satotz couldn't resist taking out a telescope-like device from his pocket and settling down to watch the spectacle.

Inside the room, the eyes of examinees were still on Menchi. Despite her small frame, she had a certain allure.

It wasn't until Buhara's stomach let out a loud growl that the candidates noticed the giant man sitting behind Menchi.

"Everyone, thank you for waiting," Menchi greeted the group, her tone surprisingly polite. "Welcome to the second phase of the Hunter Exam."

Though she seemed friendly on the surface, Ronnel knew better. Menchi had a short fuse, and the moment something didn't sit right with her, she'd draw her blade, ready to cook anyone who crossed her.

"Gululu~"

Buhara, looking a bit sluggish, let out another rumble from his stomach.

"Buhara, are you hungry?" Menchi asked, turning her head slightly, which made her posture shift in a way that caught the attention of more than a few candidates.

"You heard it, Menchi," Buhara said, patting his stomach. "I'm starving."

Menchi smiled and turned back to the candidates. Her pleasant demeanor abruptly shifted, and her tone became serious.

"Alright, the second phase is about to begin!"

The sudden change left several candidates wide-eyed, surprised at how quickly Menchi's demeanor had flipped.

"You've probably guessed by now," Menchi continued, "but the test this round will be related to cooking. Buhara and I, as Gourmet Hunters, will be your examiners."

As she spoke, the candidates looked around the room, which was filled with various cooking utensils and ingredients. The revelation didn't come as a shock to most, though some looked disappointed. After all, many of them hadn't come here expecting to showcase their cooking skills.

Ronnel, however, wasn't fazed. He knew that the Hunter world was unpredictable—tests like these could be just as dangerous as any battle.

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