Chapter 12: Hunter Exam!

As the date for the Hunter Exam drew near, Raymond embarked on his private yacht, setting sail across the ocean toward Zaban City, the designated location for the exam.

Typically, exam takers were required by the scouts to board a specific boat for preliminary screening.

This additional step served as a personal examination, filtering out those deemed unworthy to proceed to the actual test.

However, Raymond was exempt from this process, having already obtained the location of the exam through his extensive network of informants.

After a long day's journey across the ocean, Raymond's yacht finally pulled into Dolle Harbor, a bustling town serving as a hub for aspiring Hunters heading to Zaban City for the exam.

As Raymond disembarked from his luxurious vessel, he couldn't help but notice the curious stares directed his way.

Clad in refined attire and exuding an aura of authority, he stood out amidst the crowd, prompting whispers and speculation about his identity.

As he traversed the crowded dock, people instinctively made way for him.

Many paid him little heed, dismissing him as a mere subordinate of some affluent individual.

"...Hey, big bro, why are you boarding a different ship than mine? You're here for the Hunter Exam, too, right?"

A child's voice cut through the ambient noise as Raymond moved through the crowd. A white-haired boy, no older than twelve, approached, skateboard in hand.

His curious gaze fixated on Raymond, sensing an air of seasoned strength about him.

Observing the boy's innocent curiosity, Raymond arched an eyebrow with intrigue before speaking, "Well, I happen to have my own ship, so I don't need to travel on yours like everyone else..."

"Oh, I get it! So you're rich? Can you give me some money?"

The child asked unabashedly, his innocence shining through his words.

Raymond couldn't help but chuckle at the boy's straightforwardness, finding it endearing. The boy's subsequent frown only added to Raymond's amusement.

Just then, a sleek limousine approached, gliding to a stop before them.

With a smile, Raymond extended an offer to the boy, "How about I give you a ride to the exam location instead?"

"Eh? Seriously?"

The child's face lit up with excitement, his earlier frown replaced by pure joy.

It was clear he was thrilled at the prospect of skipping the usual information-gathering process.

Raymond chuckled softly at the boy's enthusiasm.

He gestured towards the waiting limousine, and his men respectfully bowed their heads as Raymond led the way.

The boy followed him into the vehicle without a second thought, seemingly unfazed by potential risks.

Raymond couldn't help but shake his head in amusement, recognizing that Killua's confidence suggested he was fully prepared to handle any situation ––

–– whether it meant swiftly escaping or confronting potential threats.

"I'm Killua. What about you, Big bro?"

As he settled into the seat beside Raymond, Killua introduced himself with an air of confidence.

"I'm Raymond. A pleasure to meet you, Killua," Raymond replied with a smile.

The limousine began to move, gliding smoothly through the busy streets of Dolle Harbor. Raymond glanced out the window, observing the bustling activity outside.

"Hey, Killua, what's your reason for becoming a hunter?" Raymond inquired, curious about the child's motivations.

Killua shrugged nonchalantly, "I've heard the exam is tough, so I want to test my skills."

"It shouldn't be too challenging for someone like you." Raymond raised an eyebrow.

"Really? That's disappointing," Killua remarked.

"And what about you, Raymond?"

Raymond chuckled, considering his true intentions carefully, "I have someone I need to meet, just to make sure of something."

"Huh? Is that it?"

Killua asked, puzzled by Raymond's response.

Raymond's main goal in joining the Hunter Exam was to meet Isaac Netero, the respected Chairman of the Hunter Association, in person without drawing any suspicion.

Understanding the complexities of politics since they both were men with great force behind them, Raymond knew that directly asking for a meeting with Netero might put him at a disadvantage and risk his interests.

So, he decided to take part in the Hunter Exam to bump into Netero on the down-low.

This approach allowed him to encounter the seasoned veteran in a more laid-back setting, avoiding the complications that might arise from formal meetings arranged by his underlings within the Celestia Consortium.

With a sharp eye for people, Raymond undertook this mission to gauge Netero's strength and determine whether he possessed enough strength to confront the formidable figurehead if necessary.

Mindful of Netero's keen observation, Raymond meticulously planned his approach, understanding the importance of deciphering the old man's true intentions.

As for the other stuff, it was just a bonus.

Raymond chuckled, his tone lightening, "Honestly, I also wanted to hunt down a little rat in the meantime..."

Unlike Netero, who was a seasoned pro, Raymond knew this "little rat" was no pushover. But he was pretty confident he could handle it.

"...A little rat?"

Killua's expression briefly hardened, a hint of seriousness flickering across his face.

As he continued conversing with Raymond, Killua gradually began to realize that the man before him was anything but ordinary.

Despite Raymond's outward appearance of casual relaxation in the passenger seat, Killua couldn't shake the feeling that something was off as his pupils dilated in realization, "I couldn't see an opening!"

"...Fuck, I was careless."

This set off alarm bells for the young member of the Zoldyck Family, leaving him feeling increasingly uneasy.

Despite his mind racing and inwardly cursing his silly mistake, Killua managed to maintain a calm exterior.

Determined to stay composed, Killua took some deliberate steps. He made a conscious effort to calm his racing heart, not wanting to appear nervous and raise any red flags.

Meanwhile, he checked out the car's details, just in case he needed an escape plan.

But as time passed, his nerves started to get the best of him, and he felt himself teetering on the edge.

Feeling his composure slip, Killua quickly pulled himself back into his usual laid-back mode, trying to act like everything was normal.

He shifted in his seat slightly while they kept chatting on their way to Zaban City.

However, Raymond couldn't help but notice Killua's subtle reaction as a faint smirk played on his lips.

"Hmm, quite the adorable young assassin, isn't he?" 

Raymond silently remarked, amusement evident in his tone.

The journey proved to be quite entertaining for Raymond, especially as they approached the bustling city on the horizon.

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