Chapter 76: Kurta Clan

In a lush forest, there sat a simple village with small wooden homes nestled among the trees.

"Pairo! Pairo!"

Amidst the tranquility, a child's joyful shout rang out, drawing attention to one of the modest houses.

A twelve-year-old boy, his hair a bright shade of blonde, dashed excitedly toward the dwelling.

Nearby, another boy of the same age watched the scene unfold with calmness.

With short brown hair and deep maroon eyes, he wore a simple tabard, its colors matching the hues of the forest around them.

"Kurapika, take it easy. If you keep making so much noise, your mother will give you an earful..."

Pairo gently shook his head, attempting to soothe his friend's excitement.

"Hmm... Judging by your reaction, I guess you passed the test, right?" Pairo speculated, prompting Kurapika to widen his eyes in surprise.

"Really? You're no fun, Pairo. But yes!"

Kurapika exclaimed, raising both hands in excitement, "This means I just have to pass the final trial, and then I can start searching for a doctor to help you!"

Pairo was Kurapika's closest childhood friend, his constant companion through thick and thin.

Following a tragic accident where he fell from a cliff while trying to save Kurapika, Pairo had been left with weak legs and his eyesight steadily deteriorating.

Haunted by guilt over the accident, Kurapika harbored an unwavering determination to seek medical treatment beyond their secluded village.

To achieve this, he had to undergo a series of tests set by their clan, the only pathway to gaining permission to leave their community and venture into the outside world.

"..."

Pairo's eyes, clouded with his visual impairment, trembled slightly as he gazed at the enthusiastic Kurapika.

Despite his condition, Pairo never resented his decision to save Kurapika, his closest friend and brother figure. He would make the same choice a thousand times over if given the chance.

Yet, the possibility of finding a cure stirred a glimmer of hope within him.

Though he didn't want to burden Kurapika, the prospect of healing his condition was too enticing to ignore. 

"And as I search for a cure for you, I'll explore the world and find out if the ocean is really as salty as they say in the books!"

Kurapika's innocent smile lit up his face as he shared his plans with Pairo.

Pairo's smile widened as he listened, his eyes reflecting a sense of warmth, "Then you must pass tomorrow's final exam without fail."

"Absolutely!"

Kurapika's nod was resolute as they continued their conversation, his laughter filling the air as he excitedly discussed his dreams of adventure and exploration.

The next day, Kurapika stood before the clan elders.

At the center stood a respected elder dressed in a green robe with gold trim.

His grey hair and beard added to his venerable appearance as he looked down at Kurapika.

"You're going to leave the forest for your final test. Are you sure you want to continue?" the elder asked, his voice carrying weight.

"Yes, Elder! I'm ready to go on," Kurapika replied firmly, his voice tinged with excitement.

The elder of the Kurta Clan grunted, recognizing Kurapika's determination, much like his mother's.

"Give him what he needs for the test..." He motioned for one of their clansmen to approach.

The clansman stepped forward, carrying a brown cloth with a rope tied on top, resembling a pouch.

"This is your grocery bag," he explained.

"Use it to gather all the items on this list."

He handed Kurapika the list and a handful of paper bills.

"Thank you, Uncle." Kurapika accepted them with a nod of gratitude.

The clansman shook his head before retreating to stand by the elder's side.

The Elder adjusted his beard as he spoke further, "Your final test involves going to the nearest town located to the north of the forest."

"You must complete this task without getting agitated, regardless of what happens in the town."

"...?"

Kurapika looked puzzled at the instruction, but the Elder didn't elaborate further, instead gesturing for something.

"Hmm? Pairo!"

With the signal, Pairo slowly approached them, his weak legs causing him to move cautiously.

"I'll help you over..."

Kurapika hurried to his side, offering support as they prepared to embark on their journey.

"Thank you, Kurapika," Pairo smiled gratefully.

Kurapika shrugged off the thanks, his gaze fixed on the vial of eye drops, causing him to swallow nervously.

He knew exactly what it was.

"It seems you're familiar with this," the Elder remarked as he took the vial from Pairo's hand.

The vial contained eye drops designed to reveal the Scarlet Eyes of their clan members, even after they had calmed down from activating their eyes.

It was a crucial tool to determine whether Kurapika had passed or failed the test.

"Then I won't have to explain further. Look up," the Elder ordered.

Kurapika obeyed, tilting his head back as instructed. The Elder carefully opened the vial and administered drops to each of Kurapika's eyes.

As the drops fell, Kurapika felt a soothing sensation wash over him.

It was as if pure water was being applied to his eyes.

He blinked repeatedly, ensuring the drops covered his entire eye surface.

"Alright, you're now ready. You must return before sunset, or you will have failed," the Elder declared, stepping back to his initial position.

Kurapika nodded in acknowledgment, his determination evident in his gaze.

Seeing that the Elder had finished preparing Kurapika, his parents approached him with one with a worried expression and another with a stern one.

"Kurapika, remember to stay calm during the test," his mother said.

She wore a crimson Kurta garment with delicate pink patterns over a cream-colored undershirt.

Her short blonde hair was slightly darker than Kurapika's, and her eyes were a soft shade of grey.

She affectionately patted Kurapika on the head.

His father, dressed in a dark green Kurta adorned with light blue designs over a white undershirt, joined in.

He had neatly combed short black hair and snow-colored pants.

Turning to Kurapika, he added, "Be cautious on your journey."

Kurapika nodded in response.

"It's all right, Mom, Dad. I've got this!" Kurapika raised a confident fist, trying to ease his parents' concerns.

"Kurapika is stronger than he looks. He'll do just fine," Pairo added with a supportive smile from the sidelines.

Kurapika nodded in agreement, feeling bolstered by Pairo's words, "See? Pairo believes in me, too!"

His parents chuckled softly, exchanging amused glances at Kurapika's determination.

After bidding his parents farewell with tight hugs, Kurapika turned to Pairo and embraced him as well.

With a final wave to his family, he set off to begin his final test.

As he disappeared into the distance, Kurapika's voice echoed back, filled with determination. "I'll be back before you know it!"

As Kurapika's figure grew smaller in the distance, Pairo watched him go with a mixture of emotions, his fist tightening around the vial in his robe.

Secretly examining the vial, which was identical to the one used to administer eye drops to Kurapika, Pairo murmured to himself, "...Stay safe out there. Everything will work out if you just come back before sunset."

As Kurapika's figure vanished into the depths of the forest, the clan members dispersed to attend to their own tasks.

The Elder remained behind, his gaze fixed on the direction Kurapika had gone.

"Grain, could you do me a favor and keep an eye on Kurapika?" the Elder asked, his voice carrying a hint of concern.

Grain, a man clad entirely in black attire, sneered at the Elder's request.

"You? Concerned about him? Times must be changing," he remarked, a dark mole beneath his left lip adding to his ominous demeanor.

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