092 Heart... Dug Out

"The way of fighting is personal. It's all about winning or losing—there's no in-between. Once someone surrenders, the round is over, and the other person wins."

"If you lose, or refuse to participate, your journey through the Hunter Exam ends here."

"Now, everyone, make your choice. Accept the challenge by pressing the circle, or decline by pressing the cross," said the bald prisoner, his voice echoing through the room.

"You didn't even need to say it! Of course we're accepting!" Leorio grumbled, furiously tapping the circle.

A monitor lit up, displaying their decisions: 5-0 in favor of accepting. Everyone had passed.

"Alright, I'll go first. Who's stepping up from your side?" The bald prisoner smirked, cracking his knuckles as he prepared himself.

"I'll go," Killua said, standing up casually with his hands in his pockets, a mischievous grin on his face.

"I've been itching for a real fight ever since playing ball with Netero."

The intensity in Killua's voice, combined with his barely concealed killing intent, made Leorio and the others pause their argument. After a brief exchange of glances, they all agreed to let him fight first.

"These guys are prisoners, wearing cuffs and uniforms... but they're also proctors for the Hunter Exam. That means they're no pushovers. This one's probably the aggressive type," Ronnel observed, watching Killua approach the ring. Killua waved dismissively, indicating he understood, and strode confidently to the center of the extended stone bridge.

Once they were both in position, the size difference between Killua and the hulking bald prisoner became even more evident. Killua looked tiny in comparison, but his calm demeanor was unwavering.

"So, how about we decide the rules?" The prisoner grinned maliciously. "I propose a fight to the death."

His name was Bendot, and he had been sentenced to 199 years in prison for murder. For prisoners like him, every second counted—they'd do anything to buy more time.

In a dimly lit control room, two monitors flickered as the guards behind Lippo provided commentary.

"That kid's just a kid—what is he, 12 or 13? Bendot's a murderer, this boy doesn't stand a cha—"

"Fine by me," Killua interrupted with an eerie smile. "I accept."

"WHAT?!" Even the guards, hardened by years of watching ruthless prisoners fight, were taken aback.Lippo, absentmindedly chewing on a chocolate bar, began paying closer attention to the screen.

"Hahaha! Bold, aren't ya, kid? Let me spell it out then: the fight won't end until one of us gives up or dies."

Bendot, seeing Killua's unexpected confidence, grinned widely, eager to claim victory. "Are we clear on that?"

"Crystal," Killua said, removing his hands from his pockets. "Just remember, old man, these are your rules. Don't blame me if you end up dead."

"Hahahaha! You're quite the character! But don't think being a Hunter candidate makes you special. I've killed people before you were even born!"

Killua's eyes narrowed. "Enough talk. It's already begun."

Before Bendot could react, Killua vanished from sight.

THUD.

Bendot barely had time to register what had happened. He staggered forward, his feet landing heavily on the stone, but his balance was off. He looked around, confused. "What... what just happened?"

A deep pain bloomed in his chest. He looked down to see that his heart was gone. "What... am I..."

Before he could finish his thought, everything went black, and his body crumpled to the ground with a sickening thud.

"Heart... dug out."

Leorio stood frozen, a drop of sweat sliding down his face. His hand instinctively moved to his own chest. "Thank God he's on our side."

Kurapika, equally shaken, nodded. "No kidding."

On the stone bridge, Killua nonchalantly tossed Bendot's heart back onto his lifeless body and turned his attention to the remaining prisoners on the opposite cliff. Even from a distance, the faint sound of gulping could be heard as they stared back in silence.

With an indifferent smile, Killua began his return across the bridge.

As he stepped off the bridge, the score displayed on the wall changed: Ronnel's team had one point, while the prisoners still had none.

"Nice work, Killua!" Gon beamed as Killua approached. "Let me go next!"

In the control room, Lippo stared in disbelief at the screen. "Fast, efficient, and without hesitation... that kid just ripped Bendot's heart out in an instant..."

Even the guards were speechless, awestruck by Killua's skill and cold precision.

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