046 Hunter's Mausoleum!

Just as Mizaistom was about to announce the start of the test, an untimely voice interrupted his words.

"Mr. Examiner, I don't want to take the final round of tests," Ronnel said calmly, causing Mizaistom to frown slightly.

"Don't want to participate? Why? Do you want some compensation to join the next Hunter Exam?" His tone became heavier, reflecting his displeasure at the unexpected refusal.

"No, no, I'm not the type to take advantage of such situations. Mr. Mizaistom, may I ask you a question?" Ronnel suddenly directed his attention to the bean-faced man, who had been quietly standing by. The latter, taken aback, responded,

"Go ahead."

"Does the Hunter Association have a dedicated mausoleum for Hunters who died in service?"

The bean-faced man looked thoughtful before replying,

"Yes, indeed. The Association has a Hunter's Mausoleum. Any Hunters who die in accidents or on missions are laid to rest there. Even some non-Hunters, if they've contributed significantly to the Association, may be buried there after death."

Ronnel's eyes glinted briefly.

"I see," he murmured. The air around him shifted slightly, growing more solemn as he lowered his head.

"Mr. Examiner, my name is Ronnel. Since childhood, I have admired Hunters and their profession. I respect them deeply. I would like to ask for your permission to visit the mausoleum and pay my respects to the Hunters who have passed away."

His voice cracked with emotion, and a look of sorrow mixed with reverence crossed his face. It was an impeccable performance.

Ronnel's acting and lying abilities had reached an advanced level. The combination was nothing short of extraordinary.

His expression, body language, and quavering voice moved everyone present. Even Mizaistom, who was skilled in reading people as a lawyer, couldn't detect any insincerity in Ronnel's words. He chose to believe him.

They say the more experienced someone is, the easier it is to deceive them, and in this case, it seemed true. If Ronnel had only been lying or acting, Mizaistom might have spotted something. But with both skills combined, even Mizaistom, with his extensive experience, felt that Ronnel's grief was genuine.

The other candidates were similarly moved.

The request to visit the Hunter's Mausoleum seemed harmless enough, with good security at the site. No one believed Ronnel could cause trouble there.

With these thoughts, Mizaistom didn't question it further. While Ronnel's request technically broke the rules, Mizaistom was inclined to make an exception. After all, it seemed that Ronnel's emotions were genuine. Mizaistom exchanged a glance and nodded slightly.

Understanding the gesture, Beans, who had approached, led Ronnel aside, pulled out his phone, and began reporting the situation to Netero. The final decision rested with Netero, the Chairman of the Hunter Association.

Meanwhile, the other candidates watched as Ronnel and the bean-faced man left, casting them looks of disbelief. The final round of the test then officially began.

"Test, start!" Mizaistom announced, and immediately a crowd surged forward.

But—

Thud!

Like dumplings falling into a pot, the candidates were flung to the ground, landing face-first in the mud. The stronger ones barely managed to kneel.

"What... what's going on?!" Geretta, Amori, and the others were terrified. Sweat trickled down their faces, and their bodies trembled uncontrollably. It was as though an unseen force had paralyzed them.

Mizaistom sighed, shaking his head slightly. "This group... not very promising."

As the final test unfolded, Mr. Beans received permission from Netero over the phone. With that, he and Ronnel boarded a special airship of the Hunter Association.

Of course, the Hunter's Mausoleum wasn't nearby, so Beans would escort Ronnel to the proper location.

Half an hour later, Mizaistom returned, his expression grave. Meeting Beans's questioning gaze, he shook his head.

None of the remaining candidates had passed the test.

The final results were then reported, and the potential crisis was averted.

As the airship ascended, leaving behind the despondent candidates, all that remained were their defeated expressions and their gazes fixed longingly at the sky. They would have to return next year, praying not to cross paths with Hisoka once more.

Onboard the airship, Mr. Beans busied himself with paperwork, and Mizaistom, not one for small talk, sat in silence. Ronnel, however, was lost in thought, his mind focused on the upcoming visit to the Hunter's Mausoleum.

The airship soared through the sky in quiet solitude, with nothing more to be said.

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