Lan Fei knew quite a bit about Hisoka.
He was not just a skilled fighter but also a formidable Nen user. Hisoka's presence alone was enough to strike fear into the hearts of many. A predator drawn only to those with potential, he sought out strong opponents for the thrill of battle. Anyone he deemed "interesting" was either forced to grow stronger or eliminated.
"That dangerous guy is back again this year…"
Tonpa's expression darkened as he eyed the magician.
"Again?"
Gon felt a faint sense of unease.
"Does that mean he also participated last year?"
Kurapika narrowed his eyes. Even from a distance, he could feel the overwhelming aura radiating from Hisoka—it was the unmistakable presence of a true predator.
"Candidate No. 44… Hisoka the Magician. A highly dangerous individual."
Tonpa nodded grimly. "Last year, he nearly passed the exam, but in the final phase, he severely injured an examiner—nearly killing him."
"No way!?"
Leorio's eyes widened. "He attacked an examiner? Wouldn't that disqualify him? How is he allowed to take the exam again?"
"The rules change depending on the examiner. The test's criteria aren't set in stone—each proctor determines what passes or fails. Even if a candidate is a murderer, a criminal, or even kills an examiner, as long as they satisfy this year's proctor, they can pass."
Tonpa's voice carried a warning. "That's the nature of the Hunter Exam… and that's why you'd better keep your distance from him."
Hisoka…
Lan Fei squinted, his fighting spirit ignited. With the mastery of the Eight Gates at his disposal and the added power of the Glint-Glint Fruit, even without Nen, he felt confident he could take on Hisoka in combat.
At that moment, Tonpa took out a few bottles of soda and grinned at Gon.
"Here, let's be friends. Have a drink."
Just as Gon reached for the bottle, Lan Fei stepped forward, blocking him.
"No." His tone was firm. "Mr. Tonpa, you've taken the exam 35 times—don't act like you're some friendly veteran. You're far from innocent. Get lost."
"Haha, what do you mean? I just want to be friends."
Tonpa scratched his head, feigning innocence, though a subtle glint of malice flickered in his eyes.
"Lan Fei, I think he's just being nice…"
Gon hesitated, puzzled by Lan Fei's reaction.
"Gon, you're too trusting."
Lan Fei frowned. "This is the Hunter Exam. Everyone has their own agenda. Don't be so naive."
Kurapika nodded. "Lan Fei is right. Here, everyone is a competitor. Never let your guard down."
"I see… Sorry, Mr. Tonpa."
Gon, though reluctant, chose to listen to his friends.
"It's fine!"
Tonpa waved it off, but his gaze lingered on Lan Fei before he walked away.
"Tsk, I got rejected."
He overheard a few examinees whispering nearby.
"Yeah, these rookies are sharp this year."
Tonpa gritted his teeth, scanning the crowd for his next target.
"Excuse me, Mr. Tonpa… do you still have any of that soda left?"
A calm voice interrupted his thoughts.
Tonpa turned to see a silver-haired boy in short sleeves, his skateboard resting under his arm. The number 99 was pinned to his chest.
"Oh, sure…"
Tonpa hesitated, handing over another bottle.
The boy—Killua—took it without a second thought and downed the entire drink in a few gulps.
Tonpa's eyes widened. That drink was laced with a powerful laxative…
"This kid… he should be feeling the effects by now. So why is he perfectly fine?"
Killua looked at Tonpa with an amused expression.
"You're wondering why I'm not affected?" He smirked. "Sorry to disappoint, but I've been trained since childhood. Poison has no effect on me."
Tonpa froze, his face paling.
What kind of monster is this kid!?
Then it hit him—No. 99… Killua Zoldyck. A member of the legendary assassin family.
From a short distance away, Lan Fei also recognized him.
Killua… the prodigy of the Zoldyck family.
Unlike Gon, whose potential was still growing, Killua was already a trained killer. His instincts, reflexes, and combat skills were far beyond most candidates.
"Tch… first Hisoka, now Killua? This year's exam is shaping up to be legendary."
Lan Fei clicked his tongue in amusement.
Just then, the sound of a loud bell echoed through the hall.
Ding! Ding! Ding!
A wall rumbled as it slowly rose, revealing a dimly lit corridor.
At the far end of the passage, a silver-haired man in a suit stood waiting.
"The examiner…?"
Gon's excitement was barely contained.
"It's starting."
Lan Fei's eyes gleamed as he locked onto the figure ahead.
All around them, the other candidates fell silent. Hundreds of eyes fixated on the examiner—anticipation thick in the air.
The real Hunter Exam was about to begin.