"No, we've been noticed."
Feeling the immense pressure radiating from Hisoka, even the usually composed Kurapika felt a chill run down his spine. He glanced at Leorio, his tone grave.
"Leorio, when I give the signal, we split up and run."
"What?!" Leorio gritted his teeth in frustration.
"The gap in combat experience between us and him is astronomical. Even from this distance, I can feel his killing intent pressing down on us." Kurapika's voice was steady, but his eyes were sharp. "We don't stand a chance in a fight. If we stay together, we'll just make it easier for him to wipe us out in one move."
He paused before adding, "Besides, we can't afford to get caught up here. We need to regroup with Gon, Killua, and Lan Fei."
"You're thinking of running?"
Hisoka's voice was laced with amusement as he strolled forward, his presence exuding an overwhelming sense of danger. He twirled two playing cards between his fingers, the tension thickening with each step. Sweat trickled down Leorio's temple.
"Now!"
In an instant, Kurapika and Leorio bolted in opposite directions, disappearing into the thick fog.
"Oh? A clever move."
Hisoka smirked, licking his lips. He appreciated their instincts—it was always more fun when his prey showed intelligence.
Just as he was about to turn away, a figure emerged from the mist.
"Hm?"
Hisoka raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. It was Leorio.
"Oh? Have you come back to die?" Hisoka's voice was mocking as he flicked a card between his fingers.
"I could never stomach the idea of running away like a coward." Leorio gripped his wooden staff tightly, his expression fierce. "Even if I know I can't win, I won't just turn tail and run!"
Kurapika, still hidden in the fog, clenched his fists in frustration.
"What are you doing, you idiot?!"
Leorio's charge was reckless. Hisoka's smirk widened.
"Ah, such a bold expression."
As Leorio swung his staff, Hisoka's form blurred. In the blink of an eye, he sidestepped, the mist swirling where he had been just moments ago.
"Too slow."
Hisoka materialized behind Leorio, his playing card gleaming like a razor as he prepared to slash at Leorio's exposed back.
At that moment—
Whoosh!
A fishing hook tore through the fog, striking Hisoka's temple with pinpoint accuracy. Hisoka's motion halted for a fraction of a second.
Taking advantage of the momentary delay, Leorio rolled away, putting a safe distance between them.
"Gon!"
Leorio gasped, his eyes widening as he saw the figure emerging from the mist.
"Leorio, why do you always act without thinking?"
Lan Fei stepped into view, his expression exasperated. "We were about to catch up to the examiner, but Gon insisted on coming back to save you."
Lan Fei sighed and shook his head. "I swear, if Gon weren't so stubborn…"
Gon didn't respond to the scolding. Instead, he turned his attention to Hisoka, gripping his fishing rod tightly.
Hisoka chuckled, wiping a thin trickle of blood from his temple where the fishing hook had struck.
"Hm? That's quite a unique weapon you've got there, little brother." Hisoka's tone was intrigued rather than annoyed.
"Gon, this guy isn't like the others," Lan Fei warned, stepping in front of him. "You're not ready to fight him yet."
"Damn it! I won't run!"
Ignoring all advice, Leorio charged again.
"So eager to die."
Hisoka's figure flickered, and in the next instant, he was already in front of Leorio.
Too fast!
Leorio barely had time to react before Hisoka's playing card sliced toward his throat.
"Leorio!!!"
Gon's eyes widened in horror.
"Laser Light!!!"
Just before the card could connect, a golden beam erupted from Lan Fei's fingertips, slicing through the mist and striking Hisoka's hand.
Boom!
For a brief moment, the entire swamp was bathed in golden light. Hisoka's hand trembled as the playing card was incinerated by the energy.
Leorio seized the opportunity and leaped backward, scrambling to Gon's side.
"Golden light?"
Hisoka's eyes gleamed with curiosity as he turned his gaze to Lan Fei. "Your techniques are quite… unusual." His voice carried a mix of amusement and intrigue. "Not only are you fast, but your attacks are unexpectedly powerful."
Lan Fei smirked. "Hisoka, have you ever been kicked at the speed of light?"
At his words, Hisoka's expression shifted. He licked his lips, his excitement barely contained.
"Kicked at the speed of light?" Hisoka chuckled, his voice dripping with anticipation. "Interesting. Very interesting."
Hum…
Before Hisoka could react, Lan Fei's form flickered.
A golden glow appeared above Hisoka.
So fast!
Hisoka's pupils shrank as a foot, wreathed in light, came crashing down toward him.