Take Part in a New Round of Exams[Seeking Flower Evaluation]
"In order to protect their eggs from natural predators, Grape Spiders build their nests only within deep, unscalable canyons," explained Menchi, her voice clear above the gusting canyon winds. "Because of this, their eggs are considered among the most difficult—and precious—ingredients for any gourmet hunter to collect."
Just as several timid candidates hesitated and stepped back from the canyon's edge, a familiar calm voice echoed from behind.
"They do say that the rarer the ingredient, the greater the challenge."
It was Chairman Isaac Netero, hands clasped behind his back as he strolled to the edge with a relaxed gait. His geta clogs tapped softly against the rocky surface as his gaze swept over the canyon with interest.
"Examiner Menchi," he added with a chuckle.
At that moment, Lan Fei stepped forward. His tone was casual, but his words were firm.
"Menchi, during the previous phase at the Biscayne Deep Forest, I already passed the gourmet cooking exam, correct? So… I shouldn't need to retake this round, right?"
Menchi blinked in surprise, briefly biting her lip.
"This…"
She hesitated. Lan Fei's qualification was, in fact, valid. He had impressed both her and Buhara by creating a full-course meal from a horned mad pig—something even seasoned gourmet hunters would struggle to pull off. But she couldn't help wanting another taste of his culinary talent. Deep down, she hoped he'd participate in the boiled egg challenge as well.
"Yeah, that's right! Lan Fei already passed, so why should he risk going down into that canyon with the rest of us?" Gon said without hesitation, fully supportive.
"But didn't you hear what Chairman Netero said?" Killua chimed in, smirking. "He said all candidates have to participate in the hard-boiled egg challenge."
"Except for Lan Fei," Kurapika said quietly. "He's already passed. It's only fair."
"If it were me, I wouldn't go either," Leorio muttered while adjusting his glasses. "It's unnecessary risk."
"No!!!"
Menchi suddenly shouted, startling everyone. Her eyes locked on Lan Fei's with a hint of longing in her smile. "Chairman Netero… isn't this unfair to me?"
Lan Fei raised an eyebrow and calmly turned to face Netero. "Chairman, what do you think? Does fairness not apply to examiners too?"
"Haha," Netero chuckled lightly, his gaze still on the canyon. "Menchi, the boy has a point."
He turned, eyes glinting behind his wrinkled lids.
"This kid, Lan Fei, already passed the cooking portion. He has no obligation to repeat this assessment."
"But Chairman…" Menchi looked genuinely disappointed, though she didn't argue further. The aroma of Lan Fei's previous dishes still lingered in her memory, and she was clearly craving more.
"You were the one who qualified him, Menchi. The Hunter Exam must maintain fairness and impartiality above all," Netero said, his tone briefly turning serious.
"Fine."
Menchi finally sighed and raised her hands in surrender. "Since the Chairman has spoken, Lan Fei, you're exempt from the boiled egg challenge."
"Gon, Killua, Kurapika, Leorio," Lan Fei turned with a grin and patted Gon on the shoulder, "Good luck out there."
"Then let's begin."
Menchi took a deep breath and stepped forward toward the canyon. Without warning, she jumped.
Whoosh!!
Her figure dropped swiftly through the wind. The shocked cries of the candidates filled the air.
"She's insane!!" someone yelled.
"The canyon's too deep! Even if she gets the egg, how's she supposed to climb back up?" Leorio's jaw dropped in disbelief.
"Don't worry," Lan Fei said calmly, arms crossed. "She's a professional Gourmet Hunter."
Down below, Menchi's descent accelerated until she suddenly grabbed onto a thick strand of spider silk. Using the momentum, she swung forward gracefully, kicked off a canyon wall, and snatched one of the giant eggs nestled in the webbed nest of a Grape Spider.
Then, she fell again—straight into the abyss.
"It's over," Leorio covered his face. "She's toast."
But just as everyone feared the worst—
Fwoooosh—!!
A sudden updraft howled from the depths of the canyon. Menchi's body slowed, buoyed by the wind, and rose steadily. She landed lightly back on the cliff, unharmed, holding the giant egg triumphantly.
"Here it is—fresh from the nest."
She held the egg in one hand and grinned. "Now, we'll use this to make hard-boiled eggs!"
"This is awesome!" Killua's eyes sparkled, and without hesitation, he leaped into the canyon.
"Killua! Wait!" Gon called out, but quickly jumped in after him.
Kurapika and Leorio exchanged glances and followed close behind.
One by one, inspired by their courage, other candidates also took the plunge, shouting as they fell.
Still, not everyone dared. Roughly a dozen applicants stood frozen, trembling as they watched others vanish into the gorge.
"It looks like they've chosen to give up," Lan Fei muttered, shaking his head.
"No courage, no qualification," he added coldly.
"Giving up is also a form of courage," Netero said gently beside him.
"The path of a Gourmet Hunter is one of devotion. For food, we stake our very lives," Menchi added quietly, carefully cradling the egg and heading toward the cauldron that had already been prepared.
Flames flickered beneath the pot as the water began to boil.
"I never wanted to be a Gourmet Hunter anyway," Lan Fei shrugged, sensing Netero's eyes on him.
"Ho? Candidate No. 405 seems to be adjusting his posture mid-fall to ride the updrafts…" Netero leaned forward slightly, observing Gon with keen interest. "Impressive."
"He's a natural," Lan Fei said with admiration. "He can feel subtle shifts in air pressure and temperature. His instincts are freakishly sharp."
"I've noticed. Keen ears, a sharp nose, and exceptional eyesight. No candidate this year can match him in that regard—not even you, boy."
Netero looked at Lan Fei with a sly smile.
"I'm flattered, but Chairman," Lan Fei shot him a sideways glance, "I don't swing that way. Especially not for old men."
"Bwahaha!!" Netero burst out laughing. "You're a riot!"
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Moments later, Gon, Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio returned to the surface, each holding a large Grape Spider egg.
"They made it back!" someone gasped.
But not everyone was so lucky. Of those who jumped, nearly a third were lost to the canyon—whether from missing the updraft or landing badly. Some were pulled into the spider's web, others were knocked unconscious mid-descent.
Only those with quick reflexes and strong instincts survived.
Lan Fei watched quietly, thinking, So this is the true cruelty of the Hunter Exam. The weak are weeded out not by force, but by fear and failure.