NOVEL NEXT Chapter 17: Chapter 17: Phase 4
Date: January 11th, 2011
The time passed and nothing eventful happened. Apart from several applicants arriving at the tower base, little activity occurred. Waiting for the remaining 15 hours, I focused on my specialty: preparing for the upcoming hunt.
Sitting next to Nicholas, I reviewed Nicholas recollected data on the applicants, like Geretta, who results to be married and work as a huntsman in the Begerossé Union, or Kenmi, who is the son of a monk of a temple in Harza, a small town in the Kakin Empire. I also made sure to check the badge numbers of all the third phase examinees. I had most of them written down, but I was missing a few that were not very relevant to the canon.
Once that was settled, I spent the remaining hours doing physical training with Nicholas. I would have preferred Nen training, but I couldn't concentrate because of the predator gaze of Hisoka creeping over my skin like a thousand ants. 'Agh. Such a disgusting feeling.' I thought creepied out, trying to ignore him as I made push ups.
Soon, some of the martial artist applicants who were waiting eating snacks or sleeping started training too, motivated to prove their physical abilities by some sort of rivalry they had developed against me. Hell, even Hanzo started working out too. Seeing this motivated me too.
Just as the notification sounds, one last applicant enters the chamber. However, he isn't the same one I knew from the canon adaptations. Even though it was a very specific and distant moment in history, I can tell that the newcomer's appearance is different from that of the bloody and tattered canon one.
He is a man about my height with a goatee. He wears an orange coat with long black sleeves, grey trousers, black shoes and a yellow woollen cap. He looks just like a mountaineer.
"Phew, I got it for very little." The man named Jack says giving a relaxed sigh.
Shaking my head to clear off my confusion for the unexpected candidate, I stop my training and prepare myself to welcome the main cast in the chamber.
Another notification sounds for the last minute, and another door slides up.
The three of them emerge from the passageway all beat up and dirty, and Gon's face lits up as he spots me.
"Kai! " Gon yells while raising his hand and waving as I approach them.
Hisoka also eyes the three of them as they emerge from the passageway. 'Only
three of them?' He thinks.
"Gon, Killua, I'm glad you're here. How did it go?" I ask with a smile, already knowing the answer.
"It was very exciting, although we made it by a whisker!" Gon answers with his characteristic childlike wonder.
"It certainly wasn't that bad." Killua adds with his usual confident attitude.
"Maybe for you." Leorio says arriving behind the group for the cramped passageway with Tonpa at the last 30 seconds, bickering with Tonpa to get through the door first.
'It's more fun seeing it in person.' I think while letting out a giggle.
Before the announcement marking the end of the third phase, the group tell me about how Gon idea allowed them to pass the challenge together, comparing their blistered hands with my bandaged hands. Shortly after, the room erupts with a loud buzz.
One by one, each of the 28 applicants who passed the third phase of the Hunter Exam exit through that door, being greeted by the warm sunlight. Accompanied by Nicholas, I take a deep breath, craving the fresh air after being stuck in this tower prison for 72 hours.
As all the applicants step out of the trick tower, they are greeted by a short man with a Mohawk and glasses.
"Congratulations to all of you for escaping the Trick Tower. As some of you already know, I am Lippo, a Blacklist Hunter and the third phase head examiner. All that remains now are the fourth phase and the final phase."
"The fourth phase will soon take place," Lippo then points to an island behind him "right over there on Zevil Island. Now let's proceed." Lippo then clicks his fingers in the air, signalling the other examiner, Andy, to come over bringing a cart wit a box on it.
Whispers then erupt from the remaining applicants, but quiet down soon.
Lippo continues. "To begin with, I will need each of you to draw lots now."
Another wave of murmurs and whispers erupt, and a question is asked by Pokkle. "Draw lots for what? What will that decide?"
"Hmph, who you will hunt and who will hunt you." Lippo answers. "In this box are exactly 28 numbered cards, which means that one of the number cards will correspond with your badge. Now each of you will draw a card in the order you exited the tower. Alright, which of you will be first?" Lippo announces.
Hisoka walks up to the box and takes a card, then walks back. After several examineees, when it's my turn I walk to the box and nervously grab a card, then I walk back.
After Tonpa, the last applicant, draws his card Lippo begins to speak again. "Has everyone drawn?
Very well. Now if you would please, go ahead and remove the sticker."
I then peel the sticker off my card along with everyone else, worried about whether the allocations have changed with respect to the canon. Opening my eyes, I see the number 362. From Nicholas laptop, I recognise number #362 as Kenmi, a tertiary character who wasn't involved nor was the objective of anyone in the canon.
'It's still early to draw conclusions.' I think, turning my head to look at Nicholas beside me.
"The number you see is your target." Lippo continues to speak after everyone looked at the number they drew.
A lot of people then cover their badges so others couldn't see.
'I had wanted to hide it at the beginning of the exam, but I was instructed to wear it at all times, and I didn't want to get kicked out for not obeying. Plus, they might know my number from the arrival announcement at the base of the tower.' I think as I and Nicholas hid our badges.
Lippo then continues talking. "This box has recorded the number that each of you drew, and each card was tallied and then stored in memory, so if you like you are free to dispose of the cards. It makes no difference at this point. Your objective is to steal the badge whose ID is specified in your card."
"Ah good, so we don't have to kill each other then?" Imori from the Amori brothers ask.
"The method is up to you. Procure the badge however you see fit. But if you kill your target you can take their badge more easily." Lippo replies, prompting the other two brothers to show their difference in personality
"Listen carefully, collecting the badge of your specified target will earn you three points, understand? Your own badge is also worth three points, and all the other badges are worth one point."
"In order to move on to the final phase, you will have to collect 6 points, so during your time on Zevil island gather enough badges to accrue 6 points or you'll fail the exam. Only those who do will clear the fourth phase of the Hunter Exam." Lippo says while lifting up six fingers.
"So there's not gonna be much of a break before we get to the next phase, huh?" Leorio can't help but exclaim.
Then everyone is instructed to get onto a boat near the shore to head to Zevil island, and once all applicantss are on the boat, it sets sail. In the middle of the travel, a woman with short ginger hair, wearing a red pencil skirt and brown top with the hunter's logo on, starts to speak.
"I'd like to commend all of you on your work in the exam's third phase. I'll be your guide, it's nice to meet you. You can call me Khara." Khara presents herself in a cheerful and outspoken way.
"It will take two hours for this boat to reach its destination, Zevil Island. All 28 applicants who made it this far are granted an open invitation to participate in next year's exam no matter what, so even if you don't pass this year we'll hope you try again. So never say die, right? Anybody?" Khara says starting to give in to the tense atmosphere of the ship.
"You are so right! You must always keep striving to achieve your dreams!" He shouted, raising his fist, showing a lively attitude.
My act earns the unsettling sight of the rest of candidates, but manages to restore Khara's joyful smile.
"Exactly, that's what I mean. Very well, you are free to do whatever you want for the next two hours. Please enjoy the trip. Especially you, sir." Khara says winking at me before leaving, glad that someone supported her at this time.
"Boss, what was that about?" Nicholas ask confused.
"I couldn't just leave her hanging there. After all, it didn't cost me anything." I answer, inspecting the crowd.
I can feel the tension in the atmosphere, everyone weary of who is going to hunt them, avoiding all eye contact. People have taken off their badges so the others couldn't see them and would find it harder to take them.
Even I am wary of who is going to be the one hunting me. 'If it's Hisoka, he might let me go to develop more knowing of his 'different' personality, but if it's Illumi then I might have trouble. Let's just hope they don't remember my badge number and never find me.' My thoughts are then interrupted by Nicholas tugging my shirt.
"Boss, what number did you get?" Nicholas asks.
I take out my card and shows it to Nicholas, who sighs in relief. "Now that I've shown it to you, tell me, what number did you draw?"
At my question, Nicholas takes out his card, showing me the number 198. "I see. It must be a bit difficult for you considering your history with that person. Are you really ready for it?" I ask concerned by his mental wellbeing.
At my question, Nicholas looks down. "I'm scared. When I first encountered him, I felt broken, terrified of failure. Thinking about how I was bullied into almost quitting the exam is something that still haunts me. But that's why... I want to face him."
"I don't want to continue being a weak coward who gives up at the first difficulty. I want to be more like you boss, and face whatever challenges come my way without giving up or backing down. Isn't that something a real Hunter would do?" He says staring at me with pure conviction in his eyes.
"You seem to have grown a lot since I picked you up in that tunnel. But remember that words mean nothing if you don't back them up with actions. So I better see you in the final phase." I say ruffling Nicholas hair with a new gained respect for him.
"You will, boss. I'll be investigating some things until we arriveat the island, but if you need anything, just let me know." Nicholas says redirecting his focus to his laptop screen.
'In the meantime, I should try to grab all the badges that are not targeted by anyone. Thanks to Nicholas I have access to the names and numbers of each remaining examinee.' I think while taking out one of my notebooks with canon information.
'Let's see... number #89, Shishito... number #107, Jack... and the candidate I helped in Milsy Wetlands, number #76, Cherry. Seems like he made it to the fourth phase in the end. It was worth saving him.' I think while thinking in my strategy.
'Considering the future plays out like canon, then by taking Bourbon's badge, I'll be able to help Ponzu pass the exam. She has to lose her badge for Leorio to get through, but that doesn't mean I'll leave her to her fate. I know I won't be able to save everyone, but I will fight to save the characters of my favorite story.'
'I needed at least 3 extra ones, so I am certainly very fortunate that another unexpected examinee also passed the exam. It must be a butterfly effect of my involvement as an examinee. Even if things don't turn out the way I've predicted, I just have to change my objectives and adapt to the situation. With that clear, all that's left is...' I turn to look at Killua sitting next to Gon, and getting up I head to join them.
"Hey there guys, do you mind if I join you?" I casually ask aloud, getting a nod from both boys.
I sit down on the right of Gon while Killu is on the left. "How was the third phase? Was it easy?"
"It was actually quite fun, although a little tight at the end." Gon replies with a cheerful smile.
He and Killua start telling me about "The Path Of Majority"; Tonpa's quick surrender, the test of the candles, Leorio's bets... They also told me a little about the tests they had to undergo after the 50-hour isolation until reaching the bottom of the tower.
In the same way I also told them about my journey; my encounter with Ponzu, that we also had a gambling game, how I helped Nicholas to pass his game, that I had a deadly fight in which I hurt my hands, etc.
We laugh as we recount our adventure until Killua ask the question, "What numbers did you guys get?"
Gon and I say in unison, "It's a secret."
We all laugh at the situation, and once we stop, Killua says, "Don't worry, my target isn't either of your numbers."
"Mine isn't #99 or #405 either." I say.
"I don't have you as targets either." Gon replies.
We all make a promise to show our cards on the count of three. "One, two, three." We count together.
Gon pulls out 44, Killua pulls out 199, and I pull out number 362. Killua is seriously surprised by Gon's pick, but I feel relief that the timeline hasn't changed so much with me interacting with them. It seems like fate is in play at a certain level.
"Well, Gon, you're not very lucky at this, are you? Getting that crazy psychopath. It's going to be super hard." I state.
"You know he's right. That isn't a good pool at all." Killua adds.
"I know, I was thinking the same thing too. But it is what it is. Do you guys know who your numbers correlate with?" Gon ask.
"I already have an idea of who I have to hunt. And you, Killua?" I ask.
"I don't know who my target is. I should have memorized all the applicants's numbers from the beginning. When they explained the phase to us, everyone had already hidden their badges. How about you, Kai? Got any ideas about who is number #199?" Killua asks, looking at me for an answer.
"Not at the moment, but once we set foot on the island, I can ask Nicholas about the information recollected of the examinees. Then he could tell you and guide you to where your target is. Is that okay with you?" To my question, Killua cracks a big smile.
"Yes, that would be great." Killua responds very happily to my proposition.
"Very well then." I say standing up. "I've got to go back to my teammate to prepare the strategy. I'll let you guys prepare for the hunt in the island."
"Okay, Kai. Good luck on the test." Gon says, encouraging me with a cheerful attitude.
"Same here." As I say this, I start to walk away.
'I hope this kind of feeling will last long.' I think with a smile on my face looking at Killua giving his support to Gon while I go back to Nicholas.
Coincidentally Killua has the same thought as me.
Soon we arrive at the island, and after Khara places the wooden bridge to the island, she starts to speak again. "Thanks for being patient everyone. We've arrived at Zevil Island. Okay, now you will be disembarking in the order you completed the third phase from the shortest to the longest. You will go ashore one at a time with a 2 minute interval separating each of the applicants, alright?"
"Looks like we'll be here for a while." Killua adds at Khara explanation.
"You'll be on the island exactly one week, that means you only have 7 days to collect your 6
points and then return to this location. First applicant get ready to embark now!" As Khara extends his finger high in the air, Hisoka sets off to disembark on the island, walking into the forest ahead.
I spend the next few minutes watching as the rest of the examinees leave the ship. Hanzo, Cherry, Kenmi, Ponzu... everyone go for separate ways. When I and Nicholas disembark the ship, we stay close to it, waiting comfortably against a tree for Killua so we can give him the information of his target. Killua is the 25st person to exit the ship. He heads in our direction, as if a bloodhound caught a whiff of blood.
"Sorry to keep you waiting." Killua says. "So you have the information, right? Who's the guy I'm looking for? Who's 199?"
To Killua's impatient questions, Nicholas opens his laptop to show the image of applicant number #199, the oldest of the Amori brothers, Umori. Nicholas asks to work together to capture the Amori brothers, as his target is also one of the three brothers.
"Sure. You have helped me with your information, so it's only fair that I help you now as well." Killua says deciding to tag along with Nicholas .
"Thank you very much. I will do my best. How about you, boss? You wanna come?" Nicholas asks me, causing me to stand up.
"No, I can't. I have to get my other badge from number #362, the young monk-looking guy named Kenmi. I also have some business to take care of while I'm on this island. But once you guys are finished and I'm done with my tasks, we'll rendezvous back around here, at the starting point. Does that seem okay to you?" I ask, getting a nod from both of them.
"Alright. Make sure no one tracks you, and happy hunting." I say walking away and waving goodbye.
Nicholas and Killua nod to each other and head off into the forest for a different path, ready for the hunt.