"Has the Intruder still not arrived?"
"Did I guess wrong?"
For a mont, while the last few examinees drifted into the hall, Xiang Nan pondered in silence.
"Or maybe the arrival's timing and location aren't the sa as in the King of Fighters world?"
In fact, Xiang Nan was hoping a Intruder would appear in Zaban City right away.
After all, this was the venue for the Hunter Exam: besides Hunter Association staff, there were Nen powerhouses such as Hisoka and Illumi—and a large concentration of players. Beishi team stationed in the city as well, he felt they could handle almost any ergency.
But once the exam began, the Association staff and the players would all march off to the Milsy Wetlands, leaving Zaban City behind. If an Intruder showed up then, Xiang Nan would have no one close enough to help; Beishi's three‑man squad might not be able to hold the line alone.
Once the Hunter Exam starts, there's no reason to halt it, and neither players nor examinees can simply withdraw.
Just as that thought crossed his mind, the elevator doors at the entrance slid open again. Gon led a large swarm of people inside—the players from Whale Island—pouring in like a tide.
It looked as if even more had gathered than when they reached Dolle Harbor…
"Finally—they're here."
Xiang Nan relaxed. He wasn't overly worried about Gon's safety, but an accident would be troubleso.
The mont Gon appeared, a ripple went through the other candidates.
The ones who didn't avert their eyes quickly were almost all players, their gazes sparkling.
True, the other protagonist, Killua, had arrived earlier, but Illumi's presence—and Killua's own aloof deanor—kept most people from approaching him. The atmosphere was tense. Gon, by contrast, looked like an easy‑going kid, and as soon as he walked in a group of players couldn't resist flocking over.
In no ti, he was surrounded three and four deep, everyone introducing themselves.
The spectacle naturally drew more attention. Many wondered who this "Gon" was; he seed rather "famous." Gon, Leorio and Kurapika all looked a bit baffled.
The trio's sudden popularity made them visibly uncomfortable. Even Tonpa, itching to get close, couldn't squeeze through the crowd.
Xiang Nan's gaze slid past the mob to the white‑haired boy holding a skateboard—Killua, face cool and a little cocky. Compared with Gon, Killua actually interested him more.
Killua was also peeking at the ring of people around Gon. They were about the sa age, and Gon's popularity naturally piqued his curiosity.
"Hmm?"
Sensing soone watching him, Killua turned and finally locked eyes with Xiang Nan.
Xiang Nan smiled and waved.
As expected of the most gifted son the Zoldyck family has ever produced—keen instincts.
But Killua's eyes suddenly went cold. He gave Xiang Nan a frosty look, tugged up the collar of his undershirt to half‑cover his face and muttered, "Weirdo." To underscore the warning, he even released a faint killing intent, then huffed, vanished with nimble footwork, and hid himself.
…
Xiang Nan rubbed his nose, amused.
Killua clearly doesn't like … first impressions aren't great, it seems.
"Uncle!"
Unable to endure the players' chatter any longer, Gon scanned the room, spotted Xiang Nan and brightened instantly. Seizing the excuse, he strode over, delighted.
"Everything go smoothly?" Xiang Nan asked.
"Pretty smooth… except…"
Gon stuck out his tongue, embarrassed—obviously referring to the pack of players on his heels.
"Looks like everybody likes you," Xiang Nan teased.
"Maybe, but it still feels… weird," Gon grumbled.
He had planned to use Xiang Nan as a shield to shake off the clingy swarm, but the mont he spoke with Xiang Nan many of those trying to befriend him blanched and kept their distance. Gon finally enjoyed a bit of peace.
Kurapika and Leorio, catching on, also walked over to greet Xiang Nan—though the two of them actually didn't know him at all. Even on the ship they hadn't spoken a word; it was only after disembarking that they'd exchanged nods thanks to Gon.
Leorio, ever exuberant, pushed ManMan aside, threw an arm around Xiang Nan's shoulders and laughed as if they were old comrades.
anwhile Gon whispered in Xiang Nan's ear: "Big Bro, help out… these guys are driving crazy."
Xiang Nan chuckled. He was happy to play the shield.
"Uncle, why do they all seem scared of you?" Gon glanced around at the sideways looks and asked, puzzled.
"Are they?" Xiang Nan smiled faintly.
It wasn't him they feared—it was Hisoka. Hisoka's infamous reputation had spread among the examinees. Since Xiang Nan was on speaking terms with Hisoka, people subconsciously put them in the sa camp.
During a past exam, Hisoka had gravely injured the examiner and dozens of candidates, getting himself disqualified. That blood‑thirsty brutality naturally inspired dread.
No sooner had Xiang Nan finished speaking than a shriek rang out.
Although the players' presence had disturbed the exam hall's atmosphere, it hadn't prevented certain "plot triggers." A hapless extra bumped into Hisoka and failed to apologize; Hisoka sliced off both his hands with a playing card. The ruthless scene made everyone blanch—even Gon's trio grew solemn.
"Magician Hisoka—a highly dangerous character; keep your distance for now, but no need to panic…" A player from the Whale Island group approached, speaking cryptically. He couldn't openly tell Gon's trio that they'd have "interesting encounters" with Hisoka in the future; they'd think him strange.
It was just a small incident. Gon wanted to intervene, but Leorio pulled him back. Thanks to Xiang Nan's presence, Tonpa's usual harassnt of the trio never happened this ti, though Tonpa clearly hadn't given up—he might try sothing later.
Ti passed. At last, a clear bell rang: the first‑phase examiner had arrived.
With center‑parted purple curls, a thin curled mustache and a gentlemanly air, Satotz set down his hand‑bell. Once the examinees' gazes converged, he concisely introduced himself and—hinting broadly—warned everyone to behave, or he wouldn't hesitate to exercise his authority. The target of that warning was obvious.
He then outlined the exam rules and the first trial.
Xiang Nan paid little attention. His thoughts were still on the Reincarnation Dinsion.
"Seems my analysis was wrong. I thought the arrivals in the main world would be about the sa as in King of Fighters…"
A pity—he'd hoped to make use of the Association's manpower. Once the exam started, retreat would be impossible.
He sized up Satotz. The man didn't feel weak, but the latent threat wasn't strong either—competent, yet not a real powerhouse.
Satotz finished speaking, pulled out a pocket‑watch and was about to start timing when—
Boom!
A sudden tremor shook the underground hall; dust and pebbles drifted from the ceiling as if sothing had exploded or crashed at street level.
All the candidates jerked in shock and looked up—including Examiner Satotz.
Xiang Nan's heart leapt.
That feeling… had a Intruder arrived?!
~~~
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