Third Person POV: Killua Zoldyck

“I apologize for the wait.”

Killua watched with a bored expression, one hand in his pocket, the other holding his skateboard as the refined; Yet, eccentric-looking examiner walked at the forefront of the participants and opened a speech.

“The entry period for hunter applicants has ended.” The man announced calmly.

“The Hunter Exam will now begin!” He finished with a full sentence.

“A final caution.” Just when people were either smirking; due to their confidence or grinning; because of the excitement, the man threw a bucket of cold water:

“If you are short on luck or ability, you could very well end up seriously injured or even dead.

He paused for a second before continuing:

“Those who accept the risks, please follow me. Otherwise, please exit via the elevator behind you.”

“...”

“Very well. All 404 participants will participate in Phase One.” The man responded to the silence as he turned around and started to walk with somewhat enormous yet mechanical strides.

The participants followed in tow—no one wanting to be left behind.

“Of course, no one turned around and left. I’d hoped a few might withdraw.” Leorio said as he took a look around.

“Well, Gon already explained to us what this exam is all about before.” Kurapika grinned and replied.

“Tch! I knew I should have worn a different set of clothes for this. But still, 80 km...Are you sure about your info Gon?” Leorio snorted then asked.

As soon as the words exited his mouth, however, people at the front began to run.

“Oh shit, it really is a marathon!” Leorio exclaimed.

“Wh-What?!”

“Look, it’s true! He’s picked up the pace!”

The people around him were alerted after hearing his words. As the lot, except for a few like Tonpa, became agitated; the man talked once more:

“I neglected to introduce myself. I am Satotz, the ‘Phase One’ examiner. I shall lead you to the exam’s ‘Second Phase.’”

“Second Phase? What about Phase One?” A vigorous but bald looking young man, wearing black clothes and a red bandana, asked. He was probably thirty feet away, in a 1 O’clock direction from Killua, and one of the closest people to the examiner.

There was no need to add that everyone could hear clearly what anyone audibly said in that tunnel when the crowd remained silent. As he spoke, the people directed their gaze his way, then back to the examiner.

“It has already commenced.” The man responded.

“It’s already begun?” Most applicants asked in unison. “This is part of the test?”

“You must follow me to Phase Two. This is the Exam’s First Phase.”

“Follow you? That’s it?” The hairless guy from before demanded in surprise. His astonished tone seemed to indicate that it was easy.

“Yes. I cannot tell you where or when you must arrive. You need to follow me.” The man replied with a stark tone.

“...”

After he spoke, the people remained peaceful. Apart from the uneven sound of steps, no one voiced further concerns for several seconds.

“I didn’t lie, right?” Gon grinned as he looked at Leorio. The latter groaned in displeasure but kept to himself. It was Kurapika who broke the silence among the Quatuor:

“It’s okay. At least we know how far we have to run compared to other participants. Thank you, Gon.”

“It’s nothing.” The boy held his head, blushed, and replied.

“Fine by me!” Leorio grit his teeth and said manly.

“Hmm...You’ve got guts, old man. I can’t say I hate that.” Killua commended relaxedly, his white bangs softly moving along the small breeze he and the others produced.

“The next time you call me an old man, I’m going to…” Leorio turned his head right and retorted. But as he noticed what object the boy was using, he dismissed the rest of his words and furiously yelled:

“Brat!”

“Hmm?” The white-haired boy looked at him in confusion.

“You should show the Hunter Exam some respect!” Leorio fulminated.

“What do you mean?” The boy asked. He was skating in a very forward line. The underground bumps and the clustered participants didn’t seem to impede his motion.

“Why are you using a skateboard?!” Leorio pointed under his feet and denounced:

“That’s cheating!”

“Why?” Killua looked at this toy and asked.

“Why…” Leorio was flabbergasted. He clutched his fist and spoke again:

“This is an endurance test!”

“No, it isn’t.” Gon, who was just behind the two of them, intervened.

“Well, technically, you only have to follow the examiner.” He added.

“You…” Leorio was about to explode this time. His face was contorted due to the frustration “You’re the one who told us it’s a marathon! Whose side are you on, eh?!”

“Killua, obviously!” Gon teased him. He extended his tongue out as he said.

“You!”

“Hmph!” Killua blushed but snorted. Gon was being a bit corny even if it made him happy…

“Haha, I’m just joking.” Gon continued. When he wanted to explain his logic, Kurapika pitched in:

“Gon is right.”

“Kurapika, you traitor!” The man in shades fumed.

“Technically, the examiner never told us to run.” He ignored Leorio’s tantrum and continued:

“Killua using a skateboard isn’t against the rules.” He finished and added.

“...” Leorio was about to refute. But after the blonde youth’s last words, he seemed to have gained enlightenment. He forgot his frustration for a moment and smiled before taunting:

“Only kids would use underhanded methods like this. I guess you’re still a brat after all….” He said with maniacal laughter.

“Idiot.” Killua sighed and retorted. As he did so, he jumped off the skateboard and put it under his shoulders. Before Leorio could get enraged, he followed with a challenge:

“Old man, how about a bet?”

“Why not, think I’m scared?!” Leorio riposted.

“The loser of this bet has to call the other by their names...” Killua beamed maliciously and told. He was running very comfortably, both hands in his pockets, eyes closed.

“I like this!” Gon added fuel to the flames.

“...” Kurapika stayed silent but smiled as he knew where things were going.

“You chicken or what, old man?”

…………………...