The examinees shook their heads hesitantly, though a few exchanged doubtful glances.
The name Ronnel felt familiar, like something they'd heard in passing.
Ronnel casually followed procedure, preparing to present the test he'd devised. However—
"Isn't that examiner the guy who only got his Hunter License last year?"
A voice cut through the crowd, sharp and discordant.
Immediately, a space formed around the speaker, drawing all eyes to a short, stocky man with pigtails and purple attire.
"That's the wrestler who challenged Menchi during the second phase of the exam last year. Todo, right?"
Ronnel's gaze landed on the source of the commotion.
What's his problem? Still holding a grudge because he didn't pass?
Before Ronnel could speak, Todo waved his hands defensively.
"No, no! I didn't mean anything by it…"
Todo, noticing the pointed looks from Ponzu and the others, realized he'd overstepped. As Ronnel's gaze turned toward him, panic set in.
"I was just… curious, that's all," he stammered. "I mean, can someone who just became a Hunter last year really qualify as an examiner for the next Hunter Exam?"
His tone softened, as though hoping to undo the damage. Despite his bluster, Todo wasn't a fool. His impulsiveness had cost him dearly before—like when he insulted Menchi, dismissing culinary hunting as insignificant. He hadn't made the same mistake with Ronnel, knowing firsthand the strength he'd shown during the exam.
Still, envy simmered beneath the surface. Todo had failed multiple Hunter Exams, while this man before him had not only succeeded but returned as an examiner. The stark difference stung, and the words had slipped out before he could stop them.
"Are you questioning my qualifications to be an examiner?" Ronnel's tone was calm, though his eyes glinted with quiet amusement. He could see the uncertainty in Todo's expression.
Before Ronnel could elaborate, a cheerful voice broke in from behind him.
"He's more than qualified, wouldn't you say?"
The crowd turned as one, and a collective gasp rippled through them.
"Chairman Netero?!"
The examinees stared in shock. Many of the newcomers had seen his face in magazines or on TV. Those returning for another attempt at the exam recognized him from the previous year.
Netero stroked his beard, his smile enigmatic. "I was feeling a bit bored, so I thought I'd drop by. I'm curious to see what kind of test questions you've prepared, Ronnel."
His gaze flicked briefly to Killua, who was blending into the crowd.
The Zoldyck kid is improving rapidly, Netero mused. His techniques is refined yet sharp. Wing and Bisky's guidance is evident too. But Wing doesn't have the skill to develop a student this far… Could it be…
His thoughts trailed off, though his expression betrayed nothing.
Turning back to the crowd, he addressed them with a grin.
"He's not just any Hunter, you know. He's a One-Star Ruins Hunter. For those unfamiliar, that's a rank far beyond the average licensed Hunter."
The examinees exchanged uncertain glances.
"Have you heard of the Battle Olympia tournament?" Netero asked.
Murmurs of recognition spread, and some of the examinees who'd been puzzling over Ronnel's name started to connect the dots.
"Wait… could it be…?"
Netero's grin widened as he saw realization dawn on their faces.
"That's right," he declared with a flourish. "Today's examiner for the first phase of the Hunter Exam is none other than the reigning champion of the Battle Olympia!"
The crowd erupted.
Gasps and excited whispers filled the air. The Battle Olympia champion? To them, it was as though two entirely separate worlds had collided.
"The champion of the tournament is a Hunter? And he's our examiner?!"
Amid the commotion, Ronnel shot Netero a sidelong glance. The old man's habit of stirring up drama was as effective as ever. This wasn't just about giving Ronnel credibility—it was a strategic move to boost the Hunter Association's reputation and inspire the next wave of talent.
Netero, seemingly oblivious to Ronnel's deadpan stare, coughed lightly and addressed the crowd once more.
"With Mr. Ronnel as your examiner, I trust there won't be any doubts about the fairness or difficulty of this test?"
The examinees nodded fervently, too awed to disagree.
"Excellent," Netero said, clasping his hands behind his back. "I'll leave you to it, then. Good luck!"
With that, he disappeared behind a set of doors, the sound of his clogs echoing faintly.
Ronnel sighed, shaking his head.
"That old man never changes…"
But as he turned back to the crowd, he couldn't help but feel a small spark of pride. After all, it wasn't every day someone got a personal endorsement from Isaac Netero himself.
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