Ignoring the varied expressions of anxiety or confidence on the candidates' faces, Morin smiled slightly before adopting a more serious demeanor:
"Now, I will announce the topic for the first round of testing.
"This round of testing consists of two parts: a primary and a secondary component.
"Only after successfully passing both components can you proceed to the next round."
As Morin laid out the rules, the other candidates listened intently.
"First, the first part of the test... have any of you ever played the game 'One, Two, Three, Wood Person'?"
"Wood Person??" (I think it's squid game reference)
Some candidates had question marks floating above their heads, while others seemed to be deep in thought.
"The so-called Wood Person game is a group game we played as children."
From within the crowd, the bee girl Ponzu tried to recall:
"The gameplay is simple. One person faces a wall or something similar, with their back to one or more people at a distance. The others move towards the person when their back is turned.
"Whenever the person counts 'One, Two, Three, Wood Person,' they immediately turn around. Anyone caught moving is eliminated.
"During the counting, those behind take the opportunity to advance. The goal is to cross the line behind the back of the counter while they are counting. Those who succeed are considered to have passed."
Pensé explained the childhood game as she remembered it.
"Exactly, that's it."
Morin cast an approving glance at her, "You've saved me the trouble of explaining."
Upon hearing the praise, Pensé playfully touched her head and stuck out her tongue, hoping to leave a good impression on Morin. Perhaps this would give her a slight advantage in passing the test.
"I suppose you've guessed it. Since I've mentioned this game, naturally, the first part of the test is related to it."
As Morin spoke, his aura fluctuated around him. Simultaneously, a circle formed from his aura instantly covered the area.
"Is that 'En'?!"
Killua, of course, could sense the use of this Nen technique. The other candidates, however, were baffled, only feeling a sudden chill.
"Though the test is called 'Wood Person,' the rules differ somewhat from the classic game."
In fact, the differences were substantial!
A mysterious smile appeared on Morin's face.
"For the first part of the test, the rules I've set are a bit more straightforward and direct than the Wood Person game."
With a snap of his fingers, a lounge chair appeared out of thin air. He casually reclined on it.
Amidst the astonished gazes of the candidates, Morin leisurely continued:
"The rules for this part of the test are simple. Once I say 'start,' all of you must keep moving without a moment's pause."
"Whether it's marching in place, waving your arms, doing push-ups, running, sit-ups—whatever you choose, it doesn't matter, as long as you don't stay still."
"As long as I don't say 'stop,' you must keep moving. Anyone who stops will be eliminated."
"And once I say 'stop,' no matter what you're doing, you must freeze immediately, without the slightest movement."
"Anyone who moves after I say 'stop' will also be eliminated."
"Until I say 'move' again, you must remain still."
"I will continuously alternate between 'move' and 'stop' commands."
"Your task is to follow my instructions precisely."
"Of course, considering the Wood Person game, I might say 'stop' more frequently.
"And during 'move,' I won't interfere with what you do, as long as you keep moving."
Upon hearing this, Killua's eyes lit up, a slight smile forming at his lips. This seemed manageable.
The other candidates, hearing Morin's words, also became alert, clearly sensing the underlying challenge.
"When the number of candidates is reduced to about three hundred, the first part of the test will conclude."
"Does everyone understand?"
The candidates all instinctively nodded.
"Then I announce, the test officially begins..."
Seeing the group of candidates with their somewhat confused expressions, Morin's lips curled into a smile.
"Everyone, start moving!!"
With Morin's command, the candidates began moving chaotically. The once quiet underground warehouse became as noisy as a bustling marketplace.
If not for the large space available, it would have been difficult for so many candidates to move freely.
"A 'move-stop' version of the Wood Person game? Quite an interesting test."
Behind the iron door, Netero listened to the commotion outside, stroking his beard and smiling.
"The 'move' part likely tests the candidates' stamina, endurance, and ability to manage their actions, since they don't know when 'stop' will be called. They must keep moving until then."
"Naturally, this requires sufficient stamina and a well-planned approach to their actions, ensuring they don't exhaust themselves and get eliminated early due to lack of energy."
---
"And as for 'stop,' it should test coordination and willpower."
"When instructed to stop, you must remain completely still. This requires examining what actions the candidates were performing before the 'stop' command and how best to maintain their stillness."
"If the actions are complex, difficult, and physically demanding, and if 'move' isn't called for a while, it undoubtedly tests the candidates' willpower to persist."
"Additionally, candidates must constantly be aware of the switch between 'move' and 'stop,' enhancing their attention and physical response capabilities..."
"Just the first part of the test alone can assess so many aspects at once. It's quite impressive," Netero praised as he stroked his beard.
"Stamina, endurance, behavior management, coordination, willpower, and reaction abilities are all foundational qualities of an excellent Hunter."
"This single test topic almost thoroughly evaluates the candidates' physical conditions, and the rules are quite simple. It's a well-crafted test."
"And what's even more remarkable is that, on top of the 'move' aspect, an unregulated condition is added, making the test more enigmatic and not avoiding the potential dangers of the 'move-stop' transitions."
Netero, wise and experienced, immediately appreciated Morin's rules and was quite satisfied.
It seems he hadn't misjudged Morin. The test was well-designed and perfectly aligned with the requirements and rules of the Hunter Exam.
Should he consider inviting Morin to be the main examiner for the Hunter Exam next time?
That would save him the headache of selecting examiners each year.
If necessary, he could even involve Morin's entire lineage.
Biscuit Krueger, Morin, Kastro, and Wing—just right for the job.
Biscuit Krueger had been yearning to be a main examiner again, satisfying her request in the process.
As this thought crossed Netero's mind, outside the door, Morin reclined comfortably on his chair, observing the candidates employing various unusual tactics and measures.
He didn't even blink, instead marveling at the candidates' methods.
Some were shadowboxing, some shaking their legs, others waving their hands, and even some raising their eyebrows and flicking their hair.
There were those rubbing their eyes, digging their ears, picking their noses, licking their lips, and more.
Some even lay flat on the ground, only moving their fingers.
A myriad of methods, each different from the last.
They might have guessed the intent of the test, trying to avoid strenuous activities to conserve energy.
Of course, some were either overconfident or genuinely trusted their stamina, doing sit-ups or push-ups.
"It seems there's a bit of cleverness here," Morin noted, nodding in approval as many candidates conserved their energy.
"But unfortunately, you've overlooked an anomaly among you."
Morin chuckled, then noticed a swift silver-white figure darting through the crowd.
"Bang!" "Bang!"
One after another, candidates fell, and Morin promptly announced their elimination numbers:
"Number 25, 739, 11, 93... eliminated!"
Morin accurately reported the numbers of those knocked out by Killua.
Since they were required to move, being knocked out and lying motionless naturally disqualified them.
"Number 71, 347, 119..."
The number of eliminated candidates continued to rise, and the others quickly realized something was amiss.
"It's that silver-haired kid's doing!!"
The sharp-eyed Amori brothers were the first to identify the culprit.
Following them, Ponzu, Pokkle, Sommy, and Todo also caught on.
"He's knocking out the other candidates one after another..."
The veteran candidates were left in awe by Killua's display, "Is that even allowed?!"
Of course, it was. Morin had specifically emphasized that during 'move,' anything was permissible, and he wouldn't interfere with the candidates' actions. If someone capable of taking on a hundred appeared and knocked out others, it was welcomed.
"It seems the selection process is speeding up quite a bit."
Morin watched Killua's actions unfold without intervention.
The other candidates, too, were wary of Killua's moves, trying to avoid him at all costs.
Internally, they grumbled in frustration:
"Of course, he's got connections! The conditions are so advantageous for him!!"
Yet, even as they were disgruntled, they couldn't deny that the rules were fair.
Killua could knock them out, and they could, in theory, knock him out too.
But clearly, they couldn't.
Their abilities were no match for Killua's.
And evidently, strength is the most crucial factor in becoming a Hunter.
Complaining about the test's fairness just because of someone's superior strength?
What a joke! Even mentioning it would be laughable, earning scorn and disdain.
Blaming others for their own lack of strength?
What kind of reasoning is that?!