Chapter 20 – Osren's Training
With the power of the Face-Fruit helping him control his body, Osren found his mind significantly more at ease. He could even think about other things while running.
The world of Hunter x Hunter wasn't like others. Here, avoiding trouble didn't guarantee survival. Just look at Hisoka, the clownish guardian of the orchard—dangerous beyond reason. And those from Meteor City? They didn't need a reason to kill. In simple terms, even if you don't seek death, death might still come for you in this world.
That's why Osren decided to turn the Face-Fruit's abilities inward—to use it on himself and carefully craft a training plan to push his physical limits and grow stronger.
He thought of other transmigrators who were gifted with cheat-like powers for cultivation. Meanwhile, he had to grind step by step. But after reconsidering, he realized that having the Face-Fruit as a Nen ability was already a tremendous advantage. More importantly, the strength he carved out himself felt more reliable and easier to wield.
He didn't expect to reach the level of someone like Saitama from One Punch Man, but he did want to at least be strong enough to defend himself.
Another half-hour passed.
By Osren's estimation, based on the original story's pacing, they should be getting close to their destination. He had never run for this long in his entire life. Every step now felt like having needles jab into his calves and thighs.
"Huff... huff... huff..."
His breathing was no better. His chest felt like it was being crushed by some invisible force—it was clear he was reaching his limit. Of course, he remained cautious not to overdo it. After all, it'd be tragically ironic to transmigrate into this world only to die of exhaustion while rushing to the Hunter Exam.
Anyone with working eyes could see Osren was nearly done for. Saying he could hold on for three more minutes would've been generous.
Yet over forty minutes had passed… and he was still trudging forward.
Kurapika, who had been quietly observing him, grew increasingly puzzled.
"Irregular breathing. Chest heaving violently. Leg muscles strained tight. Entire outfit soaked in sweat."
"Even the veins on his neck and temples are bulging."
"This is clearly the limit."
"Can a person's willpower really push them this far?"
Kurapika had always admired Osren's mysterious background and his peculiar ability, but now, there was something more in his gaze—a deep respect.
Gon, meanwhile, kept glancing back every few steps to check on Osren's condition.
"Tap, tap, tap—"
Their footsteps echoed on the long road ahead…
The sound of footsteps—some light, some heavy—echoed through the empty, dark passage like a rhythmic drumbeat. It lent a kind of musicality to the silence, making the journey feel a little less lonely.
Time ticked by, second by second. Although Osren was panting like a bull and looked exhausted, his steps remained steady and unwavering. Each stride was firm, unaffected by his labored breathing.
Even though he couldn't feel it clearly now, Osren knew that his physical limits had improved significantly during this period.
At first, Leorio had wanted to help him out, but in the end, the one who seemed about to collapse—Osren—kept pressing forward, while Leorio himself hit his limit. His breathing became ragged, his once sharp appearance now replaced by a disheveled mess, all elegance gone.
Dragging his suitcase limply, he lagged behind the group, gasping louder and louder like he could barely hold on.
"Why haven't we reached the exit yet? They said it'd be two hours on foot, but that was ages ago! I'm not some monster like Osren who can just keep going nonstop. I'm exhausted and starving!" Leorio dropped his suitcase and squatted on the ground, too tired to take another step.
After pushing himself for another ten minutes, Leorio finally gave in. His stamina had long been drained (probably due to his own laziness), and he simply couldn't go on.
Even rage requires energy, after all.
"Leorio's endurance is better than mine was at first, but it's still a major weakness. I'll try to help him out during the first phase of the Hunter Exam if I get the chance," thought Osren, who looked dead on his feet but was still thinking about helping others. A true good guy—Osren lived up to the reputation.
"We're not waiting for you. The exit's just up ahead," Osren called to Leorio as he motioned for Gon and Kurapika to keep moving.
In the pitch-black tunnel, a faint light appeared in the distance. The closer they got, the brighter it became—a clear sign they were nearing the exit.
Hope has a way of rekindling motivation.
"You should've said that earlier—here I come!" With a sudden burst of energy, Leorio sprang up like a carp leaping from water, grabbed his suitcase, and dashed toward the light.
Instant full recovery. Like magic.
In a few strides, he caught up with Osren and the others, and the group raced toward the exit together. At last, their long trek through the tunnel came to an end.
"His steps started off uneven, and by all logic, should've gotten worse as they grew tired. But instead, they became smoother, more consistent. By the end, his pace hardly changed at all."
"To maintain such composure and bodily control under extreme fatigue..."
"Osren's willpower and calm—those are things I must learn for my revenge," Kurapika thought to himself.
Splash, splash.
A gentle night breeze stirred the surface of the lake, creating ripples that shimmered under the moonlight. The sound of flowing water rang crisp and clear in the quiet night.
Stars blanketed the sky and reflected off the rippling lake, their twinkling light creating a breathtaking scene.
As Osren and the others stepped out of the tunnel, this serene view greeted them.
"There's a lake behind the cave?" Leorio exclaimed in awe.
He had been the last one in the group, but the moment he heard they were near the exit, it was like Popeye after a can of spinach—he surged past the others and was the first to break free of the dark passage.
But to someone like Leorio, the moonlit lake, the starlit sky, and the tranquil waters were completely wasted.
"Where is everyone? Where's Satotz? Where are the tour guides? And damn, I'm starving!" Seeing the place empty drained him of all energy, and he collapsed onto the ground, not wanting to move an inch.
"Since Leorio's this hungry, let's take a ten-minute break to rest and refuel before we move on."
Kurapika frowned. "Osren, don't spoil him."
"It's fine. I'm hungry too. There are more trials ahead, and we'll need our strength. Gon, bring out some food," said Osren, sitting down on the grass.
Leorio, meanwhile, slumped to the ground with no regard for appearances.
Osren knew that ahead of them lay a dangerous lake crossing—and a tricky encounter with the trickster foxes. They were already worn out and weary. Better to fill their stomachs and restore their energy now. Besides, they'd arrived more than a day ahead of schedule by boat—plenty of time to prepare for what came next.
"Okay!" Gon obediently opened his large pack and pulled out a red oil-paper-wrapped bundle, which he handed to Osren.
Osren opened the bundle and revealed a dozen or so fist-sized, white rice balls. He placed them gently on the grass and invited the others to eat.
These rice balls had been prepared ahead of time by Aunt Mito for the journey. In a tough world like this, it was only wise to stock up on anything that could give you an edge. You never knew when you'd need it.
Especially for guys like Leorio and Kurapika—better to earn as much "face" as possible during the Hunter Exam.