Chapter 20: The Magic Trick Exposed
Beans began distributing number tags to Gon's group, the last batch of examinees.
Leorio: 404. Kurapika: 405. Gon: 406. This meant a total of 406 candidates had successfully reached the Hunter Exam venue this year.
Seeing fresh prey arrive, Tonpa immediately approached them again, pretending to care for the newcomers by explaining the situation while actually trying to lower their guard—all to trick them into drinking his specially prepared, extra-laxative-laced juice.
Mord withdrew his gaze after a brief look.
Though these three protagonists weren't weak, they weren't Mord's primary concern.
That silver-haired, spiky-haired boy weaving through the crowd on a skateboard, dressed in casual clothes and shorts—his current strength far surpassed these three.
If not for those freaks' interference, this second-generation assassin from the legendary Zoldyck family, Killua Zoldyck, would undoubtedly be the strongest combatant present.
Of course, that was assuming those freaks weren't around.
Even amidst so many people.
Mord's eyes immediately found that flamboyant man with teardrop and star makeup—the pervert jokingly called "Apple Orchard Owner" by fans—the magician, Hisoka.
Perhaps like attracts like.
"WAAAAAH!"
A bloodcurdling scream suddenly echoed through the underground tunnel.
A burly man knelt on the ground, staring in horror at his missing hands, shrieking: "My... my hands!"
Hisoka stood before him, palms spread, chuckling lightly: "My oh my, how mysterious!"
"Your hands turned into petals and vanished—no tricks or mechanisms here~"
"You should be more careful~ Always apologize when you bump into people~"
The venue fell deathly silent, all eyes fixed on Hisoka, who basked in the attention.
Most of the people present had clearly witnessed the scene just now—they saw with their own eyes how the man who accidentally bumped into Hisoka had his hands turn into petals and vanish before them.
Those standing nearby instinctively stepped back, their eyes filled with shock and fear.
Dangerous!
That was everyone's assessment of Hisoka.
Even though it had happened right before their eyes, they couldn't comprehend how Hisoka had done it.
This fear of the unknown was what truly terrified them.
The veterans who had participated in the Hunter Exam last year all thought, "That dangerous madman is back again," silently resolving to stay far away if they encountered him later. They had already witnessed Hisoka's terror last year.
Originally, Hisoka could have obtained his Hunter license last year—given his strength, unless he himself didn't want it. But last year, this exact situation had occurred.
At the final stage of the exam, he severely injured one of the examiners, leading to his disqualification.
And the reason? Simply because he didn't like the look of the man.
Since Mord had been observing Hisoka from the start, he was one of the few who saw the entire process and could see through Hisoka's trick.
So while everyone's attention was fixed on Hisoka and the man kneeling on the ground with severed hands, Mord lifted his gaze.
The magic trick wasn't complicated—it relied solely on speed.
Hisoka had used playing cards to swiftly slice off the man's hands, then used his Nen ability, Bungee Gum, to quickly send the severed arms to the top of the tunnel, where they stuck firmly thanks to his gum-like Nen.
The wounds were also sealed with Nen, preventing any blood from dripping.
As for the petals? Just a common magician's distraction—even a third-rate magician could pull it off.
Hisoka turned his head, his gaze meeting Mord's, and flashed his signature smile.
Ring ring ring ring ring ring ring ring ring...
At that moment, a series of alarm-like cries rang out.
A man dressed as a bartender emerged from the darkness, holding a strange creature in his hand—the source of the earlier noise.
"Thank you for your patience."
"The registration period for the Hunter Exam is now closed. The exam will officially begin."
"Let me make this clear: the Hunter Exam is extremely rigorous. If you're unlucky or lack the necessary skills, you may suffer injuries—or even death."
"Incidents like the earlier clashes among examinees, which could leave some unable to recover, are not uncommon."
"Those who wish to withdraw may leave now."
Satotz scanned the crowd. After a moment of silence, no one spoke.
Having come this far, no one would back out so easily.
"Understood. A total of 404 examinees will participate in this test."
"Good. Those unafraid of death, follow me."
Satotz nodded and turned to walk forward.
Tap! Tap! Tap! Tap!
He swung his arms widely, striding ahead with each step covering an impressive distance.
Uncertain of the situation, the crowd immediately followed.
Mord lingered at the rear of the group. He glanced up one last time before turning to follow. The pair of arms clinging to the tunnel ceiling fell with a thud.
They hit the ground, splattering crimson blood like a flower blooming in the darkness.
With the echoing sounds of running filling the underground tunnel, no one noticed.
Besides, to them, it wasn't worth noticing.
Only the armless examinee remained, kneeling alone, watching helplessly as everyone else rushed toward the light, leaving him to be swallowed by the dark.
...
Mord quickly caught up to the tail end of the group.
"Hey! What's going on? Why is everyone suddenly in such a hurry..." Leorio looked around, confusion written all over his face.
Kurapika nodded and said, "The pace is indeed getting faster."
"The people at the front have started running," Mord chimed in as he joined them.
"Oh, so that's why everyone's speeding up," Leorio realized.
Meanwhile, at the front of the group...
Maintaining his rapid pace, Satotz spoke, "I haven't introduced myself yet. I am Satotz, the examiner for the first phase of the Hunter Exam. I will lead you all to the venue for the second phase."
"???"
"The second phase?"
Bewilderment spread across the examinees' faces.
The bald ninja couldn't help but ask, "The second phase? Then what about the first phase, Examiner?"
"It has already begun," Satotz replied without turning around, his voice carrying from ahead. "From this moment onward, those who can follow me and successfully reach the second phase's location will pass the first phase."
"I will not disclose the location or arrival time of the second phase... So all you can do is keep up with me."