AN: not really sure if I constructed this arc that well in general, instead of trying to create a new framework while incorporating elements of the original I tried to insert my character directly into the original zevil island arc, and it's made writing these chapters awful. I picked a random mob examinee from the manga and made him the target and made said mob's original hunter into the person who would hunt Magenta. The only problem was that the hunter of 89 was one of the Amori brothers who essentially got eliminated by Killua… I had some rough drafts of a confrontation between them and Magenta but I didn't like any of them so I scrapped them all. Instead, I'm just going to try and finish this arc and try to do better with writing fight scenes in the end tournament and better with world-building with post-exam chapters… I'm sorry that the quality of this fic is not that great but it's been a learning experience and I will try to get better with time.
'Hmm I feel awful currently… digging a grave after pulling an all-nighter is not the most logical of choices but it felt like the right thing to do at the time.' using two sticks like tongs I took my cup of boiling water off a small fire completing my preparations for breakfast.
"Wow. boiled water and assorted nuts for a meal… god I cannot wait for this thing to be over." eating my tasteless meal in silence I ruminate over my time on the island and the Hunters Exam as a whole.
'I mean I touched up on my wilderness survival skills a bit but besides some of the skills, I received on transmigration or some old skills from my previous life. The only breakthroughs I have made were in my rudimentary stealth skills, navigating stressful situations, and killing someone… *sigh* anyways, over the course of this exam I have begun to find my limits both physically and mentally but I haven't really pushed myself all that much in most aspects. I guess I have been too focused on either the present or the far future, in turn, I have been worrying about surviving and fearing the future that I have not done much. And while nen would be a great tool to have currently there is no feasible way to complete the exams while learning nen. Plus I would rather learn slowly and build a solid foundation than rush things and get myself injured.' deciding to retire to my spot up in my watchtower I closed my eyes to focus on my other senses
'While I believe learning nen might not be feasible meditating, reflecting on my past actions, or further pushing my five senses are all great ways to start at least… and it gives me something to do while waiting for either my hunter to show up or for the boat pickup in two days.' from then on for the rest of the day I began to recoup and "train" as the mental disturbance of my first kill wasn't really allowing me to go to sleep. If I wanted to fall asleep I would probably have to pass out from exhaustion but that would be dangerous on the island so I would try to either get some light rest or stay up and crash when we get back to the boat.
{scene change}
"So what should we do?" looking over to his friends / temporary allies Leorio asks about possible steps forward. This was due to them being at a bit of a roadblock, his target was tracked back to a secluded cave on the island that would be easily trapped and defended. And while a preliminary test of checking for traps by poking and prodding by tossing rocks or poking the mouth of the cave with a long stick.
"While you didn't find any traps doesn't mean that there aren't any or the person inside isn't dangerous. It's best that we be very careful when trying to storm the cave and make sure to not lower our guard." while Kurapika's suggestion was sound Leorio being himself decided upon another route of proceeding
"I'll go by myself, I would rather not have you two hurt because of me. If things are safe for you guys I will call for you ok?" standing up from behind the bush he was using as cover Leorio began to stride towards the mouth of the cave.
"I refuse. Though as a compromise we will wait thirty minutes before following in after you if we do not hear anything…" quickly retorting Leorio's idea of going solo Kurapika began making plans for how the whole operation would be commenced.
"Hah!? I refuse! You guys just go wait by the boat and finish up the exam without me if I don't come back!" surprised by his friend's quick refusal to go along with his Plan Leorio attempted to dissuade them.
"Not possible" unfortunately his attempts were in vain as Kurapika doubled down again and refused to leave.
"Sorry Leorio san but we aren't leaving you here." and a subsequent refusal from Gon further shattered Leorio's argument
*sigh* "Okay, fine. I will go into the cave and all that jazz, you guys will wait out here while I bravely charge into the cave and retrieve my targets badge!" pumping himself up he walks up to the mouth of the cave with a smirk on his face before turning around to wave goodbye to his friends
"..." unfortunately Kurapika and Gon gave him a disappointed look as they stared him down
"Sure, because traipsing into a cave and beating up a young woman and taking her badge is the definition of a brave and noble person Leorio." with a smirk on his face Kurapika chided him which didn't hurt nearly as much as the disappointing nod Gon gave him after Kurapika finished speaking.
"! Oi wait a minute! Since when did I say anything about noble?!" Recoiling in surprise Leorio tried to defend himself, though the manner in which he did so was less than stellar
"That's what you are concerned about?" with a slight smile on his face Kurapika waves to Leorio as the latter turns around to enter the cave
"Tch!" quickening his pace Leorio walks into the cave and disappears from Kurapika and Gon's sight
"I hope he is okay in there…" with a serious expression on his face Gon stares at the mouth of the cave waiting for any sign of his friend being okay
"He should be fine but just in case something goes wrong we need to be rea-" before Kurapika could finish reassuring Gon he was interrupted
"Kurapika! Gon! Do not come in here! There are dangerous snakes! Aaagh!" hearing the hurt cry from their friend Gon and Kurapika looked at each other before nodding and sprinting into the mouth of the cave in hopes of aiding their close friend.