The first phase of mountain climbing test has just begun—
Moses and Menchi's swift ascent along the steep slope and cliff presented a breathtaking sight to many examinees.
"So fast…!!"
The examinees running ahead hadn't even stepped onto the hillside yet, so they could only watch Moses and Menchi leave them far behind.
For a moment, the hearts of many examinees trembled, and their faces showed expressions of disbelief.
This is all because Moses and Menchi's climbing method, which seemed as effortless as walking on flat ground, appeared unbelievably exaggerated to them.
Not only was their speed extremely fast, but it also seemed like a snake winding its way forward on flat ground, with their body movements revealing an indescribable sense of beauty.
'Six hours?'
'No.'
'With that kind of climbing method and speed, I'm afraid they could probably reach the peak within an hour.'
'How terrifying!'
The examinees running ahead regarded Moses and Menchi as their strongest competitors at this moment, and their eyes are filled with apprehension.
"What the hell!"
At this moment, what Tonpa felt was not just apprehension like the other examinees, but sheer terror.
When he approached Moses and Menchi earlier, he had already planned how to trick them.
In his opinion, Moses and Menchi are both newcomers, and very young at that, so it should be easy to trick them.
But now, seeing the inhuman abilities displayed by Moses and Menchi, Tonpa was horrified, and then he felt extremely lucky.
In the midst of winter, sweat dripped from his back in a short time.
'I didn't see through these two people's backgrounds …'
Tonpa, who prided himself on always being able to keenly perceive danger, was now filled with fear.
'Fortunately, these two inhuman monsters arrived relatively late.'
'Otherwise…'
According to his past behavior, if he still had laxative drinks in his bag, he would definitely have rushed to offer them to Moses and Menchi as quickly as possible.
At that time—
Tonpa dared not think further. His heart pounded rapidly, and he inexplicably felt a sense of having survived a catastrophe.
Moses and Menchi's actions stirred up waves among the examinees.
Their benchmark-like climbing speed instantly spurred everyone on.
Because the time is too tight and they cannot allow them to waste even a bit of it.
From here on, two distinct types of performances emerged among the examinees.
One type consisted of examinees who were unprepared, struggling to make progress on the mountain path.
This group of examinees were mostly inexperienced newcomers.
The other type consisted of examinees who had prepared adequately upon learning the test location. They had packed enough warm clothes, as well as portable climbing tools and provisions.
In addition, they had collected various information about Aragas Mountain in advance, including several climbing routes planned by previous climbers.
Adequate preparation enabled them to ascend to the peak with the least effort and the fastest speed, thereby passing the first phase of the exam.
These examinees were mostly experienced seniors.
Apart from these two groups, there were also Nen Users like Moses and Menchi.
With the enhancement of Aura, this test of physical fitness posed no difficulty for them.
Soon-
Other Nen Users, especially Shalnark, has become the frontrunner after Moses and Menchi.
'Based on the 'passing rate' in previous years... if there are strong guys around, obtaining the license will become much more difficult.'
Shalnark leaped onto a protruding rock on the mountain wall, shading his eyes with his hand as he watched Moses and Menchi's receding figures, then looked down at the examinees enveloped in Aura behind him.
As a Nen User, it can be said that it is not difficult for them to stand out among a group of ordinary examinees.
But if there are more than ten Nen User examinees...
It would undoubtedly introduce variables to the subsequent tests.
After all, in previous years, only one or two people often passed the test, and sometimes, not even a single examinee qualified.
Considering this, Shalnark can only muster up his spirits.
Because he must obtain a Hunter License and then provide strong intelligence support for the team's upcoming 'operation'.
"Better stay ahead."
Shalnark muttered to himself and suddenly accelerated his climbing speed.
The leading figure would undoubtedly gain the advantage in the next stage of testing. This is common sense.
So, in order to increase the chance of passing the final test, it was necessary to maintain the lead in each stage of the test, even to be the first.
Other Nen User examinees naturally had the same idea as Shalnark, so they are trying their best to speed up and strive to reach the top of Aragas Mountain in the shortest possible time.
However, there were exceptions.
The stubble-faced man, the cold-looking man and the flat-top scarred man all accidentally became examinees for the Hunter Exam through some strange combination of circumstances... So they were all paddling vigorously...
"Damn it, there are people everywhere."
The examinees dispersed throughout the mountain like ants, making the stubble-faced man unable to contain his impatience.
There are eyes and ears in all directions. They followed the location marked on the treasure map and had no room to 'dig' at all.
Let alone digging...
Even finding the 'entrance' is a problem.
"This test will eventually end. At worst, we can just come back tomorrow."
The cold-looking man said slowly.
Compared to the impatience of the stubble-faced man, he is the calmest among the three.
The flat-top scarred man lowered his voice, "It's not impossible to come back tomorrow, but I'm afraid someone might stumble upon it accidentally..."
"Shut up!"
"If you don't speak, no one will think you are dumb."
The stubble-faced man and the cold-looking man turned back to glare at the flat-top scarred man.
Although they didn't want to admit it …
Such possibility indeed exists.
Since there are about 2,000 people participating in this phase, they are scattered in various places like ants. It is possible that someone will get there first by accident.
Thinking of this, the stubble-faced man and the cold-looking man felt an inexplicable prick in their hearts.
As a member of the A-Class criminal group 'Erimo Bandit Group', if the 'treasure' they were eyeing was accidentally discovered by someone else, they could forget about sleeping soundly in the future.
In this world-
criminal groups sprang up like weeds on the ground and could never be completely eradicated.
Luckily, the existence of the 'bounty system' has allowed the profession of Blacklist Hunters to flourish like mushrooms after rain, effectively reducing the likelihood of the birth of 'A-Class criminal groups'.
After all, a tall tree catches the wind.
Therefore, the existence of A-Class criminal groups usually led to joint efforts by various Blacklist Hunter Alliances for suppression.
Often, shortly after an A-class criminal group updated its bounty, it would be consumed by a large group of Blacklist Hunters working together.
But on the other hand—
An 'A-Class criminal group' that could stand firm in such an environment was not to be underestimated, and posed a significant threat in various aspects.
The infamous Phantom Troupe was such an example, and the same is true for the Erimo Bandit Group to which the stubble-faced man belongs.
Their existence had deeply rooted itself in the world and was difficult to uproot.
Unless they foolishly provoked top Nen Users like Ging...
For example, the notorious Kudak Bandit Group was wiped out by Ging simply because they recklessly destroyed an ancient ruin.
"Then, what are we going to do now?"
The flat-top scarred man glanced at the other examinees passing by from time to time.
The stubble-faced man's eyes were solemn and he said in a deep voice: "Act as the situation demands."
No matter what, they couldn't let the unknown treasure fall into someone else's hands.