Without the assistance of navigators, it's difficult for candidates to reach the venue. Candidates must first find the corresponding navigators in each continent and region, and only after their talents are confirmed can they reach the venue.
Of course, this applies to newcomers. Veterans who have taken the Hunter test multiple times are directly sent to the examination place every year, as they are already recognized by the navigators.
"Abandoned building?"
Ronnel thought for a moment, then shook his head and smiled.
Why go through all the trouble when he knew of a ready-made navigators? No need to make things harder than they were.
Immediately, Ronnel bid farewell to Bisky. As for Shizuku, following the deceptively young-looking master put Ronnel at ease.
Instead of heading to any abandoned building, he took an airship directly to Dolle Harbor.
(T/N: Dolle Harbor is a port town and common gathering place for aspiring Hunters. Anime: Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio were all dropped off in Dolle Harbor to find their way to the 287th Hunter Exam in Zaban City.)
Two days later, they arrived at Dolle Harbor, a bustling hub where sea and air travel intersected.
At the port, Ronnel watched as the ship approached the horizon. Smiling, he turned toward the enormous Lone Pine Tree.
With his goal clear and a direction in mind, Ronnel took the quickest route, traversing the mountains and forests. As he moved, a light aura of Nen enveloped him, causing the wild beasts and magical creatures to retreat, sensing the danger from afar.
After some time, he reached the small house beneath the towering Lone Pine Tree. Without hiding his presence, Ronnel released his aura, forming a strong aura around himself.
"Excuse me, is the navigators for the Hunter test here? I'm a candidate," Ronnel asked politely, facing the cottage.
A moment of silence followed, then a voice responded from inside.
"Yes, we're the navigators. But if you want to go to the test venue, you'll have to wait until midnight."
The ship had just docked, bringing more candidates. If they could pass the test of touching the the Lone Pine Tree, they would be taken to the real examination site together.
Ronnel understood. It was just part of the test's rules.
With nothing else to do, he found a shady spot, sat cross-legged, and began practicing Nen. From the cottage, the vicious fox inside glanced at him twice before turning away, and everything fell silent.
Time passed slowly as the sky darkened, and the moon rose high, its light scattered across the stars.
At midnight, Ronnel opened his eyes just as the door of the cabin creaked. A tall, yellow-furred figure stepped out.
"You've waited long enough. I'll take you to the Hunter test site now."
Ronnel simply nodded.
He was the only candidate, none of the others had touched the cedar tree. Grabbing the Kiriko's paw, he was lifted into the sky in an instant as the Kiriko flapped its wings.
(T/N: Kiriko are Magical Beasts that can change their own physical appearance.They are navigators to the examination site for the Hunter Exam.)
Several hours later, they reached the outskirts of a city.
Inside the city, Kiriko transformed into human form, knowing that a monster like it couldn't attract too much attention, even as a navigators for the Hunter Association.
"Go to that bar," Kiriko pointed at a slightly worn-down building.
"Tell the bartender you want two glasses of pink fruit wine, three draft beers, and ten bowls of hangover soup. He'll take you where you need to go."
"Thank you," Ronnel said, nodding.
After parting ways with vicious Kiriko, Ronnel entered the bar. With no other customers around, he approached the bartender, gave the coded order, and was promptly led to an elevator. The elevator descended into a vast underground wine cellar.
Upon arrival, Ronnel received his number plate—400.
The underground wine cellar was already crowded with waiting figures. A few candidates gave him a wary glance before looking away.
"The three Amori Brothers, Ponzu the bee girl, Bourbon the snake player, Pokkle the lucky archer, Geretta the man with sunglasses, Sommy the monkey juggernaut, Bodoro the martial artist… familiar faces."
Ronnel casually scanned the room and recognized many people.
His gaze shifted left, and he saw a candidate in a gray-yellow suit with a large nose and a trustworthy-looking face approaching.
"Hello, you must be new here. My name is Tonpa, and I've taken the Hunter exam for 34 years."
Tonpa smiled warmly, his expression as harmless as could be.
"Really? Since you're so experienced, I might need your help with the next test," Ronnel responded with a slightly sincere smile.
But the arc of his smile mirrored the mischievous grin Bisky would flash when planning something devious.
It's no surprise, really. Like master, like student.
Seeing Ronnel's reaction, Tonpa's smile became even more earnest.
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