Hisoka stopped in front of Li ke.
"Li ke!
Gon and the others couldn't help but gasp softly, their expressions tense.
"..."
The entire venue fell into a brief silence.
All eyes were focused on the two of them.
These two were undoubtedly the most outstanding and intimidating participants in the early stages of this year's Hunter Exam.
If they were to clash, the other candidates couldn't help but feel a surge of hope.
If both were seriously injured, the chances of others passing this exam would increase significantly!
"The exam is quite dangerous, little brother. You'd better be careful," Hisoka said with a playful smile as he brushed past.
"Thanks for the reminder. You too," Li ke responded indifferently.
I'm a transmigrator, and I can't handle a mere native? Ha.
This exam forbids killing—at least openly. There's nothing to worry about here.
Even if we face each other head-on in a future stage, Li ke was confident he wouldn't fear Hisoka!
No Nen? Then let's see how you deal with Taijutsu on par with Guy from the Hidden Leaf!
His red trait, [Crimson Eye], was his trump card!
Besides, with the ability to endlessly farm traits during this time, what's a so-called "Bathroom War God" to him?
"How fascinating... such an enticing fruit," Hisoka muttered, his eyes gleaming as a perverse smile curved his lips.
Ring, ring, ring, ring, ring...
Suddenly, a sharp ringing echoed from the end of the passageway.
The previously sealed gate opened.
A thin man in a suit, straight as a ruler, emerged, carrying the ringing head of a bizarre creature.
With short purple hair and an upturned handlebar mustache, he began, "Apologies for keeping everyone waiting! The registration for this year's Hunter Exam is officially closed. Now, the Hunter Exam will commence."
"Let me reiterate: this test is dangerous. If you're unlucky or lacking in ability, you might suffer serious injuries—or even lose your life."
"If you're determined to proceed, follow me. Those who wish to withdraw, please take the elevator at the rear of the venue and leave promptly."
"Excellent! This year's participation count is 392!"
The proctor glanced over the group.
Some unfortunates, including Tonpa and over a dozen others, were already frightened out of their wits.
They genuinely feared that Li ke might kill them during the exam.
Thus, they opted to quit early.
It didn't matter to Leek.
They were just small fry—of no interest to him.
The proctor didn't seem to know about their earlier beating but cast a meaningful glance in Li Ke's direction.
After speaking, the proctor began to march forward with a puppet-like posture.
The passage seemed endless.
To everyone's surprise, his pace began to quicken!
From a brisk walk, he transitioned into a light jog, then into a full sprint.
This sudden escalation left many examinees, including Leorio, stunned.
At first, everyone thought this was a boring test.
But as they continued, they realized it had turned into an endurance run!
Moreover...
The relentless pace hinted that it wouldn't end anytime soon, as the tunnel stretched endlessly ahead.
Four and a half hours later.
The group had significantly thinned out.
The first to drop was the self-proclaimed genius, Nic, Candidate #187, who had meticulously analyzed everyone's data on his computer.
Intelligence was useless in this pure endurance challenge.
One by one, more and more weaker participants fell like dead dogs, with some even suffering heart attacks from overexertion.
They were carried off for emergency treatment.
This sight deeply shook the remaining candidates.
Becoming a professional Hunter—a role held in the highest esteem—required abilities far beyond the average person!
Meanwhile, the front runners remained steadfast.
Hanzo, Hisoka, Illumi, martial artist Bodoro, wrestler Torto, and others, including Li ke, Gon, and Kurapika, were still going strong.
Even Killua, who seemed to have bonded well with Gon, kept up with ease.
On the other hand, Leorio was struggling, trailing at the back, panting heavily while stubbornly holding onto his briefcase.
One by one, other candidates overtook him.
Leorio couldn't believe how fit everyone else seemed.
He had even undergone special physical training for this exam, thinking he was well-prepared. Yet, here he was, practically the weakest in the group.
"Give it to me!"
A familiar voice suddenly called out beside him.
"Huh?"
Completely exhausted, Leorio turned his head in disbelief.
Li ke was running alongside him.
"I said, give me your briefcase. Whatever's in it must be important to you. I'll carry it for you. Keep running, Leorio! You're not the kind of man to give up here!"
Li ke grabbed the briefcase.
"You're right! My dream is to become a Hunter, no matter what! I won't lose to anyone! Argh—damn it!"
Leorio looked at Li ke with gratitude before suddenly finding a burst of energy, running like a madman.
"Hey, hey, hey! Leorio, there's still a long way to go. Remember to pace yourself and breathe properly!"
Li ke's words nearly made Leorio trip.
"Understood, Leek! Thanks so much!"
"Stop talking and focus on your breathing. Otherwise, you'll wear yourself out!"
No one knew how far they had run, but the distance was insane—easily over 100 kilometers!
Even Li ke, as a transmigrator, was astonished.
The average physical fitness in this world of Hunters far surpassed that of his previous world.
Anyone who made it this far could easily win a full marathon in his old world.
As for freaks like Gon, Killua, Kurapika, and Hisoka, they hadn't even broken a sweat.
Leorio, on the other hand, was drenched, his shirt completely removed.
The gap in abilities was glaringly obvious.
Of course, Li ke was utterly unbothered.
His traits—[Super Endurance] (Gold), [Stamina] (Blue), [Quickness] (Gold)—gave him monstrous stamina.
"That fight earlier... Li ke is seriously strong!"
Killua, already fitting in with the group thanks to Gon, glanced at Leek with a hint of reverence.
"Of course! Leek's the strongest man on Whale Island!" Gon declared proudly.
"We're here! Finally!"
Leorio was nearly in tears.
The cursed tunnel had finally ended.
Ahead lay a staircase.
When everyone climbed it, a ray of sunlight shone down.