Zaban City looked nothing like the worlds Ethan had entered before. It wasn't futuristic, nor medieval, nor filled with monsters. It was… ordinary. Ordinary streets, taxis, vendors, lanterns, and people hurrying through the misty morning air.
But Ethan could feel it — a subtle hum in the atmosphere.
A world that ran on Nen.
His Panel pulsed the moment he fully manifested in this world.
---
〈WORLD RECOGNITION COMPLETE〉
World: Hunter × Hunter – Exam Arc
Time Stamp: Two hours before Hunter Exam Registration closes
Restrictions:
Host may not alter predetermined Major Events.
Host may interact freely and gain rewards from minor ripple effects.
Host is allowed to travel alongside main cast if no divergence results.
Nen Integration: ENABLED.
---
Ethan exhaled, feeling a tingle in his skin.
This world… was dangerous. Not fantasy-dangerous where monsters roamed freely. But human-dangerous, where killers were trained with spiritual power sharp enough to slice stone.
He adjusted his jacket, the same one he had been wearing when he entered the dimensional gate. On the sidewalk, people passed without sparing him a glance.
Then another notification appeared.
---
〈SYSTEM TIP〉
Objective: Reach the Examiner's Hall
Location: Zaban City – Old Underground Terminal
Reward for Completion:
+1 Hunter Exam Integration
Ability to remain in arc for full duration
---
"Okay," he muttered, "don't screw this up."
He followed the directions. Soon he found the run-down building with a flickering sign reading:
"Zaban Central – Underground Entrance."
A few other hopeful applicants were entering. Ethan slipped in with them.
---
THE UNDERGROUND HALL
The massive underground chamber buzzed with tension. Men in cloaks, women in armor, tattooed mercenaries, weapon users, martial artists — hundreds of them.
The scent of sweat, metal, ambition.
Ethan filed into line.
A bored-looking staff member asked, "Name?"
"Ethan."
"Age?"
"20."
The worker pressed a button and handed him an orange metal badge.
---
〈EXAM BADGE: 410〉
---
Ethan attached it to his shirt and moved deeper inside.
And then—
He froze.
Standing not far away, chatting casually:
Gon Freecss — #405
Bright-eyed, cheerful, wearing his green jacket.
Leorio — #403
Tall, loud, expensive sunglasses.
Kurapika — #401
Calm, sharp, analyzing everything.
Tonpa — #16
Already handing drinks to unsuspecting candidates.
And on the far side—
Hisoka — #44
Deadly aura wrapped in calm amusement.
And leaning against a pillar—
Killua — #99
A bored prodigy, eyes sharp as blades.
"H-holy…" Ethan whispered.
He really was here.
His Panel updated automatically.
---
〈RECOGNIZED ENTITIES DETECTED〉
Nen Potential: Mid to High (varies)
Threat Rating:
Gon — Medium
Killua — High
Kurapika — Medium
Leorio — Low
Hisoka — EXTREME
Recommend: Avoid conflict.
---
"Yeah, no kidding," Ethan muttered.
He kept his distance and took a place against the wall.
Tonpa's eyes drifted toward him — then slid away when he saw Ethan's calm stare.
He was already analyzing him. Good. Staying neutral meant avoiding traps.
Ethan's Panel shimmered again.
---
〈OPTIONAL TASKS AVAILABLE〉
Use Extraction Tickets: Scan applicants for possible boosts
Use Stat Capsule: Improve body for upcoming endurance run
Explore Shop: Buy temporary Nen-Resistant gear
---
"Later," he whispered. "Right now, just blend in."
---
SATOTZ ARRIVES
The faint sound of footsteps echoed.
Everyone turned.
A tall man with a long mustache, wearing a green suit, stepped forward.
His presence was calm—but heavy.
Satotz, First Phase Examiner.
He raised a hand.
"Thank you all for waiting. The Hunter Exam will now begin."
Silence fell instantly.
Satotz continued:
"Please follow me. The First Phase is a simple endurance test. Do your best to keep up."
Then he turned… and ran into the tunnel.
At a pace that was "light jog" for him.
But a grueling marathon for most.
The crowd surged forward.
Ethan swallowed.
"Okay, okay… stay near Gon's group. Don't outpace them. Don't fall behind."
He started running.
---
THE UNDERGROUND TUNNEL RUN
The tunnel air was damp and cold. Hundreds of footsteps echoed.
Breathing grew heavy around him.
Half a kilometer in, Ethan's Panel appeared.
---
〈STAMINA SUPPORT ENABLED〉
Body Condition: Above average
Recommended: Apply Stat Capsule to increase endurance
Proceed? [YES/NO]
---
Ethan whispered, "Yes."
A wave of heat passed through his limbs, light but empowering.
His breathing steadied.
He gained speed — naturally, subtly — enough to stay comfortably near Gon, Killua, and Leorio.
Leorio was already complaining loudly.
Kurapika jogged with perfect control.
Killua glanced back once at Ethan — curious but not suspicious.
Hisoka, running gracefully, noticed too.
Ethan kept his breathing calm, expression neutral.
He was determined not to stand out.
---
A SMALL INTERACTION (Without Altering Plot)
Eventually, Leorio slowed.
"Damn it… how long is this tunnel?!"
Ethan spoke before thinking.
"Long enough that complaining won't help."
Leorio blinked at him.
"Hey—410, right? You new?"
"Yeah. First exam."
Kurapika glanced over, analyzing him quietly.
Gon smiled brightly. "Nice to meet you, Ethan!"
Killua nodded. "Try not to die."
Hisoka's eyes glittered.
"So many interesting participants this year…"
Ethan pretended he didn't hear him.
He did NOT want Hisoka's attention.
---
NEN SENSE (Passive)
While running, Ethan felt tiny waves of pressure radiating from certain candidates.
The Panel interpreted automatically:
---
〈NEN PRESENCE DETECTED〉
Hisoka: Intensely compressed aura
Illumi (Disguised): Malicious aura
Multiple others: Low-level killing intent
Host's Nen: Zero unlocked
Recommendation: Unlock Nen foundation after Phase 1
---
Ethan's heart hammered.
This world was terrifying.
But also… thrilling.
---
FIRST WEED-OUT
A loud cry echoed behind them.
Someone collapsed.
Then another.
Then twenty more.
Dozens dropped as the tunnel's gradual incline increased, sucking the strength from untrained applicants.
Ethan stayed steady.
Gon and Killua talked while running as if it were nothing.
Leorio struggled but held on.
Kurapika glanced around calmly.
Ethan remained behind Gon, ensuring he wouldn't be noticed but still could use them as pace markers.
The run felt endless.
Hours passed.
Finally—light appeared at the tunnel's exit.
Satotz emerged ahead of them, unfazed.
"We will continue above ground," he said. "Follow closely."
He began running again.
Leorio screamed.
Gon laughed.
Killua smirked.
Ethan wiped sweat from his brow and whispered:
"Hunter Exam, huh…? Let's go."