The red-nosed captain was clearly grateful to them and said with a smile, "Although we've already arrived at Dolly Island, the road ahead is still very long."
After seeing everyone nod, the captain continued, "Since that's the case, I'll tell you something else. Consider it a special service."
"Look at the huge cedar tree over there. Walking in the direction of that cedar tree is a shortcut to the test venue. If you understand, hurry and go—the test has already begun." The captain pointed toward the giant cedar standing prominently on the mountaintop.
"Thank you, Captain." The group thanked him and waved goodbye to the captain and the staff on board.
"The direction of the cedar tree is the complete opposite of the road to Saba City. What do we do?" Leorio said bitterly.
They stood in front of the city map, studying the routes. At first glance, it did indeed seem like Leorio said—it would take a long detour to reach the cedar tree the captain mentioned.
"Roy, what do you think?" Gon fully assumed the role of "studing."
Kurapika and Leorio also looked at him.
During the past few days on the Poseidon Ship, Roy had impressed everyone with his deep knowledge. His image as a "top student" had already been deeply carved into their minds.
And since Roy had kindly taught them Nen ability, they naturally began to view him as the backbone of the group.
So whenever they faced a problem involving Nen or judgment, they instinctively asked Roy.
Seeing this, Roy couldn't help but smile. "First of all, we've been sailing with the captain for days, so you should all know he's definitely not a bad person."
Everyone nodded.
"And he has no reason to deceive us. He's also an employee of the Hunter Association. If he lied to us, we'd settle the score with him after becoming Hunters. He wouldn't do something so thankless. On top of that, he's experienced. If he sees us doing well, it makes sense he'd form a good relationship and tell us the correct path. So I think he's telling the truth."
Roy praised himself without hesitation, and the others accepted it easily.
"But if he tells us the direction to Saba City, isn't that a foul?" Gon asked.
"Of course not. He's just telling us which way to go. It's the same as the Hunter Association staff telling you where the test is. The direction isn't the key—the key is whether you can find it."
Kurapika nodded. "Roy is right. Even if the captain pointed the direction, he didn't say what trials we'll face or how to overcome them. That means he didn't break any rules. His information is very likely true."
"But what about this sign?" Leorio asked, still a bit unsure.
Roy glanced at the sign and smiled faintly. "Leorio, do you really think what's written on it is true?"
"Huh?!"
"What if the Hunter Association purposely placed it here to mislead candidates and test their judgment?"
Leorio fell silent.
"Then let's follow the captain's instructions and head toward the cedar tree!" Gon said firmly.
Leorio thought about it, and Roy's reasoning made sense. At that moment, Roy once again activated the so-called 'goldfinger' ability he often mentioned.
"Walk toward the cedar tree, and there will be a small town ahead. In that town is an old woman. If you answer her question, you'll meet the Hunter Association staff. After testing us, they'll take us to the exam site."
"Alright, decision made! Let's go toward the cedar tree!" Leorio instantly became energized.
Gon and Kurapika nodded as well. After witnessing Nen ability firsthand, they had become extremely confident in Roy's words.
"I didn't expect Nen ability to reveal even this kind of information," Gon said, eyes sparkling.
"Let's go!" Leorio strode ahead, and Gon and Kurapika immediately followed.
As for the eighteenth person, after casually dealing with a stalker who had been following them with bad intentions, he also followed.
...
Soon, after some time, the four of them entered a desolate, uninhabited town.
The streets were empty, not a single figure in sight. Even the houses looked abandoned.
Tread.
Because the town was so silent and empty, their footsteps echoed crisply as they walked.
Gon looked around curiously.
Kurapika and Leorio, already knowing such a place would appear thanks to Roy's Nen ability, began searching for the old woman.
"There are a lot of people here," Gon said.
"There are many people breathing," Kurapika added.
"The sound of clothes rubbing is obvious—they're hiding." Leorio followed.
Ever since they obtained Nen ability, their perception had greatly improved.
"Found her." With his Nen ability, Leorio quickly detected a disturbance in the airflow and pulled out an old woman with two large teeth.