Capítulo 10: Chapter 10: Benefits Of Cooperation
After a while, I spot Cherry, who seems to have gotten lost in the trees. I quickly approach him and make my presence visible, much to his shock.
"What are you doing here?! The plan was to split up to distract that homicidal maniac! Why did you follow me?!" Cherry asks very scared and nervous.
"Don't worry. Leorio is entertaining Hisoka with his friends, and if by any chance he finds us, we have a better chance of surviving together than apart." I respond.
"Still, there's no reason for you to follow me." Saying this, he adopts a fighting stance, "Are you guys also trying to hunt me down?"
I understand his skepticism, so I make sure to choose my words carefully. "You don't have to worry, we don't want any trouble with you. I brought us here so that you can be part of our advance team until the second phase."
Cherry lowers his fighting stance, but still looks annoyed, "Are you kidding me? I don't know you at all, so I'm not going to associate with you. Bye." Cherry says turning around ready to leave.
"If you leave, you won't survive this phase." I tell Cherry, causing him to stop, "Hisoka will soon be on the move again, and he will most likely find you. Even if he doesn't, you will eventually fall prey to the deceitful creatures of this place and die."
Cherry then turns around to face me, "Even if what you say is true, what can you do to prevent such outcomes? And why should I trust that you're not trying to set me up?"
"You don't have to trust me, you can go on your own." I say with a shrug, "But I'm an expert at navigating through deep forests, so I can find the shortest route out of this swamp. Plus I'm stronger than you and I know you know that." Everything I say is true, as even a beginner in Nen is stronger than a low to mid-tier martial artist without Nen.
Cherry stares at me, pondering my words. "Okay, let's say you're telling the truth. Then why do you want me as an ally if you're so competent?"
"Well, you had the idea that allowed us to get rid of Hisoka, so I want to return the favor. Is that so strange?" I answer nonchalantly, gaining a surprised look from both Nicholas and Cherry.
"Also, unlike my other partner, you seem to know how to fight. So if we find ourselves face to face with a danger we can't avoid, we'll have a better chance if we go together."
'What I say aren't lies, but they are not my most important reason for doing this. During the Fourth Phase in the Zevil Island, the number of badges available will be very tight. He looks like he can make it to that stage if he doesn't encounter Hisoka or Illumi later on, so helping him out at this stage might give me one more badge to trade with later on. Sorry Cherry, but I have to protect my interests. At least this way you won't die in this exam.' I think while keeping my expression unchanged.
"Okay, I've made you the offer. I can't wait long, so if you don't respond within 5 seconds, we'll leave you here in your own. 1... 2..."
As soon as I start counting, Cherry's expression suddenly changes. "Okay, fine, I accept your offer! Your arguments are certainly too convincing for me to refuse in this situation."
I smile at Cherry's hasty response, glad to have accomplished my goal. "Alright, it's decided. Now, you two follow me closely while I lead the way." I tell them starting to run while the two follow me closely.
Having agreed to a temporary alliance, we press forward, determined to survive the Swindler's Swamp and reach the next phase of the Hunter Exam.
As we enter deeper into Swindler's Swamp, the air grows thick and heavy, and the eerie mist thickens, clunging to everything it touches. The light is dim, filtered through the thick canopy above, and the murky waters and twisted roots create a labyrinthine path that is difficult to navigate.
The illusions grow more intense as we go deeper, but I remain focused, leading Nicholas, Cherry and myself through the deceptive landscape, avoiding what could be fatal encounters.
As we move forward, we come across more examinees caught by the traps and creatures of the swamp. I know we can't save them all, so I do my best to steer clear of conflicts and keep us on the right track.
Nicholas, still looking shaken, follows me closely along Cherry. "Kai, this place… it's like a nightmare."
"Don't trust what you see," I reply, guiding them through a particularly thick patch of fog. "focus on your senses and stay close to me."
'If this swamp is like a nightmare, imagine what the Dark Continent is like.' I think to myself as we continue moving past the fallen examinees.
We press on, carefully navigating the treacherous terrain. I use Gyo intermittently, conserving my energy while ensuring we stay on the right path.
Eventually, we reach a clearing where the mist was thinner, and the illusions less potent. I can see the edge of the swamp in the distance, the light beyond promising safety. We quicken our pace, determination fueling our steps.
Just as we are about to exit the swamp, we encounter a final obstacle—a group of examinees, including the Amori brothers, blocking our path. They look wild-eyed, clearly affected by the swamp's hallucinogens.
"Out of our way." I say firmly.
The elder of the brothers sneers, though his eyes betray his fear. "Do you really think that a bunch of weaklings like you can just waltz through us? We've been stuck here because of this cursed place. So if we fail the exam, at least we'll take you with us."
I sigh, knowing a fight is inevitable. "Guys, stay back."
Tensing my musckes, I prepare for a confrontation. The swamp has taken its toll on all of us, but this challenge isn't going to stop me from reaching our goal.
The fight was quick and brutal. Using my enhanced perception, I dodged their wild attacks, countering with precise strikes. Nicholas and Cherry stayed back, watching with wide eyes as I disarmed the brothers and their group of examinees and incapacitated them without causing permanent harm.
"It's impressive. The skill with which he dispatched them is worthy of a martial arts master." Cherry says as Nicholas looks at me in admiration and awe.
"We don't have time for this." I mutter, dusting my hands of metaphorical dirt and pulling Nicholas and Cherry along as we make a break for the swamp's edge.
Finally, we emerge from the Swindler's Swamp, the dense mist giving way to clear skies and fresh air. The sounds of the swamp fades behind us, replaced by the sight of the wooded environment.
"We did it." Nicholas says, relief evident in his voice.
I nod. We had survived the dangers of the Swindler's Swamp, but the Hunter Exam was far from over. The next phase awaited, and with it, new challenges and opportunities.
"Stay close." I remind Nicholas and Cherry. "We're not done yet. We still have to get to the site of the second phase. Stay close to me and I'll guide you through the forest."
Nicholas and Cherry nod at me, and we get on the move again.
Using my senses and experience from Gu Island, I am able to guide the group through the forest, discerning the slight clues that lead down the right path, and facing the dangerous animals trying to attack us.
Soon, we encounter a ground road, and we clearly assume that it leads to the next phase of the exam, so we decide to follow it. We continue along the path until we reach the site of the second phase of the exam—a large brick wall, with metal gates that have towers on their sides.
Several applicants have already gathered there, including familiar faces like Tonpa, Illumi, Killua, Hanzo and many others who I recognize.
"Thank you for all your help. Not only for getting me away from Hisoka, but for guiding me through the forest. Between the thick fog and the dangerous creatures hiding in it, I certainly could have ended up dead if I had gone alone like you said. I'm sorry I doubted you." Cherry says slightly bowing before me.
"Don't worry, it was nothing. I wish you the best of luck for the rest of the exam." After I say this, Cherry nods at me.
"I am #76 examinee, Cherry. Please find me if you need help with anything." He says walking away from us to disappear into the crowd.
I don't know if this will change anything for the Zevil Island phase, but at least I won't regret later not having tried it.
"Now that we're out of the swamp, I realize I never properly introduced myself." Nicholas says, looking relieved. "What's your name again?"
"It's Kai Ikeda." I reply with a smile.
"Got it. Sorry about earlier, I was a bit stressed out and my head was not in a good condition. I never really had the chance to remember your name." Nicholas admits. "As I mentioned before, my name is Nicholas. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for getting me this far."
"No problem." I say.
"To be honest, I thought I was better than everyone here. I've always been good with technology and sports, being praised by others like a genius. But you helped me see that I still have a lot to improve on, and that I need real friends in my life. So, Kai, will you be my friend?"
"I don't mind becoming your ally or even friends. But our deal was that you would give me information on the other applicants, don't think I've forgotten." I remind him.
"I don't know much about all the applicants." Nicholas confesses. "I've just been researching and collecting data on them for future reference. I'm a rookie like you, but I'll make sure I contribute to the group. I promise to start collecting data now."
"Alright. Leave out #44, #99, #301, and that group from #403 to #405." I instruct him.
"Why?" Nicholas asks.
"My instinct tells me it's best not to mess with those examinees. I'm counting on you." (The truth is that it is my canonical knowledge what told me this, not my instinct.)
Nicholas nods and walks off into the crowd with his laptop computer, ready to gather information.
'This is harder than I expected, but it's also fun and a little scary, just as I hoped. Without Nen, I would've been in big trouble back there.'
Determined to survive and not change the timeline too much, I settle on a tree to wait for Nicholas's return. As I train through calming my spirit, I notice Hisoka arriving while carrying Leorio, leaving him aside leaning against a tree, and shortly after I see the Amori brothers and their small group of stragglers arrive, still bruised from the beating I gave them earlier.
Finally, shortly before my wristwatch strikes 3:00 p.m., Kurapika and Gon make their appearance, searching for Leorio, who is sitting under a tree pointed out by Hisoka with a swollen face and the lost look. I am glad that nothing seems to have changed.
Or so I thought. To my left, I notice Hisoka gazing at me with intense eyes, like a lion eyeing its prey. I make the mistake of staring back at him without fear. This seem to entice him to come over.
"Hello, #15. I didn't catch your name before you ran away like a scared rabbit. How about we introduce ourselves?" Hisoka's voice is as sinister as I remembered. "I'm Hisoka the magician. And you are?"
"I'm Kai." I reply, trying to keep my voice steady to hide my nervousness.
"Hmm. I can feel it in you. Even though you feel threatened, your eyes are full of boldness and determination."
'Damn it, I didn't manage to fool him.' I think while Hisoka watch me with amusement and expectation.
"Don't be afraid, I don't plan to hurt you. It's not time yet. I will hold back until you have matured enough." Hisoka says with a repulsive face, walking away with a final remark. "I hope next time we meet, it'll be a lot more fun than you running away."
After he's gone, I sigh in relief, 'That was scary as hell!' I think. 'Hisoka is even creepier in person. It's a good thing he didn't want to kill me, but I still feel insulted.' Even though his words were true, he had just called me an inexperienced weakling and I hadn't been able to do anything about it.
This is the first time I felt humiliation and frustration in this world. But I won't let that stop me. Instead I'll use it as motivation to improve even more.
Nicholas soon returns with information. "The next phase of the exam is about to begin. Do you want me to save the data I collected on the others for later?"
"Sure, do that. Is there anything noteworthy about them in particular?" I ask.
"To be honest, I wasn't able to ask many questions, but just analyzing their movements, body language and their entries on the network, I have been able to create a profile of most of them." Nicholas reports while typing on his computer.
"The one who impressed me the most is this bald guy you were talking to in the tunnel, Hanzo. He doesn't seem nervous about the exam, but rather confident, and his performance is on par with yours. Also, it's not easy to find information about him online."
"Good observation. Keep gathering information and let me know everything that you find out." I say.
"Yes, boss. I'll keep an eye on them." Nicholas responds, eager to help.
"Wait, did you just call me boss?" I ask in confusion.
"Of course. You saved my life and helped me get to the second phase of the exam. There's no way I'll just call you by your name. You're my boss now." Nicholas says earnestly with his sparkling eyes fixed on me. "I'll follow you for the rest of my life."
'This guy is geekier than I am.' I think to myself, 'But if I've learned anything, it's best to accept help when it's offered.'
"Sure, you can be my lackey for now." I say.
"Thank you, boss. I won't let you down." Nicholas replies enthusiastically.
After this brief chat, Satotz stands before the group of examinees and congratulates us. "Well, time's up. Congratulations to those who managed to pass and get out of the swamp alive and well. We are now in the Biska Forest Preserve, where the second phase of your exam will take place."
"On that note, this is where we part. I wish you the best of luck in the next part of the exam." Saying this, Satotz begins to walk away from the crowd of examinees, heading deeper into the forest.
The moment Satotz disappears from sight, the giant metal doors start to open, revealing a large plot of land filled with cooking stations, and a large mansion in the background. In front of the mansion's entrance, there are a giant fat man and a beautiful woman in very revealing clothing sitting on a cushion chair.
"Welcome everyone. I'm Menchi, your examinar for the second phase." The woman says.
"And I am Buhara, and I will also be your examiner for the second phase." The giant man says.
As everybody gets into, Buhara's growling stomach start to be heard all over the place.
"So... you hungry?" Menchi asks Buhara.
"Hungry? I'm starving." Buhara say, his stomach growling loudly.
"Okay, applicants, listen up! The second phase is... cooking." At Menchi's words, several applicants are stunned, "Your mission will be to satisfy our palates by cooking us a meal."
"And why do we have to cook?" Asks an unknown examinee.
"Because we are both Gourmet Hunters." The woman continues.
At this revelation, most of the applicants start laughing and making fun of them, to Menchi's annoyance.
Seeing Nicholas beside me also laughing, I hit him on the head.
"Au! What's that about, boss?!" Nicholas asks holding his head in pain.
"All Hunters are skilled fighters who put a lot of effort and dedication into their specializations, even putting their lives at risk in the desire to discover new things. Because of this, Gourmet Hunters are not inferior to any other Hunter class, so don't ever disrespect them like that again. Do you understand?" I ask Nicholas giving him a harsh glare, with my face showing my anger.
Nicholas nods, cowering in fear at seeing me showing such an aggressive and pissed off side of me, contrasting with my usual calm and kind demeanor. It was only natural for me.
Likewise, a Double-Star Gourmet Hunter was one of the very few survivors of Dark Continent expeditions who were able to return to a normal life. So they deserve the same level of respect one would give to any other Hunter specialization.
Unbeknownst to Kai, Menchi had overheard and observed his interaction with Nicholas, smiling at Kai's defense and respect words for her field of expertise, and improving her mood.
"Will you do the honors, Buhara?"
At Menchi question, Buhara stands up, towering over everyone else present. "Alright then. The meal of the day... will be pig. That's what I like the best." Buhara says, "I'm not picky, so I don't care what kind of pig it is or the recipe you decide to follow, as long as it's caught in the Biska Woods."
"As you can see, you will use these cooking stations to prepare your pig dishes. Those who pass our satisfaction will qualify for the third phase of the exam."
"But we'll be evaluating more than just the taste, so take this seriously. Is that clear?" Menchi adds. "The phase will be over when we're no longer hungry."
"With that out of the way, let the second phase of the exam... BEGIN!" Buhara announces by beating his big belly like a drum.
With the first phase completed, and calculations from Nicholas showing that only 153 applicants remain, I feel a step closer to becoming a true Hunter.
REFLEXIONES DE LOS CREADORES 
David_Arenas
David_Arenas Clarifications: 1. I changed the start time of the second phase because it doesn't make sense in the original. Between the "more" than 6 hours in the tunnel, and the time it takes to cross Milsy Wetlands, what time did they start the exam? It would have to be nighttime for the second phase to start at 12 noon. 2. Kai group arrives before Hisoka and the rest because his group is running at full speed while they are going slower, and also because Kai knows how to orient himself better, having grown up on an island filled mostly with thick vegetation. Gon has done it too, but Kai is older than him and his island is more dangerous, so he is more experienced. Also, we don't know how long it took the protagonists to get there in canon, so it can't be said that Kai's group took a long time.
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