Jack's arrival in HxH world - Chapter 11

Chapter 11: The Marathon of Endurance

The underground tunnel stretched endlessly before the examinees, its dimly lit walls casting long shadows as the crowd surged forward. Satotz, the guide and examiner for the first phase of the Hunter Exam, led the way with a calm and steady pace. His voice echoed through the tunnel as he introduced himself and explained the rules.

“My name is Satotz,” he said, his tone even and unhurried. “I am your examiner for the first phase of the Hunter Exam. Your task is simple: follow me to the second exam site. Those who reach the destination will pass. However, I will not tell you how far we must go or how long it will take. This is a test of your endurance, both physical and mental. Keep up, or fall behind.”

The examinees exchanged uneasy glances. The uncertainty of the task weighed heavily on them. How far was the destination? How long would they have to run? These questions gnawed at their minds, adding to the stress of the situation. But there was no time to dwell on it. Satotz began to walk, his pace steady and deliberate. The examinees followed, their footsteps echoing in unison.

—

At first, the pace was manageable. Satotz walked briskly, and the examinees kept up without much difficulty. But as the minutes turned into hours, Satotz gradually increased his speed. He transitioned from a walk to a jog, and then to a full run. The examinees had no choice but to match his pace, their breaths growing heavier and their legs beginning to ache.

Jack, Gon, Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio stayed together for the first 30 kilometers. Their stamina and determination set them apart from the rest of the crowd. Gon and Killua, in particular, seemed to be enjoying themselves, their boundless energy and competitive spirits driving them forward.

“This is fun!” Gon said, grinning as he ran alongside Killua. “It’s like a race!”

Killua smirked. “Yeah, but I’m definitely faster than you.”

“We’ll see about that!” Gon replied, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Kurapika ran silently, his focus unwavering. Leorio, however, began to struggle. His stamina was no match for the relentless pace, and he started to fall behind.

“Guys… wait up…” Leorio panted, his face flushed with exertion.

Jack glanced back at him. “You okay, Leorio?”

Leorio waved a hand, trying to catch his breath. “I’ll… be fine. Just… need a minute.”

Jack nodded, slowing down to stay with Leorio. “Take your time. We’ve got a long way to go.”

—

As the group continued, Leorio eventually dropped back, unable to keep up with the faster runners. Gon and Killua, caught up in their friendly competition, pulled ahead, leaving Jack and Kurapika behind. Kurapika, ever the quiet and focused one, soon fell into his own rhythm, leaving Jack to run alone.

Jack didn’t mind the solitude. He used the time to reflect on his journey so far and to observe the other examinees. His enhanced stamina and Vitality stat made the run feel almost effortless, and he maintained a steady pace without breaking a sweat.

As he ran, he noticed Tonpa, the self-proclaimed “Rookie Killer,” struggling to keep up. Tonpa’s face was red, and his breaths came in ragged gasps. Jack couldn’t help but feel a twinge of amusement. Despite his reputation, Tonpa was clearly out of his depth.

Jack slowed down slightly, falling into step beside Tonpa. “Hey, Tonpa. Got any more of that juice?”

Tonpa looked at him, his expression a mix of surprise and confusion. “You… you’re still standing? How?”

Jack shrugged, a playful smile on his face. “I guess I just have a strong stomach. That juice was pretty good, by the way. Got any left?”

Tonpa hesitated, then reached into his bag and pulled out another can. “Here. But don’t blame me if it doesn’t agree with you.”

Jack took the can and popped it open, drinking it without hesitation. His Detoxification skill neutralized the poison instantly, and he savored the sweet taste. “Thanks, Tonpa. You’re a lifesaver.”

Tonpa stared at him, baffled. “You’re… not normal, you know that?”

Jack laughed. “Maybe not. But neither are you, Rookie Killer.”

Tonpa’s eyes widened, but before he could respond, Jack picked up his pace and left him behind.

—

After what felt like an eternity, the examinees finally emerged from the underground tunnel. The sight that greeted them was both awe-inspiring and daunting: a massive staircase, stretching upward into the darkness. Satotz began to climb, his movements as steady and unhurried as ever.

Jack followed, his legs burning with exertion but his resolve unwavering. The stairs seemed endless, each step a test of willpower. Around him, examinees began to falter, their bodies giving out under the strain. Some collapsed, unable to continue. Others pushed themselves to their limits, determined to reach the top.

Gon and Killua, still full of energy, raced up the stairs, their laughter echoing through the cavern. Kurapika followed at a more measured pace, his focus unshakable. Leorio, though lagging behind, refused to give up, his determination driving him forward.

Jack climbed steadily, his mind focused on the goal. He knew this was just the beginning, but he also knew he had what it took to succeed.

—

As they climbed, Gon and Killua continued to chat, their bond growing stronger with each step. Gon’s enthusiasm was infectious, and Killua found himself opening up in ways he never had before.

“So, Killua,” Gon said, his voice bright with curiosity, “why do you want to become a Hunter?”

Killua hesitated for a moment, then shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess I just want to see what’s out there. My family… they’ve always had plans for me. But I want to make my own choices.”

Gon nodded, his expression serious. “I get that. I’m looking for my dad. He’s a Hunter, and I want to find him so I can ask him why he left.”

Killua glanced at Gon, a hint of admiration in his eyes. “That’s a pretty cool goal. I think you’ll find him.”

Gon grinned. “Thanks, Killua. And hey, maybe we can help each other out. You know, since we’re friends now.”

Killua smirked. “Friends, huh? I guess that’s not so bad.”

—

After what felt like an eternity, the examinees finally reached the top of the stairs. The second exam site awaited them, a vast open space filled with other examinees who had already completed the marathon. Satotz stood at the entrance, his expression as calm as ever.

“Congratulations,” he said. “You have passed the first part of the first exam of the Hunter Exam. Rest now, for the next phase will begin soon.”

Jack collapsed onto the ground, his body exhausted but his spirit unbroken. Gon and Killua sat beside him, their laughter filling the air. Kurapika and Leorio joined them, their faces flushed with exertion but their eyes filled with determination.

As they rested, Jack couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. They had made it through the first phase, and they had done it together. The real challenges were yet to come, but for now, they could savor their victory.