Jack's arrival in HxH world - Chapter 14

Chapter 14: The Spider Eagle’s Nest

The announcement of the new task sent a ripple of tension through the remaining examinees. The canyon in Split Mountain was notorious for its treacherous terrain and the ferocious Spider Eagles that guarded their nests. Retrieving a hard-boiled Spider Eagle egg would require not only physical strength and agility but also cunning and teamwork. Jack, Gon, Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio exchanged determined glances. They had come this far, and they weren’t about to let this challenge stop them.

Isaac Netero’s voice echoed across the exam site, calm yet commanding. “You have until sunset to retrieve the eggs. Remember, the Spider Eagles are fiercely protective of their nests. If you value your lives, tread carefully.”

The examinees scattered, each group heading toward the canyon with a mix of excitement and apprehension. Jack and his friends moved as a unit, their bond stronger than ever. As they approached the edge of the canyon, the sheer scale of the challenge became apparent. The gorge was deep, its walls jagged and steep, and the nests of the Spider Eagles were perched precariously on narrow ledges.

—

Jack peered over the edge, his enhanced senses picking up the faint sounds of flapping wings and distant screeches. “This isn’t going to be easy,” he muttered. “The nests are on those ledges, and the Spider Eagles won’t take kindly to intruders.”

Gon grinned, his usual optimism shining through. “We’ve faced worse, right? Let’s do this!”

Killua cracked his knuckles, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “I’ll take the lead. My agility should help me navigate the cliffs.”

Kurapika nodded, his twin swords glinting in the sunlight. “I’ll cover you from above. If anything goes wrong, I’ll pull you back.”

Leorio, though less confident in his climbing skills, squared his shoulders. “I’ll stay here and keep watch. If any of those birds try to ambush us, I’ll give them a piece of my mind.”

With their plan in place, the group began their descent. Killua took the lead, his movements swift and precise as he scaled the rocky walls. Jack followed close behind, his Dash skill allowing him to keep pace. Gon and Kurapika provided support, their teamwork ensuring that no one was left vulnerable.

—

As they neared the first nest, the Spider Eagles made their presence known. These massive birds, with wingspans stretching over 20 feet, swooped down from above, their sharp talons glinting in the sunlight. Their screeches echoed through the canyon, a warning to any who dared approach their eggs.

Jack prepared for battle. “Stay close!” he shouted. “We need to work together!”

The first eagle lunged at Killua, its talons aimed at his chest. Killua dodged with ease, his reflexes honed by years of training. He countered with a swift kick, sending the bird reeling. Jack followed up with a powerful punch. The eagle let out a pained cry before retreating.

Gon and Kurapika focused on defending the group, their combined efforts deterred the eagles from attacking. Leorio, though unable to join the fight directly, used his medical knowledge to treat any minor injuries, ensuring that the group remained in peak condition.

—

With the eagles momentarily at bay, the group turned their attention to the nests. Each nest contained a single, hard-boiled egg, its shell a deep, iridescent blue. Jack carefully retrieved one, his movements deliberate to avoid triggering the eagles’ aggression.

“Got it!” he said, holding the egg aloft. “Let’s get out of here before they regroup!”

The group began their ascent, their pace quick but controlled. The Spider Eagles, however, weren’t about to let their eggs go without a fight. They launched a final, desperate attack, their talons slashing through the air.

Jack deflecting the birds’ attacks with precision. “Go!” he shouted. “I’ll hold them off!”

Kurapika hesitated, but Gon grabbed his arm. “We have to trust him. Let’s go!”

“Yeah, Jack is really strong.”

With Jack covering their retreat, the group made it back to the top of the canyon, their prize safely in hand. Jack joined them moments later.

—

By sunset, the examinees had regrouped at the exam site. Of the original 159 candidates, only 42 had successfully retrieved the eggs. The rest had either failed or been forced to retreat, their dreams of becoming Hunters dashed.

Isaac Netero surveyed the survivors, his expression unreadable. “Congratulations,” he said. “You have passed the second phase of the Hunter Exam. Your determination and resourcefulness have proven your worth as Hunters.”

The examinees cheered, their exhaustion momentarily forgotten. Jack felt a surge of pride, not just for himself but for his friends. They had faced impossible odds and emerged victorious.

—

Netero gestured toward the airship, its sleek design a testament to the Hunter Association’s resources. “Board the airship. We will take you to the next exam site.”

The examinees filed onto the airship, their spirits high despite the challenges they had faced. Jack, Gon, Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio found a quiet corner to rest, their bond stronger than ever.

As the airship ascended, Jack gazed out the window, the landscape below a blur of colors. He knew the hardest challenges were yet to come, but he also knew he was ready. With his friends by his side and his system guiding him, he felt unstoppable.