Third Person POV: Gon

"He's still going to have his fun, isn't he?" Gon looked at the corpse and thought bemusingly how the monkey played dead before fleeing in the last exam. However, if the boy's perception didn't betray him, the ape didn't appear to have luck on his side.

Not that he had any sympathy for it. "Maybe I should thank Hisoka for being so considerate for us." A sarcastic thought passed in his mind before his expression changed.

The smirk was replaced with a genuine smile as he examined the palm of his right hand. This newfound power coursing through his veins was a valuable gift if he had to be real.

"I guess he did me a favor in some way…" His gaze also shifted to the mysterious jester as he reminisced the past.

Just when he was thinking about how he would broach his next encounter with the man, the latter shrugged as he replied to Satotz:

"I see, I see…"

"Huh?" The rest of the participants stood between and gazed dumbfoundedly at the two men. After Hisoka's last throw, the fearful crowd made way in case the psychopath continued with his life-threatening ways. Despite the number of exclamations, Leorio's was the most noticeable.

"That settles it... You're the real one." Hisoka stopped shuffling the rest of his deck and announced before gazing hungrily at the professional. His usual joviality was gone; he just crossed his arms and began to recount the qualities expected from the veteran and his colleagues.

As he closed his eyes and unmindfully appraised the masterful creation, as if designed solely for his eyes to see, the work of art finally winded up the rain of accolades:

"I shall take that as a compliment. However, should you attack me again for any reason, I will report you for turning on an examiner. And you will be immediately disqualified. Are we clear?"

"Sure," Hisoka replied amusingly, eyes still closed.

"I guess that guy has an obedient side after all." Gon was somewhat entertained. He had failed to realize this before, but despite his recklessness, Hisoka was a patient man. He usually wouldn't compromise his goals unless the fun he was trying to have were more tempting than the rewards.

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

The real question was, what was a man like him trying to get a license for?

……………………

First Person POV: Gon

As Killua warily reminded not to let our guards down, Satotz resumed his strange walk after advising us not to lose track. This part of the exam was the same, but the bonus was something that most of the participants would gladly pass on. Hisoka was just not included in that "most."

More than thirty people had already dropped out as we started with the next contest. It wasn't something I was bothered with, though; my current objective was keeping our little group of friends close.

As we ran and I asked for the others to stay close to me, something or preferably someone unexpected decided to invite himself over:

"Mind if I join you guys?" The straightforward guy that was tagged with the name of "Pokkle" on his screen approached with a smile. His tone was friendly, even if I could distinguish a hint of maneuver in his voice.

"The more, the merrier, so I don't mind." I gazed at the others who were more occupied on their steps than formulating a reply for the fellow. Killua was more concerned with not getting his white shirt dirty, but Leorio and Kurapika understood that the damp marsh would make their strides straining.

Pokkle's lack of charisma served to remind me once more, that the invisible box I was blessed with couldn't be any more legitimate. The uncanny accuracy of the information it provided daunted me sometimes.

As he introduced himself to Leorio and Killua, the fog grew thicker. At that precise time, I wasn't sure why, but I grasped that avoiding Hisoka's "hidden examination" would be more complicated than previously envisioned.

"Aah!"

"Help me!"

The sound of people screaming began to resound in the forest. I frowned, but before I could prepare myself for the queer beasts and frogs preying on us, I moved a few steps ahead and motioned for us to stop running with a hand.

"What's up, Gon?" Leorio asked, confusedly, a bit out of breath. The tiredness he was fighting in the last race through sheer determination resurfaced even if a bit less severely. We were still close to the hills and the first exam gates.

"Shadow Limbs," I thought and clenched my wrist casually. As I ended the invisible motion, a pit formed ahead of us. I signaled for the group to come closer and peek inside.

"Motherfucker!" Leorio cursed after looking at the spikes below. "Who would put an evil trap like this here?!"

I shrugged, not being able to feel any life down there.

"Maybe it has something to do with the monkey from before." Kurapika surmised thoughtfully. "This might just be another way for them to prey on intruders."

"They really can't be considered as just beasts if that's the case," Pokkle added, and Kurapika nodded.

"We've wasted enough time, let's continue," Killua stared my way with interest before skillfully jumping over the trench. "You've got to teach me that stuff after we're done with all of this, Gon." He said before he resumed his stride.

"What do you mean?" Leorio asked him, showing the disadvantages of a low perception. Pokkle was also curious and looked in the white hair kid's direction.

"Something old men shouldn't be concerned with. He knows what I mean." Killua grinned and replied with sass.

Kurapika couldn't prevent a small chuckle from escaping his mouth.

"Tsk! I'm too tired to argue over this one. Consider yourself lucky, Killua." Leorio snorted and averted his gaze.

Killua looked at Leorio stunningly for two seconds before he spoke with a bit more respect in his tone:

"You might be slow, Leorio, but it looks like your value your word."

He scowled and turned his head to the side when Leorio asked him to repeat the sentence. He didn't seem to be sure if the kid pronounced his name just now.

Kurapika and I looked at each other for a moment before we laughed.

"You guys look a little too relaxed..." A voice suddenly sounded from behind.

"Ugh." I winced a bit dismally when I recognized the pitch.

I wasn't using my "en" at that time because it alerts other nen users, but it allowed that fellow to creep up on us sadly.