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009 (Vol 2) HxH: Tombbound Power
🕑 Added 2025-01-25 06:01:01 +0000 UTCSoon, under Killua's efficient clean-up, the number of remaining examinees at the scene was unknowingly reduced to the required 499.
At this point, not even half of the allotted time had passed.
"The improvement in his movement and strength is undeniable."
Observing Killua's performance, Ronnel nodded and commented softly.
"Both his aura control and mastery of advanced Nen techniques have significantly improved—undoubtedly thanks to Bisky's meticulous guidance.
"Combined with his exceptional talent and solid foundation, as well as the effort he's put in to make the most of that guidance, he's reached an impressive level.
"There are still some flaws, but in terms of strength, he's already a true Hunter, Killua…"
With Killua's current ability, he would be more than qualified to challenge for the title of Floor Master at Heavens Arena.
Ronnel sighed in admiration just as the final moments of the round approached.
"Four hundred and ninety-nine—no more, no less. Perfect~"
It was no surprise. With Killua controlling the battlefield, this outcome had been expected from the start.
"Hah~"
Upon hearing Ronnel's verdict, the examinees who had passed let out collective sighs of relief—especially Ponzu and Sommy, who had been hiding in the crowd, shivering the entire time. Even the formidable wrestler Todo had been taken down effortlessly by Killua's swift blade.
The two glanced at each other, sharing an expression of exhausted relief.
Damn, that silver-haired kid is insane, isn't he?
He took down so many people in the blink of an eye without making a sound. That kind of strength made them feel helpless—like they could be eliminated at any moment without even realizing it.
Examiner, we're all part of the same test, right? Please just end this already!
Both of them prayed silently, unconsciously submitting to Ronnel's authority. Without realizing it, they had begun seeing him as the one in control, someone whose orders and decisions they naturally obeyed.
Thanks to Killua, they had managed to stay in the game once again.
One of them even had a nagging feeling that, with Killua around, this entire phase of the exam was practically in the bag.
"The numbers are set, so the final grouping phase begins now."
Ronnel rubbed his chin, glancing over the examinees. Many had their gazes flickering between him and Killua, uncertain about what came next. A faint, unreadable smile appeared on his face.
"I originally thought keeping three hundred examinees would be enough, but the number four hundred and ninety-nine reminds me of two other numbers."
"Two hundred and fifty… and two hundred and forty-nine."
At his words, realization dawned on some of the examinees, sending a chill down their spines.
"No way…"
But the thing you least want to happen is often the thing that happens most.
"That's right. The final qualifying number is two hundred and fifty."
"This means 250 will pass, and the other 249 will be eliminated."
Ronnel's announcement sent ripples through the crowd, drawing a variety of expressions from the remaining examinees.
"Yeah~"
Hands in his pockets, Killua whistled casually.
This was exactly the kind of challenge you'd expect in a Hunter Exam.
Two hundred and fifty versus two hundred and forty-nine—a difference of just one person, but the consequences couldn't be more extreme.
Both sides would fight with everything they had to avoid elimination.
That's how it would normally go.
But with a monster like Killua in the mix, things weren't so simple anymore.
Ronnel might have set the rules and conditions, but the actual outcome would depend entirely on Killua.
Whoever he decided to take out would be eliminated. Whoever he let off the hook would pass.
It had nothing to do with skill or ability—just luck and Killua's choice.
Realizing this, the examinees felt utterly powerless.
Ronnel, of course, understood their frustration, but—
"This world has always been one where the strong rule over the weak. Against established power and order, the weak have no right to protest or make demands."
That was the fundamental truth of the Hunter world.
Even in an era of civilization, the law of the jungle remained. Whether it was exploring the six continents or taking the Hunter Exam, this reality was inescapable.
So, even though Ronnel knew Killua would heavily influence the final team selection, he chose to turn a blind eye to it.
Even Netero had no objections.
They were simply reinforcing the natural order of things.
"This final grouping phase lasts fifteen minutes."
Ronnel turned around and pushed open the iron doors.
"In fifteen minutes, I'll return to check the numbers. One last reminder—if the count is off, even by one person, then…"
Boom!
The doors slammed shut, and Ronnel's figure disappeared from view.
The hall once again became the examinees' battleground.
Though Ronnel hadn't finished his sentence, everyone understood exactly what he meant.
The atmosphere grew tense.
"So, another fight, huh?"
Killua cracked his knuckles, the sound echoing through the silent hall.
"Well, let's get started."
Whoosh!
Before the examinees could even react, Killua vanished from sight.
The final team selection had begun.
—
"Two hundred and fifty may seem like a high number, but compared to the overall number of examinees, this ratio is well within the norm for past Hunter Exams."
Netero stroked his beard, smiling as he addressed Ronnel, who had just entered the room.
"You did a fine job coming up with this test format in such a short time."
"Thank you, Chairman. I was just having a little fun~"
Ronnel grinned, his words humble—but his tone anything but.
