Humans are changeable. The change might accumulate over time, or it might happen in an instant.
When Killua began to resist, no one knew if Illumi would ignore Law's warning in the future and attempt to kill Gon.
To eliminate the root of the problem, and without a legitimate reason to kill Illumi, taking his heart might be a viable option.
But doing so would still lead to unknown consequences.
'Anyway, it's just taking his heart, not killing him,' Law thought irresponsibly.
Inside the ring, Illumi was rather troubled.
Without Gon as leverage, there clearly wasn't enough force to 'shoot down' Killua. Moreover, with Law watching closely like a tiger, he couldn't even 'fire a warning shot'.
'It seemed there was no way out.'
Killua's figure was reflected in Illumi's pitch-black eyes. First, a strained smile, then it slowly faded, turning serious.
"I surrender."
Before Illumi could decide on his next move, Killua simply surrendered to the referee.
Killua recognized the current situation. He knew that with Law present, Illumi couldn't use Gon as a bargaining chip to threaten him. So, he decided to resist Illumi and not return to that home.
As for the Hunter License, he wasn't interested from the start, and giving it up now held no pressure for him.
Seeing this, the referee announced Illumi's victory. The final test was over. Out of eleven examinees, Killua was eliminated, and the rest passed.
"This way, I can't explain things to Mother."
The matter was settled. Illumi showed no extreme reaction, remaining expressionless, making it hard to tell what he was thinking.
After surrendering, Killua immediately ran to Law's side.
Although he still couldn't get over what happened that night, right now, he felt safer staying close to Law.
"Congratulations on passing the test."
Netero stepped forward, first congratulating the successful examinees, then had Beans bring out ten Hunter Licenses on the spot.
Everyone looked at the licenses with varied expressions.
Law and Illumi were calm.
Tonpa thought he would be excited, but he wasn't. Perhaps the license came too easily, lacking the joy of obtaining it after immense hardship.
Kurapika stared at the license, a gleam in his eyes. Then, he thought of Leorio, and the gleam in his eyes quietly dimmed.
'With the license, I can go to that place,' Xiaoyu secretly pumped her fist.
Every examinee had their own reason for wanting the Hunter License. They looked at the license within reach, unable to hide their excitement. Only Bodoro felt frustration and disappointment.
He couldn't accept obtaining the license in this manner.
Beans came before everyone, took a license from the box, and said, "Although one passer is not present, we will provide him with a supplementary explanation afterwards and deliver the license to him."
"First, this is the Hunter License."
Beans held the license up slightly. "The manufacturing process uses high-tech anti-counterfeiting technology. Other than that, its appearance isn't much different from an ordinary card."
"However, its functions are very powerful, as follows."
"With this card, you can enter 90% of the countries where entry is prohibited, and 75% of the restricted areas."
"You can use 95% of public facilities for free."
"You enjoy the same credit line as first-class enterprises."
"It can be used for transactions. Selling the license can fetch an amount of money an ordinary person couldn't spend in seven lifetimes."
"These are the license's functions. So please keep it safe, because the license cannot be reissued."
Here, Beans raised his index finger and said seriously, "According to our statistics, one-fifth of the passers lose their license within a year. So the first test of becoming a Pro Hunter is to protect your license."
"Next, the Association's ten rules..."
After the lengthy explanation, the licenses were finally distributed.
Law played with his license. As Beans said, judging solely by material and appearance, the license was similar to an ordinary card.
With this license, it was equivalent to having an indefinite pass to almost all countries and restricted areas.
Of course, with enough strength, one could go to any restricted area. It was just that some countries indeed required the license, otherwise, even eating would be a problem, let alone accommodation.
Crack.
A sudden crisp sound. The Hunter License in Law's hand was snapped in two.
People who heard the sound looked towards Law, then saw the license split in two and were stunned.
'Huh?'
Not just the examinees, even Menchi and the others looked at the broken license in disbelief.
Netero stroked his beard, paying no attention to it.
Beans had beads of sweat the size of beans on his face. He stammered, "A damaged license... also cannot be reissued."
"Then you should use sturdier materials to make the license," Law replied casually, then used his ability to restore the license to its original state in front of everyone.
The manufacturing process of the license clearly focused on anti-counterfeiting technology, causing the material's advantages to be less prominent. This also indirectly increased the difficulty of protecting the license.
Seeing Law restore the license, Beans breathed a sigh of relief.
The minor, insignificant disturbance passed. Beans mentioned that the examinees who passed could stay in the hotel for free for three days or choose to leave immediately.
Except for Illumi, no one was in a hurry to leave and chose to stay temporarily. Killua paid to stay at the hotel.
Watching Illumi leave the hall with his own eyes, Killua's face showed nothing, but he was truly relieved inside.
Then, he looked at Law beside him, about to say something, but heard Law say, "Killua, go check on Gon in the lounge next door first."
After saying this, without giving Killua a chance to ask further, Law walked straight towards the open door.
Killua and Kurapika watched Law's departing figure, each with their own thoughts.
The hotel was built in an oasis in the desert. Outside, sand was everywhere.
To leave the desert, one could go with a trade caravan or take an airship.
However, the desert oasis only had two round-trip airships per day. As it was nearing evening, the second airship had already taken off, which was why the others chose to stay.
Illumi didn't stay, planning to depart with a trade caravan. He walked a block, seemed to sense something, turned a corner, and headed out of the oasis city.
Outside the oasis, in the desert covered with yellow sand, Illumi turned around and looked at Law, who had walked out of the city gate.
He knew that earlier on the street, Law had intentionally released his Aura to let him notice.
Looking at Law who had followed him, Illumi asked flatly, "Do you want to kill me?"
"You guess."
Law came to a stop, his Nen maintained in a state of Ken.