Association Plaza.
The group gathered after receiving their licenses. As the graduating class, they shared a bond.
"It's a pity we didn't see Examiner Kenpachi. I heard he beat up Hisoka and Hanzo... Did he really just let us pass, Kurapika?"
Leorio still couldn't believe it. He was knocked out during the exam but woke up a Hunter. Talk about luck.
"...I suppose so."
Kurapika nodded, his expression complex.
"Examiner Kenpachi..."
Gon's eyes were filled with mixed emotions. He had heard the rumors.
Especially after seeing the devastation in the training hall. It was shocking.
They only passed because that Examiner went easy on them.
But why? They didn't know him.
Gon had been thinking about it all day and couldn't figure it out.
"Brother Ryker! Brother Ryker! What did the old man want?"
Seeing Ryker emerge, Gon and the others surrounded him.
"Just some administrative stuff. By the way, Gon, I've decided to go to Killua's house. He was taken back there."
"Yes!! That's great! Kurapika, Leorio! Are you coming? Let's go together!!"
Gon cheered excitedly.
"Well, I just got my license. I was planning to travel anyway."
"I'm free for now. Let's go."
Leorio and Kurapika agreed.
"Yay! Killua, we're coming for you! Let's find out where his house is and how to get there!"
Gon was bouncing off the walls.
"Um... excuse me, Mr. Ryker."
Suddenly, Menchi walked over, her face slightly flushed. She glanced at the group, then at Ryker.
"Your friend Killua Zoldyck lives on Kukuroo Mountain. It's a three-day airship ride..."
"Um, Mr. Ryker, I hope you remember our agreement. This is my Hunter ID number. You can contact me anytime on the Hunter Network."
She handed a slip of paper to Ryker.
"And congratulations on becoming a Pro Hunter, Mr. Ryker. We are colleagues now."
"Congrats!"
Buhara and Satotz also came over to offer congratulations. Ryker left a deep impression on them.
Plus, he was lucky enough to avoid the monster Examiner Kenpachi.
"Okay... thanks. I'll remember it, Menchi, Buhara, Satotz."
Ryker took the note and smiled. The Examiners waved goodbye.
"A-And Mr. Ryker! Here is my contact info! Please give me a chance to repay you..."
Ponzu ran over, breathless, her face burning red.
"You helped me pass the third phase. I owe you... big time. If you're ever in my city, please visit." She shook her head like a rattle, nervous but determined.
Bodoro just nodded respectfully.
Ryker chatted with Ponzu briefly before parting ways. The girl seemed reluctant to let him go.
"Whoa, Brother Ryker, I think Ponzu likes you!"
Gon grinned mischievously.
"Go book the tickets, or we'll be late. Pack your bags. We're going to Kukuroo Mountain."
Ryker knocked on Gon's head. The trio went to book tickets.
Three Days Later.
With the Hunter License, everything went surprisingly smoothly. VIP treatment everywhere. Free services. Even the airship and the tour bus to Kukuroo Mountain were complimentary.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is the infamous Kukuroo Mountain, home of the Zoldyck family. It is said their lair is surrounded by a sea of trees on this 3,722-meter dormant volcano. No one has seen their true faces."
"There are 10 members in the Zoldyck family..."
The pretty tour guide rambled on as the bus stopped in front of the "Gate of the Underworld."
Massive stone gates, layer upon layer.
This was the front door. But no ordinary person could pass. Even the tour bus stopped miles away from the actual mansion.
"It's all a bluff! Out of the way! No one has seen these 'phantom assassins.' People offer millions for a photo! It's all fake news to scare people away."
A burly man pushed the tour guide aside. He marched up to the security booth next to the massive gate.
Bang!
He kicked the door open and dragged out the old security guard.
He didn't waste words. He snatched the keys from the old man's hand and unlocked the small side door.
"Heh. Easy."
He stepped inside.
ROAR!
A second later, the roar of a beast echoed from behind the door.
Then, a scream.
A skeleton, stripped clean of meat, was tossed out.
A massive, hairy claw—covered in blood and gore—retracted into the darkness.
The tourists screamed. Panic ensued. They fled back to the bus, ignoring the guide.
"Tsk tsk. So dramatic. And this old guy loves playing the pig to eat the tiger."
Ryker watched it all.
He looked at the old security guard.
Name: Zebro (Zoldyck Security)
Traits: [Giant Strength] (Purple), [Disguise] (Blue), [Combat] (Blue), [Cowardice] (Blue)...
The old man was stronger than the intruder. But he pretended to be weak, letting the guy steal the keys.
Just so Mike (the hunting dog) could have a snack.
Anyone working for the Zoldycks is not simple.
"Sigh. I told him not to use that door. He wouldn't listen. It's a tragedy. People come here to die every year. If you plan to go in, I suggest you go back down the mountain."
Zebro sighed, picking himself up and dusting off his uniform.
"This is worse than I thought. We can't get in."
Leorio looked grim.
"But we're already here. If we give up now..."
"Killua might be suffering inside. He told me he hates it here."
Kurapika and Gon were worried. They looked at Ryker.
Ryker smiled faintly. He looked at the 'Oscar-winning' security guard and spoke calmly.
"This isn't how you treat guests. Didn't Illumi tell you he invited me?"
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