Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The first phase of the Hunter Exam concludes, and examinees submit their collected resources.
• Mog, examinee #404, submits an astonishing 16.72 million in resources, far surpassing others.
• The examinees are led by staff members to the second phase's location, a desert.
• They are greeted by Doraanbishas, the examiner for the second phase, who explains the task: find and answer/fulfill 60 hidden papers scattered across the desert.

Character Developments

• Mog demonstrates his strength and cunning by obtaining a vast amount of resources, likely through defeating other examinees.
• Doraanbishas is introduced as a stern examiner with a history of attempting to reform the Hunter Association.

Significant Themes

• Strength and cunning are rewarded in the Hunter Exam, as seen in Mog's success.
• The Hunter Association's internal politics and power dynamics are hinted at through Doraanbishas' past actions.

Character Interactions

• Mog and Great Tonpa cross paths again, with Tonpa acknowledging Mog's strength.
• Mog recognizes Doraanbishas from the Hunter Chairman election arc, but they have no direct interaction in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The second stage of the Hunter Exam begins with only 60 problem sheets available, meaning only 60 examinees can pass.
• Each problem sheet can only be answered once, and incorrectly answering voids the sheet and the chance to pass.
• The problems involve Hunter knowledge, such as the responsibilities and privileges of Professional Hunters.
• Alternative 'requirements' type questions are available, which involve physical tasks or using numbered tags of present examinees.
• The papers are hidden deep in the desert, and some 'requirements' questions pose dangers.

Character Developments

• Most examinees are initially confident but become worried and guarded upon learning the rules and the scarcity of problem sheets.
• Some examinees are relieved to find 'requirements' questions as an alternative to knowledge-based questions.
• Mog, a character not previously mentioned, appears and comments on the difficulty of the test.

Significant Themes

• Competition and survival of the fittest among examinees.
• The responsibilities and privileges of Professional Hunters.
• The importance of knowledge and preparation in achieving one's goals.

Character Interactions

• Examinees react to the rules and the scarcity of problem sheets, becoming wary and guarded towards each other.
• Some examinees express relief at the availability of 'requirements' questions.
• Mog comments on the test's difficulty, showing his understanding of the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Hunter Exam's second round begins, with candidates now seeking easily completable questions to pass quickly.
• The Warrior Doraanbishas reveals that the top ten candidates from the first round's supply collection will receive advantages in finding exam questions.
• The advantages are tiered: bottom four get clues to easily completable questions, middle three get question locations but not types, and top three get progressively better rewards (third place gets an easy question's location, second place can pass with one question, and first place gets an exam question's location and can pass with one).

Character Developments

• Doraanbishas: Reveals his hopes for the Hunter Association and new Professional Hunters, showing a noble heart but unrealistic expectations about others' morality.
• Mog: Shows clear thinking and understanding of the exam's dynamics, predicting intense competition.

Significant Themes

• Competition and survival of the fittest among Hunter Exam candidates.
• The pursuit of power, knowledge, and advantage, reflecting the Hunter world's harsh reality.
• The tension between individual ambition and collective well-being, as seen in Doraanbishas' hopes for the candidates.

Character Interactions

• Doraanbishas and Mog: Doraanbishas shares his thoughts with Mog, showing trust and respect for the young candidate's intelligence.
• The candidates: Anticipation and tension build among the candidates as they await the announcement of the top ten, knowing that advantages come with risks.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The total supplies collected by the second-place contestant are announced, surprising everyone with the amount (over 8 million).
• The first-place contestant's supplies are revealed to be over 16 million, causing shock and apprehension among other examinees.
• The top ten examinees receive advantages (clues or questions) for the next round, making them targets for others.
• The second round of the Hunter Exam begins, with additional natural threats in the desert besides the questions.

Character Developments

• Great Tonpa shows his intuition and ability to sense danger, which has helped him survive previous Hunter Exams.
• Mog, contestant number 404, demonstrates his power and danger by collecting over 16 million in supplies, making others wary of him.
• Contestant number 177, who initially showed aggression, becomes cautious after learning Mog's score.

Significant Themes

• The Hunter Exam's increasing difficulty and danger.
• The power dynamics and competition among examinees.
• The importance of being prepared for potential threats from nature.

Character Interactions

• Great Tonpa observes Mog and believes he is the one who will get first place.
• Contestant number 177 initially shows interest in finding out who got first place but becomes cautious after learning it's Mog.
• The examinees discuss and show vigilance towards Mog after learning his score.
• The [Warrior] Doraanbishas warns examinees about additional natural threats in the desert.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Hunter Exam is underway, with candidates scrambling for clues.
• Candidate 404 (Mog) stands out, having collected many supplies.
• Mog reveals Nen abilities by taking out a coil of wire, surprising the examiner, Warrior Doraanbishas.
• Mog approaches Candidate 101 (Great Tonpa) and gives him the coil of wire, revealing it to be a 'Ground-seeking metal wire' that can find the hidden questions.

Character Developments

• Warrior Doraanbishas: He detests candidates who prioritize profit over responsibility. He's stern, fair, and values the role of Professional Hunters in contributing to the world.
• Mog (Candidate 404): He's calm, strategic, and resourceful. He uses his Nen abilities to help others find clues, showing he's not just focused on his own success.
• Great Tonpa (Candidate 101): He's initially cautious and fearful of Mog but shows understanding and cooperation after Mog explains his intentions.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility vs. Greed: Doraanbishas emphasizes the responsibility Hunters should have, contrasting it with the greed he sees in many candidates.
• Teamwork vs. Individualism: Mog's actions show that working together can lead to greater success, challenging the individualistic nature of the Hunter Exam.

Character Interactions

• Mog and Doraanbishas: Doraanbishas is intrigued and wary of Mog's abilities and actions.
• Mog and Tonpa: Mog approaches Tonpa, showing trust and respect by giving him a powerful tool to find the questions. Tonpa, initially wary, accepts Mog's offer and works together with him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tonpa discovers the 'Ground-seeking metal wire' invention, which can locate objects underground.
• Doraanbishas, a Professional Hunter, recognizes the wire's potential for ruin and treasure hunting.
• Tonpa decides to help other candidates find questions, handing the wire to Candidate 101.
• Mog, a powerful Nen user, begins incapacitating the other candidates without harming them.

Character Developments

• Tonpa shows initiative and willingness to help others, demonstrating his strategic thinking.
• Doraanbishas reassesses Tonpa's potential as a Hunter, recognizing his abilities.
• Mog's power and speed are revealed, instilling fear in the candidates.

Significant Themes

• The power of invention and its potential applications.
• The disparity in strength and the helplessness of those outmatched.
• The importance of strategic thinking and adaptability.

Character Interactions

• Tonpa and Doraanbishas share a moment of understanding about the wire's potential.
• Tonpa shows kindness and consideration towards other candidates.
• Mog's actions instill fear and desperation in the candidates, leading to their flight.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mog, a powerful examinee, effortlessly defeats over a hundred other examinees in the second phase of the Hunter Exam.
• He tears up all but one of the sixty questions, planning to be the only one to pass this round and expedite the exam process.
• Tonpa, another examinee, assists Mog by digging up the questions using his 'Ground-seeking metal wire' ability.

Character Developments

• Mog: Demonstrates immense strength and confidence, aiming to control the exam process. He shows no mercy to other examinees and values efficiency above fairness.
• Tonpa: Initially stunned by Mog's power, he quickly adapts and assists him, fearing Mog's wrath. He understands the psychological impact of failure, having used it against examinees in the past.
• Doraanbishas (Warrior): Witnesses Mog's actions and is shocked by his disregard for the exam's rules and other examinees' fates.

Significant Themes

• Power and Control: Mog's immense power allows him to control the exam process, disregarding other examinees' efforts and the exam's rules.
• Consequences of Failure: Tonpa understands the psychological impact of failure, having used it against examinees in the past. Mog's actions will likely demoralize many examinees, affecting their future lives.
• Efficiency vs Fairness: Mog prioritizes efficiency in completing the exam, disregarding fairness to other examinees.

Character Interactions

• Mog and Tonpa: Mog intimidates Tonpa into assisting him, threatening him with the same fate as the other examinees if he doesn't comply.
• Mog and Doraanbishas: Doraanbishas questions Mog's actions, to which Mog explains his plan to expedite the exam process by eliminating other examinees.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mog, Examinee 404, decides to take down all other examinees to ensure he's the only one to pass the second round.
• He uses Tonpa's Ground-seeking metal wire to find and destroy all other questions, proving his intent to the examiner, Doraanbishas.
• Doraanbishas reports the situation to the Hunter Association, alerting Chairman Netero.

Character Developments

• Mog: Shows strategic thinking and overwhelming power, demonstrating his determination to win at any cost.
• Doraanbishas: Realizes the severity of the situation and seeks higher authority, showing responsibility but limited capability in handling the crisis.
• Chairman Netero: Remains calm and collected upon hearing about the unusual circumstances, displaying his experience and wisdom.

Significant Themes

• Power Imbalance: Mog's overwhelming power creates an insurmountable gap, allowing him to exploit and oppress other examinees.
• Unpredictability: The Hunter Exam's unpredictable nature is highlighted, with unusual circumstances occurring even in the second round under Doraanbishas' supervision.

Character Interactions

• Mog & Doraanbishas: Mog's actions force Doraanbishas to report the situation, showing the examiner's limited control over the exam.
• Chairman Netero & Mr. Bean-face: The chairman and his secretary discuss the unusual circumstances, showcasing their professional relationship and Netero's leadership.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Candidate 404, Mog, swiftly defeats all other examinees in the second phase of the Hunter Exam to speed up his licensing process.
• Chairman Netero learns about Mog's past contributions and interactions with Ging Freecss, deeming him a strong candidate despite his unconventional methods.
• Netero decides to confirm Mog's passing, eliminating other candidates who were defeated by him.

Character Developments

• Mog demonstrates his power, impatience, and strategic thinking by taking down all other examinees to pass the exam quickly.
• Chairman Netero shows his wisdom, fairness, and understanding of exceptional individuals like Mog and Ging.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the strength of Nen users compared to ordinary people.
• The Hunter Exam's rules and the Chairman's discretion in interpreting them.
• The gap between Nen users and non-Nen users, and the challenges in bridging this gap.

Character Interactions

• Mog interacts with the other examinees, defeating them all without causing serious harm.
• Chairman Netero discusses Mog's situation with Mr. Bean-face, deciding on Mog's passing and the elimination of other candidates.
• Mr. Bean-face acts as a secretary, providing information and seeking Netero's opinion on handling the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chairman Netero ensures that the successful candidate, Mog, follows the proper procedures despite his extensive experience.
• Dora Ambitious, the examiner, informs Mog of his passing and arranges for his pickup.
• The Hunter Exam concludes after the second round, with Mog as the sole successful candidate.

Character Developments

• Chairman Netero shows his commitment to fairness and procedure, even when dealing with an exceptional candidate like Mog.
• Dora Ambitious demonstrates professionalism and adherence to the Hunter Association's rules.
• Mog remains calm and composed upon learning of his success.

Significant Themes

• The theme of exceptional individuals and their treatment within the Hunter Association's system is explored.
• The importance of following proper procedures and rules, even in extraordinary circumstances, is emphasized.

Character Interactions

• Chairman Netero and Mr. Bean-face discuss the necessary procedures for Mog.
• Dora Ambitious informs Mog and Tonpa of the exam's conclusion and the Hunter Association's decision.
• Biscuit, the examiner for the third round, is surprised and disappointed by the early conclusion of the exam.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Biscuit learns that Mog, whom she previously met at Heaven's Arena, has passed the Hunter Exam's first stage without her intervention.
• Chairman Netero shows interest in Mog and visits the exam venue, meeting Mog for the first time.

Character Developments

• Biscuit: She expresses curiosity and competitiveness when learning about Mog's direct qualification. She also reflects on her past encounter with Mog and ponders about his connection to Meteor City.
• Chairman Netero: He demonstrates his strong interest in Mog, making a personal visit to meet him after the first stage.

Significant Themes

• The Hunter Exam's process and the Hunter Association's role in it.
• The power dynamics and relationships between Hunter Exam candidates and the Hunter Association.

Character Interactions

• Biscuit and Mr. Bean-face: They discuss Mog's direct qualification and Biscuit's past encounter with him.
• Mog and Chairman Netero: They meet for the first time, with Chairman Netero showing clear interest in Mog.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chairman Netero is impressed by Mog's strength and composure.
• Netero reveals his plan to form a high-level group within the Hunter Association, the Twelve Zodiacs, to assist him in running the association and potentially take over if he dies.
• To join this group, candidates must have outstanding abilities and problem-solving skills, proven by their achievements and a personal sparring match with Netero.

Character Developments

• Mog demonstrates his calm and collected demeanor even under pressure from Netero.
• Netero shows his true colors as a playful and bored individual, seeking amusement through sparring matches.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics within the Hunter Association, with Netero holding ultimate authority.
• The importance of strength and achievement in gaining recognition and status.
• The contrast between Netero's playful motivations and the serious nature of the Twelve Zodiacs' responsibilities.

Character Interactions

• Mog and Netero's conversation reveals their personalities and the power dynamic between them.
• Mr. Bean-face, the Hunter Association's secretary, shows deference to Netero and retreats to give them privacy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chairman Netero reveals there are ten members in the Twelve Zodiacs, excluding Pariston Hill and Ging Freecss.
• Mog expresses his understanding and support for Netero's decision to start an organization.
• Netero tries to recruit Mog into the Twelve Zodiacs, offering him fame and fortune.
• Mog declines, stating he doesn't want to be a tool for the Hunter Association or V5 to use.

Character Developments

• Mog demonstrates his intelligence and principles, refusing to join the Twelve Zodiacs despite the benefits.
• Netero shows his interest in Mog's unique perspective and strength.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics within the Hunter Association and the V5.
• The importance of personal principles and beliefs.

Character Interactions

• Mog and Netero have a tense yet respectful interaction, with Mog refusing Netero's offer and Netero admiring Mog's resolve.
• Netero acknowledges Mog's strength and unique perspective, showing interest in understanding him further.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Netero reveals the Phantom Troupe's notoriety and the Association's plans to assess their danger.
• The Phantom Troupe members' unique values and worldview cause trouble in the outside world, with Uvogin and Feitan being the most problematic.
• Netero discusses the potential consequences of the Troupe's actions and the powerful individuals they've targeted.
• Mog and Netero discuss the Troupe's philosophy and Mog's unwillingness to join the Hunter Association or intervene in the Troupe's affairs.
• Netero offers Mog the position of Vice Chairman of the Hunter Association, expecting him to decline.

Character Developments

• Netero shows concern for the Phantom Troupe's actions and their potential consequences.
• Mog demonstrates his independence and unwillingness to be controlled by Netero or the Hunter Association.
• Mog reveals his knowledge of the Dark Continent and his lack of interest in exploring it at present.

Significant Themes

• The Phantom Troupe's philosophy of self-reliance and acceptance of life and death.
• The consequences of the Troupe's actions and the powerful individuals they've targeted.
• Mog's independence and unwillingness to be controlled by others.

Character Interactions

• Netero and Mog discuss the Phantom Troupe, their philosophy, and Mog's unwillingness to join the Hunter Association.
• Netero attempts to recruit Mog as Vice Chairman of the Hunter Association, expecting him to decline.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mog, initially uninterested in Chairman Netero's proposals, becomes intrigued by the Vice Chairman position.
• He realizes the Vice Chairman has more power and independence than the Twelve Zodiacs.
• Mog decides to pursue the Vice Chairman position for its convenience, influence, and protection it offers against the V5.
• Netero reveals that becoming Vice Chairman requires first being one of the Twelve Zodiacs and gaining his approval.
• Mog understands Netero's plan to use the Vice Chairman position as a lure to keep him engaged.
• Netero offers Mog a chance to become Chairman if he can defeat him or last against his strongest move.

Character Developments

• Mog: Shows pragmatism, ambition, and strategic thinking in pursuing the Vice Chairman position.
• Chairman Netero: Reveals his manipulative nature and tests Mog's resolve and abilities.

Significant Themes

• Power and influence: Mog seeks the Vice Chairman position for its power and influence within the Hunter Association.
• Manipulation: Netero uses the Vice Chairman position as a carrot to keep Mog engaged.
• Ambition: Both Mog and Netero display ambitious traits, with Mog wanting the Vice Chairman position and Netero wanting to test Mog's limits.

Character Interactions

• Mog and Netero: Their interaction reveals Mog's pragmatism and Netero's manipulative nature. They engage in a power play, with Netero testing Mog and Mog trying to understand Netero's intentions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mog reveals his confidence in facing Netero, suggesting they fight immediately.
• Netero declines, proposing small games as warm-up activities instead.
• Mog and Netero agree to add stakes to their activities: if Mog loses, he won't pursue the vice-chairman position or further training with Netero; if Netero loses, he'll personally appoint Mog as vice-chairman.

Character Developments

• Mog: Shows increased confidence and cunning, willing to gamble high stakes to secure his position.
• Netero: Reveals his pride and willingness to match Mog's confidence, agreeing to high-stakes games.

Significant Themes

• Confidence vs. Pride: Both characters exhibit strong confidence, bordering on pride, leading to their high-stakes agreement.
• Gambling and Risk-taking: The theme of gambling, both literally and metaphorically, is introduced as Mog and Netero raise the stakes.

Character Interactions

• Mog and Netero: Their interaction is marked by mutual respect and understanding of each other's strength and confidence. They engage in a tense, high-stakes negotiation, leading to an agreement that will significantly impact their future relationship and the Hunter Association.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Netero and Mog agree to a match with a high stake, with Netero aiming to win Mog's invention.
• Netero leads Mog to a gymnasium-sized space on the airship for their match.
• The rules are simple: Mog must snatch the dodgeball from Netero within a set time, or Netero wins.
• Mog decides they should finish the match in half a night to avoid wasting time.

Character Developments

• Netero reveals his true physical form, showing off his well-defined muscles and powerful aura.
• Mog shows respect for Netero by using his strongest invention, [Expert Faller], instead of relying on external tools.

Significant Themes

• Respect and acknowledgment of each other's strength.
• The use of inventions and tools in combat, and the preference for direct, unassisted combat.

Character Interactions

• Netero and Mog engage in a tense standoff, with Netero looking down on Mog's confidence and Mog responding with equal confidence.
• Netero expresses a preference for direct combat, while Mog insists on using his invention to show his respect.
• Mog introduces [Expert Faller], an assassination robot, as his weapon of choice for the match.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mog activates a robot called [Expert Faller] using a Ten Jeni coin, targeting Isaac Netero.
• Netero dodges the robot's attacks and kicks it away, but it remains functional.
• Netero deduces that the robot can only be deactivated by inserting coins, making it give up its target.

Character Developments

• Netero demonstrates his combat prowess and deductive skills, showing his experience and wisdom.
• Mog showcases his inventing skills and strategic thinking, enjoying the challenge against Netero.

Significant Themes

• The power of invention and its potential consequences (e.g., [Expert Faller]'s autonomous actions).
• The value of experience and wisdom in overcoming challenges (Netero's quick understanding of [Expert Faller]).
• The thrill of competition and strategic gameplay (Mog's enjoyment of the situation).

Character Interactions

• Netero and Mog engage in a tense yet playful exchange, with Netero testing [Expert Faller] and Mog enjoying the spectacle.
• Netero communicates with his assistant, Mr. Bean-face, to gather coins for deactivating [Expert Faller].

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mog introduces an upgraded assassin robot, [Expert Faller Z], to challenge Netero.
• The [Expert Faller Z] attacks Netero relentlessly, demonstrating its powerful firepower and ruthless pursuit of its target.
• Netero, initially planning to toy with the robot, decides to take it seriously due to its intensity and disregard for collateral damage.
• Netero successfully halts the ordinary [Expert Faller] using a hundred Jeni coins, hinting at the immense cost to stop the [Expert Faller Z].

Character Developments

• Netero shows his serious side, shifting from playful to strategic as he faces the [Expert Faller Z].
• Mog contemplates the potential of using [Expert Faller Z] to build an assassin family, comparing it to the Zoldyck Family.

Significant Themes

• The theme of power and its consequences is explored through the [Expert Faller Z]'s relentless pursuit and disregard for collateral damage.
• The cost of stopping powerful assassins is highlighted, with the ordinary [Expert Faller] requiring a hundred Jeni coins to be halted.

Character Interactions

• Mog and Netero's interaction shows Mog's eagerness to challenge Netero with powerful assassins, while Netero remains calm and strategic in response.
• The [Expert Faller Z] and the ordinary [Expert Faller] have an internal conflict, with the [Expert Faller Z] eliminating the other due to target interference.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chairman Netero and Mog play a modified version of dodgeball, where Nen abilities are incorporated.
• Netero dribbles a ball while dealing with an advanced robot, [Expert Z], created by Mog.
• [Expert Z] changes tactics, deploying multiple dark cannon barrels for an area-of-effect attack.
• Netero expresses confidence that Mog underestimates him.

Character Developments

• Netero shows increased focus on Mog, suspecting he has more inventions and is watching the show.
• Mog remains calm and confident, not intervening directly but hinting at more inventions.

Significant Themes

• Trust and confidence in one's abilities (Netero).
• Underestimation and misjudgment (Mog underestimating Netero, Netero thinking Mog underestimates him).
• The power of inventions and their potential dangers (Mog's robots).

Character Interactions

• Netero and Mog engage in a game of cat and mouse, with Netero trying to figure out Mog's intentions and Mog enjoying Netero's struggle.
• Netero expresses frustration at Mog's provocation, leading to a display of power.
• Mog hints at having more inventions, keeping Netero on edge.