Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gelman and Hisoka, skilled Nen users, stand out among the examinees.
• Izunabi, the examiner, allows examinees to wait near him after the first exam.
• Hisoka kills five examinees off-screen, showing his bloodlust.
• Izunabi leads the remaining 143 examinees out of the graveyard's mist.
• They reach a mansion where the next exam will take place. Gelman enters first, triggering traps.
• Dinner is served in the mansion, and Gelman triggers more traps while eating calmly.

Character Developments

• Gelman demonstrates exceptional reflexes and calmness under pressure, showing his experience in evading assassinations.
• Hisoka displays his ruthlessness and disregard for other examinees' lives.
• Izunabi shows he won't interfere with examinees' actions unless explicitly forbidden.

Significant Themes

• Survival of the fittest: The exam's harsh conditions and lack of explicit rules encourage examinees to prioritize their own survival.
• Bloodlust and ruthlessness: Hisoka's actions highlight the dark side of the Hunter Exam and the underworld.
• Calm under pressure: Gelman's composure in the face of danger showcases his mental strength and experience.

Character Interactions

• Gelman and Hisoka stand out among the examinees, drawing attention and concern from Izunabi.
• Gelman and Hisoka enter the mansion first, with Gelman triggering traps and Hisoka observing a painting.
• The examinees watch Gelman trigger traps while eating, showing a mix of shock and schadenfreude.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gelman explores the mansion and chooses the largest room on the third floor for the night.
• Tuomen, another candidate, attempts to claim the room but is thrown out and injured by Gelman.
• Ian, the examiner for the second round, appears, confirms Gelman's actions were within rules, and withdraws Tuomen from the exam.
• The next morning, a man in animal hides gathers the remaining candidates, signaling the start of the Third Exam.

Character Developments

• Gelman: Shows his strength and assertiveness, claiming the best room and injuring Tuomen. He appears indifferent to the exam's events and sleeps through the night.
• Tuomen: Initially confident, he becomes injured and withdrawn after Gelman's attack. He is later withdrawn from the exam by Ian.
• Ian: Reveals himself as the examiner, upholds the rules, and shows unexpected strength when carrying Tuomen.
• Hisoka: Observes the events from his room, showing interest in Gelman and contemplating his next move.

Significant Themes

• Strength and Power: Gelman's physical strength and Tuomen's initial bravado are challenged and proven unequal.
• Rules and Consequences: Ian's intervention highlights the importance of following the exam rules, with Tuomen's withdrawal serving as a consequence for breaking them.
• Indifference vs. Ambition: Gelman's disinterest in the exam contrasts with Tuomen's and Hisoka's ambitions.

Character Interactions

• Gelman vs. Tuomen: Gelman's indifference and strength clash with Tuomen's initial bravado and later fear.
• Ian vs. Tuomen: Ian's stern demeanor and enforcement of rules contrast with Tuomen's fear and eventual compliance.
• Hisoka vs. Gelman: Hisoka observes Gelman from afar, showing curiosity and potential interest in competing with him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Third Exam begins with Examiner Hogari announcing the task: find the cave releasing mist.
• Hisoka and Gelman provoke Hogari, leading to a standoff.
• Hogari attempts to attack Hisoka and Gelman as a lesson, but Hisoka anticipates and blocks the attack.

Character Developments

• Hisoka: Shows arrogance and disrespect towards Hogari, demonstrating his confidence and disregard for authority.
• Gelman: Maintains a calm and collected demeanor, refusing to engage with Hisoka publicly, and stands his ground against Hogari.
• Hogari: Becomes increasingly irritated and loses his composure, leading him to attempt a sneak attack on the examinees.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and authority: Hisoka and Gelman challenge Hogari's authority, while Hogari tries to assert his dominance.
• Respect and disrespect: The characters' actions revolve around showing or lacking respect towards each other, with Hogari expecting it and Hisoka and Gelman refusing to give it.

Character Interactions

• Hisoka and Gelman: They subtly interact, with Hisoka trying to engage Gelman and Gelman maintaining a public distance.
• Hisoka and Hogari: They clash over Hogari's announcement of the exam and his authority as an examiner.
• Gelman and Hogari: They exchange words, with Gelman standing his ground against Hogari's accusations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hisoka easily defeats Hogari using his "Elastic Love" ability, dislocating his arms and throwing him off a cliff.
• Hisoka proposes to become the examiner for the Third Exam and decides to fight the remaining examinees.
• Fifty examinees attempt to subdue Hisoka together but fail miserably, with many getting seriously injured.
• The remaining examinees flee, leaving Gelman to face Hisoka alone.
• Hisoka initiates a fight with Gelman, using his "Elastic Love" to control projectiles and even injured examinees.

Character Developments

• Hisoka showcases his immense power and ruthlessness, enjoying the fear and despair of his opponents.
• Gelman maintains his composure and readiness, revealing his proficiency in En and Gyo.
• Hogari's defeat highlights the power gap between him and Hisoka, and his inability to keep up with Hisoka's speed and unpredictability.

Significant Themes

• Power Imbalance: The disparity in power between Hisoka and the examinees is stark, emphasizing the theme of power imbalance and the consequences of underestimating one's opponent.
• Fear and Despair: Hisoka's actions instill fear and despair in the examinees, demonstrating the psychological impact of power and the struggle against overwhelming odds.
• Survival and Adaptation: The examinees' attempts to fight back and their eventual retreat highlight the theme of survival and adaptation in the face of insurmountable challenges.

Character Interactions

• Hisoka toys with the examinees, enjoying their fear and despair, and shows no mercy in defeating them.
• Gelman maintains a calm demeanor, showing no fear in the face of Hisoka's power, and prepares to fight him alone.
• The examinees attempt to work together to defeat Hisoka but fail, highlighting the lack of coordination and unity among them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hisoka uses his Elastic Love ability to toss examinees and debris at Gelman.
• Gelman dodges Hisoka's attacks, revealing his enhanced agility and stamina.
• Hisoka and Gelman deduce each other's ability ranges, leading to a close-quarters fight.
• Gelman reveals a flamethrower, burning Hisoka and causing him to lose his clothes.
• Hisoka guesses Gelman's ability category and decides not to interfere with him further.

Character Developments

• Hisoka: Shows his analytical skills in deducing Gelman's ability range and nature. Despite being burned, he maintains his composure and decides not to interfere with Gelman further, showing a rare moment of restraint.
• Gelman: Demonstrates his strategic thinking and adaptability in combat. He reveals a new weapon (flamethrower) and hints at the true nature of his ability, maintaining an air of mystery.

Significant Themes

• Ability Analysis and Adaptation: Both characters analyze each other's abilities to adapt their strategies, highlighting the importance of understanding one's opponent in combat.
• Mystery and Revealing Secrets: Gelman's reluctance to reveal the full extent of his ability keeps the reader engaged and curious about his true powers.

Character Interactions

• Hisoka vs. Gelman: The two engage in a tense and strategic battle, showcasing their analytical skills and adaptability. Despite their conflict, there's a hint of mutual respect, with Hisoka acknowledging Gelman's qualifications and deciding not to interfere further.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Netero, the Chairman of the Hunter Association, arrives at the Hunter Exam site to investigate disturbances caused by Hisoka.
• Hisoka is disqualified from the exam for attacking an examiner and injuring other candidates but plans to retake the exam next year.
• Gelman is declared the sole passer of the 286th Hunter Exam due to the high number of casualties and dropouts.
• Gelman is given a Hunter License and leaves the exam site on an airship.

Character Developments

• Hisoka demonstrates his confidence and arrogance, stating he will surpass Netero in the future.
• Gelman shows indifference and a lack of interest in the Hunter Association's proceedings, only caring about his Hunter License.
• Netero displays his wisdom and experience, easily assessing the situation and making decisions.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and hierarchy among Hunter Exam candidates and the Hunter Association.
• The importance of a Hunter License and the Hunter Exam as a rite of passage.
• The theme of evolution and growth, with Hisoka looking forward to future encounters with Gelman.

Character Interactions

• Hisoka and Gelman briefly interact, with Hisoka expressing interest in Gelman's potential.
• Netero interacts with Gelman and Hisoka, assessing their abilities and making decisions regarding their participation in the exam.
• Beanpaste Man serves as a messenger and assistant to Netero, showing nervousness and timidity but also amusement to Netero.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gelman arrives at the Hunter Association branch, disembarking from an airship.
• He witnesses an argument between Netero, Menchi, Buhara, and Beanpaste Man.
• Gelman receives his Hunter License after two days at the Hunter Association branch.
• Netero explains the uses, precautions, and the "Hunter Ten Commandments" to Gelman.
• Gelman states his "Hunting Target" as beasts and leaves the branch.

Character Developments

• Gelman shows no interest in the Hunter Association's details, only focusing on obtaining his license.
• Netero is revealed to be the Chairman of the Hunter Association, manipulative, and has prior knowledge of Gelman's connection to the Phantom Troupe.
• Menchi and Buhara are introduced as Hunters, with Menchi being a One-Star Hunter and Buhara being her ally.

Significant Themes

• The Hunter License's significance and privileges.
• The Hunter Ten Commandments as a moral guide for Hunters.
• The hierarchy and ranking system among Hunters (One-Star, Two-Star, Three-Star).

Character Interactions

• Gelman interacts briefly with Beanpaste Man, who serves as his guide and explains the Hunter Association's structure.
• Gelman witnesses an argument between Netero, Menchi, and Buhara, but does not engage.
• Netero and Gelman have a conversation where Netero learns about Gelman's "Hunting Target" and expresses his hopes for Gelman's future success as a Hunter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Netero confirms Biscuit's assessment of Gelman's potential.
• Gelman travels to K.S.W. City, staying at the Opera Hotel.
• Gelman contacts Biscuit for the Hunter-exclusive website URL.
• Gelman logs into the website, finding limited information on the Dark Continent but detailed intel on other topics with varying access requirements.

Character Developments

• Gelman demonstrates his determination and resourcefulness in obtaining the Hunter-exclusive website URL.
• Biscuit shows her eagerness to help Gelman and hints at her knowledge of the 'Chameleon Stone.'

Significant Themes

• Information Control: The restriction of information, especially about the Dark Continent, highlights the power dynamics between the Hunter Association and the V5 great powers.
• Bounty Hunting: The high bounty on the Phantom Troupe members emphasizes the dangerous and lucrative nature of Hunter work.

Character Interactions

• Gelman and Biscuit maintain their mentor-mentee relationship, with Biscuit providing assistance and Gelman reciprocating with offers of 'gems.'
• Gelman's interaction with the Hunter-exclusive website bartender is minimal but establishes the immersive nature of the platform.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gelman learns about two influential Hunter Association members, "Rat" Pariston and "Boar" Ging, who have connections to the Dark Continent.
• He contacts Machi for potential medical assistance during his upcoming journey.
• Gelman uses the Lantern to return to the Dark Continent's Arid River Valley and explores beyond it.
• He encounters various creatures like Meat Sucking Bugs, Poison Mist Centipedes, and Gale Ripple Moths, but avoids combat to focus on exploration.

Character Developments

• Gelman shows caution and preparation in his plans, contacting Machi in advance and avoiding unnecessary fights.
• Machi maintains her indifferent and professional demeanor, prioritizing her work over pleasantries.

Significant Themes

• Preparation and Caution: Gelman's careful planning and avoidance of unnecessary risks highlight the importance of preparation and caution in his mission.
• Exploration and Discovery: Gelman's journey beyond the Arid River Valley emphasizes the theme of exploration and discovery, both of the Dark Continent's environment and its creatures.

Character Interactions

• Gelman and Machi: Their interaction is brief and professional, with Machi showing no particular warmth towards Gelman, despite being fellow members of the Phantom Troupe.
• Gelman and the Imps: Gelman's interaction with the imps is limited to a brief touch, but it's clear they share a bond and the imps are eager to accompany him on his journey.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gelman enters a strange, otherworldly landscape filled with giant insects, bizarre plants, and firefly-like creatures.
• He encounters a flock of Multi-eyed Crows, each with several scarlet eyeballs, which attack him.
• Gelman uses his Flamethrower to fend off the crows, but their cries attract a more formidable creature, the Lord of Crows.
• The Lord of Crows emerges from the Muddy Land, stepping on the bones of its previous victims, and approaches Gelman.

Character Developments

• Gelman demonstrates his resourcefulness and combat skills, using his Flamethrower, Blunderbuss, and Meat Saw against the crows and the Lord of Crows.
• Gelman's Hunter Badge reacts to the Lord of Crows' presence, manifesting a text notification and an eyeball on Gelman's arm.

Significant Themes

• The theme of otherworldliness and the strange, fantastical creatures Gelman encounters.
• The theme of survival and combat, as Gelman faces off against the crows and the Lord of Crows.

Character Interactions

• Gelman interacts with the Multi-eyed Crows, first observing them, then defending himself against their attack.
• Gelman faces off against the Lord of Crows, attempting to fight it with his weapons.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gelman identifies the Lord of Crows' weakness: the eyeballs on its abdomen.
• Gelman's left arm develops eyeballs due to the Lord of Crows' curse, which spreads through his fresh wound.
• Gelman uses a poison gas bomb to try and incapacitate the Lord of Crows, but it evades and attacks him.
• Gelman rides the Lord of Crows, dodging its beak and avoiding a fatal strike.
• The Lord of Crows summons Multi-eyed Crows to attack Gelman while he's on its back.
• Gelman ignores the attacks and reaches into the Lord of Crows' abdomen wound.

Character Developments

• Gelman demonstrates quick thinking and adaptability, analyzing the Lord of Crows' curse and using it against it.
• Gelman shows resilience and determination, enduring pain and not giving up despite the Lord of Crows' relentless attacks.

Significant Themes

• Adaptability: Gelman's ability to adapt to new situations and use his environment to his advantage.
• Resilience: Gelman's refusal to give up despite facing overwhelming odds and severe pain.
• Weakness exploitation: Gelman's focus on finding and exploiting the Lord of Crows' weakness.

Character Interactions

• Gelman vs. Lord of Crows: A relentless battle of wits and strength, with Gelman constantly adapting and the Lord of Crows trying to shake him off.
• Gelman and Multi-eyed Crows: Gelman ignores their attacks, focusing solely on defeating the Lord of Crows.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gelman defeats the Lord of Crows using a bronze flamethrower, causing it to crash into a reed forest and burn.
• He retrieves the Lord of Crows' single eye, which possesses genuine curse abilities, and decides to sell it later.
• Gelman uses the Third Lantern to return to the human world, arriving at the Opera Hotel on January 14th, 2:00 AM.

Character Developments

• Gelman demonstrates his strategic thinking and resourcefulness in defeating the Lord of Crows.
• Machi shows professionalism and skill in treating Gelman's wounds, indicating her competence as a Nen user and medical practitioner.

Significant Themes

• Survival and Adaptation: Gelman's ability to adapt to harsh environments and overcome challenges is highlighted in this chapter.
• The Price of Power: The Lord of Crows' eye, a powerful tool, also carries a curse that could disrupt Gelman's mind if held too long.

Character Interactions

• Gelman and Machi interact briefly, with Machi treating Gelman's wounds and expressing concern for his well-being despite her initial annoyance at being woken up.
• Gelman's trust in his own judgment is evident when he decides to let Machi treat his wounds, despite not fully trusting her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gelman receives medical treatment from Machi for his injuries.
• Gelman pays Machi for her services and apologizes for the mess he made.
• Gelman assesses his gains from the encounter with the Lord of Crows, including attribute points, stress, traits, and new items.
• Gelman sleeps for an extended period due to his new "Hypersomnia" disease.
• Gelman sends the "Vermillion Bug's Chameleon Stone" to Biscuit via courier.
• Machi checks out of the Opera Hotel earlier than planned.

Character Developments

• Gelman shows concern for Machi's well-being, advising her to eat on time.
• Machi appears surprised and slightly disarrayed by Gelman's concern.

Significant Themes

• The importance of physical health and recovery for Hunters.
• The consequences of using Nen abilities, such as the "Hypersomnia" disease.
• The professional relationship between Gelman and Machi, with Gelman showing respect and concern for Machi's well-being.

Character Interactions

• Gelman and Machi have a brief conversation on their respective balconies, with Gelman showing concern for Machi's health.
• Gelman pays Machi for her services and apologizes for the mess he made, while Machi appears indifferent and slightly annoyed.
• Gelman sends the "Vermillion Bug's Chameleon Stone" to Biscuit, fulfilling his promise to her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gelman travels to Yorknew City, known for its large auctions, especially the underground one run by the "Ten Dons."
• He attempts to relieve stress through prayer at a church and indulging in alcohol and female company at a bar, but fails.
• Gelman contacts Biscuit Krueger, a Magical Beautician, to try her Nen ability, agreeing to pay twenty thousand Jenny for a session.

Character Developments

• Gelman is shown struggling with the "pressure" of his Nen ability, seeking ways to relieve it.
• Biscuit maintains her playful and mischievous demeanor, teasing Gelman while setting her price for a session.

Significant Themes

• Gelman's struggle with his Nen ability and the search for a way to control or relieve its pressure.
• The allure and danger of Yorknew City's auctions, attracting both legitimate and criminal elements.

Character Interactions

• Gelman interacts with an old priest at the church, who tries to proselytize him.
• At the bar, Gelman rejects the advances of a woman, leading to a heated argument.
• Gelman contacts Biscuit, agreeing to pay for her services to try and relieve his stress.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gelman discovers a woman's wallet in his pocket, which he stole unconsciously due to his kleptomania.
• He finds out the wallet contains 20,000 Jenny, enough to cover Biscuit's first payment.
• Biscuit agrees to meet Gelman in Yorknew City the day after tomorrow.
• Gelman encounters Shizuku, who recognizes him and demands 500,000 Jenny.
• Gelman researches Hunter-only auction houses in Yorknew City to sell the Lord of Crows' Monocle.
• Shizuku searches Gelman's information on the Hunter website and reveals their past connection through Bilbo.

Character Developments

• Gelman: Shows his kleptomania and his methodical approach to selling the Lord of Crows' Monocle.
• Shizuku: Reveals her selective memory and her role as a crime scene cleaner.

Significant Themes

• Memory and identity: Shizuku's selective memory and Gelman's search for his past.
• Trust and debt: The complex relationship between Gelman, Shizuku, and Bilbo, involving trust and unpaid debts.

Character Interactions

• Gelman and Shizuku: Their interaction is tense and confusing, with Shizuku demanding money from Gelman, who has no memory of their past dealings.
• Gelman and Biscuit: They maintain a casual, affectionate relationship through text messages.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gelman meets Shizuku, who is collecting a debt from Bilbo, which Gelman now owes.
• Gelman verifies Shizuku's claim and agrees to pay her 500,000 Jenny using 'Online Banking'.
• Gelman considers forming a team for his Dark Continent journeys and ponders inviting Shizuku.

Character Developments

• Gelman: Shows responsibility in paying debts, strategic thinking in forming a team, and caution in choosing team members.
• Shizuku: Demonstrates professionalism in her work, shrewdness in negotiating, and independence as she hasn't joined any organization.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork: Gelman realizes the need for a team with diverse skills to tackle various challenges in the Dark Continent.
• Trust: Gelman is cautious about inviting potential team members due to the risks involved.
• Responsibility: Gelman takes on Bilbo's debt and pays Shizuku promptly.

Character Interactions

• Gelman and Shizuku: They meet due to a debt, but Gelman considers inviting Shizuku to his team after seeing her dependability and skills. Shizuku, in turn, shows interest in Gelman's proposal but wants more information before committing.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gelman leaves Shizuku to think over her decision about joining the Phantom Troupe.
• Gelman visits an auction house to sell the Lord of Crows' Monocle.
• The Nosra Family, led by Light and his daughter Neon, arrives at the auction house, interested in the eyeball.
• Light decides to buy the eyeball for one hundred million Jenny based on Neon's divination.

Character Developments

• Shizuku is deeply contemplative about her future with the Phantom Troupe.
• Gelman demonstrates his business acumen by choosing the quickest sale option for the eyeball.
• Light shows his dedication to his daughter's happiness and his willingness to spend vast amounts of money to fulfill her wishes.

Significant Themes

• The power of divination and its influence on decision-making (Neon's ability and Light's reliance on it).
• The value of rare and unusual items, both monetarily and sentimentally (the Lord of Crows' Monocle and Neon's Human Organ collection).

Character Interactions

• Gelman and Shizuku part ways, with Gelman giving Shizuku time to consider her decision.
• Gelman interacts with the auction house appraiser, discussing the pros and cons of different sales methods.
• Light and Neon interact, with Light showing affection towards Neon and considering her wishes in his purchasing decision.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Light buys the "Lord of Crows' Monocle" for 100 million Jenny to prevent a predicted misfortune for his daughter, Neon.
• Gelman sells the monocle without haggling, hinting at its true value or urgency.
• Shanzhi, a rival gang leader, confronts Light outside the auction house, threatening the Nosra Family.
• Gelman is recognized by Shanzhi as a wanted criminal, Gelman, suspected of being part of the Phantom Troupe.

Character Developments

• Light shows concern for his daughter's safety and is willing to spend a large amount of money to protect her.
• Gelman appears indifferent to the price of the monocle, suggesting he needs the money urgently or knows its true value.
• Shanzhi is revealed to be jealous of Light's rise in power and threatens him.

Significant Themes

• The power of prophecy and its influence on decisions.
• The consequences of underestimating one's enemies.
• The importance of family and protecting loved ones.

Character Interactions

• Light and Neon: Light shows affection and concern for Neon, while Neon playfully teases her father.
• Light and Shanzhi: The two gang leaders have a tense exchange, with Shanzhi threatening Light and the Nosra Family.
• Gelman and Shanzhi: Shanzhi recognizes Gelman as a wanted criminal, hinting at a potential future conflict.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gelman's past is revealed: he worked for a minor boss under the Ten Dons, had a dispute over money, and killed the boss, leading to a bounty on his head.
• Laitte orders his family to stop hunting Gelman due to the increased risk and involvement of the Phantom Troupe.
• Gelman is followed by Shanzhi and his men, who attempt to attack him. Gelman easily defeats them while on a phone call with Shizuku.

Character Developments

• Laitte shows concern for his family's safety and Neon's well-being, ordering them to withdraw from the Gelman hunt.
• Gelman demonstrates his formidable combat skills and calm demeanor under pressure, even while on a phone call.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and hierarchies within the mafia are highlighted, with the Ten Dons at the top and minor bosses and their subordinates below.
• The theme of fear and helplessness is shown through Shanzhi and his men's encounter with Gelman.

Character Interactions

• Laitte and Daznuo discuss the Gelman situation, with Laitte making the decision to withdraw from the hunt.
• Gelman faces off against Shanzhi and his men, defeating them easily while on a phone call with Shizuku, who is arranging a meeting.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gelman kills Shanzhi and his men, taking their money and a ring.
• Gelman meets Shizuku at the plaza, and they agree to cooperate long-term.
• They discuss their next destination, the Dark Continent, which seems impossible to reach.
• They are surrounded by men in black, led by a gangster cadre named Boss Rose, who threatens them.
• Gelman swiftly decapitates Boss Rose, and the men open fire, targeting both Gelman and Shizuku.

Character Developments

• Gelman demonstrates his ruthlessness and speed, killing multiple enemies effortlessly.
• Shizuku shows her loyalty to Meteor City's ideology, choosing to cooperate with Gelman.
• Boss Rose reveals the 'Ten Dons'' bounty on Gelman, indicating the underworld's mobilization against him.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and Unity: Shizuku's loyalty to Meteor City's ideals and her willingness to cooperate with Gelman to protect her community.
• Power and Ruthlessness: Gelman's display of power and his willingness to use violence to achieve his goals.
• Impossibility and Determination: The seemingly impossible task of reaching the Dark Continent, and Gelman's determination to do so.

Character Interactions

• Gelman and Shizuku's first meeting after their initial agreement, showing a level of trust and understanding.
• Gelman's confrontation with Boss Rose, demonstrating his disregard for threats and his willingness to act decisively.
• The taxi driver's role as an informant, leading the men in black to Gelman and Shizuku.