"Sorry to keep you waiting, candidates."
At last, after the airship had traveled for an entire day, it stopped above the restaurant that served as the site of the fifth exam.
Chairman Netero returned to the familiar hall, lifted a red cloth, and announced the rules of the match.
"This exam will use a one-on-one elimination format."
Behind the red cloth was a list of matchups stacked like a pyramid.
Everyone froze when they saw the list.
There was only one spot at the very top.
Leorio murmured in disbelief, "Does that mean only one person will pass in the end?"
Netero paid no mind to the varied expressions on everyone's faces. He even asked with a hint of mischief, "Isn't it interesting?"
Kurapika studied the match list, his expression turning grave.
His number tag had been placed alongside No. 404.
No. 404—Netero, and also Coleman!
A butcher who killed without batting an eye, an assassin who never showed mercy.
This was going to be troublesome.
All he could do was silently encourage himself.
I can win.
Even if the odds were vanishingly small.
Standing at the front, Chairman Netero admired the young candidates' expressions, feeling that his wicked sense of humor had been satisfied.
Then he said with a cheerful smile, "Hahaha, don't be so nervous. This exam is different from the usual ones. You only need to win one match to receive a Hunter License."
"Whaaaat?!"
Hearing everyone's shocked cries, Chairman Netero smiled even more happily.
Pointing at the top of the pyramid, he said, "That's right. The loser of each match advances to the next round, until the very end—when they are eliminated!"
In other words, there was only one elimination slot.
Of the ten people present, barring any surprises, nine would receive Hunter Licenses.
"And everyone