The Outer Trial and the Steel-Fanged Beast

After finishing the pineapple, the six of them pressed deeper into the forest.

They had grown much more accustomed to the crushing gravity.

At least Leorio no longer needed help walking.

The forest was thick with vegetation that blotted out the sun.

A deep layer of fallen leaves covered the ground, soft beneath their feet.

Genos led the way, scanning their surroundings.

"I've detected a large life-form three kilometers ahead."

"Estimated Capture Level: around eighteen."

Level eighteen.

That was the entry level for Fierce Beasts on the second layer.

Leorio perked up.

"Level eighteen? Perfect for practice!"

"I'll show you what the great Leorio can do!"

Killua shot him a sidelong glance.

"Try running first."

Half an hour later, the six reached an open stretch of the Stone Forest.

Rumble—

The ground trembled.

A huge Fierce Beast emerged from behind the stone pillars.

It stood over three meters tall, its body covered in thick steel-gray armor that gleamed in the sunlight.

Two tusks, each over a meter long, jutted from its lower jaw and flashed coldly.

A Steel-Armored Fang Beast.

The most common Fierce Beast on the outskirts of the second layer.

Capture Level: eighteen.

It spotted the six of them and growled low in its throat.

Its front hooves pawed the ground.

Dust flew.

"Here it comes!"

Gon clenched his fists in excitement.

He charged in first.

"I'll go first!"

The Fang Beast roared and lowered its head to ram him.

Both tusks pointed straight at Gon.

Its speed and strength far surpassed those of any Fierce Beast on the first layer.

Before, Gon would never have dared to take that charge head-on.

But now—

"Spinning Rock!"

His fist twisted.

Bang!

His punch slammed into the Fang Beast's forehead.

Clang—

Metal rang out sharply.

The blow knocked the Fang