Licenses and Promises

Early the next morning, sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the hotel's top-floor conference hall, spilling across the floor and reflecting a pale golden glow. The atmosphere was solemn and tranquil.

Gon was the first to arrive. The wound on his forehead had apparently just been redressed, the bandage neat and clean, while his face brimmed with youthful energy. He sat by the window, gazing outside as if lost in thought, though his eyes held a firm resolve. Leorio and Kurapika entered shortly afterward. The three exchanged simple greetings, then fell silent.

Ryan was the fourth to arrive. He pushed open the door, nodded to the three, and sat beside Leorio. Hanzo, Ponzu, and Hisoka soon entered in turn. Hisoka sat against the wall and played with his cards by himself, while Hanzo and Ponzu sat opposite Ryan. They greeted one another, then no one spoke, and the room became quiet enough to hear a pin drop.

At that moment, Beans entered the conference hall, followed by several Association members standing in orderly rows with black lacquered boxes in their hands.

"Congratulations." Beans spoke, his tone as flat as ever, with a strangely relaxed edge. "The Hunter Association has completed its final review and will now issue Hunter Licenses to the candidates who passed the exam."

He read out the names one by one. Whenever a name was called, an Association member handed the lacquered box to the corresponding candidate. Inside was the Hunter License, the card that symbolized a Hunter's identity. There was no personal information on it. The card resembled a bank card, with the Hunter Association's emblem printed on both sides.

"Gon Freecss, Kurapika, Leorio, Hisoka, Ponzu, Hanzo, and lastly... Ryan."

All eight accepted their boxes. The moment they opened them, everyone was excited. Leorio even