Testing Gate

The tour bus slowly drove into a mountain road lined with interlacing tree shadows as the guide rambled on with her explanations. The forest outside grew denser and denser, and up close, Mount Kukuroo stretched between heaven and earth like an impenetrable barrier. Then the bus gave a slight jolt, and a broad clearing suddenly came into view. The guide put away her microphone, stood up, and said with a smile:

"Everyone, please look to your left—the famous Zoldyck Family Testing Gate is right before your eyes."

Gon and Leorio stuck their heads out almost at the same time, while Kurapika remained seated calmly, his gaze fixed on the enormous metal gate towering at the foot of the mountain.

The Testing Gate stood at the mountain's base like a colossal monument. Sunlight striking its black metal surface seemed to be swallowed whole. It consisted of seven massive iron doors, each more than ten meters tall and immensely thick. There were no chains or door knockers on their surfaces, as though it had never needed the "means of entry" used by ordinary people. Ancient patterns were carved into the gates, seemingly symbols of the family's glory. Atop the Testing Gate stood four lifelike Western dragon statues on each side, radiating a heavy, oppressive presence.

"Seeing it in the anime didn't really feel like much, but standing here... it's like a barrier that can never be crossed." Ryan narrowed his eyes slightly and spoke in a low voice.

The guide got off the bus and stood before the Testing Gate, adding, "They say this gate was forged from a special metal. The first door alone weighs two tons, and each one weighs twice as much as the last. The final gate supposedly weighs 128 tons. Every year, some thrill-seekers or black-market bounty