Persistence and Rewards

The forest was shrouded in morning mist. The mountain air was slightly chilly, and birds occasionally chirped among the trees. In the clearing outside the wooden cabin, Ryan, Kurapika, Gon, and Leorio stood in a row after breakfast.

Xi Kuan gave them a cold glance, said nothing, and turned to enter the cabin.

Then, a familiar voice broke the silence. "Looks like you really didn't run away at the last minute."

They turned to look and saw Zebro walking down the forest path step by step, carrying a large, thick burlap sack on his back.

"Uncle Zebro?" Gon cried out in delight.

"Don't call me so affectionately. I'm your temporary instructor now." He grinned and stopped before them.

"Why are you here too?" Leorio asked.

"Didn't you make a bet with Xi Kuan? You said you'd push open the Testing Gate on your own within a month. That guy's all bark and no bite."

Zebro tossed the burlap sack he was carrying onto the ground, sending dust flying. "Xi Kuan told me this morning to bring these things over and help you out while I was at it."

As he spoke, he dragged out four heavy vests from the sack. Each was stuffed with lead blocks, and each vest weighed sixty kilograms.

"Starting today, you'll wear these every day." He tossed a vest at each of their feet, and the heavy impacts made the ground tremble.

Leorio was about to complain, but then he saw Ryan silently put on his weights and stand perfectly straight. Gritting his teeth, Leorio put his on as well.

Xi Kuan emerged from the cabin at that moment, dragging out another thick burlap sack and setting it in the middle of the group. "There are shoes, wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads inside. Pick