The tension in the hall eased.
Then quickly froze again.
Colder and heavier than before.
Everyone held their breath.
The next match would determine the ultimate outcome of this Hunter Exam.
Though the difference in strength between the two opponents was clear.
The disparity left everyone speechless.
"Final test, fifth match."
Beans's voice echoed through the deathly silent hall.
"Killua versus Pokkle."
As that name was announced.
Pokkle's entire body stiffened.
All color drained from his face.
Fear.
Fear etched into his bones threatened to tear him apart.
He had only just crawled out from under Hisoka's shadow.
Now he had to face another monster.
A monster from the world's foremost family of assassins.
God, are you messing with me?
Pokkle wailed silently inside.
He would rather be struck dead by lightning right now.
Than step onto that stage.
But he had no choice.
Under the examiner's cold gaze, his legs felt impossibly heavy as he shuffled toward the center of the stage.
His opponent.
Killua.
Stood up.
His movements were slow and stiff, like a puppet's.
His face was expressionless.
Those beautiful blue eyes held nothing but emptiness now.
Unfocused.
"Killua..."
Gon looked at him worriedly and reached out to stop him.
But a wave of cold drove his hand back.
It was the chill Killua unconsciously radiated, rejecting everything.
He looked at no one.
He simply walked onto the stage, step by step.
And stood opposite Pokkle.
Two people in despair.
One driven to despair by fear.
The other by his struggle.
"The match... begins..."
Even the referee's voice trembled.
Here it comes. Here it comes.
Luo Ye leaned forward slightly.
His gaze sharpened with intense focus.
He wasn't watching to see who won. The outcome was already decided.
He wanted to see how that needle called Illumi