Four figures stood together — Gon Freecss, Killua Zoldyck, Kurapika, and Leorio. Leorio adjusted his glasses, scoffing at the crowd, while Killua leaned lazily against the wall, hands in his pockets.

"So, what's the deal with this exam? Looks like a bunch of weaklings," Killua muttered, glancing at the other participants.

Gon, always the optimist, looked around with curiosity. "I just hope I can pass! My dad was a Hunter, so I want to see why he left being a father behind for it."

Leorio scoffed. "Tch. I just need that damn license. I’m here for the money."

Then — a sudden shift in the atmosphere made their skin crawl. Someone was approaching. Slow, deliberate footsteps echoed through the corridor. A tall figure walked through the crowd with an almost playful swagger, his presence commanding fear.

— Hisoka Morow had returned.

His piercing yellow eyes scanned the room, his lips curled into an amused smirk. He carried himself with the confidence of a predator among prey. Candidates instinctively stepped away from him, as if being too close would invite death. Some whispered quietly.

“That’s Hisoka… He failed last year… but only because he murdered too many applicants.”

Gon and the others watched as Hisoka passed. His presence alone sent a chill down their spines, but it was Gon who couldn’t look away. Hisoka stopped for a moment, his gaze locking onto the young boy. His grin widened.

"Ahh… You’re here too. I wonder… will you entertain me?" His voice was smooth, almost seductive in its amusement.

Gon swallowed hard but didn’t break eye contact. Killua was on guard. Kurapika remained calm but was clearly assessing the threat, and Leorio clenched his fists, his muscles tensed. Without waiting for a response, he continued walking toward the front, vanishing into the sea of applicants.

Kurapika crossed his arms. “That man is extremely dangerous. If we cross his path, we need to be prepared.”

The Hunter Exam hadn’t even begun, but one thing was clear—this year, the test would be far more deadly than before.