HBWnovel Chapter 13 - Game x Test x Burst
Chapter 13 - Game x Test x Burst
Chapter 13: Game x Test x Burst
“Ball-snatching game?”
Gon and Killua gave Netero curious looks as he stepped out in casual clothing, his formal robes set aside.
“Exactly. Before this airship reaches the next location, if any of you can take this ball from me, you win. If you win, I’ll grant you Hunter status on the spot,” Netero said seriously.
It was clear from his tone—he wasn’t joking.
In fact, none of the other Hunter Exam examiners would question this decision.
Taking the ball from Netero was at least ten times harder than any other test they had designed.
Anyone capable of such a feat would deserve to become a Hunter, no questions asked. Even professional Hunters would respect them.
“By the way, you can use any method to get the ball, and I won’t fight back,” Netero added, his face breaking into a mischievous smile.
“Any method at all?” Killua’s eyes narrowed.
“Of course. Even attacking this old man is fair game,” Netero said teasingly.
“Don’t underestimate me!” Killua’s expression darkened for a moment before he smiled faintly and said calmly, “I’ll go first.”
Without hesitation, Killua sidestepped, circling Netero slowly.
With each movement, multiple illusions of Killua appeared, encircling Netero and moving continuously.
“Rhythm Echo?” Lorraine observed from the sidelines, furrowing his brow.
Since his recent upgrade, this was the first time he couldn’t follow someone’s movements. Even Hisoka’s attacks had been clear to him before.
“This technique is designed to confuse opponents with strong dynamic vision,” Lorraine concluded after observing closely and recalling his knowledge of Rhythm Echo.
It was a technique that created afterimages by alternating walking speeds. The stronger one’s dynamic vision, the more details they noticed, and consequently, the more illusions they saw.
Still...
Even if Lorraine couldn’t track the movements clearly, he could distinguish the real Killua from the illusions.
In an instant, Killua struck, reaching for the ball from Netero’s blind spot.
But, of course, if Lorraine could see it, so could Netero.
Killua’s rapid attack was easily evaded with minimal movement, leaving him unsuccessful.
Despite failing, Lorraine was impressed by Killua’s abilities.
“I wonder how much experience I can gain tonight,” Lorraine thought, excitement flashing in his eyes. Without hesitation, he charged at Netero.
“So he’s going for Gon’s approach?” Killua observed, narrowing his eyes.
Though this was their first interaction, Killua could clearly sense the vast power and skill concealed within Netero’s seemingly frail frame.
Lorraine’s raw speed and strength were impressive but lacked finesse. It was obvious to Killua that Lorraine had no formal training.
“Pure physicality alone won’t be enough to grab that ball from the old man,” Killua concluded, giving up on the idea of seeing Netero flustered.
Netero, too, was initially unimpressed.
“Is this all he’s got?” Netero wondered, his eyes narrowing.
Disappointment lingered—he’d expected more from Lorraine. But still, he continued testing Lorraine with the same casual movements he had used on Gon and Killua.
Meanwhile, Lorraine was entirely focused on pushing his body to its limits.
Though Netero easily evaded his attacks, Lorraine paid no mind.
Instead, he immersed himself in the sensation of movement, gradually growing more familiar with his recently upgraded physique.
The thrill of his newfound speed and power consumed him, and his eyes sparkled with determination.
Somewhere along the way, Lorraine forgot he wasn’t planning to actually take the ball.
This shift didn’t go unnoticed by Netero.
“Could it be...?”
A curious thought crossed Netero’s mind. To test his theory, he intentionally created an opening.
“Now’s my chance!”
Lorraine’s eyes gleamed as he lunged at the ball, instinctively tapping into a deeper reservoir of strength.
With a powerful push-off, Lorraine disappeared from Gon and Killua’s sight.
“So fast!” Gon gasped, wide-eyed.
“Impossible!” Killua mentally screamed, straining to track Lorraine’s movements.
But with a seemingly slow motion, Netero sidestepped effortlessly, and Lorraine crashed to the ground behind him.
Lorraine quickly got back up, staring at his hands in disbelief.
For a moment, even he couldn’t fully comprehend the speed he had just unleashed.