Chapter 13

Whale Island, a small, unremarkable island located in the middle of the Yulbian continent, is named for its whale-like shape.

Due to its geographical environment, the island has long been semi-isolated from the outside world, preserving a relatively primitive natural landscape. Even its technological level lags about ten years behind more developed regions, with most residents relying on fishing and hunting for their livelihood.

If it weren't for the presence of top-tier hunters like Kim富力士 (Kim) and one of the main characters, Gon, probably no one would pay any attention to this tiny island.

However, perhaps it is precisely the relatively closed environment that has shaped the unique personalities of this father and son, allowing them to stand out in a world full of strong individuals.

January 4th, a very special day.

Because at just twelve years old, Gon had just fulfilled his promise to his adoptive mother, Aunt Mito, successfully catching the enormous "Swamp King" within the specified time, and was now officially setting out to follow in the footsteps of his biological father.

At that moment, he stood on the deck of a wooden sailboat, excitedly conversing with everyone, including the captain, radiating a pure and innocent curiosity that was devoid of any notions of good or evil.

"Because of his simplicity, he can focus, and because of his focus, he can unwaveringly implement his decisions and unleash astonishing potential at critical moments. Is this your talent? In a certain sense, it's truly terrifying..."

Looking at the small, energetic figure not far ahead, Allen couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn't have believed that someone like Gon could exist, just as it's impossible for pure, uncontaminated water to exist in nature.

Moreover, he had also met the other two main characters, Kurapika and Leorio, who also possessed outstanding qualities and potential.

During the past two months on Whale Island, Allen had either been in the wild forest or immersed in intense battles in dungeons, making him look a bit haggard. His gray pants and shirt were tattered and even scorched in some places.

It was clear that the high-level dungeons had given him a hard time.

Especially the large number of magic-using enemies, whose energy attacks couldn't be defended against using the advanced Nen techniques "Zetsu," "Ren," and "Ken." Many of them also had tracking abilities, making it impossible to dodge, leaving him no choice but to rely on his health points to endure.

Once his health points reached zero, he would either have to risk death and continue fighting or immediately turn and flee.

Of course, the rewards were also significant.

In the intense battles, Allen learned many combat techniques and accumulated a lot of experience, no longer fearing close-quarters combat. He could skillfully use enhanced Nen abilities to give melee weapons and armor different attribute enhancements, and then use "Mongoose Bite" and "Raptor Strike" to kill his targets.

Although only a year had passed in the real world, he had spent about seven to eight years in the dungeons, mostly either fighting or training his body and Nen abilities.

Thanks to the boundless potential brought by his Dark Elf heritage, he was no longer the weak person he had been a year ago. The "Kurou" surrounding his body was like the surface of a deep, bottomless lake.

Calm!

Round!

Smooth!

Seemingly blending with the surrounding environment!

Anyone who saw such a presence would be compelled to cheer loudly, for it was a testament to strength and power, a crystallization of countless trials and tribulations.

"Ah—"

Given the limited level of the candidates on the ship, it was a bit hard to get excited, and Allen couldn't help but yawn, lying down on the deck to rest his eyes. Before long, he fell asleep.

After all, with Roubus standing guard nearby, he didn't have to worry about being ambushed or tricked.

However, his nap didn't last long. He was soon awakened by the sound of thunder and lightning, as well as the roar of waves crashing against the ship and the sea.

"Hmm? Is the storm coming?"

As soon as Allen opened his eyes, he saw the sky above him as dark as ink.

The once calm sea now showed its most brutal and terrifying side, repeatedly trying to capsize and tear apart the small wooden sailboat.

For safety, all the candidates had retreated to the cabin, except for him and Roubus, who were still on the deck, using Nen to resist the storm.

Suddenly!

The tightly closed cabin door was pushed open, and Kurapika and Leorio stepped out one after the other, completely ignoring the storm's turbulence, and took up battle stances on the deck.

Just as Allen was about to enjoy the upcoming "famous scene," the captain suddenly walked between them and came directly to him, asking, "You're Allen, the only candidate recognized as qualified by the Association last year, but you refused to accept the Hunter License for personal reasons, right?"

"That's right, it's me. But there's a misunderstanding; I don't think I passed the exam last year," Allen corrected, extending a finger.

"What?"

"This guy passed the exam but refused the Hunter License?"

Kurapika and Leorio immediately stopped their tense standoff and turned to stare at Allen, who was sitting on the deck, completely unaffected by the storm, and the large wolf beside him.

No matter how strong the rain and wind, or how many waves crashed onto the deck, both the man and the wolf remained clean and tidy, not even their clothes or fur getting wet.

"Eh? You passed the Hunter Exam last year? That's amazing! I'm Gon Freecss. Is this wolf your partner? What's its name?"

Gon, who had somehow run out of the cabin below, opened his eyes wide with excitement, asking questions and trying to touch Roubus's head, almost getting bitten.

If Allen hadn't reacted quickly to stop his pet's attack, Gon's Hunter Exam this year would have ended there, and he would have been sent to the hospital for emergency treatment.

Faced with this "curious baby," Allen couldn't help but laugh and warn, "Don't touch Roubus; his temper isn't very good. Also, didn't I already say that I don't think I passed the exam last year, so I'm here to retake it this year?"

"Oh, I see."

Gon's face showed understanding, but his gaze remained fixed on the Shadow Wolf King.

Just as he was about to say something else, the captain suddenly interrupted, "Alright! I don't care about your reasons, but you already have the qualifications to enter the exam venue directly, so there's no need to waste time here. I've already informed the Examination Committee, and they will send someone to pick you up as soon as we dock."

"No problem, thank you."

Allen nodded lightly, gladly accepting the arrangement.

In fact, he wanted to get to the venue as soon as possible, preferably before the exam officially started, to understand the grudge between him and Hisoka.

Unfortunately, he didn't know where this year's Hunter Exam venue was located.

Additionally, he wanted to see the three main characters, so he chose Whale Island as his starting point.

"Wait! That's not fair! Why can he go directly to the exam venue, but we can't?" Leorio asked indignantly.

"Fair? Hahaha! You're really naive and cute," the captain said, completely ignoring Leorio's face and poking his chest. "Remember, kid, the Hunter Exam isn't a fair game but a process of eliminating the weak and selecting the strong. As for you, you can't even sense the vast gap in strength between you and others, yet you dare to stand here and talk about fairness? How ridiculous!"

"Damn it!"

Leorio swung his fist at the air, venting his dissatisfaction.

However, no matter how much he resented it, he didn't dare to oppose the captain's decision and could only sulk in a corner.

Kurapika's attention was also drawn to the sudden appearance of Allen, forgetting his previous verbal conflict with Leorio. He took the initiative to greet Allen and tried to gather information about the Hunter Exam.

By the time the ship docked, Allen had already established a relatively friendly relationship with the main characters and then followed the Examination Committee's dispatched monster, the Ferocious Fox, directly to the exam venue.

PS: New book, please follow and recommend, thank you very much.