HxH Cards x Stitches

Captured Snake and Chef Aspirations

[Warning: Long ass chapter. 2in1]

Creak-

"No, wait for me!"

Bang!

With an ominous sound, the door leading to the only way back slammed shut, separating the hundreds of applicants from the tunnel as well as blocking one ex-applicant from passing.

"How cruel." Several people seemed to mutter in pity, feeling fortunate that they weren't that guy.

Though, all of this escaped one young man's notice as he was too engrossed with something more interesting in his phone. If it weren't for someone tapping his shoulder, he would've completely missed the introduction to the second part of the first stage.

"Hmm?" Blinking his eyes in surprise, Juzou lowered his headphones and turned to face a familiar nail man. "I'm a muffin?"

"Click?" Tilting his head stiffly, the nail man appeared to be confused for a moment before apparently just ignoring that strange question and pointed to the examiner instead.

"Oh, the next part's about to start! Thanks for reminding me!" Juzou exclaimed in realization, nodding to the other man gratefully. It seemed that the man was trying to repay him for giving his needle back earlier.

And, right on time, the examiner, Satotz cleared his throat, attracting the attention of the applicants.

"The Numere's Wetlands, also known as the Swindler's Swamp. You'll have to go through here in order to reach the second round." Satotz began. "The rare animals you'll find in this marsh... will do their best to hunt you as prey."

As if cued, the wind began to blow ominously, causing the fog to move in ways that made it seem as though there were many creatures hidden within, waiting for the perfect moment to pounce on them.

"Follow me and pay close attention! Losing your way will lead to death." Satotz continued to inform them politely, not minding the eerie atmosphere or the nervous whispers of the applicants. "The reason why it is called the Swindler's Swamp is because of the wily nature of its inhabitants. They will deceive and trick you, so do be in the lookout."

"Don't be deceived! He's lying to you!" Suddenly, from within the mist, a man emerged, appearing wounded and beaten up. "He's not the real examiner!"

Amongst the crowd, Juzou tilted his head blankly. What's happening? Who's this guy? What was he doing?

By the way, what exactly are hunters?

"I am the real examiner!" The man iterated, trying a little too hard to make the applicants believe him. "I'll show you!"

Amidst the confused and suspicious examinees, the man pulled out a creature which looked like a monkey, except that it had a face which strangely resembled Satotz.

"He's one of the wetland creatures, a man-faced ape!" Shouted the man as several people gasped in shock. It almost looked a bit comical.

Somehow, Juzou felt like he were watching a stage play instead of participating in an exam. He even had the slight urge to applaud their performance, though it seemed that someone didn't share his sentiments and was starting to feel a little impatient.

"They disguise themselves as humans and cooperate with other wetland creatures in order to hunt down humans-" Suddenly, the so-called real examiner was cut off mid-monologue by four cards piercing into his body.

Well then, that sure ended quickly. Anyways, which Pocky flavour is your favorite?

"Gu-ugh..." He didn't even get to see who his attacker was before falling over, dead.