ANIMOSITY | hxh

three

Satotz gave a moment to allow a couple more participants to catch up. It wasn't long before Tsuno and Killua saw Gon's other friends.

A pair walked up to the two of children. One of them could be recognized as Gon's failing friend from earlier. It baffled her how he was still able to make it. 

The other was a blonde male with brown eyes. He wore pure white loose clothing — draped over it was what seemed to be cultural clothing that Tsuno couldn't recognize. Tsuno grew up around plenty of people with different backgrounds and cultures, but never one who wore anything similar to that. She narrowed eyes at his clothes before looking him in the eyes. He didn't notice her gaze, Tsuno stayed quiet.

"The fog is lifting." The blonde noted, causing everyone's head to shift outwards. The dog was still extremely thick below where the forest was.

Satotz projected his voice to the applicants. "This is Numere Wetlands, also known as Swindlers' Swamp. We will cross it to reach the second phase of the exam." He looked directly at the crowd, unblinking. "This swamp is home to many bizarre animals,  many of which are crafty and voracious. They will use their abilities to trick you and prey on you. So it is extremely important to not be left behind." 

He raised a finger pointedly, "If you are deceived, you will die." Tsuno could hear the nervous gulps and hitches of the breath. Tsuno resisted the urge to roll her eyes. There was a whirring sound, as a shutter blocked off the tunnel they came from, shutting out an excited participant who screamed for pardon. "This place is called the Swindlers' Swamp for a reason. Do your best to follow me so you won't be deceived."

Satotz continued, completely ignoring what just happened. Tsuno heard Gon's shirtless friend scoffing, "Do they think we're stupid? We can't be fooled if we're expecting it." With perfect timing,  a new voice appeared from the side of the wall. 

"Don't let them fool you!" They screamed. The new perfume moved to reveal themselves. It was an average looking male, with honey-blonde hair. He had multiple bruises and injuries, especially all around his face. He screamed, pointing an accusing finger at Satotz. "He's not the real examiner,  I am! He's an imposter!" The man was loud and angry, Tsuno covered her sensitive ears with a scowl. The other applicants gasped in shock. 

"He's the real examiner?"

"Then who've we've been following this whole time?"

"He's a fraud!?"

Satotz did there with a still expression, not mating a move to defend himself. The supposed examiner continued to confidently accuse him. He lugged a bag or into the open. The creature had a thin, ape-like body from the neck down. But his face closely resembled Satotz, frozen in a horrific scream. "He's a man-faced ape. They're magical creatures from the Swamp who disguise themselves as human to lure and trap their prey. And this guy's one of them! He's no examiner, he's going to kill and eat you all!" 

"What!?"

"He does look just like it.."

"That would explain his inhuman speed and stamina."