Danmachi: Voyager of Worlds Ability

[27] : Hisoka Challenge, Survival of the Fittest, Breathless Pursuit

"Huff, huff, huff!"

"Are the people of this world all monsters?" Mellie panted, bending over in exhaustion as she ran.

Two hours had passed since the first exam began, and all participants had already run 30 kilometers. Even Airmid and Mellie, whose physical abilities were comparable to Level 2 adventurers thanks to their breathing techniques, were feeling fatigued. Yet, some examinees ahead of them showed no signs of tiredness, as if running 30 kilometers in two hours was effortless.

This gave Mika's group a clearer understanding of this world's inhabitants. It was evident that this world had no shortage of powerful individuals.

"If you're feeling tired, we can slow down a bit. As long as we don't stop completely, we have plenty of time," Mika said with a wry smile, running ahead of Airmid and Mellie. Even he was feeling somewhat fatigued, but thanks to his beyond-limit level endurance, he was confident he could make it to the end.

"If possible, let's slow down a bit more," Airmid suggested.

"Alright, let's slow down!"

After deliberately reducing their speed, Mika's group was soon left behind by the tail end of the pack. But Mika wasn't concerned; the outcome of this test was far from decided.

Once they were sure no one was nearby, Airmid began casting magic. According to Mika's plan, they would rely primarily on Airmid's magic for recovery in the early stages when no one could disturb them. Later, as more people dropped out along the way, they would switch to the safer option of using stamina recovery potions.

As the trio continued running, they began to see more and more people stopping ahead of them. But this didn't affect Mika's group; they steadily pressed forward.

As time passed, the distance covered by the participants grew longer. When Mika's group had run 80 kilometers, stairs appeared before them.

"The final battle is approaching," Mika thought, knowing this staircase would be their last stretch.

"No way, we have to climb a hundred flights of stairs at the end?" Mellie exclaimed, clearly remembering their descent in the elevator earlier.

"I can't go on, Mika. You should go ahead," Mellie said, looking at the seemingly endless stairs. "Even if we manage to climb up, we'll probably be over the time limit!"

"So you should go on without us. As long as you can learn that Nen ability, we'll consider it a success," Mellie added, knowing that if one of them learned this transferable ability, it would be enough.

"How could I possibly leave you behind?" Mika said, taking off his backpack and handing it to Airmid. He then pulled Mellie onto his back.

"Hold on tight!" he instructed Mellie before picking up Airmid in a princess carry.

"Get ready, I'm about to sprint!"

Hearing Mika's words, Airmid and Mellie tightened their grip on him. As soon as Mika finished speaking, he dashed forward.

Rapidly ascending the stairs, overtaking the slowly advancing examinees, Mika's figure gradually disappeared under their envious gazes.

"Mika, there's no need for you to do this!" Mellie continued to persuade him, despite the smile on her face. "Although it would be romantic for all of us to become Hunters together, isn't the main point now to gain the qualification to learn Nen?"

"How could there be no need?" Mika retorted. Both Airmid and Mellie's participation was crucial.

Before the Hunter Exam, Mika had considered letting them give up midway, thinking it would be more convenient to act alone. But he quickly abandoned this idea because of Hisoka's presence.