ECHOES BEYOND THE DOOR || Hisoka X OC

012 || Between Kings and Aces

Quasar leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching Netero and that funny green man with a tired, if slightly curious, gaze. Netero's energy filled the room, his voice both authoritative and casual as he addressed them.

"Allow me to introduce myself to the forty-two remaining applicants," he began, his eyes sweeping over the crowd. "I am Netero, chairman of this year's Hunter Exam selection committee."

The small, green-skinned man standing next to him stepped forward and added in a clear, crisp voice, "And I am his secretary, Beans."

Netero looked around the room, his gaze filled with a kind of mischief that seemed unfitting for his title. "Originally, I planned to make my appearance during the exam's final phase," he said, pausing for effect. "But as I'm already here..." His eyes glittered with excitement as he added, "I'm loving this tension in the air! So I think I'll stick around for the rest of the trip."

He chuckled, his laughter filling the half-oval-shaped room with an infectious warmth that softened the tense atmosphere. Beans, beside him, nodded and continued, "We are scheduled to arrive at our destination tomorrow morning at 8 AM. You'll find dinner waiting for you in the dining hall. You are also welcome to get some rest. In other words, you're free to do as you please until you are contacted."

Quasar's eyes drifted to a small clock on the wall, noting the time: 9:04 PM. Nearly eleven hours before they reached their next destination. She shifted, considering her options, just as a familiar voice broke her thoughts.

"Okay, Gon! Let's explore the airship," Killua said, his tone filled with an unshakeable energy.

"Yeah!" Gon agreed, his face lighting up with excitement.

Leorio, looking both amused and exasperated, shook his head with a groan. "How can they have so much energy? I'm hitting the sack."

Kurapika nodded in agreement, echoing, "You can say that again."

Quasar managed a tired smile, feeling the weight of the day settle over her. "I'm with you guys," she said, sharing a knowing look with Kurapika and Leorio. "Today really took it out of me." She watched as Killua and Gon exchanged a glance, completely unbothered by her comment, before dashing off down the corridor, their footsteps fading as they laughed together.

Turning away from the now-quiet room, Quasar wandered down the hallway, the faint hum of the engines filling the space. Her stomach growled softly, reminding her that the egg earlier had barely scratched the surface of her hunger. The thought of food gave her a small burst of energy, and she followed the winding path to the dining hall, guided by the warm, savory scent wafting through the corridor.

The dining hall was brightly lit, with long tables covered in an impressive array of dishes. Plates piled high with meats, vegetables, bread, and more filled her vision, each aroma blending into a comforting mix that made her mouth water. She piled her plate with an assortment, not bothering to overthink it, before finding a seat by the large windows along one wall.

Settling down, Quasar took a deep breath and dove into her meal, savoring each bite. The flavors were rich, perfectly seasoned, and somehow managed to feel both indulgent and soothing after the day's chaotic events. She found herself eating faster than she intended, a quiet satisfaction blooming within her as her hunger faded.

Once finished, she lingered by the windows, watching the stretch of city lights far below. The ship glided effortlessly through the night, and the landscape was dotted with pinpricks of light—a breathtaking contrast to the vast darkness surrounding them. The sight filled her with a quiet sense of awe, a reminder of just how far she'd come since entering this world. The view from above gave everything a serene quality, the bustling cities below looking like clusters of stars strewn across the land.