The two hours passed in what felt like a blink, and Zevil Island finally came into view. Quasar's eyes scanned the thick forest that dominated the landscape, its dark greenery stretching far into the distance. The salty tang of the ocean air was replaced by the earthy scent of vegetation as the boat slowed, coming to a stop at the island's shore.
A wooden plank extended from the boat's railing to the land below, creaking slightly as it settled into place. Khara, still sporting her overly excited demeanor, stepped forward to the edge of the railing where the plank began. She held up a stopwatch, her exaggerated smile gleaming in the sunlight.
"Thanks for your patience, everyone! We've finally arrived at Zevil Island!" she announced cheerily, her voice cutting through the murmurs of the applicants. "Now, please disembark in the order by which you cleared the third phase."
Quasar straightened slightly, glancing at the plank and then back at Khara, whose expression didn't falter as she continued.
"After each person disembarks, we'll wait two minutes before the next person's turn." She motioned to the stopwatch, her arm raised theatrically.
Quasar stood near Killua and Gon, her boots scuffing against the wooden deck as she shifted her weight. Killua leaned lazily against the railing, one hand tucked into his pocket. "That means we'll be waiting here a while," he muttered, his voice laced with mild annoyance.
Quasar smirked faintly, her eyes flicking to him. "Not me," she replied, crossing her arms. "Second place means I'm off this boat pretty fast."
Killua tsked, rolling his eyes.
Khara raised her hand, gesturing toward the forested island ahead. "You will stay on this island for exactly one week. During that time, you must amass your six points of ID tags and return here." She pointed skyward dramatically. "All right then, the first person may start!"
Hisoka was first. He moved forward with a casual yet confident gait, his hands hanging loosely at his sides. Khara clicked the stopwatch, the faint electronic beep signaling the start of the two-minute wait. The sunlight caught the faint bloodstain on his right shoulder as he crossed the plank without hesitation, then disappearing into the shadows of the dense forest a few moments later.
Quasar inhaled deeply, her fingers brushing the zipper of her jacket. She tightened it reflexively over the ID badge clipped to her shirt beneath. Quasar glanced at Gon and Killua, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Good luck, you two," she said, her tone genuine. She reached out briefly to ruffle Gon's spiky hair, earning a laugh from the boy and a sharp glare from Killua.
"Don't get yourself killed, hag," Killua retorted, though his tone was less biting than usual.
She smirked, waving off the insult before turning to Kurapika and Leorio, who stood further away. "You guys too, try not to do anything stupid," she called, giving them a quick wave.
Leorio gave a mock salute while Kurapika nodded, his expression neutral but focused.
Khara's voice broke through the brief camaraderie. "Two minutes have passed. The second person may start!"
Quasar didn't hesitate. With a final wave to the group, she stepped onto the plank, the wood creaking faintly under her weight. A soft breeze brushed against her face as she descended, carrying with it the distinct scent of the forest. The canopy ahead swayed slightly, the rustling leaves creating a natural symphony.
Her boots hit the soft ground, and she paused briefly, glancing over her shoulder at the boat one last time. She turned back, tightening her jacket and feeling the outline of her badge one last time before jogging forward into the forest.
YOU ARE READING
ECHOES BEYOND THE DOOR || Hisoka X OC
Hayran Kurgu|| MATURE CONTENT || "Careful now...A game's only fun when the pieces survive long enough to bleed." Caught between life and death, she awakens in a realm of endless doors, each one a path into the unknown. Drawn to one, she steps through and finds...
