𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐙𝐄 | ʰˣʰ

chapter xi.

THE FINAL Phase, to put it politely, is set up like a fucking mess. You have to win one fight to be removed from the imbalanced matchup bracket, and the last one in the running fails the Hunter Exam.

The catch is that some people have more opportunities to fight than others. Some, like Gon, have up to five attempts to make it out. Others, like Illumi, have as few as two.

It couldn't be based on preemptive strength, then, because you would have less than four tries were that the case. And that would mean they've placed you at the same level as the same number 53 that you called weak earlier.

The possibility alone irks an itch into your finger, so you shove it down.

At another glance, you find that your number of chances does not equate to any form of capability, because Illumi has the same number of chances as Leorio does.

Is it the balance between the matchups, then?

Before you can deliberate further, your thoughts are cut through by a gruff voice. "Why are the rounds so off-balance?" It's 191, the older man that you've been pit against for your first match.

"It simply reflects your Exam records," Netero shrugs, idle smile ever-glued onto his face. "Those with better scores get more chances to win."

Your gaze flicks to the bracket again. If that's the case, why the hell does Gon have more chances to fight than Hisoka? His performance is inevitably limited, at least when put next to such a proficient combatant and nen user.

No, scratch that. Why does this fuckass kid have more shots than you do?

Killua, not far off to your left, lets out an arrogant hmph and crosses the room to Netero. "Not convinced. What else is involved?"

"Not telling," Netero says flatly.

Killua wastes not a breath to demand, "Huh? Why not?"

"The specifics of the scoring system are classified, and so are your scores. But in broad terms, we consider three basic categories: physical ability, mental acuity, and overall impression."

Overall impression? Promptly, the words translate themselves to: Bullshit.

The old man isn't done yapping yet, though. "Physical ability comes down to strength, agility, endurance, and the senses. Mental acuity tests measures of focus, flexibility, judgement, creativity. None of you particularly lack in any of these, seeing how you've come this far. What's left is the Final Phase, designed to test your potential as Hunters."

Potential. Another vague buzzword by which judgement can result in anything.

"Just a few simple rules. You may use any weapons you'd like. You win when your opponent admits defeat. But if you kill your opponent, you will be disqualified and everyone else here will pass."

Momentarily, you consider that maybe Netero is not as single-track combat-minded as you'd first taken him for, because the brackets are a good way to sow psychological tension among the Examinees. But that would require allowing the participants even a moment to aim their suspicions toward the bracket, which does not happen.

A group of men in sunglasses and suits has been standing off to the side until now, and one steps up to the center of the room to declare in a deep baritone, "First match— Hanzo vs. Gon!"