Chapter 338

As time went by, some people could still keep up with Satotz, 

But others gradually fell behind.

Ron maintained a steady pace and calm breathing, not even showing signs of sweating. All the while, he was doing something else: developing a new ability. 

Specifically, an ability to fuse his Nen Beasts.

Ron currently had enough spare energy to work on this. 

Typically, a Nen user won't develop too many abilities because even after creating one, you still need to practice and refine it. 

Most Nen users only have a handful of abilities, and when one can't keep up with a user's growth, they usually evolve it further rather than start a brand-new one—like going from a lower-level skill to a mid- or high-level version of the same skill. 

But for now, Ron only had two abilities: 

One was Nen Bullets—common among Emission users. He hadn't put much effort into it; he'd simply picked it up alongside his training in Ko. 

The other was the Observer's Intention, which was crucial to him.

As a transmigrant, Ron had a natural advantage—he modelled his Nen Beasts after characters from his previous life's memories. That meant he didn't need to spend time designing their powers. 

By comparison, Razor—an Emission user who also used Nen Beasts—had rather simple abilities, and his beasts weren't very strong; he relied more on his own fighting power, with his beasts acting like tools or extra manpower. 

Ron's beasts, on the other hand, each had unique characteristics and abilities, more like full-fledged Nen users in their own right.

Before this, Ron also had time to develop new abilities, but it wasn't urgent. Now, though, with Baki feeling a bit redundant—Natsu basically covered his role—and Baki's special techniques (position switching and Scale of Weights) could be used with other beasts once fused, it made sense to work on the fusion ability.

"Still, even if I create a fusion ability, I don't have to fuse right away. I can wait until after I've absorbed the Hunter Exam's traits and created a new Nen Beast. There might be a better option."

Many examinees fell so far behind that Satotz disappeared from their sight. Already exhausted, they grew even more desperate. 

When you're at your limit, if you can at least see your goal, you might keep pushing. But if you can't even see the target or know how long you must endure, it's easy to give up.

Some stopped in place, choosing to quit right there. Others turned around and headed back. 

The Hunter Exam was over for them.

Tonpa sidled up to the pudgy guy carrying a laptop. He mocked him, messing with his head. 

That guy's mind was already unsteady. Tonpa's words pushed him over the edge. He stumbled, falling hard to the ground, clothes drenched in sweat, even tears rolling down. Tonpa took satisfaction in his expression. 

"That's more like it. Newbies should act like newbies."

Meanwhile, Gon and Killua were far in front. 

Both had outstanding stamina—one raised with the rigorous training of the Zoldyck family, the other who grew up playing in the mountains. 

Their talents were top-tier.

Satotz glanced back and silently praised them. 

"Impressive. That is exactly what I'd expect from Ging's son and a young Zoldyck. Their gifts are beyond ordinary."

Hisoka, watching Gon and Killua, also grew more interested. 

Just this first test already revealed some of their potential, which he found promising. 

But his gaze soon shifted elsewhere—to Ron's position. 

Neither Gon nor Killua was "ripe" enough by his standards, and besides, Killua was under Illumi's protection.

"This isn't the right time," Hisoka thought, forcibly restraining his anticipation.

Gradually, more people dropped out. 

Compared to last year, this exam was clearly harder. That made sense, though—this year's examinees had notably higher overall ability. The Association knew exactly who was signing up: Hisoka, Illumi, Gon, Killua, Hanzo, Pokkle, Ron… 

It was natural they raised the difficulty; otherwise, the exam might drag on, leaving too many participants in the later stages.

Suddenly, a ray of light appeared up ahead. A flight of stairs came into view. 

Following those steps upward led to an exit.

"Is that the goal?" 

"Finally!" 

"At last—done!"

Ron mingled in the second group, avoiding attention.

Gon and Killua had drawn considerable notice, being so young yet able to complete the first test while staying at the head of the pack.

"Are those two kids really that strong?" 

Illumi, Hanzo, Hisoka… all looked on.

Satotz stopped, checking the time. While Kurapika just rushed out. 

"Where's Leorio?" Gon asked, not seeing him.

"He should be here soon," Kurapika said.

Truth be told, Leorio's situation wasn't great. Endurance was never his strong suit. Even in the original story, he barely managed to complete this first marathon-like run, needing Kurapika's help at times. 

Yet after training for a few days at the Zoldyck estate, even without knowing Nen, Leorio could push open the second door of the Testing Gate. So in terms of raw strength, he actually did pretty well.

Different people had different specialties: some excelled in speed, some in power, others in reflexes.

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