Chapter 64: Killing must be done quickly

The examinees composed themselves, some resting while others took notes to prepare for future challenges. Soon, they noticed something unusual.

The once-cool venue suddenly grew warmer as overhead pipes began spewing hot air. The space quickly transformed into a steam furnace, made worse by poor air circulation and crowded conditions. Within ten minutes, candidates were soaked in sweat.

Desperate calls for Aldama went unanswered. As heat intensified, people began stripping off clothes. Shalnark sat cross-legged while Phinks remained statue-still, eyes closed. Oboro appeared to drift into sleep.

After thirty minutes, mist filled the hall completely. Though all candidates had proven their worth in pre-selection, this endurance test pushed them to their limits. Faces flushed red as breathing became difficult, yet they persisted.

Some had come prepared or harbored darker intentions, positioning themselves near ventilated windows or secretly sipping hidden water. These were temporary solutions to a persistent problem.

Hours passed. Rather than finding relief with nightfall, the heat intensified further. Through thick steam that obscured vision, candidates had to guard against those with ill intent who might eliminate competition.

The sound of bodies hitting the floor marked the first casualties - some fainting, others attacked. Then came the exodus. What seemed like a simple 24-hour test became torturous after just six hours. Wave after wave of candidates fled, automatically disqualifying themselves.

Phinks opened his eyes briefly to observe the suited man still sleeping, noting his steady breathing. Though he and Shalnark sensed Oboro's strength, it seemed limited. Even Aldama hadn't appeared particularly powerful.

They'd come merely to pass time between Troupe missions. If not for the Hunter Association's rules and the examiner's status, Phinks would have already acted on his murderous impulses. He and Shalnark had agreed: only they would pass this year's exam. They never shared victories with outsiders.

Part 2:

To others it was a struggle, but for Oboro it was merely a good night's sleep. When he opened his eyes at noon the next day, the venue's numbers had halved. Even Tonpa remained, though stripped to just his pants.

"Impressive sleeping through all that," Shalnark greeted with a broad smile.

"Anything interesting happen?" Oboro asked, knowing the answer.

"No... perfect timing."

The heat ceased as Aldama entered, cigarette in mouth. "Follow me," he commanded coldly.

They marched into the Gordo Desert under scorching sun. The night of sweating and mental strain had severely dehydrated many candidates. People collapsed continuously, but Aldama never slowed or looked back.

At an oasis spanning several football fields, barely seventy candidates remained. A young woman in a white headscarf waited beneath a tree, gold accessories adorning her hands and ankles.

"Aldama, what's happening? Are this year's candidates this weak? The elimination rate was never this high," she complained, hands on hips.

"They're yours now," Aldama replied irritably before leaving.

"I'm your second examiner, Nanji," she announced. "These trees attract insects with their sap, including this." She displayed a tiny scorpion. "The blue-eyed scorpion. Catch three within two days. They're aggressive, skilled at hiding, and highly venomous. Medical help is far if stung."

"Is there a time limit?" Phinks asked.

"Two days," Nanji answered, extending it from her planned one day due to low numbers.

"So we can do anything as long as we complete the task?" Phinks smiled.

"Correct!"

"I'm off," Phinks turned to leave.

"Be careful," Shalnark warned. "He's strong. Remember, without evidence, even if they suspect you, the Association must follow rules."

Phinks departed silently to pursue Aldama. The Association only enforced rules, with disqualification as the worst punishment. Examiners accepted such risks unless cases severely impacted the Association.

As candidates dispersed into the woods, Shalnark frowned, noticing something about the man in the suit.