Adultrio

"Looks like that bastard was right," I muttered, staring at the small steak restaurant from the rooftop.

It had been nine hours since I started watching the place, and just like before, people kept going in but never came out. That must be the waiting area for the Hunter Exam.

A faint smirk tugged at my lips.

That's where I was headed too. That annoying bastard told me to become a hunter. He was also the one who said to me that this restaurant was the real spot for this exam.

I barely trusted him. With how many times he'd tricked me, I just couldn't.

Still, the fact he hadn't lied this time surprised me. Maybe he actually wanted me to pass, or maybe he was finally going soft on me.

But the thought of him going soft made me cringe. No way. He's probably smirking somewhere, saying, "Do you want to get stronger? Then don't trust anyone!"

I shook my head, trying to shove the image of him out of my mind. Focus.

Standing up, I dusted off my clothes. I wiped the sweat from my forehead, stretching my body. Sitting on a rooftop for hours hadn't been my brightest idea.

I gave the restaurant one last look, brushing a strand of black hair behind my ear. My expression tightened. This was the beginning of my journey, whether I liked it or not.

On my way down the building, I kept my face cold, the kind of look that screamed, Don't talk to me. It usually worked, most people weren't bold enough to bother someone who looked like they might chew them out.

But my luck ran out when I walked straight into someone. I hit the ground with a thud, my patience already wearing thin. Looking up, I found a black-haired kid standing there, rubbing the back of his neck like he didn't know what to say.

"Sorry, didn't see you," he said, flashing a sheepish smile, his eyes still shut like he didn't even need to check the damage.

I didn't bother responding. To be fair, it wasn't all on him. I'd been distracted, too.

As I stood up, the familiar sound of metal hitting the ground made my stomach drop. Fuck. My coins. Of course. I crouched to gather them, but the kid beat me to it, his hands moving faster than I expected.

"Sorry again," he said, holding out the small pile of coins.

"You don't need to---" I started, but he cut me off with a smile.

"No, it's my fault."

I took the coins, shoving them into the pouch strapped to my thigh.

"Thanks," I added, my voice a little softer than usual.

"Gon. My name's Gon Freecss," he said, scratching his chin like he was trying to be shy.

I managed a real smile this time, the first one in a while. "Thanks, Gon. And don't worry about it. I wasn't exactly paying attention either."

"Hehe..." He grinned, eyes lighting up as he glanced at my pocket. "Those coins. They're different from our jenny! What are they?"

My grip tightened around the pouch. Should I tell him? He's just a kid—probably wouldn't think much of it.

I pulled one coin out, rolling it between my fingers. "They're my weapon," I said, flicking it in the air like I was playing darts.

Gon's eyes lit up, but before he could ask more, a voice called out his name. We both turned to see a group of three walking toward us; one with blonde hair, one tall with glasses, and the last one had eyes sharp enough to cut through steel. They all looked like they'd been searching for him.

"Gon! We've been looking everywhere for you!" the guy with glasses shouted. The blonde scowled. "Leorio, you don't have to yell!"

I silently agreed.

"Call me Leorio-san!" the tall guy shot back, and the two started bickering. The man with the sharp eyes stepped between them, trying to calm them down.

This is my cue to leave.

Turning to Gon, I nodded. "I've got to go. I have important things to take care of." I bowed slightly. "Thanks again."

As I began to walk away, he grabbed my arm. "Wait! I don't even know your name."

I hesitated, then answered, "Mei."

"Nice to meet you, Mei!" Gon said with a grin.

I just nodded and made my way into the restaurant. Inside, I saw only a few customers.

There had to be a secret way to the exam site, but I sure as hell didn't know where or how to get in. Damn that man.

I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to stay cool. My eyes scanned the room until they landed on an empty table. I figured I'd just sit tight and wait for someone who actually knew what they were doing.

Minutes dragged on before the door swung open. I didn't think much of it at first, but then I caught sight of Gon walking in, his messy hair and wide eyes scanning the room. My brow furrowed. Wait—he's here for the exam, too?

Gon glanced up at him, then back at the counter, looking completely at ease. I couldn't shake the thought. Could he really make it through?

I hadn't even realized I'd been staring until the sharp-eyed guy with him ordered, "The steak combo, please. The one that makes us light."

I blinked, confusion flickering across my face. Is that... the password?

The cook looked at him for a moment, then asked, "How many chairs?"

"Just three."

No way. My eyes widened slightly, the pieces clicking into place. They're participants too. That had to be the way in. I watched as they headed toward a VIP room, disappearing behind the door.

Now it was my turn.

I approached the counter and repeated the navigator's words. The cook glanced at me before asking how many chairs.

"One," I said, keeping my voice as steady as I could. He nodded and pointed me toward the door.

Inside the room, I took a seat, feeling the walls hum slightly beneath me as the floor started to move. An elevator? The Hunter Association had a knack for surprises. First, the hidden location, now a secret entrance tucked away in what looked like an ordinary dining room.

When the elevator finally stopped, I took a breath and stepped out. The moment I did, every pair of eyes in the room snapped to me. A chill ran down my spine, but I didn't flinch. Kept my face blank. No way I'd show weakness.

A small green man grinned up at me. "Hi there! Here's your tag. Don't lose it," he said, handing me a small badge.

406... There are this many people?

I pinned the tag to my chest, scanning the room until I saw Gon heading my way. "Mei!" he shouted, waving.

I stayed calm as he reached me. "You didn't say you were taking the Hunter Exam too!" he said, grinning.

"You didn't ask," I replied.

"Hehe, that's true." Gon scratched his head, and before he could say anything more, his friends joined him.

"Who's this?" the blonde one asked.

"She's the lady from earlier!" Leorio said, leaning down to get a better look at me.

"Oh! I forgot to introduce her. This is Mei. Mei, this is Kurapika, and that's Leorio."

"Yo!" Leorio waved, while Kurapika smiled and bowed slightly.

I nodded in return, offering a small smile.

"Hey, Mei!" Gon started again. "Why don't you team up with us?"

"What?"

"Let's team up!" he repeated eagerly.

I raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"You seem cool, and I want to see you fight with your coins!"

For a moment, I was speechless. I'd only shown him the coins because I thought he was just a kid.

"So? What do you think?" Gon asked, his eyes shining.

I looked away, murmuring, "Well, maybe..."

He's just a kid. He'll probably give up halfway through the exam anyway. Then I'll be on my own again.