Survival in the Ruins: I can make everything evolve infinitely

Chapter 19: Drawing Lots × The Fourth Round of the Hunter Exam

“First, congratulations on making it out of the Trap Tower! I’m Libo, your examiner…”

Outside the Trap Tower, the third test’s examiner, Libo, appeared before the candidates for the first time.

Lorraine narrowed his eyes at the short, stocky man with a bald, rooster-like head and sly, fox-like eyes.

I, Lorraine, hold grudges for life!

“Congratulations to everyone who passed the third test! You’re now just two steps away from becoming Hunters—the fourth test and the final exam!” Libo smiled widely.

“The island ahead is where the fourth test will take place. But first, please draw a lot.” Libo gestured as a box of cards was brought forward.

“Draw lots?”

“Why do we need to draw lots?”

The candidates were puzzled.

Libo explained with a smile, “This draw will determine who is the hunter and who is the prey. In this box are 25 cards, each bearing a candidate’s number. The number you draw will be your target for the upcoming test.”

“The number on your card represents your prey. On the island, you must steal their card.”

“Capturing your prey’s card earns three points. Keeping your own is also three points. Other candidates’ cards are worth one point each. Collect six points to advance to the final exam.”

The candidates froze, then instinctively clutched their number tags. Some even removed them, hiding them away.

Libo smiled, gesturing toward the box. “The rules are clear. Draw in the order you passed the third test.”

“Thank you for your efforts, candidates. Our ship will reach the fourth test site in two hours. Until then, please rest,” a cheerful Hunter Association guide announced on the ship.

However, tension hung in the air. No one paid attention to her, too focused on who their prey and hunter might be.

The guide laughed awkwardly. “Oh, I have good news! All 25 candidates will receive complimentary round-trip tickets for next year’s exam!”

“If you don’t pass this year, you can always try again!”

Silence fell. Moments ago, they had ignored her. Now, many looked ready to throw her overboard.

Realizing her mistake, she chuckled nervously and said, “You’re free to move about for the next two hours. Enjoy the trip!” She quickly retreated.

“Hey, Lorraine, you finished fourth? Not bad!”

On the ship’s bow, Leorio approached Lorraine with a grin.

Lorraine gave him a flat look. “Just say what you want.”

“Well…” Leorio scratched his head. “You were fourth, so you should know everyone’s numbers, right?”

“Yeah, I know. You want to know your targets, don’t you?” Lorraine emphasized the plural word.

“Heh…”

Gon, Killua, and Kurapika joined them.

“Alright, who are your targets?” Lorraine sighed. He didn’t mind sharing.

“246,” Leorio whispered.

“246… That’s the short girl,” Lorraine recalled.

“The short girl… It’s her!” Leorio exclaimed. Only one short girl remained among the candidates.

“My target is 199,” Killua said.

“199? One of those three brothers. I’m not sure which,” Lorraine shrugged.

“That’s enough!” Killua smirked confidently. Whether it was one or three made no difference to him.

“And you two?” Lorraine turned to Gon and Kurapika.

“No need. I know my target,” Gon waved.

“Me too,” Kurapika nodded.

“Fair enough,” Lorraine nodded, then tilted his head. “Aren’t you worried I might be hunting you?”

Killua grinned. “We thought about that. But if you were, keeping our distance wouldn’t matter. Information is more important!”

“You’ve got a point,” Lorraine admitted, exasperated.

“Relax. My target is 53—the short hunter with a bow,” Lorraine said.

Everyone visibly relaxed.

After witnessing Lorraine’s battle with Netero, Gon and Killua knew his power. Kurapika and Leorio, though they hadn’t seen it, trusted their words.

“Candidates, disembark in order. The next candidate can only leave two minutes after the previous one.”

“You have one week on this island. Collect six points and return here in seven days!” the Hunter Association staff announced.

As the fourth finisher, Lorraine waited six minutes before stepping onto the island. The first three had long vanished.

Without hesitation, Lorraine chose a direction and entered the forest.

There was no rush. Even if he didn’t find 53, he doubted he’d go seven days without encountering three other candidates. He wasn’t about to waste the time ahead.