Survival in the Ruins: I can make everything evolve infinitely

Chapter 13: Game x Test x Burst

“Ball-snatching game?”

Gon and Killua gave Netero curious looks as he stepped out in casual clothing, his formal robes set aside.

“Exactly. Before this airship reaches the next location, if any of you can take this ball from me, you win. If you win, I’ll grant you Hunter status on the spot,” Netero said seriously.

It was clear from his tone—he wasn’t joking.

In fact, none of the other Hunter Exam examiners would question this decision.

Taking the ball from Netero was at least ten times harder than any other test they had designed.

Anyone capable of such a feat would deserve to become a Hunter, no questions asked. Even professional Hunters would respect them.

“By the way, you can use any method to get the ball, and I won’t fight back,” Netero added, his face breaking into a mischievous smile.

“Any method at all?” Killua’s eyes narrowed.

“Of course. Even attacking this old man is fair game,” Netero said teasingly.

“Don’t underestimate me!” Killua’s expression darkened for a moment before he smiled faintly and said calmly, “I’ll go first.”

Without hesitation, Killua sidestepped, circling Netero slowly.

With each movement, multiple illusions of Killua appeared, encircling Netero and moving continuously.

“Rhythm Echo?” Lorraine observed from the sidelines, furrowing his brow.

Since his recent upgrade, this was the first time he couldn’t follow someone’s movements. Even Hisoka’s attacks had been clear to him before.

“This technique is designed to confuse opponents with strong dynamic vision,” Lorraine concluded after observing closely and recalling his knowledge of Rhythm Echo.

It was a technique that created afterimages by alternating walking speeds. The stronger one’s dynamic vision, the more details they noticed, and consequently, the more illusions they saw.

Still…

Even if Lorraine couldn’t track the movements clearly, he could distinguish the real Killua from the illusions.

In an instant, Killua struck, reaching for the ball from Netero’s blind spot.

But, of course, if Lorraine could see it, so could Netero.

Killua’s rapid attack was easily evaded with minimal movement, leaving him unsuccessful.

Despite failing, Lorraine was impressed by Killua’s abilities.

His silent yet swift movements, precise footwork, and sharp assassination techniques showcased a lethal grace that was remarkable for someone his age.

However…

Killua miscalculated and attempted a direct attack, kicking Netero’s right leg.

The result?

Killua clutched his leg in pain, hopping around and crying out.

Lorraine laughed heartily.

That “old man’s” earlier playful warnings about attacking him weren’t a bluff. Trying to snatch the ball was one thing, but physical attacks? Killua’s current predicament was the inevitable outcome.

“Brother Lorraine, can I go next?” Gon asked politely, turning to Lorraine.

“Go ahead,” Lorraine replied with a nod, eager to observe Netero’s movements more closely, even if he doubted it would help.

Thrilled, Gon stretched and launched himself at Netero.

Unlike Killua, whose approach was calculated and stealthy, Gon’s style relied on pure physical strength and explosive energy.

But…

To Netero, the difference between the two was negligible.

After a series of futile attempts and some playful evasions, Gon ended up sprawled on the floor, out of breath.

“Oh ho ho, your turn now, kid!” Netero said, turning to Lorraine with a cheerful smile.

Yet, a glimmer of seriousness flickered in his eyes.

Unlike Gon and Killua, whom Netero viewed as entertaining toys, Lorraine was a different matter—he was prey.

Lorraine, however, seemed unaware of this distinction. Or perhaps he simply didn’t believe himself capable of challenging Netero directly.

With a sigh, Lorraine kicked off his flip-flops and stretched before stepping forward.

“I don’t know any martial arts, so I can’t compete with Killua’s techniques. My only option is to rely on raw physicality like Gon,” Lorraine thought to himself.

“But my physical capabilities, while slightly better than Gon’s, still don’t match Killua’s. If even Killua couldn’t take the ball, I certainly won’t.”

His plan wasn’t to win the game.

Lorraine glanced briefly at the ball in Netero’s hands before locking eyes with the man himself.

This was a chance to spar with the world’s strongest fighter, even if it was just a game.

After all, Netero’s “game” had been enough to exhaust Gon—a kid known for his boundless stamina—to the point of falling asleep.

“I wonder how much experience I can gain tonight,” Lorraine thought, excitement flashing in his eyes. Without hesitation, he charged at Netero.

“So he’s going for Gon’s approach?” Killua observed, narrowing his eyes.

Though this was their first interaction, Killua could clearly sense the vast power and skill concealed within Netero’s seemingly frail frame.

Lorraine’s raw speed and strength were impressive but lacked finesse. It was obvious to Killua that Lorraine had no formal training.

“Pure physicality alone won’t be enough to grab that ball from the old man,” Killua concluded, giving up on the idea of seeing Netero flustered.

Netero, too, was initially unimpressed.

“Is this all he’s got?” Netero wondered, his eyes narrowing.

Disappointment lingered—he’d expected more from Lorraine. But still, he continued testing Lorraine with the same casual movements he had used on Gon and Killua.

Meanwhile, Lorraine was entirely focused on pushing his body to its limits.

Though Netero easily evaded his attacks, Lorraine paid no mind.

Instead, he immersed himself in the sensation of movement, gradually growing more familiar with his recently upgraded physique.

The thrill of his newfound speed and power consumed him, and his eyes sparkled with determination.

Somewhere along the way, Lorraine forgot he wasn’t planning to actually take the ball.

This shift didn’t go unnoticed by Netero.

“Could it be…?”

A curious thought crossed Netero’s mind. To test his theory, he intentionally created an opening.

“Now’s my chance!”

Lorraine’s eyes gleamed as he lunged at the ball, instinctively tapping into a deeper reservoir of strength.

With a powerful push-off, Lorraine disappeared from Gon and Killua’s sight.

“So fast!” Gon gasped, wide-eyed.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

“Impossible!” Killua mentally screamed, straining to track Lorraine’s movements.

But with a seemingly slow motion, Netero sidestepped effortlessly, and Lorraine crashed to the ground behind him.

Lorraine quickly got back up, staring at his hands in disbelief.

For a moment, even he couldn’t fully comprehend the speed he had just unleashed.