They had passed through the Testing Gate, but Leorio still looked uneasy.
Leorio: Hey… Is it really okay for us to be here?
Zebro noticed his worry and reassured him calmly.
Zebro: Yes, you're safe. You entered through the Testing Gate, so Mike won't attack.
Then, Zebro called out loudly.
Zebro (shouting): Mike! Come here!
A low, eerie growl echoed from the forest. The group tensed. Moments later, a massive creature emerged from the shadows, lumbering toward them with heavy steps. Gon's eyes widened in horror, and he instinctively stepped back. Leorio and Kurapika looked just as disturbed. Max's body stiffened—not from fear of its strength, but from its terrifying appearance.
Max (Thought): This thing looks like a Kiriko... but a nightmare version—four-legged, can't talk, and horrifying to look at. Definitely not something I'd want to see in the dark.
Mike stopped a few meters away and sat down, his piercing eyes locked onto the group.
Zebro: Gon, do you understand now? This is a trained hunting dog. He's nothing like the wild animals you're used to.
No one moved. Beads of sweat rolled down their faces as they remained frozen, locked in Mike's gaze.
Max (Thought): Man... this thing looks more like a giant wolf with dagger ears than a dog. "Hunting dog" feels like an understatement.
Zebro: You must have thought you could communicate with him. That changed the moment you saw his eyes, didn't it?
Mike was still silently observing them, like a predator memorizing its prey.
Zebro: Right now, Mike is memorizing your faces and scents. He's not thinking about anything else. He's like a machine.
Max (Thought): Why do I feel like he's staring at me longer than the others? Probably because I'm the strongest one here… great.
Zebro: Gon-kun, could you fight him?
Gon immediately shook his head.
Gon: No! I'm scared. I don't want to fight him!
Zebro (Thought): He's such an honest boy.
Max (Thought): Is this thing really scarier than Hisoka or Illumi? Sometimes protagonists don't make sense… but yeah, I get it. He's not human. I was creeped out too, even if just for a moment.
Zebro: Well then, how long will you all be staying?
Gon didn't hesitate.
Gon: Until we meet Killua! We're not leaving until then!
Max (Thought): That fear disappeared fast.
Zebro smiled warmly.
Zebro: Then please, follow me.
As Zebro led them through the estate grounds, Max glanced back at Mike.
Max (Thought): He's still staring at us like we owe him money… knock it off already.
Eventually, they reached a building a bit away from the main house.
Zebro: These are the servants' quarters. It's getting late, so you can rest here tonight.
He pushed open the heavy wooden door. It creaked loudly, drawing Gon and Leorio's attention. Max just sighed internally.
Max (Thought): That door would be a struggle for them, but at least it's not a ton… hmm, maybe I should ask what is the materials of the door later.
Before stepping in, Max glanced back one last time. Something didn't sit right.
Max (Thought): Mike didn't follow us... so what was that presence I just felt? A spy? Wouldn't be surprising.
Zebro: Something wrong? Don't want to come in?
Max noticed the others were already inside and snapped out of his daze.
Max: Sorry, spaced out for a second.
He entered the quarters, and Zebro called out casually.
Zebro: Hey, I'm back!
Inside, a man was waiting—someone already staying in the servants' quarters.
As they entered the servants' quarters, a man looked up from his seat.
Man: Oh? You rarely bring guests.
Max (Thought): Only two of them?
Zebro gestured toward the man.
Zebro: This is Seaquant. He works here with me.
Gon: Good evening!
Seaquant gave them a quick glance, then returned to what he was doing.
Seaquant: If you got past Zebro, you must be something special. Make yourselves at home—though don't expect it to be easy around here.
Leorio frowned, clearly irritated by the man's tone. Gon looked confused. Kurapika silently considered his words. Max, however, couldn't care less.
Some time passed. Zebro prepared some tea and served it. The soft clinking of cups echoed in the quiet room. Seaquant finally spoke again, curious.
Seaquant: So... you're here to see the young master Killua?
He let out a short laugh. As Zebro set the teapot down with a loud thud, Seaquant added with a smirk:
Seaquant: That's a riot.
Leorio: Sorry to disappoint you, but we're dead serious.
Seaquant: Then here's a word of advice—go home. You're wasting your time.
Max (Thought): Thanks for the warning, guy I didn't ask.
Leorio: What was that supposed to mean?!
Seaquant: Zebro told you about the Testing Gate, right? That alone should tell you what kind of place this is.
Gon: We know it won't be easy. But I'm not leaving. Not until I see Killua! He needed help, and I wasn't there. If I had been… maybe I could've stopped him. Killua's my friend—my close friend!
Leorio and Kurapika lowered their heads slightly, regret evident on their faces.
Then Max spoke up.
Max: Y'know, Gon... back when Killua was under Illumi's control, I was planning to wake you up with a bucket of water—force you to help. But just before I did, Killua said one word and stopped me. He must've cared about you enough to fight off Illumi's influence… even if just for a second. That's why I respected his wish.
Leorio and Kurapika looked over in surprise.
Gon: And you're telling me this now?
Max: Well, Leorio and Kurapika probably would've told me to drop it. Your arm was still busted, remember?
Gon: You should've done it anyway.
Max: I only act when both sides accept it. No one did. So yeah… sorry for telling you this late.
Gon sighed while Leorio and Kurapika stared at Max silently.
Max: What? Was I supposed to just stay quiet forever? Sorry, I didn't know it was classified information.
Leorio and Kurapika sighed in unison. Zebro let out a short chuckle.
Zebro: I understand. In that case… why not train here a bit?
Gon: Training?
Seaquant: Hey, Zebro, wait a minute—
Zebro: Listen, Gon-kun. You three can work together to open the gate. With some training, I think it's possible. What do you say?
Gon: I'm not a fan of being tested…
Kurapika: But if there's no other way…
Leorio: Then we'll just have to do it!
Gon: Yeah!
Max: Uh… what about me?
Leorio: You probably don't even want to help.
Max: …Yeah, you're right.
The others sighed in defeat.
Max: Look, I know I said I won't help, but let me say this—this could be a good deal for you guys. You can train while working toward your goals… well, except for Leorio. But—what if your future patient is someone like Hisoka? Makes sense, right?
The others paused, considering Max's words.
Gon thought about his goal to punch Hisoka someday.Kurapika remembered his vow for revenge.And Leorio, despite being flustered, realized Max had a point. Even as a doctor, he might face dangerous patients.
Gon: You're right. But still, our main goal is to meet Killua.
Max: Then take this chance. Killua would probably be happy to see you stronger.
Zebro: Max is right. In that case, are you ready? Put these on.
Zebro handed out weighted chest straps. Max didn't receive one because he didn't need it.
As the others strapped them on, their knees buckled slightly under the unexpected weight.
Leorio: H-Holy crap… How is this so heavy?!
Zebro: Each vest weighs fifty kilograms. You'll wear them at all times—except while sleeping. I'll increase the weight as you get used to it.
Leorio: HAAAARGHH!!
Zebro: Now then, have some tea.
Zebro poured tea into cups as Max casually lifted his without effort, while the others struggled to even raise theirs.
Leorio: What the hell...?
Zebro: Each teacup weighs twenty kilograms. The teapot? Forty. Every piece of furniture and utensil in this house weighs over twenty kilograms.
Max (thought): I need the material they used for this stuff. I want to forge a sword like the Dragon Slayer from Berserk. I'm not even a sword user, but just carrying that around would put pressure on someone. I'll ask Zebro about it later. Maybe I'll change my fighting style… though I doubt I'd use it often. Probably just when it's time to kill.
Kurapika: I see... So this whole place will serve as training.
Seaquant: It's useless. They'll give up in two or three days.
Leorio: What was that, you—!?
Zebro: Seaquant, your shift's starting, isn't it?
Seaquant: Ah… right.
Seaquant stood and headed out.
Zebro: Sorry about that. He's not a bad guy, just a little blunt.
Leorio: By the way, where's the bathroom?
Zebro: Through that door over there.
Leorio made his way to the door but suddenly paused and turned around.
Leorio: Wait... don't tell me... the door too?
Zebro: Yep. It weighs five hundred kilograms.
Leorio (stunned): Five hundred...?!
Leorio (yelling):What?! No way! I can't hold it in!!
Max: Want help?
Leorio (desperate): Please!
Max casually opened the heavy door for him. Leorio rushed inside without another word.
Later that night, the others went to sleep. Max stayed awake, his mind restless. Eventually, he got up and walked quietly toward Zebro, who was still up.
Zebro: What's wrong? Can't sleep?
Max: No, not at all... Maybe I'm just curious. I wanted to ask—can I take a look at the material you used to make all this stuff? Do you have a smithy here?
Zebro: We do, but... what are you planning to do?
Max: Can I just take a look first?
Zebro: Sure. Follow me.
Zebro guided Max to the smithy. Inside was a full set of blacksmithing tools and a pile of unfamiliar metal.
Zebro: This metal's special. Let me explain—
Max didn't bother listening. He picked up a chunk of the metal and held it in his hands.
Max (thought): This is perfect.
Max: Zebro, can I have some of this material? And borrow the smithy? I want to make a weapon for myself.
Zebro: You said you only wanted to look.
Max: I changed my mind. I'll pay later—if I can. If not... well, I'll let it go.
Max (thought): Please accept... Please accept...
Zebro: I don't have the authority. Only the butler or the family does.
Max: Then can you call the butler? Or are they asleep?
Zebro: They're not asleep. I'll call.
Zebro made the call and handed the receiver to Max. Max explained his request to use the smithy and materials. The call went silent for a while—seemed like the butler was asking the household for permission.
After a few moments, the butler came back on the line.
Permission was granted.
Butler (on call): However, you are not allowed to step foot inside the Zoldyck mansion.
Max: ...Why?
Butler: No explanation will be given. That is the condition.
Max: ...Fine by me.
The conversation ended, and the butler hung up without another word..
Max (thought): Guess they're being cautious. Makes sense. Too bad I can't enter the mansion, but I wasn't planning to anyway. And hey—I don't even have to pay. I was going to propose a contract, but this is even better. Someone must've sensed my power. I can feel something powerful from the mansion, too… not with Nen, but instinct. Or maybe that is Nen.
Max: They approved it. I can use the materials and the smithy.
Zebro: Really? And what's the cost?
Max: No payment. Just one condition—I can't set foot in the mansion. Guess they're being careful.
Zebro: Makes sense. Your aura is strong. I'd say you could probably handle Mike without much trouble. Honestly, you might even be close to Master Silva's level.
Max: You said "close"? Then I'm still weak. I'll train later. But for now—I've got a sword to make. Don't worry, I'll keep my promise. I won't step near the mansion.
"Zebro nodded, and Max got to work. He took off his weights—he wanted to be serious."
Time passed. Max locked himself in the smithy, working nonstop. Meanwhile, Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio trained hard. One day, Gon asked Zebro where Max had gone.
Zebro: He's still in the smithy. Told me not to let anyone disturb him.
Gon accepted it and continued training. Secretly, he trained at night, not wanting Kurapika and Leorio to scold him for pushing too hard with just one arm.
20 days later...
Max emerged from the smithy, holding his newly forged sword. His eyes gleamed as he looked it over.
Max (thought): Hahaha... this is a dream come true. Every man wants to own a weapon like this. I'm still calling it Dragonslayer. I love Berserk too damn much.
Zebro and Seaquant were nearby when Max stepped out.
Their jaws dropped at the sight of the massive sword. Its presence alone was overwhelming.
Zebro: Incredible... Even Master Silva would probably be impressed. I heard he admires skilled weapon makers.
Max: I don't plan on meeting him. Not interested. Where are the others, by the way?
Seaquant: They already passed through the Testing Gate. They're at the mansion now.
Max: Ah... so I'll wait here, then.
While Max wait he looked at his sword again. He wanted to test it—but was worried about damaging Zoldyck property.
Zebro: Want to try it out? We've got a practice dummy tough enough to handle most weapons.
Zebro brought out the reinforced dummy.
Max raised the Dragonslayer—and without using Nen, brought it down in a clean arc.
The dummy was cleaved in half.
The ground beneath cracked under the sheer weight and force of the swing.
Max (grinning): ...Perfect.
When Zebro and Seaquant saw the sword in action, they were impressed—not only was Max strong, but he was clearly talented in other areas as well. After finishing the test, Max noticed Gon and the others arriving with Killua.
Max (thought):Looks like they succeeded too. Gon looks pretty beat up, though. I wonder why Leorio and Kurapika seem fine... Oh well, I hope they'll tell me.
Max approached them, carrying his massive weapon. The group was visibly impressed, especially Killua, who found the sword particularly striking. They ended up exchanging stories, each sharing what they had experienced during the past few days.
To be continued.