Ian's gaze was fixed on the old woman, oblivious to Kurapika's watchful eyes. "I'll give you guys a question, and you'll answer with either the first option or the second within five seconds," she announced.
Leorio's response was immediate. "Only one question for all of us?" he asked, his tone incredulous. The old woman's gaze met his, her expression serene. "Isn't it much easier this way?"
Leorio's eyes narrowed. "But what if one of us answers wrong?" he pointed at Kurapika. "Doesn't that mean we'll all fail?" Kurapika's gaze turned stern, his eyes flashing with annoyance.
"You don't have to worry about that, Leorio," Kurapika said dryly. "I'm sure my answer will definitely be different from yours." Ian and Gon exchanged a knowing glance, their faces breaking into helpless smiles.
Ian looked up at Gon, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "What about you, Gon? What do you think about this test?" he asked softly. Gon's face scrunched up in embarrassment as he scratched his head. "I don't know, I'm not that good at quizzes."
Ian's laughter was like music, soft and melodious. Gon's embarrassment deepened, and he reached out to ruffle Ian's golden hair, his hand coming to rest on top of Ian's head. Ian's eyes widened, and he tried to duck away, but Gon's hand lingered, messing up his silky locks.
Kurapika watched the exchange, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. Leorio, however, remained focused on the test ahead, his eyes fixed intently on the old woman.
As Ian tried to wriggle free from Gon's teasing grasp, his attention was caught by Matthew, who strode confidently in front of the old woman. "I'll go first," Matthew declared, his eyes locked on the old woman.
"Matthew," Leorio called out, confusion etched on his face, but Matthew ignored him. "Come on, question me already," he said, his voice dripping with confidence.
The old woman's gaze met Matthew's, and a hint of a smile played on her lips. "You look so confident," she observed. Matthew's response was laced with mockery. "Of course, unlike those useless guys behind me."
Leorio's anger flared up, but Kurapika and Gon quickly restrained him, their hands firm on his arms. "Let's see how this plays out," Kurapika whispered, his eyes fixed on the old woman.
The old woman's expression turned serious. "Here's your question: If your mother and lover were in the hands of bad people, and you could only save one, which one would you choose? First, your mother, or second, your lover?"
The question stunned everyone, and Leorio's anger boiled over. "Are you kidding me?" he exclaimed. Kurapika's thoughts were more measured. "This is impossible. No matter which one you choose, you can't say it's right."
Matthew, however, seemed taken aback for only a moment before his composure returned. "This is easy," he said, his hand stroking his chin thoughtfully. The old woman's countdown began. "Five... four... three..."
"I choose first!" Matthew answered, his voice firm, stopping the countdown. The old woman's eyes sparkled with interest. "Can you tell me why this is your answer?" she asked.
Matthew's response was immediate. "Of course, because we only have one mother in our life, but a lover can be replaced," he said, his voice confident and unapologetic.
Matthew's answer caught the others off guard, and the old woman turned to confer with the people behind her. After a brief discussion, she nodded, and the crowd parted, allowing Matthew to pass.
Matthew beamed with pride, a triumphant smile spreading across his face. He glanced back at Gon and the others, his eyes gleaming with confidence. "I'll go first," he said, already striding away.
As Matthew disappeared from view, the children blocked the path once more. The old woman's gaze settled on the remaining four, her eyes piercing. "Who's next?" she asked, her voice calm.
Her gaze lingered on Leorio, and she posed the question again. "It's the same question: If your mother and lover were in the hands of bad people, and you could only save one, which one would you choose? First, your mother, or second, your lover?"
Leorio's face darkened with anger, and he didn't hesitate. "This is a joke!" he exclaimed as the old woman began her countdown. "Five... four... three... two... one-" Leorio's anger boiled over, and he interrupted the countdown.
"No matter what you choose, you can't say it's the correct choice!" he said, his voice rising in indignation. The old woman's eyes locked onto his, her expression unreadable. "Is this your answer?" she asked, her voice neutral.
Leorio's anger fueled his actions, and he picked up a stick, striding towards the old woman. "Let's see you, old hag," he snarled. "I'll beat you up and drag you to the association, and report that you're not qualified to be an examiner."
As Leorio raised the stick, ready to strike, Kurapika intervened, his hand firm on Leorio's arm. "Do you want to waste our hard work?" Kurapika asked, his voice calm and measured.
Leorio's anger didn't abate. "Don't meddle here, Kurapika," he said, trying to shake off Kurapika's grip. "Just watch, I'll teach this old hag a lesson."
Kurapika's expression was serene. "Can't you see?" he asked, his voice gentle. Leorio's confusion was palpable. "We've already passed her test," Kurapika continued, his eyes locked onto Leorio's.
Leorio's anger faltered, replaced by confusion. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice uncertain.
Kurapika's explanation was calm and measured. "You're right, because no matter which one you choose, it'll never be right. Grandma just said to choose between first and second, but if you don't know the right answer, just stay silent and don't choose."
Leorio's confusion was evident. "Silence?" he repeated, unsure what Kurapika meant. Kurapika nodded. "That's right. The answer is silence. If you can't choose, just stay silent."
Leorio's eyes widened as understanding dawned. "But what about Matthew?" he asked, his voice laced with concern. Kurapika's expression turned somber. "After a minute or so, I heard his scream. Probably attacked or eaten by the magical creatures in this mountain. That means that way isn't the right way."
Leorio's face fell as he pieced together the implications. The old woman's smile grew wider, and she nodded in approval. "He is right," she said, her voice warm.
She turned, walking towards an iron gate. "Because this is the right way," she continued. "You only have to walk for two hours before reaching your destination." As she spoke, the kids parted, opening the gate with a creak.
The gate's opening revealed a path winding through the mountainside, and Gon's eyes lit up with excitement. "Let's go," he said, already stepping forward. Kurapika followed, his eyes never leaving the path ahead.
Leorio hesitated, his gaze lingering on the gate. "What about Matthew?" he asked again, his voice barely above a whisper. Kurapika's expression was solemn. "He made his choice," he said gently.
Gon's gaze shifted to Ian, who was walking beside him with a determined stride. As they traversed the winding path, Gon's thoughts lingered on the earlier question, but his attention was drawn to Ian's fragile form.
"Your feet don't hurt anymore?" Gon asked softly, his brow furrowed with concern. "Want me to carry you?" His words were gentle, and Kurapika and Leorio's attention was caught, their eyes drifting to Ian.
Ian's face flushed a deep shade of pink, his beautiful features radiating embarrassment. "No, I'm fine," he said quickly, his voice barely above a whisper. He hastened his pace, his eyes fixed on the path ahead, clearly flustered.
Gon's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, his gaze lingering on Ian's retreating form. Kurapika and Leorio exchanged amused glances, their faces softening into gentle smiles.
Leorio's whisper was barely audible. "Gon's got a soft spot for Ian." Kurapika's nod was almost imperceptible, his eyes fixed on the pair ahead.