Chapter 182
The crystal ball was empty, revealing nothing inside.
"When we reach that town, I can try absorbing its traits."
"But since I already killed that creature, even if absorption is possible, there might not be much to gain."
Ron felt a pang of regret for not activating the trait absorption earlier.
At the time, he hadn't known the creature was connected to the kingdom of Taris.
A single monster, on its own, was of no interest to him.
Forcibly absorbing its traits to create a Nen Beast would likely result in something subpar—or even fail outright.
---
At the Zoldyck estate, Zeno received Ron's message.
"Investigating Nen users from the Tari's Kingdom?"
Zeno recalled memories from the past.
"Those people are trouble. Hopefully, Ron doesn't run into problems."
"With his current strength, it's unlikely anyone short of those hidden old-timers could pose a threat. And the Taris Kingdom has already suffered a massive blow, leaving few survivors."
"Besides, this operation is led by Dominica."
"A Nen user from the Fiora royal family, known for their steadiness."
"His nickname: Iron Wall."
"The Fiora royal family's Nen system is quite formidable."
Different Nen users follow distinct paths.
The Hunter Association's Shingen-ryu School emphasizes honing one's willpower alongside physical training.
The Taris Kingdom centers its Nen philosophy around the concept of "Death."
Meanwhile, the Fiora royal family's system revolves around "Consumption."
The Zoldyck family doesn't adhere to a unified path; each individual develops in their own direction.
But they all follow similar fundamental rules.
---
When the airship landed, Dominica purchased a vehicle without hesitation.
"Get in."
Though she lacked a driver's license for this country, her V5-issued license was recognized here.
Wendy sat in the passenger seat, while Ron took the back.
With the engine roaring, the car sped toward the town.
By midnight, they arrived.
But as the car crossed into the town, Ron immediately sensed something was off.
A wave of ominous energy hit them head-on.
It was reminiscent of when Ron had entered the house where the previous creature resided.
Ron's brows furrowed.
"That creature was already killed."
"Could there be others in this town?"
"But last time, the atmosphere in the town wasn't like this."
A sense of unease gripped Ron.
Dominica also noticed the change and brought the car to an abrupt halt.
"Get out. Something's wrong with this town."
The three stepped out.
"Gyo!"
All three activated Gyo, focusing their aura to enhance their perception.
A faint black miasma hovered over the town, exuding a malicious death aura. Yet the town itself was eerily quiet, with faint traces of living people's presence.
"Let's move cautiously into the town," Dominica instructed.
"Ron, lead us to where the creature appeared last time."
"Got it."
Following Ron's guidance, they soon arrived at a dilapidated ruin. Strangely, the black aura here was the weakest in the entire town.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from a corner.
"Who are you people?"
Turning around, they saw an elderly man holding a flashlight, his wary gaze fixed on them. The man seemed to be patrolling the area.
"We're tourists," Dominica replied calmly. "We booked a room in a local inn but couldn't find our way."
The man's expression relaxed slightly.
"Which inn?"
Ron gave the name of the inn he had visited before.
"Head straight in that direction for 200 meters, then turn right. You'll find it," the old man said.
"Thank you."
As Dominica led Ron and Wendy toward the inn, the old man watched them leave.
Only when they disappeared from sight did he turn off his flashlight, letting the darkness envelop him.
"That old man is acting strange," Ron remarked. "When I came to this town last time and killed the creature, he was there. There's no way he wouldn't recognize me."
"But today, he acted as if he'd never seen me before."
Dominica nodded. "That's definitely unusual."
---
When they reached the inn, Ron knocked on the door.
"Knock, knock, knock."
A middle-aged woman opened the door with a welcoming smile.
"Welcome. Please come in."
A young girl appeared, guiding them to an empty room.
"This will be your room. What kind of meal would you like us to prepare?"
"No need," Ron replied, shaking his head.
"Very well. Please rest well."
After the girl left, Ron turned to Dominica and Wendy.
"If there's a chance the old man could've forgotten my face, it's absolutely impossible for the innkeeper to forget me."
"These people feel stiff like they're being controlled—like puppets."
Wendy glanced at Ron. "But there's nothing unusual about them."
She turned to Dominica, seeking confirmation.
Controlling someone with Nen to the point of turning them into puppets would leave some traces.
Ron, Wendy, and Dominica were all capable of using Gyo.
Dominica, a top-tier Nen user, wouldn't miss such signs if they were present.
"It's definitely strange," Dominica muttered, frowning. "But there's no obvious anomaly with these people."
She paused.
"Ron, Wendy, stay here. I'll check outside."
"Alright."
Dominica disappeared in a flash, reappearing outside and choosing the tallest nearby building. With a light jump, he landed on its roof.
Surveying the town from above, he activated Gyo, scanning the entire area.
Still, he found nothing unusual.
---
Inside, Wendy glanced out the window before turning to Ron.
"Ron, did you grow up at the Zoldyck estate?"
"Yeah."
"I heard the estate's location isn't hidden—many people know where it is?"
"That's correct."
"What's life like as an assassin?"
"Take jobs, complete jobs."
"Is the Sky Arena fun?"
…
…
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