Flashback narrating the next days.
Once I arrived in Dorias, I spent the whole day sightseeing around the city to find points of interest such as shops, restaurants, and places to win cards. In keeping with a city based on Las Vegas, there are several hotels and entertainment options, but above all, there are places where you can place bets on cards.
Card games, roulette, dice, and of course slots—I tried them all. I lost 200.000 jenny. Apparently, people gambling didn't seem to roll the bad luck on Risky Dices as often as the show led us to believe, and getting the "Fledgling Gambler" from the manga wasn't so easy if you didn't use it.
The research I had conducted showed me that I wouldn't be able to apply the strategies I had come up, so after a preliminary checking of the intricacies of the city, I preferred to continue exploring the island to keep looking than book in one of its hotels.
After I left the gambling city, I focused on resuming my Nen training while continuing to cover the island map. I realized I had been stuck since my fight against Hisoka, so I started exercising my physique as much as I could and practicing with different Nen applications in the hopes of improving my raw power and performance.
I also realized that I should probably focus more on the Manipulation category to unlock my ability's true potential, so I pondered on creating a technique similar to Illumi's ability to control people, a basic technique known to most Manipulators in the Hunter world, although of course, I quickly realized that I needed something more complex and geared towards my skills.
As I walked through the canyons and woods of Greed Island, I continued striving to improve my abilities and thinking about the two powers I'd incorporate into my arsenal.
I knew that implementing them with proper steps, limitations and vows would bring out their full potential, but I had a hard time coming up with the scenarios in which I'd apply them. That was my biggest obstacle.
Despite all these, I remained focused on the present and in my aim of winning the game. Before I left the city of Dorias, I got a lead on the direction of Aiai, the City of Love. According to the last "Guidepost" card I used, a S-rank letter was located there, so I had already resolved to visit it. In addition to that, I knew going there was the best lead I had to find Biscuit Krueger.
Since Gon and Killua are not here yet for her to train them as unpolished gems, it's difficult to predict exactly what her course of action will have been, but knowing Biscuit's personality, she was most likely staying in the City of Love to enjoy the romantic event simulations with handsome NPCs while trying to organize her own plans.
And even if it turned out that I didn't find her there, it still wouldn't be an unnecessary trip, so Aiai was a must-visit place at the moment, even if I had my reservations about doing so.
Of course the journey to Aiai was filled with challenges. Along the way, I had several encounters with participants from all over the island, sometimes to talk and negotiate about Biscuit sightings or the location of restricted cards, but most of the time they were raids against me.
Unlike in the beginning when I faced uncoordinated and unprepared players, it seems that rumors about my skills had recently started to circulate, and the card duels became more intense. I no longer faced desperate wimps, but increasingly skilled and seasoned opponents with solid strategies that tried to exploit my skillset weaknesses.
Each clash was a test of wits and timing, with both parties trying to anticipate each other's moves. But in the end, thanks to my quick reflexes and strategic mind, I managed to outmaneuver my opponents and prevail without losing any card in spite of my peaceful stand.
The journey during these days was hard and busy, no doubt of it, but I pressed on, determined to reach the city of Aiai and uncover its secrets.
End of the flashback.
Date: January 12th, 2011
Finally, after several days of travel, training and scuffles, while passing through some bushes, I spot something in the distance that seems too peculiar even for this world; a giant smiling heart floating in the sky.
"It's impossible not to recognize it! That's the giant hologram projected by the city of Aiai to emphasize its theme of love!" I think out loud, very excited as I start running towards there.
Once I'm at a sufficient distance, I position myself on a high vantage point and project my aura into a circle formed by my fingers to get a preliminary look at the city.
Despite observing for half an hour, I don't get a visual cue of Biscuit or any of the players on my personal list, so I decide to give up and climb down from the tree to continue.
"Huff. Okay, Kai, the time has come. This is going to be the biggest challenge you've ever faced since arriving at this world, but you've trained for it. Whatever happens, you must stay strong and not let yourself be swiped."
As I continue walking while mentally preparing myself, I finally arrive at Aiai, and as I step through its grand gates, I am immediately struck by the city's vibrant and enchanting energy. The city is bustling with life, its streets filled with people and its buildings catching your eye because they're so... pink.
They also include white and cream colors of course, and are adorned with vibrant decorations that accentuate their beauty and charm even more. Some may say it's a tacky and tasteless style, but I find it very appealing and delicious, fitting perfectly with the theme of romantic games.
In addition to that, the streets are also alive with color and sound, full of pretty girls walking the streets, professionals sweet talking their services to attract players, and more than anything, couples acting all lovey dovey wherever you look, as if every couple in the world who meets and announces their relationship to others through their little actions had assembled in this place.
It's a setting worthy of the City of Love. A place of beauty and joy where players can come to have a good time and even find love on this ruthless island. It is a stark contrast to the rugged wilderness I had traversed for several days to get here, and I can't wait to explore it further.
So I started to wander through every findable place in Aiai, striking up conversations with various players and NPCs. Despite what I initially expected, people are more open and willing to share information if it has nothing to do with the game or the cards, and each interaction gave me a new tip about Biscuit movements.
With the people not keeping to themselves, it was easy to piece together the truth. Or at least it should have been.
"Please take a flyer for our maid cafe. We'd be delighted to welcome you, master."
"Toraka! Come here, kitty! Good heavens, where could that little one have gone?"
"Hey Handsome, why don't you come with me? I have something to take care of, and I could really use the help of a man with such big muscles like yours."
"What a beautiful dress. I wish I could wear one like that someday."
Everywhere I went, there were always beautiful female NPCs throwing out typical romantic opening lines, the kind you find in otaku romance games. It was a common sight in this city; both male and female players were approached by NPCs to start a romantic route with someone very attractive, and most visitors jumped right in to enjoy that sweet and uncomplicated love experience.
I'm not criticizing the way this site is made; quite the opposite. In my previous life, I enjoyed a couple of romance visual novels, and I'm quite aware of the large community of people who enjoy dedicating their time and effort to forging artificial but pleasurable and easy relationships with pretty characters molded to their kinks and liking.
This city not only celebrates and dedicates its resources to offering that kind of experience to its players, but takes it beyond computer screens world to 3D girls that you can physically touch, talk to with a more realistic feel, and maybe even more.
It's the embodiment of every dating game lover's dreams, brought to life by the creators of Greed Island. Honestly, there was a time when I thought I'd immerse in the atmosphere of this city when I arrived on Greed Island, since I could experience a delightful and uncomplicated relationship with beautiful girls without having anything to fear. But that's no longer the case.
'Aaahhhggg! Ignore them, Kai! Don't let yourself be swayed by those cute, big-breasted girls! You're not the bachelor who vowed to renounce to real relationships for fear of the consequences anymore! Now you have Ponzu, and she's the only girl in your life, so you have to stay strong and faithful to her! Ignore their flags! Ignore their flags! IGNORE THEIR FLAGS!!!'
For several hours, while searching for information, I kept shouting these kinds of things into my head while also self-harming after a very long period of inattention so as not to lose focus on my main objective every time a girl staged an introductory scene for a romantic story.
After having searched the city from top to bottom for information, I feel mentally exhausted from the ordeal, and I decide to sit down and catch my breath at the fountain at the city square.
*Wheeze, wheeze.*
'Huff. Holy shit, what a beating. All of them coming closer to me, with those big, bright eyes and that dazzling beauty, trying to charm me with their adorable performances. I haven't felt this exhausted since my fight with Hisoka. And on top of that, it was a dead end.'
From the inquiries I've made to various players and NPCs throughout the city, I've verified that a girl with the description of Biscuit Krueger was indeed in Aiai until recently enjoying the treatment of a romantic game protagonist with several handsome male NPCs.
Each statement led me to a new point to inspect, and in turn that new clue led me to another, weaving a web that detailed a map of Biscuit's steps during her stay in this city. But of course, a veteran Hunter with 40 years of experience isn't going to be so easy to track.
Every time I followed a lead, it always ended at some point, as if Biscuit's movements were calculated to lure any potential pursuer through a certain path and then baffle them by suddenly vanishing without warning or a trace, similar to how a predator would follow the scent of its prey but would lose it upon reaching a river or lake.
According to the most recent testimonies, there were sightings of Biscuit as recently as two days ago, and after that, no one knows anything where she has gone, as if she had suddenly decided out of nowhere to return to active duty after a period of abstinence.
'From what I've heard, Biscuit arrived in this city a little over 12 days ago, and spent most of her time alternating between different love affairs with the male NPCs, just as I had predicted.'
'Despite maintaining the act of an adorable girl the whole time, there were a couple of players who set out to ask for a collaboration with her inspired by curiosity about her true abilities, but Biscuit, for one plausible excuse or another, rejected them all in a way that didn't inspire them to try again.'
'Besides that, she also helped out with some local jobs to earn money while listernning and asking new players how things were going in the game, giving the impression that she had settled down to live there like many other players. That's why everyone else finds it strange that she vanished.'
'She probably arrived in this city, was captivated by the sight of handsome guys who were in love with her, and decided to park here while she gathered information on the other players. I think there's only one reason why she'd decide to leave: me.'
'She's a perceptive woman, so she'd realize this game can't be beaten alone, and she'd decide to stall until someone worthwhile appeared. With that in mind, there are only three players on this island who would be worthwhile in her eyes: the murderer Bomber, the highly regarded Hunter Tsezguerra, and the one who got her the early access pass to the game—me.'
'The Bomber is ruled out due to his anonymity. Tsezguerra could be a good candidate given his capabilities, but he's somewhat weak, and if both were truly interested in an alliance, they would have make contact much sooner. I'm the only option left.'
'It's a fact that my recent activity has generated gossip among the players, and it's quite possible that it's reached Biscuit's ears. But if so, why has she left? Was she worried that I might expose her? Whatever the reason may be, I'll ask when I finally find her.'
Not finding the clues about Biscuit that I was looking for, I decide wander through the bustling streets of Aiai again, this time on the lookout for potential leads on more restricted cards. Specifically the S-rank card I was looking for.
"Stop! Don't touch me! I said let me go, or I swear I'll scream!"
Suddenly, after some minutes walking around, a commotion near the center of the commercial area catch my attention. A group of thugs have cornered a young woman with brown hair and a blue outfit with spirals, their intentions clear from their menacing expressions. The woman, although visibly frightened, holds her ground, clutching a small satchel to her chest.
"Hand over the bag, girl. We don't want to hurt you." One of the thugs sneers, stepping closer.
At seeing this happening, a feeling of weariness and apathy falls on me because of the obviousness of the scene.
'Kinda the same scenario Gon almost fell into in the canon. Even the girl is the same. Anyway, the clue with "Guidepost" said, <
"Hey, leave her alone." I say stepping forward, my voice calm but firm. "If you know what's good for you, you'll walk away now without making a scandal."
With this uncalled meddle, I immediately draw the attention of the thugs, whose expressions shift from surprise to amusement.
"And who are you supposed to be? This ain't your business man, so don't interfere and piss off." One of them jeers.
"Since I see you don't have the brainpower to process this the first time, I'll repeat it one more time. Leave that girl alone if you know what's best for you." I warn once again as I focus my aura, my Nen prepared for a fight.
The thugs don't respond this time, but instead get ready for a brawl, their faces oozing smugness and pettiness at sensing my shift in attitude. One of them lunges at me with a wild expression, but I easily counter with a powerful roundabout kick, sending him crashing into a nearby stall.
The other thugs, seeing their companion easily taken down, decide to charge at me together with clear desire for violence, but in response I strike them several times at high speed, each hit precise in vitail points.
In a matter of moments, the thugs are on the ground groaning and writhing in pain as I walk pass them and turn to the young woman who is still clutching her satchel tightly.
"Are you alright?" I ask, trying to sound gentle.
The woman nods in response, her eyes wide with gratitude but also wariness.
"Thank you, you saved me. I don't know what would have happened with those men if you hadn't interfered." She says, her voice trembling slightly.
'She's actually quite realistic. You can tell the moderators put a lot of effort into the interactive experiences of this city.' I smile before continuing. "I'm glad I could help. By the way, what's in the satchel that they wanted so badly?"
The woman hesitats for a moment before opening the satchel to reveal a collection of rare and valuable herbs (according to her words).
"These are for my grandmother. She's very ill and weakened by age, and these herbs are the only thing that can help her live a better life." She explains.
'That's suspicious. If that's the loot, this simulation doesn't make sense then. If she was carrying money or valuable jewelry, or if she was simply being molested because of her beauty, the scene would make sense, but ordinary thugs wouldn't be interested in herbs. There must be a deeper meaning behind it.' I ponder.
Despite having my reservations about the mission's objectives, outwardly I show a softened and smiling expression.
"Alright, then it's a good thing I came just in time and they weren't stolen. Although, if you've been attacked once, I think it's quite possible that it will happen again, so if you're okay with it, how about I get you home? I'll make sure you get there safely." I say, trying to move the plot forward.
"Yes, you may be right. But if I'm going to entrust you with the way to my house, we should at least introduce ourselves properly. My name is Hana. What's yours?" Hana asks politely.
"Kai. Just and adventurer passing by." I answer.
"Okay Mr. Kai, I then give you permission to escort me home." Hana replies a little smugly, starting to walk.
As we walk through the city, conversation begins unfolding between us with each step. Hana explains that she had come to stay in Aiai to take care of her needy grandmother, and today she had gone out to find the herbs needed for her 's medicine but had been targeted by the thugs who wanted to sell the valuable plants for a profit.
Somewhat skeptical and hesitant, I decide to talk a little about my situation as a traveler exploring the island and my aim to find powerful allies. Despite being an NPC, Hana seems to follow the conversation and responds accordingly at each detail I tell her, as if she were a real person. Further proof of the dedication and commitment of some of the Game Masters.
'No, don't be fooled, Kai. Even though she seems very human, she's still an NPC, and besides, you have Ponzu. You're only doing this for the card, so it's safe. It's safe. It's safe!'
I repeat this line of thought in my head as we continue to share trivial conversations about our lives and tastes until we reach Hana's home, an old, modest house on the outskirts of the city, and she invites me inside to meet her grandmother.
At the main room, the elderly woman, looking frail but kind, greets me with great courtesy, and after Hana fills her in on the recent events, she gets up from the armchair and bows to thank me profusely for saving her granddaughter.
"You have a kind heart, young man. Thank you for bringing Hana back safely." She says, her voice weak but sincere.
"It was my pleasure, I'm glad I could help. Well, now that I've accomplished my mission..." I reply prepared to leave, but Hana stops me at the door.
"Wait," she says, her cheeks slightly flushed as she holds something in her hands. "I know it's not much, but please take this as repayment."
Hana hands me a small pendant, intricately crafted and glowing faintly with an eery feeling.
"This pendant has been in our family for generations. It's said to bring good luck and protection to its wearer. Although it's just an old superstition, I want you to have it, as a thank you for saving me today, and as a promise that we will see each other again."
Seeing Hana's bright, shy smile as she hands me her family heirloom, my heart skips a little and a slight blush forms on my cheeks, so in response I give myself a good punch in the face to correct it and come back to earth, startling the unexpected Hana.
"Thank you, Hana. I'll cherish it and pray for the same." I say to the startled Hana, accepting the pendant with a hint of shyness.
With a final farewell, I leave Hana's home, and after moving some distance away so that Hana wouldn't see me, I hold the pendant in my hand hoping it will turn into a letter, but that doesn't happen.
"This is strange. I thought everything in this game was supposed to become a card when you held it, but this pendant remains the same. Is it because it's a key part of the mission?" I think aloud, looking curiously at the pendant displayed in my hand.
Even if I keep telling myself it's all part of the game, I can't help but be touched by the gesture, so I place the pendant around my neck as a sign of respect and appreciation..
"Anyway, I've done my part by starting the quest. Now I just have to wait and see how the scheduled event unfolds while searching looking around the city."
I know this mission has just started, so I let the pendant rests against my chest as a reminder of the connection I have made and get back to continue my exploration of Aiai, clueless about the future events that are already brewing in the shadows.
"Well, well. Looks like someone worthwhile has finally arrived at the city and is looking to make their mark, just when things seemed to be getting dull and unexciting. Things are sure to get very interesting with this helpless newcomer."