But what Ronnel did next completely exceeded her expectations.
Machi never imagined Ronnel could grow this strong in such a short time.
It wasn't just an improvement—it was a leap in essence.
And that change left Machi with very complicated feelings.
When Mizaistom Nana heard the news that Ronnel had defeated the Ant King—something even the Chairman couldn't manage—he felt the same way Machi did.
"What's wrong?" Ronnel looked over at the unusually quiet Machi, already knowing the answer.
He understood the impact his performance had on her. But...
So what?
After defeating the Ant King, he had truly become the strongest on all six continents.
To say he was "invincible" would almost be an understatement.
So, what was there to be afraid of? Why hide anything?
"Nothing."
Machi tried to act calm and shook her head. But Ronnel, using his superhuman hearing, could catch the subtle irregularities in her heartbeat—
She wasn't as composed as she pretended to be.
"If it's nothing, let's get going. Shalnark and the leader are still waiting."
As he spoke, Ronnel raised his arm, and Hisoka's body and severed head vanished into his storage space.
Then, as if remembering something, he turned back to Machi with a smirk.
"You know, I once heard a story. Want to hear it?"
Machi glanced up warily.
"It's about a man and a woman, friends, who ended up sharing a hotel room with only one bed.
They lay there, and the woman said, 'If you dare touch me, you're a beast.'
So, the man didn't touch her all night.
The next morning, the woman slapped him and said, 'You're worse than a beast.'
Get the meaning?"
"What exactly are you trying to say?"
"Heh... Don't you think Hisoka's worse than a beast? He glued you to a wall and made you talk... but then he just walked away. Didn't even touch you."
As Ronnel finished, Machi's eyes sharpened dangerously.
But Ronnel didn't seem to notice. He kept grinning.
"So, I think he fits the title. If it were me..."
"What would you do if it were you?" Machi asked, her voice flat and cold.
"If I had to choose..." Ronnel scratched his cheek, still grinning. "Well, at least I wouldn't be worse than a beast—hey, hey, I'm kidding! Don't get violent! Let's talk it out!"
When he spotted threads of aura descending from above, Ronnel immediately turned and bolted down, practically skating on air.
Machi stayed behind, watching the direction he ran with icy calm. Then, under her breath...
"Worse than a beast, huh?"
Her soft voice echoed faintly in the corridor before fading into silence.
...
Meanwhile, on the 251st floor of Heavens Arena, inside the champion's suite—
Chrollo and Shalnark sat in front of the TV, chatting as the news played.
"The royal family of Kakin is already recruiting civilians for the voyage? Figures. If they're planning colonization, they need a population to rule over, right?"
Shalnark watched the broadcast with a mocking smile.
"Yeah. And while the kings and princes all claim their goal is the 'New World,' they'll definitely have valuable treasures on board," Chrollo said.
He had just finished changing, now appearing as an average, cheerful young man.
"And I want those treasures in my pocket."
His eyes gleamed, betraying his intent.
"Then it's settled—we're heading to the Dark Continent to see this so-called new world."
"No problem." Shalnark smiled, more relaxed now.
This was familiar ground for them. Their usual way of life.
If the leader liked a target, the Troupe would go after it together.
Just like the Scarlet Eyes... just like the auctioned items in Yorknew City.
It was time for the Phantom Troupe to make a reappearance.
"It's been a while since the whole group got together. I'll spread the word."
Shalnark pulled out his phone and began typing.
"Shalnark, it's time you got your ability back. But your antenna was damaged—it can't be repaired yet," Chrollo added, summoning Skill Hunter to return Shalnark's ability.
Hisoka had either snapped the antennas or they were destroyed in the explosion during their fight.
Until new ones were created and tuned with aura, the ability was unusable.
"It's fine, Captain. I wasn't planning on using it soon anyway. Where are we regrouping?"
"On the voyage itself. I'm heading to the Kakin Empire shortly."
"Then Ronnel and I are ahead of you. We've got Hunter licenses, so we're going through the Hunter Association's channel... By the way, where are Ronnel and Machi? They still haven't come ba—"
"Right here~"
The door opened, and Ronnel stepped in casually.
"I'm fine with the location and the plan. I just wrapped up some business and figured I'd check out the Dark Continent too. Like Shalnark said, the Hunter Association path works."
Machi followed him in silently, her expression unreadable.
"Captain, are you really signing up as a regular deckhand? I heard they shove civilians into the lowest deck, where the conditions are garbage and it's total chaos."
"If that's chaos, then what do you call the streets of Meteor City?" Chrollo replied, unconcerned.
"Besides, the more chaotic the surroundings, the easier it is to move. We might even come across some useful talent to replace our... vacancies."
After what happened in Yorknew City, the Phantom Troupe had lost Pakunoda, Uvogin, and Nobunaga. Hisoka had abandoned them too.
They had space to fill—and ambitions to chase.
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Fanfic is completed on patreon.com/FanficsHub (799 chapters in total)