Chapter 102: The Purchased Island
Haze lay on the ground for nearly an hour before slowly standing up.
The main reason he had been able to withstand Netero this time almost even making him stumble was his transformation.
It had greatly enhanced both his offensive and defensive capabilities.
However, in terms of combat experience and insight, few in the entire Hunter world could compare to Netero let alone surpass him. The difference was clear.
Still, once his physical condition improved further and his Nen abilities redeveloped, Haze was confident that defeating Netero without suppressing his strength would be difficult.
Even with the 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva, Haze could at least hold his ground for a while... without being instantly crushed.
Of course, that was assuming the old man's health didn't improve.
Over the past three months, Haze had been integrating several traditional Chinese martial arts techniques recommended by the system focused on the back, abdomen, thighs, and other areas five in total.
Thanks to his prior experience and training foundation, he mastered them astonishingly fast this time, polishing his proficiency through intense combat.
However, to reach true mastery perfect integration of flesh and bone would take at least another year.
To his surprise, the system, after analyzing his mind, recommended a technique he had never even considered:
Acupoint Pressure and Pulse Manipulation.
Acupoint Pressure and Pulse Manipulation were actually two distinct techniques a combined skill.
This version had been calculated, deduced, and refined by the system to align perfectly with his mind.
Therefore, it differed in some aspects from the acupoint techniques Haze had known in his previous life.
For acupoint pressure to be effective, one must fully master the "hardness" of mental techniques achieving absolute control.
This "hardness" allowed him to unleash 100% of his striking power, breaking through an opponent's Nen defense and making the acupoint strike effective.
At the same time, it was essential to cultivate the element of "flow."
Since acupoint pressure concentrated attacks into the hands, the rest of the body's defenses weakened significantly, forcing Haze to react with extreme speed.
His window of opportunity to use the technique was short if his opponent exploited that gap, he'd be in danger.
Thus, he needed to train diligently so that both his acupoint pressure and pulse manipulation were lightning-fast, yet precise enough to instantly return to defense.
Moreover, he had to thoroughly understand human anatomy and pressure points.
Acupoint pressure induced physiological responses numbness, pain, or blockage of Qi and blood circulation.
Pulse manipulation damaged the target's tendons, bones, and veins, disrupting body structure and causing temporary interruptions in breathing, Qi, and blood flow further robbing them of control over their Nen.
In game terms, it was like temporarily locking the opponent's energy bar, preventing them from using abilities.
Of course, the effectiveness of both techniques depended on the target's inherent strength.
The stronger the target, the less effective they became.
These three months of growth were crucial for Haze.
Before, he had been standing at the base of the mountain, gazing up at the old man on its peak.
Now… he was halfway up.
Being able to face such overwhelming power daily and without restraint was, in itself, a form of accumulated strength.
A week later, the Firth Family received word
Haze was returning.
Early that morning, David made preparations, leading the family guards and several gang leaders to the plaza in front of the palace to await Haze's arrival.
He was accompanied by the Shadow Beast Earthworm.
Some time ago, several Shadow Beasts led by Owl had banded together to kill a spider.
That incident caused quite a stir among the gangs, and Earthworm had heard about it too.
He had never met Haze, so he contacted Owl to learn more including why they had killed the spider.
In his view, members of the Phantom Troupe were simply skilled Nen users harder to deal with than average, but still manageable.
With five comrades, taking down a few of them shouldn't have been difficult.
Sick Dog and Bat also said the Troupe members had fled in fear.
Otherwise, why hadn't they come for revenge after all this time?
Clearly they didn't dare.
Porcupine explained that after killing the spider, Haze had seemingly created a smokescreen on purpose, sending Owl to "pursue" the Troupe only for him to mislead them, resulting in their escape.
That way, they couldn't capitalize on the situation.
Still, given Haze's status, no one dared to question him.
When they questioned Owl, he simply told them not to interfere with Haze's plans.
Just as Earthworm was deep in thought, a figure emerged from the palace gates under the towering archway…
He wore a black suit, the classic mafia attire no tie, a white shirt unbuttoned at the collar… and sunglasses that obscured his face.
His hair was short.
He looked surprisingly young.
It was the usual mafia look except for his youth, which made it strangely striking.
After all, the other ten men were much older.
"Careful with your eyes," David's voice reached Earthworm, who froze mid-step, still dazed.
As David bowed before the approaching man, hundreds of key members of the Firth Family nearby lowered their heads in respect.
It was an impressive sight.
"Welcome back."
At the front of the crowd, Fieldslily, seated in a wheelchair, giggled when she heard the approaching footsteps.
Haze smiled and hugged her, nodding toward David, who stood nearby.
Then his gaze fell on Earthworm…
The sight was unpleasant.
Could he not wear something?
Bare-chested in broad daylight, wearing only underwear… incredible.
Haze lightly adjusted his sunglasses with his fingers, revealing eyes that locked sharply onto the Shadow Beast.
He narrowed them slightly.
At once, Earthworm's expression changed.
He felt as though an invisible hand gripped his heart ready to crush it at any second.
His aura shifted instantly
like that of a wolf pup before a lion in the wild.
And before the lion's presence, the pup crouched low, belly exposed, whimpering softly humble, submissive.
Without realizing it, Earthworm had already bowed his head, hunched over, sweat dripping down his cheeks as he stared at the ground his pupils dilated in fear.
He didn't even dare look at the polished leather shoes that stopped in front of him.
"Put some clothes on," the man said coolly.
"Y-Yes," Earthworm replied obediently, his throat dry and tight.
Then David and the gang leaders surrounded Haze and escorted him into the palace.
Only after his presence disappeared did Earthworm finally inhale deeply, gasping for air.
This… was the legendary man.
Even though they had all been genetically enhanced through drugs…
they weren't even in the same realm as him.
How could an ordinary human body feel this powerful?
Inside the luxurious palace,
Haze sat casually on the grandest sofa.
David stood behind him, once again assuming his role as "butler."
"How's the training of the new recruits?" Haze asked, removing his sunglasses.
"They've already been sent to the island. Most have awakened their Nen, and construction has begun according to your request," reported Mondel, the captain of the escort team.
As for Nen instruction, Haze didn't need to oversee it personally.
His role was to guide these newcomers as they developed their abilities.
The islands Mondel referred to were those near the Six Continents.
While many landmasses belonged to nations or factions, others were unclaimed or undeveloped.
All it took was money to buy them.
The island purchased by the Firth Family was small nothing like Greed Island, created by Ging Freecss.
Haze only needed a "game map" a place and space for players to fight, with limited elements.
His goals were entirely different from Ging's.
"Before they developed Nen, I had them train the basics," Mondel continued.
"Creation and Attribute types were prioritized, followed by Transformation and Manipulation.
Emission and Enhancement types were the least developed."
"Good," Haze nodded.
"Enhancers aren't that useful they'll mainly serve as the island's guards, maintaining order and enforcing the game's rules."
Mondel didn't quite understand what he meant.
Until now, Mondel had no idea what Haze was truly planning he simply followed orders.
"Let's go take a look at the island."
After a brief exchange, Haze stood up and left.
"Leaving already?" Lily asked with a smile.
He had just returned…
"If nothing unexpected happens, I'll be staying on the island for the next year," Haze replied, walking out of the hall.
(End of Chapter)