Chapter 114: Complex Relationships
"No… the target of my ability must retain at least a trace of consciousness… There."
Soon after, Haze reunited with Machi and the others.
He had rushed as fast as he could, hoping Anthony could use his ability to extract information from the scarred man.
But by then, the man had already fallen into a deep coma barely breathing.
Without saying another word, Haze struck the man's skull with his palm, crushing his brain into pulp, and disposed of the body.
Of course, the souls and black mist "dropped" were still absorbed.
"Only six people, four souls, two layers of black mist… but the enhancement is far greater than that of Nen users outside the restricted area. So it's a matter of strength." Haze smiled faintly, feeling the changes within himself.
His attack range had increased from ten to fifteen centimeters.
His critical hit rate and spell power had also risen noticeably.
What if… after Netero's death…?
Haze couldn't help but wonder.
Unfortunately, the battle between the old man and the Ant King had spread not only explosive radiation but also a contagious virus across the battlefield.
Maybe it would be worth trying with Neferpitou, the cat woman.
"Here are the items we found on their team members. Take a look."
Machi's voice broke Haze's thoughts as she handed him a bag and a camera.
Inside the backpack, Haze found a stone tablet engraved with ancient symbols and a severed human head embedded with a unique crystal.
The camera contained photos taken within the ruins.
"Deliver the items to the Sori Group… You can leave for now. I'll handle the next mission."
After a brief inspection, Haze looked at the five people before him and spoke solemnly.
They exchanged glances in silence.
"Alright," Machi nodded.
There was little point in staying. Without Haze, the five of them would have perished.
Besides, Feitan and Gabwich were badly wounded and needed immediate medical attention.
Machi had done some quick bandaging, but it was little more than a temporary fix.
"Don't be discouraged… Growth doesn't happen overnight. I chose the five of you because I believe each of you holds great potential. In time, you'll become powerful, independent individuals."
Haze's words carried warmth, yet everyone looked somewhat downcast especially Rita, usually the most energetic of the group, whose eyes seemed distant.
These five were the best teammates he could have found for now.
The Firth family had poured considerable time and money into this expedition, and Machi's arrival had been a pleasant surprise.
They truly were capable but the difficulty of this mission was simply far beyond their level, like a Silver-ranked player stepping into a Diamond-tier match.
Even so, they had already made tremendous progress and met Haze's expectations.
Even among humans, Nen users were not rare especially in countries like the V5. The elites they cultivated were rarely seen by the general public.
The ordinary rules of society didn't apply to superpowers like V5, who could easily raise legions of Nen users.
Finding teammates whose strength matched his own… Haze (Haze) knew that was a near-impossible task.
It wasn't just about power it was about building a team. Personalities, Nen abilities, backgrounds all needed to align.
Even if he invited the right people, there was no guarantee they'd accept.
It would take time.
This team was only a prototype, and Haze was willing to train these five.
Everything had a price nothing came free.
Even if he found people with similar abilities, their obedience couldn't be assured.
And a group full of troublemakers was the last thing Haze wanted.
Soon after, Haze led the team back to the restricted zone and contacted his informant, requesting that healers from the Sori Group be dispatched. He also arranged for a private spacecraft to take the injured to the nearest hospital.
The contact didn't refuse.
He was once again impressed by Haze's efficiency the team had entered the restricted area, wiped out one of the three rival groups, and recovered the stolen artifacts.
Though the outcome was brutal, it was clear they had fought a fierce battle.
"Do you want to continue? The mission can be considered complete. I'll report to my superiors it won't be recorded as a failure. The information we'll share with the Hunter Association will satisfy them. Your contribution will be slightly below expectations, but not by much."
The next morning, Haze and the contact stood on the ground, watching the spacecraft rise slowly into the sky.
The man beside him spoke calmly, "Honestly… your performance exceeded the group's expectations. Even national-level military forces were lost here. Even if the Association sent elite personnel, we doubt anyone could stabilize the situation within a month. Two groups remain, and completely preventing them from seizing the ruins' resources is unrealistic… We'll try to disrupt them and slow their evacuation. That's all."
"It's about time, isn't it? If I wanted to leave, I wouldn't have stayed," Haze said with a grin.
The contact looked at him in surprise.
"You're going alone?"
"Yes."
"That's too dangerous…"
Haze patted his shoulder. "Thanks for worrying… but I'm used to being alone. I'm more comfortable that way."
With that, he shoved his hands into his pockets and walked away.
"I'll… find some people to back you up. We can form a temporary team!" the man called after him.
But Haze simply waved his hand and didn't look back.
A few days later, at night.
A steep cliff near the ruins.
Braving the icy wind, Haze stood calmly, surrounded by four Nen users.
The moon shone bright, stars sparse… With no trees to block the view, the white clouds glowed against the sharp, cold landscape.
One man stood at the cliff's edge, one foot on a rock, leaning slightly forward as he clapped mockingly.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk… So you're the reason Steve and his crew disappeared. Guess you killed them, huh?"
"Well, look at that. Didn't expect to see you here."
Haze raised an eyebrow. "You know me?"
"Of course. The famous Haze… one of the Association's privileged few. How could I not know you? Sure, you've probably never heard of a nobody like me I left right when you joined."
The man, wrapped in a white cloak from head to toe, spoke with biting sarcasm.
"So… you're also a member of the Association," Haze noted casually.
Once a Hunter License is issued, it's never revoked meaning there are indeed criminals among the Association, often with ties and allies still within.
However, once a Hunter is branded a criminal, they're investigated by the Association's disciplinary unit the "Seirin Team."
This team was the predecessor of "Shadow," who, alongside Netero, helped found the Hunter Association and worked for the V5.
Its leader was Jade from the original movie the man who controlled the "Grudge."
"One star? Two?" Haze smirked. "Or could it be three?"
"Three-star Hunters are rare even in the entire Guild. You overestimate me," the man chuckled. "Just two."
He glanced at his teammates and added, "Funny coincidence! Did I mention there's a newcomer in the Guild who completed a two-and-a-half-star mission alone? Personally assigned by Netero himself… Well, that's him."
"So when we fight, don't get careless. A single mistake could cost you your life."
The other three men stared at Haze seriously.
The captain didn't need to remind them Haze's slaughter of Steve's group was proof enough of his strength.
"Already a two-star, yet breaking the rules… what a waste. If you'd stayed in the Guild, you could've had a bright future."
Haze stretched his hands, his voice indifferent.
"You should already know the factions and politics within the Guild aren't as peaceful as they seem. For people like you, backed by the Guild's president, it's easy to ignore all that… Lucky you."
Sensing Haze's thoughts, the man's killing intent flared.
"So… they forced you out," Haze understood.
"Don't be jealous. Want to know why the old man isn't proud of you?"
"Because… people with stars like you aren't worth much."
Haze's words darkened the man's face.
While one- and two-star Hunters were more common than three-stars, the approval process for the lower ranks didn't require V5's involvement making it easier and prone to favoritism and corruption.
In the original story, when Illumi pursued Killua and Alluka to the Association headquarters, he easily defeated several one- and two-star Hunters from the Seirin Team.
Practical, battle-hardened Hunters were the true elite but many others held stars through connections alone.
And the man before Haze was undoubtedly one of the genuine two-star kind.
Whoosh!
A ghostly mist surged around Haze.
The five men moved simultaneously
The battle began.
Meanwhile, at the hospital...
Machi, who was tending to Feitan and Gabwich, stepped out of the ward with her phone, heading toward the stairwell.
She was startled to see the caller ID it was the Chairman himself.
He merely wanted to ask about the mission's outcome.
Machi explained everything.
"What do you think are his strongest points?" the old man asked with a faint smile.
After hearing her response, he nodded.
"You're partly right. But you missed something… For example, judging from the battle you described, he was able to end it quickly. His ability to analyze Nen is crucial."
"Thanks to his deep understanding of Nen, he can instantly discern how an opponent's ability functions and where its weaknesses lie after just a short exchange. That, combined with his vast experience, is what makes him formidable. His strength lies not just in technique, but in intellect. In battle, intelligence can outweigh both Nen and combat skill."
"Yes," Machi replied, her eyes gleaming slightly.
The Chairman seemed to be giving guidance, but Machi sensed there was something more.
Her assignment to Haze's team had been arranged through Biscuit.
She wondered if the Chairman had given hidden orders was she meant to watch Haze?
After all, she wasn't a Star Hunter yet, nor a prodigy like Haze. Normally, someone like her wouldn't even draw the Chairman's attention.
"Haha… Don't overthink it. Just stay close to him you'll learn a lot," the old man chuckled, changing the subject.
They exchanged a few more words, then the call ended.
Machi stared at her phone, expression conflicted.
Should she tell Haze her suspicions?
After all, even if they weren't close, they were still teammates now.
(End of Chapter)