The instant Mizaistom disappeared into the shadows, the invisible restraints binding Yuzuki shattered.
He stumbled backward, blinking rapidly, then frantically started touching himself, checking arms, legs, chest, and even his back, as if expecting some hidden trap or curse. "What the, am I hurt? Am I cursed? Something's wrong, right?" he muttered, his voice a mix of disbelief and mild panic.
But before he could finish inspecting himself, another, far stranger problem emerged.
The little girl who had send Mizaistom away shifted in demeanor. Her small frame, already deceptively delicate, seemed to radiate innocence now, as her eyes widened and she tilted her head slightly. "Are you okay?" she asked softly. "I'm… I'm sorry about my older brother. He can be so impulsive sometimes."
Inwardly, Bisky's lips curved into a small, calculating smile. Huh… this one. I'm going to take my time toying with him. He seems egotistical, proud… diamonds like this are always the most fun to craft.
Yuzuki, however, was completely thrown. What the hell is this girl doing? he thought, his icy-blue eyes narrowing.
Putting on that act, with that ridiculous amount of aura… How can someone that small, looks that young have such overwhelming presence?
Bisky, noticing that her gentle act was not eliciting a reaction, pushed deeper. Her hands clasped in front of her chest, voice softening further. "Brother… are you okay? You don't seem… okay."
Yuzuki's brows furrowed. What's the point of this act? Is she trying to get me to drop my guard? But for what… she's clearly stronger than me. This act means nothing if she can just end me at any moment.
Inside her mind, Bisky thought: He's not affected by my cute little girl act… hmm… what else can I do?
Her next move was perfect theater. She tilted her head and made the most exaggerated puppy-dog eyes she could manage. "I'm really sorry if my elder brother hurt you. Don't be angry, okay?"
Yuzuki blinked. He pinched the bridge of his nose, utterly confused. After a few seconds of internal debate, he gave up trying to reason it out and finally asked aloud, voice sharp: "What's the meaning of this?"
Bisky's smile never faltered. "Huh? What do you mean?"
"I mean that!" Yuzuki pointed at her. "This… act you're putting on. I can't figure out what you're trying to do. If you wanted to kill me, you could do it easily, couldn't you?"
Bisky's mind raced for a second. Did he catch on? But she didn't flinch. She only smiled brighter, tilting her head even more. "I… I don't understand what you're trying to say, Mr.—"
"Stop," Yuzuki snapped, stepping closer. "Stop acting like a cute, defenseless little girl… with that ridiculous amount and quality of aura. You're not a simple being."
For the first time, Bisky froze. He can see my aura? she thought, astonished.
Dropping the act instantly, she crossed her arms and smirked, eyes sharp. "Brat. Tell me… can you see my aura?"
Yuzuki's eye twitched. "Brat!?" His voice carried a mix of irritation and disbelief. We're basically the same age! So why does she call me brat?
Inwardly, panic surged. No way… a girl that looks my age shouldn't have this amount of aura, this quality. Even someone trained from birth wouldn't reach this by twelve. This level… this is reserved for masters with thirty, forty years of craft. And she's… she's nowhere near forty.
Bisky clicked her tongue, smirking with a faint chuckle. "Trust me when I say I'm much older than you. Now tell me… how can you see my aura? Is it a Nen ability of yours?"
If it is… then this kid is in danger, Bisky thought, eyes narrowing as she analyzed him carefully. First it was that Nen ability that completely stopped a Nen-enhanced fist… that kind of ability comes with enormous drawbacks. And yet… he didn't use any visible Nen at all. Does he trade lifespan? Or something else? Who taught this kid Nen, and why would they let him develop something like this…?
Yuzuki's answer, however, threw her off entirely. "No," he said calmly. "It's not a Nen ability. Just… a talent of mine."
Bisky's eyes narrowed further, a knowing smile creeping across her lips. Liar… there's more to this one than meets the eye. She tilted her head, stepping closer. "This diamond," she whispered softly to herself, her sharp instincts humming with anticipation, "my instincts are screaming at me to refine it. Besides… it helps that he's such eye candy."
"Follow me."
Bisky said it casually, already turning on her heel and starting down the street as if the matter had been settled long before Yuzuki even had a chance to respond.
Yuzuki stiffened.
His feet refused to move for half a second too long.
"…Uh," he said, scratching the back of his head, voice awkward and forced. "Is there, by any chance, an option where I don't follow you?" He laughed weakly. "Y'know. I was always taught not to wander off with strangers."
Bisky stopped.
She turned around slowly, her expression perfectly neutral. "Oh? If you don't want to come," she said lightly, "that's fine."
The words were harmless.
The aura was not.
Yuzuki's breath hitched.
It wasn't an explosion. It wasn't aggressive. It was subtle, like the air itself had gained weight. Pressure pressed against his skin, his lungs, his instincts screaming louder than his thoughts ever could.
Yeah right, he thought, sweat forming instantly at his temples. If I refuse right now… I'll really die.
His hands shot up in surrender. "No! No, I'm coming! I'm definitely coming!" He shook his head rapidly, already stepping forward. "No problem at all!"
He broke into a small jog, closing the distance quickly until he was walking beside her.
Bisky turned forward again, as if nothing had happened.
Her smile widened just a little.
Just a little killing intent, she thought lazily. And they all fold. Too easy.
They walked together down the street, the earlier tension lingering like an aftertaste. After a few steps, Bisky spoke again, tone cheerful.
"My name's Biscuit, by the way. But you can just call me Bisky."
"Oh, uh, I'm Yuzuki," he replied. "Nice to meet you."
"Yuzuki, huh?" She glanced at him sideways. "That's an out-of-place name in this city."
Yuzuki chuckled awkwardly, eyes shifting away. "Yeah… I get that a lot."
The conversation died there.
A few minutes later, they stopped in front of a modest restaurant tucked between taller buildings. The inside was warm, lively, filled with the clatter of dishes and low chatter. Bisky stepped in first and immediately guided them to a corner table, far from the main crowd.
"Here," she said, already sitting down.
Yuzuki followed, taking the seat opposite her. The distance between them felt deceptively normal, table, chairs, menu.
Bisky picked up the menu and began flipping through it, completely at ease.
Silence stretched.
Seconds passed.
Then more.
Yuzuki shifted in his seat. Cleared his throat. Shifted again.
"…So," he finally said, breaking the quiet. "Bisky. Do you know anything about these… so-called Hunters?"
The page stopped flipping.
Bisky closed the menu gently and looked up at him. Her eyes sparkled not with surprise, but satisfaction.
"Oh?" She smiled. "Perfect. I was wondering how to bring that up. Good thing you ushered it in yourself."
She leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on her hand.
"Tell me, Yuzuki," she said, voice light, almost playful.
"How would you feel about becoming a Hunter?"