The training equipment Milluki made has been producing significant results. The weight itself is manageable enough for Gon and the others to move while wearing it, but doing the usual training under that added load is still extremely tough.
Each of us is wearing weights adjusted to match our current physical ability, so everyone ends up exhausted in about half the usual time during basic training. I'm no exception—I'm pretty tired myself. But once we get used to this load, our physical abilities should increase even further. Heh… just wait, Netero.
It was around the time when three weeks had passed since we came to Greed Island.
As usual, we were all absorbed in training when suddenly—that sound came from above. The sound of movement via a spell card.
Everyone immediately stopped training and focused on the sky. In an instant, all of us shifted into a combat-ready stance.
Yes, yes… good growth.
Then, four men descended from the sky.
They landed near Genthru-san, so they must have used a spell card targeting him. In that case, they're probably members of the Hamet group—the ones Genthru-san had been deceiving.
They glanced at us briefly, but their attention was clearly focused on Genthru-san. They were wary of us, but only to a degree.
"Genthru! Why did you cut off contact with us?! You must've noticed our 'Contact'!"
"…Hah. I've dropped out of the game. Do whatever you want from here on."
"Wha—!?"
As expected, they're from the Hamet group.
Unable to reach Genthru-san for a long time, they must've grown impatient and come directly.
They probably brought along members experienced in combat… but honestly, any one of us could defeat them.
They're still far too inexperienced.
"What do you mean?! We were finally—finally close to clearing the game!"
"It took us five years to get this far! And now you're just giving up?!"
"Recently, many players hired by Battera-san have joined us. We've reached our target numbers, and we'll gather spell cards faster than ever! So why?! Answer me, Genthru!"
Shaken by Genthru-san's indifferent response, his former allies pressed him with raised voices.
Genthru-san let out an obvious sigh.
It really seems he never considered them comrades.
"It doesn't matter. Like I said, I don't care about clearing the game anymore. Split my share of the reward however you like. I'll hand over my designated pocket cards too. 'Book'… here. Take it and go."
"…You're serious, Genthru."
"I said I am. Hurry up. I've got today's quota to finish."
"…?"
The Hamet group looked confused.
The "quota" refers to the amount of training assigned to Genthru-san. If he doesn't complete it each day, he gets punished by Riina.
There's no cheating allowed, so he's been working hard every day.
…Or rather, he has no choice but to.
Stay strong, Genthru-san.
It's strange.
We all know he's a villain, but because of what happened when we first met him, none of us really have a bad impression of him.
Of course, we know about his crimes. But Killua and Milluki said they've done similar things in the past.
He probably still has ulterior motives, but seeing him endure this treatment and train so seriously… it's hard to hate him.
Gon even gets taught Nen combat by him quite often.
Gon doesn't hide anything, so he's the most friendly toward Genthru-san. Genthru complains and acts annoyed, but he still teaches him properly.
Well, Gon learns quickly—so maybe that makes it worthwhile.
The Hamet group, still suspicious, retrieved the designated pocket cards from Genthru-san's binder.
Now, only a few spell cards and miscellaneous item cards remain in it.
"Genthru… who are these people around you?"
"Isn't it too late to ask that now? …Does it matter? Just leave already."
"That's not good enough. If they're with you, they might know about our plan—or even our base. Well? Genthru?"
"…."
Genthru-san briefly glanced at me.
He's asking for my approval.
Right now, I have authority over him.
I gave a small nod.
How he answers is up to him.
"If you were that worried about your plan, you shouldn't have talked about it around strangers. …Whatever. Yeah, they know about your plan. But I haven't told them the location of your base."
"…You didn't try to recruit them?"
"No. If you're worried, just move your base."
Looks like he won't mention anything about the Bomber.
If he did, things would spiral out of control—and we'd probably be seen as accomplices too.
No thanks.
They might still have bombs planted by Genthru-san, but those won't activate unless certain conditions are met.
And they came to Greed Island prepared for risks. Getting caught in someone else's Nen ability is partly their own responsibility.
It should be fine.
"…Fine. Don't regret this, Genthru."
"You sure about this, Nikkes?"
"It's fine. Genthru's resolve seems firm. Time is precious—we need to relocate the base quickly. Let's go."
"…Got it."
And just like that, the Hamet group left.
They probably moved away so we wouldn't get caught in "Accompany."
Anyone within a 20-meter radius becomes a target of that spell.
Thanks to Genthru-san, everyone here knows about spell cards.
Ah—except Biscuit. She hates memorizing details like that.
I, on the other hand, enjoy games, so I memorized them.
…It brings back faint memories of long ago. Of creating original magic and chants… no, stop.
"Using 'Accompany'! To Masadora!"
They're gone.
If they continue their plan smoothly, they might be the ones to clear the game.
I never intended to clear it myself, so it's fine…
…but somehow, it still doesn't sit right with me.
The gamer blood in me is stirring—telling me to conquer the challenge.
Calm down. Don't lose sight of the goal.
"Are you okay with this, Genthru-san?"
"Hah? What are you talking about? You're the ones who made it this way."
"Yeah, I get that. But didn't you want to clear the game yourself?"
"And that got crushed by that woman, didn't it?"
"Then let's clear it together with us!"
"…Huh?"
"I don't agree with how you did things. But I don't like their way either. So let's clear the game properly—together! Let's beat them!"
…To Gon, Genthru-san is already one of us.
That pure-heartedness can break down barriers between people.
But because of that… it's also dangerous.
"Are you stupid? Even if I clear the game, I won't get any money. I doubt that woman would go that far for me. I'm not wasting my effort."
"Really? Riina-san is fair. If you contribute, I think she'll properly share the reward."
"That's true. Riina is fair in those matters. No matter who it is, she'll give appropriate compensation based on their contribution."
Aside from matters involving me, she really is fair.
She's strict with others—but also strict with herself.
She's not unreasonable.
Except when it comes to me.
Except when it comes to me.
Even if someone has committed crimes in the past, as long as they do their job properly, she'll reward them accordingly.
"And besides, if you work with us, training might get a bit easi—"
"—Fine. If you're going that far, I'll cooperate."
That was fast—way too fast, Genthru-san!
Was the training really that unbearable?!
Sorry, Genthru-san!
"But Gon, at this rate, won't the Hamet group clear the game first? They're already close, right? Even if we get rare cards, they'll probably just take them."
"No… not necessarily. There are some cards they can't obtain with their method."
"Really?!"
As expected of the man who devised that exploit.
He knows exactly what can—and can't—be done with it.
"First of all, they're weak. Even if they band together, they're not strong enough to beat us, even though we're fewer in number. People like that can probably only obtain up to S-rank cards on their own. When it comes to SS-rank cards, they'd need extremely good luck to get them."
So those guys earlier really were the combat members of the trap group. Honestly, given their level, I wondered if there might be stronger fighters elsewhere—but judging from Genthru-san's knowledge after spending five years with them, that doesn't seem to be the case.
"Next, there are defensive methods that their trapping strategy absolutely cannot overcome. One of them is 'Prison.' As I taught you, cards on a designated page protected by this spell cannot be stolen by any spell. Another is the 'Paladin's Necklace.' It doesn't stop 'Levy,' but it can reflect attack spells. Getting these two is the first hurdle."
I see. So basically, we need to somehow obtain SS-rank designated cards and make sure they can't be stolen. As long as they can't steal them, the trap group won't be able to collect all the cards and won't be able to clear the game. Meanwhile, we gradually build up our own collection.
"But even then, there are still multiple problems to clearing the game. First, obtaining 'Prison' is extremely difficult. Even the trap group, who gathered spell cards through sheer numbers, only had one copy. It's been about three weeks since then, so they might have a few more by now. For reference, the maximum number of 'Prison' cards that can exist is ten. Out of over 5,000 types of cards, you'll need luck to get one."
Five thousand, huh. And since money also has to be turned into cards, it's physically impossible to buy out that many cards—even just from a purchasing standpoint. So the only way to get 'Prison' is to keep buying steadily and hope to get lucky.
"Even if you manage to get 'Prison,' it only protects the SS card and the other cards on the same page—a total of nine. Any other cards you gather can still be stolen with 'Levy.' Once we collect a decent number of cards, they'll definitely interfere using 'Levy.' Even if the stolen cards aren't useful to them. On top of that, there are designated pocket cards being monopolized by others. The best way to get those is through spells, but unfortunately, the trap group owns most of the valuable spells. We'll only be able to get a few."
The more I hear, the harder getting 'Prison' sounds…
"But the maximum number of 'Levy' cards is 25, right? If they use that many, won't they run out quickly? And wouldn't it be hard to replenish?"
"No. There's a designated pocket card with the same effect as 'Levy.' If they use it, one of their own designated cards gets destroyed at random, but as long as they have designated cards, they can keep using 'Levy' indefinitely. They can just use spare cards. And if they turn 'Fake' into designated cards and distribute real ones among their members, the destroyed cards will just be those 'Fake' ones. They've probably already split up their important cards among multiple people and hidden them somewhere secure. The only saving grace is that those holding the cards aren't protected by 'Prison.'"
"Then why don't they protect valuable cards with 'Prison'?"
"Because once it's used, there's a chance someone else will obtain 'Prison.' That's why they protect important cards by having the holders hide themselves. Of course, those people probably have Paladin's Necklaces and plenty of defensive spells.
…Wait. If they use 'Transform,' they could increase the number of 'Prison' cards too. Damn, there's a high chance all their cards are fully guarded."
"Then we're completely stuck! What do we do, Gon? There's no way we can clear this!"
…No, there is a way.
Even without 'Prison,' we have a method to block not only 'Levy' but most attack spells as well.
And the person who can do that is one of our allies.
"I do have an idea for how to block 'Levy.'"
"…How? There shouldn't be any way to stop it besides 'Prison.'"
"I can't say right now. All I can say is that we can't act at the moment."
I can't just reveal Riina's Nen ability. Depending on the situation, we might not even be able to use this method. For now, we'll have to wait until Riina returns.
Besides, my forced Zetsu from my [Boss Attribute] hasn't worn off yet anyway.
"My idea might not work either. So don't get your hopes up too much, Gon."
"Yeah, it's fine! Even if your plan doesn't work, it's not like our chances are zero. So I won't give up!"
"Tch… guess I'll go along with it too."
"Gon's stubbornness isn't anything new."
"Yeah, we're used to it."
"Am I really that stubborn?"
You didn't realize that, Gon? You're pretty competitive. I'll never forget how you dragged me into that fishing contest during the Hunter Exam just to beat me.
Well… I guess I'm pretty competitive too.
"Well, as long as you don't lose motivation, I'll help. Makes the training easier too."
"Thanks, Genthru-san!"
"Don't get the wrong idea, kid. I'm helping for my own sake."
Ah, a tsundere moment. Much appreciated!
"Listen, no matter what, the first thing we need is the 'Paladin's Necklace.'"
"Where do we get that?"
"It's a prize in Antokiba's monthly tournament."
"Ugh, that place? It'll probably get stolen again…"
"In which month is it offered as a prize?"
It seems the tournament's contents and rewards change each month. Designated pocket cards are given as prizes in odd-numbered months. So you can obtain six types per year—if you win.
In other words, it would take at least a year to collect all the rewards. Compared to that, stealing cards from others is obviously much faster.
"January. It's still a ways off, but don't worry. All tournament prizes are B-rank or lower. And B-rank cards can all be bought at trade shops. If you make over 50 purchases at the same shop, you become a regular customer, and they'll approach you with special deals. The Paladin's Necklace is D-rank, but with 'Corruption,' it's easy to obtain."
"Ooooh…!"
"Having an experienced player really makes a difference."
"Yeah, it feels like reading a strategy guide."
As expected, Milluki really loves games. I'm more the type who plays without looking at guides, but in this situation, we'll need to use whatever we can if we want to beat the trap group.
"Next, we gather as much money as possible and have everyone buy spell cards in Masadora. Even those guys can't monopolize all cards. The sooner, the better. Having even one 'Prison' makes a huge difference. We'll also want plenty of movement spells—better to cut down travel time. They're planning to finish collecting cards in just over a month and then move on to clearing the game. If we don't act fast, it'll be too late."
"Then our immediate goal is to earn money. It'll be one month since we arrived here in ten days. Let's start moving after that. Until then, we'll train while turning monsters into cards. Selling those should earn us a decent amount."
"Yeah, if we're not moving immediately, that's the best plan."
"Alright then, with our direction set, let's do our best to clear the game!"
"Yeah!!"
"First, let's finish today's training."
"...Yeah…"
And that's the difference in enthusiasm.
◆
Yesterday was training, today is training, and tomorrow and the day after will be training too. It's a life completely soaked in training.
Sometimes I wonder… has the effect of [Absolute Obedience / Geass] really worn off? I guess it has, since I'm not as obsessively devoted to training as before—but if it were the old me, I would've definitely run away halfway through.
Well, whatever. Getting stronger is a good thing. Once Greed Island ends, a deadly battle is waiting whether I like it or not. According to the knowledge I have, I'll be fighting a monster that even Netero couldn't defeat. If I don't get stronger, there's no point.
Still, I can't help but think—couldn't the current Netero actually win? He's definitely stronger than the Netero from that knowledge. I have to believe that, or I won't be able to keep going. Someday, I'll make my wins outnumber my losses.
While I was fired up like that and more absorbed in training than usual, I sensed someone approaching from far away.
Fast.
This presence is… Riina!
"Aiiisha-saaan! Aisha-saaan! Sorry to keep you waiting, Aisha-san! Riina has returned!"
"Oh, welcome ba—…ck?"
Riina came running back at full speed, but… something's off. She's carrying something strange. Why does this feel familiar…?
"Um, Riina? That… are those people you're carrying…?"
Yes—just like when she previously brought Genthru-san tied up, she was carrying two unfamiliar men, bound tightly.
And it seems she ran all the way here at full speed while carrying them. Even Riina is slightly out of breath. Well, of course—running ten kilometers at full speed while carrying two people and maintaining balance would tire anyone out. If it wasn't full speed, Riina would probably be fine… She must've run that fast because she wanted to see me sooner…
"Ah, they are—"
"Sub!? Bara!?"
"—Ah, so they are indeed your companions."
"Why the hell are you guys here!? You damn woman! What did you do to Sub and Bara!?"
"Watch your language, Genthru-san. Triple your quota."
"What have you done to them, Riina-sama!?"
"You don't need to be that formal. 'Sensei' is enough."
"That doesn't matter—please explain immediately, Riina-sensei!!"
"Calm down. First, I will explain to Aisha-san why I was delayed. I'll explain about them afterward."
Ignoring the agitated Genthru-san, Riina began explaining everything that had happened after she left for the outside world.
After escaping, she contacted an exorcist from the Kazama style. After explaining Battera-san's lover's condition, she brought the exorcist along and went to meet Battera-san, who was staying in Yorknew.
She had made an appointment, but he was apparently quite shocked. He hadn't expected her to return from Greed Island so quickly.
Riina then explained that his lover might be under the influence of some Nen ability. Battera-san had never considered that possibility. Even though he knew about Nen users, he himself wasn't one.
If he had known more about Nen, he might have realized it.
Anyway, they decided to try exorcism.
Riina and the exorcist were led to the hospital room where the lover lay asleep.
The exorcist apparently recognized at a glance that she was afflicted by Nen. It seems he had an ability for that. The exorcism was performed immediately—and successfully.
She woke up right away.
Battera-san was overjoyed. Naturally so—his lover, who had been asleep for years, had finally awakened.
Leorio-san also looked happy hearing this. Someone he couldn't save had been saved—it must be complicated, but still a relief.
Originally, Riina intended to return immediately after that—but things didn't go so smoothly.
Apparently, Battera-san feared that his lover might fall asleep again.
Just because it happened once doesn't mean it won't happen again. And the one who cast the Nen ability would surely notice it had been removed. There was a real possibility she could be targeted again.
So Battera-san asked Riina for help—could she ensure his lover would never be targeted again, or at least be safe even if she was?
Riina responded by using all the power at her disposal.
She mobilized Nen users from the Kazama style and captured the culprit who had targeted the lover… immediately.
…Wow. Just how many Nen users did she mobilize…?
Apparently, they used people with abilities to locate others, abilities to trace Nen back to its source, and various other specialists to find the culprit.
This is terrifying. There's no way the culprit expected the entire Kazama style to turn against them.
Riina… what a terrifying girl!
And so, after capturing the culprit, Battera-san paid her.
An enormous reward.
Everything he owned—except enough money to live modestly with his lover, and a small seaside villa—was transferred to Riina.
Well, more precisely, to the Rockbelt conglomerate.
Handling all the documents and procedures for that transfer took quite some time.
"And that is what happened. I sincerely apologize for the delay."
"No, it's fine. More importantly, I'm really glad both Battera-san and his lover were saved. You might've gone a bit overboard, but well done, Riina."
"Thank you very much, Aisha-san!"
If she had a tail, it would definitely be wagging furiously right now. She looks that happy.
"Wait a moment. Then… does that mean there's no longer a clear reward for clearing the game? Wouldn't that be a breach of contract?"
"Rest assured, Genthru-san. The clear reward for Greed Island remains unchanged. Battera-san will receive only the rejuvenation potion to recover lost time, while all other rewards are now under my discretion. Also, your honorifics are all over the place."
I see. Battera-san truly values his lover—and the time he can spend with her—more than money.
It's a good story. A perfect example that there are things more important than money.
Of course, money is still important for living, though.
"Then why are Sub and Bara like this!?"
"I'll explain that now. Please calm down."
After finishing all the important documents and transfers, Riina returned to the Yorknew villa, leaving the rest to her son.
Dumping the troublesome work on him again, huh… Hang in there, Christopher-kun.
But the real issue happened after she logged back in.
At the exact same time, two others logged in—these two unconscious men, Sub and Bara.
When they saw Riina, they asked, "Do you know a man named Genthru?"
Riina suspected they were his allies, but ignored them and left the starting point.
However, they chased after her. Naturally—she ignored their question.
They asked again.
And Riina replied:
"Forget about him and live properly."
Which is basically admitting she knows.
Naturally, they attacked her.
They must really care about their comrade.
And the result… well, no need to ask. Their current ragged state says it all.
"Sub! Bara! You idiots! Why didn't you just leave me alone!?"
"Ugh… G-Genthru!?"
"You're awake, Sub!"
"You… you're okay!? Damn it, you had me worried!"
"Bara! What are you saying!? You idiots are the ones at fault! I told you—if you lose contact with me, abort the plan and don't come to Greed Island!"
"Shut up! If we're crossing dangerous bridges, we do it together!"
"Yeah! We've always been a trio! You think we'd just abandon you!?"
This is bad… They're just a genuinely caring group of friends.
If you look at it like this, the bad guys are clearly Riina—and us standing around her.
"I'm glad to see such strong camaraderie. Now then, Kurapika-san, please apply the Chain Jail to these two as well."
"Like hell!! You promised you wouldn't touch these two!!"
"Hm? I made no such promise. I only promised not to mention your companions. I never said I wouldn't act against them."
"Are you a demon!?"
"How rude. I spared them once. You should be grateful. The mistake was challenging me after being spared. Now then, Kurapika-san, if you would."
"…I don't even know what to say. Sorry. Stay strong… no, don't become strong. Though you'll be forced to."
"Stop, Kurapikaaaa!!"
There's no doubt their suffering is partly self-inflicted… but still.
Needless to say, everyone except Riina looked at them with sympathy.
Hang in there, you three. If you're judged to have reformed someday, you'll probably be set free.
…Probably.
◆
A few days passed after Riina rejoined us and our "new training companions" (?) were added.
Sub-san and Bara-san, after having things explained by Genthru-san, reluctantly began acting with us. You could call it forced, though… Just like Genthru-san, their spirits had been thoroughly broken by Riina. Apparently, it was a necessary measure.
In any case, after a few days, they've reached a state of resignation. They still complain, but their will to resist has clearly diminished.
Genthru-san seems a bit troubled that his comrades ended up in the same situation, but at the same time, he looks a little happy to be with his important companions again.
And today marks exactly one month since we came to Greed Island.
Which means—my Nen ability returns today.
Finally, I can start collecting cards properly. In other words, the day I can get Hormone Cookies is getting closer too.
I'm excited. I arrived on Greed Island in the morning, so it should be about time. Feeling giddy, I was having breakfast with everyone when—
"…Hm? O-Oh!"
Ohhh, it's back! My Nen is back!
Fuhahaha! This overflowing power! It fits me perfectly—no, it blends with me!
This is what it means to feel absolutely high!
"Fufufufu… huh? What's wrong, everyone?"
"What do you mean 'what's wrong'!?"
"Of course we'd be shocked if you suddenly blast us with that aura!!"
Ah… I forgot about [Angel's Veil].
I'd been in a Zetsu-like state for so long that when it suddenly returned, I slipped up. Even Gon and the others, who are used to my aura, were startled by the sudden surge.
Kastro-san, Milluki, and Genthru-san's group, who weren't used to it, have all moved way back. Especially the three from Genthru's group—they're visibly terrified. Kastro-san and Milluki jumped back in surprise too, but they're slowly approaching again.
"Th-That aura… what is it? What's going on, Aisha?"
"Ah… my aura has always been a bit… ominous."
"A bit? This is 'a bit'!?"
Please just let that slide, Genthru-san.
…That line almost made me question myself. Good thing I didn't say it out loud.
"This aura… but if it's like this, then my family too… oh, this might actually work?"
Huh? What's with Milluki?
He was surprised by my aura just now, but now he looks happy? I'm glad he's not scared, but why is he pleased?
"Anyway, I'll hide my aura for now."
I activated [Angel's Veil], concealing my aura completely.
Now no one can sense or see it.
"Did your aura just change?"
"What the hell was that?"
"Aisha, explain—"
"—I prohibit any questions or discussion regarding this matter."
"YES MA'AM!!"
The Genthru group has been completely domesticated.
…Ah, why am I tearing up?
"Now then, since I've finally returned to normal, shall we begin serious game攻略 from today?"
"Yeah!!"
"The first thing we do is buy spell cards in Masadora, right, Genthru-san?"
"Yeah. I've got 'Accompany,' so we'll use that to move to Masadora. Then we'll sell all the monster cards we've got at the trade shop. Instead of selling them all at once, we split it into 50 transactions—that way we become regular customers. Two birds with one stone.
After that, we buy a decent number of spell cards, then split into teams to collect cards efficiently. Don't forget to stay in contact using 'Contact.' Otherwise, we might end up collecting duplicates and wasting effort.
Also, if you get any valuable cards, hand them to Riina-sensei. Seems like she can block 'Levy' with her Nen ability… Honestly, that ability is basically cheating in this game."
That's true. No one would expect someone to block spell cards without using cards.
After that, we split into teams to gather cards. Based on Genthru-san's knowledge, we should be able to efficiently collect around 70 cards.
…Heh. Of course, I also learned how to obtain Hormone Cookies.
Just wait for me, my Hormone Cookies!
"Then let's decide teams after we get to Masadora."
"I—I want to be on the same team as Aisha-san!"
"We said later, didn't we? Besides, that team has way too much competition."
Is that so? I'm fine teaming up with anyone.
It sounds fun no matter who I'm with. Games are meant to be enjoyed, after all.
"Alright, we're done eating. Let's head to Masadora. Everyone stay within 20 meters of me. 'Accompany'—to Masadora!"
At those words, everyone was enveloped in light and transported to Masadora.
My aura… decreased.
…Staring at the direction the light flew off to, I muttered to myself.
"Ah… so that's where Masadora is. …Guess I'll run."
Looks like the teams ended up being me… and everyone else.
…Damn you, [Boss Attribute]!!!
===================================
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