Ronnel smiled. "Isn't this what we, as Hunters, should do?"
"Yes, but we, the Zodiacs, have been in this position for so many years and never considered it before.
And you, Mr. Ronnel, weren't even a Hunter back then, yet you already had such an awareness. It's quite impressive... really puts us to shame."
He paused, then added, "By the way, you're a one-star Ruins Hunter now, correct?"
"That's right. I've always found ruins fascinating."
"Haha, you're quite the rarity. Not many Hunters in the Association take a keen interest in relics. Even among the Zodiacs, there's only one who holds the title of Ruins Hunter—and even he dabble in many other fields. Despite his focus elsewhere, he still earned the title of Relics Hunter."
Ronnel could tell Saccho was referring to Ging Freecss. While his words carried weight, his tone betrayed admiration.
"Though his personality and temper leave much to be desired, and he can be insufferable, there's no denying his achievements in archeology and other areas. Personally, I dislike the man, but I can't help but respect his accomplishments."
"Technically, his title is only a two-star Ruins Hunter, but we all know that's because he finds the process of applying for higher recognition too troublesome. If he wanted to, his merits would easily qualify him for a three-star ranking."
Saccho sighed and then caught himself, shaking his head. He chuckled lightly.
"Sorry, I've been rambling. I just finished counseling a Hunter in the Association who's dealing with severe depression. His story was so grim, I couldn't help but feel affected."
"That's understandable," Ronnel replied.
Saccho's work was arguably more taxing than that of a physical doctor. Not only did he have to guide patients through their psychological struggles, but he also had to guard his own mental well-being.
Ronnel understood that Saccho had come to the Republic of Padokea for work and happened to board the same airship as him. The coincidence amused him.
While Ronnel and Saccho exchanged their subdued conversation, two masked robbers in black located their target.
"You can't do this! You can't!"
A frail, elderly man with neatly combed gray hair and gold-rimmed glasses clutched a black briefcase tightly to his chest, his voice trembling with desperation as a burly man in black advanced on him.
"Shut up, old man!"
The robber cursed under his breath, annoyed by the shouting. With one swift motion, he kicked the man in the face, sending him sprawling to the floor. The briefcase and his glasses flew into the air.
Hidden security guards sprang into action, rushing to intercept the falling briefcase, but—
Bang! Bang!
Gunshots echoed through the airship. The guards collapsed, blood pooling beneath them, the metallic scent spreading through the cabin.
The shorter of the two robbers laughed cruelly, spitting toward the fallen guards.
"Idiots. Haven't even awakened their Nen, and they dare to play hero."
His sneer revealed a rookie's arrogance, his ignorance of true power in the world of aura users evident. Ronnel and Saccho quickly assessed the situation, their tension easing slightly.
Saccho sighed, standing up slowly. "I know in this world it's often wiser to turn a blind eye, but…" He glanced at the groaning old man. "If I let this slide, I wouldn't be able to live with myself."
Ronnel remained silent, but his approving glance and the lowering of his hand showed his agreement.
Though neither of them felt compelled to intervene in every injustice, the mistreatment of an elderly man crossed a line they couldn't ignore.
The Hunter world operated by its own laws, ones often cruel and unforgiving. Even a family of assassins like the Zoldycks could exist without reproach, their estate on Kukuroo Mountain treated as a tourist attraction.
But there were limits.
If the robbers dared to target a child next, they would learn that even those who tread carefully have their own unshakable principles.
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