At last, Kalluto was beginning to grasp the true power of the Phantom Troupe.
But it wouldn't be until the Chimera Ant conflict that he would fully realize just how insignificant he truly was.
"Alright, let's keep going. Kalluto, where did you sense the Nen user who kills with aura?"
...
Meeting the members of the Phantom Troupe went as expected—without any unnecessary complications. When they weren't working together on a heist, they were usually occupied with their own interests.
The last major gathering before the events in Yorknew City wasn't three years ago, as some might assume.
And when Ronnel had disappeared for a few months, the troupe members hadn't even flinched.
They showed no reaction to his absence.
Ronnel knew this, which is why he left without hesitation, heading straight to the gambling city of Dorias.
In a dimly lit tavern, he met his target.
"How's the collection process going?"
Seated comfortably, Ronnel eyed Miluki, who was devouring the food in front of him. He looked even rounder than the last time they'd met.
"Not great. It's a game that's been running for ten years, and no one's managed to clear it yet. Even if you're strong and follow the standard process, I'd say it'll take at least a year or two to complete everything."
Miluki spoke between mouthfuls, barely glancing up.
A year or two? That lines up with Ging's expectations for Gon's training.
If things progressed normally, following the training path Ging had set, two years would be a reasonable estimate.
But who could have predicted that an old hag like Bisky, a master at refining raw talent, would show up? Or that a lunatic like the Bomber would exploit loopholes to collect over ninety cards in one go?
In the end, all of those cards would end up in Gon's hands, significantly cutting down the time needed to clear the game.
After chatting for a bit, Ronnel noticed that Miluki was completely absorbed in strategizing for the game. Seeing no reason to stick around, he left quietly.
As expected, Miluki was so focused that he didn't even realize when Ronnel walked away.
Having checked in on his old acquaintances, Ronnel returned to Shizuku.
Rather than joining Bisky, Gon, and the others in conquering the game, the two decided to head off on their own—to Greed Island's famed City of Love.
The City of Love
Floating pink hearts filled the skies above, and romantic encounters awaited around every corner.
A place designed not just for fleeting encounters but also as a prime honeymoon destination for couples.
This kind of city planning definitely wasn't Ging's style.
For a while, Ronnel and Shizuku settled into a mundane but peaceful routine, enjoying their time together.
If Miluki could stay in Dorias for over three months, then surely two people lost in love could make time fly even faster.
Thus, under the intoxicating haze of romance, time slipped away.
Before they knew it, a month had passed.
...
The Battle for Greed Island
A lot had happened in that time.
The Bomber trio, led by Genthru, had finally executed their plan.
Not only had they acquired over ninety cards, including the exclusive [Angel's Breath], but they had also gone on a killing spree, using explosives to eliminate a large number of players.
Their ruthless methods, combined with how close they were to clearing the game, sent the remaining players into a panic.
Determined to stop them, a player named Abengane—began gathering those who had at least fifty designated cards and a solid level of skill.
Gon and his group, having collected fifty-seven cards, were also invited.
To gather intel, they traveled to the designated meeting place.
Upon arrival, Killua immediately recognized a familiar face.
"Miluki… That guy really doesn't know how to quit, huh? He's hoarded a bunch of cards already, hasn't he?"
Killua's deadpan expression said it all.
"Hmph."
Sensing Killua's stare, Miluki turned his nose up, scoffing before deliberately looking away.
As expected, the meeting followed Abengane's plan. The group decided to focus on obtaining the elusive NO.2 card, [Plot of Beach], which no one had claimed yet.
Their goal was to monopolize it and prevent Genthru from clearing the game.
Under the cover of night, using the spell [Accompany], they soared through the sky toward their destination—the coastal city of Lovely Harbor.
...
Back in the City of Love
Under the rising sun, Ronnel stood at the tallest point in the city, taking in the view.
"No matter how many times I see it, this scenery is still breathtaking."
He sighed in admiration.
"More beautiful than me?" Shizuku asked, tilting her head.
"Of course... not as beautiful as you~! Whether it's the sunrise or a blood-red sunset, none of it compares to you."
The two exchanged flirtatious words on the rooftop, wrapped up in their own world.
But not everyone was entertained by the display.
A figure lurking in the shadows curled his lip.
"Tch. I thought Ronnel entering the game would spice things up. But it turns out he's just here to play house. Boring~"
Twirling a playing card between his fingers, Hisoka took one last glance at the couple before shaking his head and strolling away, his footsteps eerily graceful.
Just as he vanished from sight, an unexpected alert interrupted Ronnel and Shizuku's moment.
BEEP—A player has sent you a chat request.
"Ugh, who dares interrupt me at a time like this?!"
Ronnel pulled up his card book in irritation, but his expression softened when he saw the sender's name.
"Bisky? If I had to guess... the dodgeball match against Razor must be coming up. Is she calling because they're short on players?"
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