Milluki glared at Gon and Killua, his face full of irritation. "This is your doing! One of you smashed right into the wall while trying to develop his ability, and the other didn't even try to stop it—you stood there cheering him on. Good thing you didn't break a load-bearing wall. Just pay up and it's done. If you'd destroyed a load-bearing wall, I wouldn't cover the cost. Remember: two million jeni. You owe me. Pay up soon."
Gon scratched his head awkwardly. Killua stayed silent, knowing he was guilty.
Leorio looked back and forth between Killua and Gon, envy flickering in his eyes. The more he learned about Nen, the more he realized how little he actually knew. And now, both Killua and Gon had already developed their own abilities.
"Brother, what do we do now?" Killua asked.
"What can we do? We go book another hotel," Milluki muttered.
The three followed after him.
"Hey Killua," Gon asked casually, "what do you think Kurapika is doing right now?"
"Probably guarding his employer," Killua replied.
And he was right. Kurapika was still serving as Nostrade's bodyguard captain—even if only acting captain. His skills and abilities had earned the Nostrade Family's trust. And Kurapika himself intended to continue in that role.
As for Hisoka, Kurapika didn't fully trust him. He never pinned all his hopes for revenge on Hisoka alone. That was just one piece of his plan.
Kurapika stood on a balcony, staring out into the deep, silent night. "Where did the Phantom Troupe go?" he wondered. "And why hasn't Hisoka sent any word?"
Meanwhile, Ron appeared near Aurean.
"Cousin Illumi."
"Ron."
"Do you have any new information on where the Ten Dons are hiding?" Ron asked calmly.
"No. But they seem very confident in the security of that place," Illumi replied. "If I can't get anything else soon, I might have to consult Father before we act."
"What do you need me to do?" he asked.
Ron held out a photo. "I need you to transform into this person's appearance and escort me into Aurean's No. 2 experimental facility. There's something inside I need."
"Understood," Illumi replied without hesitation. He glanced at the photo, then pulled out his needles.
Pshht!Pshht!Pshht!
With a series of quick jabs, his appearance shifted. In moments, he had become Oster—down to every detail. It wasn't just similar; it was flawless.
Ron gave him a brief rundown. "This man's name within the Underworld Mafia is Park. He's the head of the No. 2 experimental facility. He joined the Mafia not long ago and just completed the mission to destroy the Phantom Troupe. He took two experimental subjects with him when he left."
Illumi nodded, expression unchanged. "So in this scenario, I'm successful, right?"
"Yes," Ron confirmed. "You've wiped out all the Phantom Troupe members. But the two experimental subjects you brought with you died during the fight."
"What's the plan for getting you in?"
"Once you're inside, I'll infiltrate quietly."
"Fine."
The difficulty of sneaking into Aurean wasn't especially high. What Ron needed was for Illumi to draw attention away—especially from Aurean's leaders and the Ten Dons. That would give Ron freedom to secure the materials he was after.
Illumi approached the entrance to Aurean.
"Lord Park," one of the gate guards greeted him with immediate respect.
Illumi gave a slight nod and walked inside, heading directly for the No. 2 experimental facility.
One figure slipped away quickly to report Park's return to Aurean's leadership—and from there, the news went straight to the Ten Dons.
"Park's back?"
"What's the status on the Phantom Troupe?"
"Get him into the conference room—now."
The order was relayed.
Soon, Illumi was seated before them.
"Park," one of the Ten Dons asked, "how did it go?"
"The Phantom Troupe has been dealt with," Illumi answered smoothly, mimicking Oster's demeanor perfectly. Not a hint of hesitation or error.
This was one of Illumi's specialties. He had impersonated countless people before—getting close to targets and killing them. During the Hunter Exam, he'd spent almost the entire process disguised as Gittarackur. In the canon storyline, he even managed to impersonate Hisoka at one point, fooling the Phantom Troupe itself.
If even they hadn't noticed, there was no way the Ten Dons would.
"But I lost two experimental subjects in the process," Illumi added coldly. "I need resources."
One of the Ten Dons snorted. "We've given you plenty of resources already."
But another spoke up, his tone softer. "No matter. Eliminating the Phantom Troupe is a major success for us. The resources you ask for—granted. Just deliver what we want, Park."
Illumi nodded. "As long as resources are sufficient, my research will succeed soon. Even now, the performance of my experimental subjects is impressive."
That same Don gave an approving nod. "Good. Then keep going. We'll send the resources you need."
..............
......
.
While Illumi kept the Ten Dons occupied, Ron moved quickly inside the No. 2 experimental facility.
It was almost too easy. He killed a single staffer and took their identity.
Using the information Oster had given him, he made his way through the base, systematically gathering the data and materials he wanted.
No one interfered.
Ron worked fast. In just two days, he had collected everything—now safely stored in Sumas's space.
But he didn't leave right away.
Instead, he made his way to the facility's deepest section—a secure prison chamber.
Inside was a single prisoner.
Ron stood at the doorway.
Click.
The lock disengaged and the door swung open.
Elita looked up. The hatred in her eyes was immediate, sharp—but after a second, it faded into numb resignation.
"Elita," Ron said quietly. "It's me."
He removed his mask.
Elita froze, then a look of shock—and hope—flashed across her face.
"Lord Ron?" she whispered.
"Lord Ron… you came to save me?"