The Shadow Beasts were the pride of the Ten Dons.
They were the ten strongest gang members selected from across the six continents and ten regions under the Ten Dons' influence.
Leech, Bat, Maggot, Rabid Dog, Worm, Porcupine, Slug, Mosquito, Owl, Lizard…
These moniker-like names had gradually made the gangs forget the Shadow Beasts' real identities.
All they knew was that the Shadow Beasts represented the pinnacle of their faction's combat strength.
Morrow skimmed through the intelligence Kanzai had sent him about the Shadow Beasts.
His original request had been for Kanzai to help track down Nolan's location, but even the Hunter website couldn't find any leads.
Figures like the Ten Dons and Nolan seemed to change their hideouts constantly.
In the original story, Illumi had only managed to locate the Ten Dons within the limited timeframe by relying on Kalluto's ability.
Though he hadn't gotten Nolan's whereabouts, Kanzai, perhaps trying to "console" Morrow, had enthusiastically sent over some intel, including details on the Shadow Beasts, and even specified that it was free of charge.
Morrow had no choice but to accept. He briefly reviewed the information in his hotel room, at least memorizing the Shadow Beasts' appearances.
After finishing, Morrow first sent Kanzai a thank-you message, then politely replied to Sanbica as well.
Compared to Kanzai's enthusiasm, Sanbica's response regarding the intel had been a firm refusal, worded in an unmistakably assertive tone…
Morrow could tell at a glance that this wasn't Sanbica's doing; it was most likely her strong-willed mentor.
Even so, Morrow could only pretend not to notice and respond courteously.
—--
The next evening.
Southernpiece Auction House.
Dressed in formal attire, Morrow entered the auction house early.
His auction items had been divided among different halls.
Among them, the Scarlet Eyes had been assigned to Hall C, which ranked third in terms of potential buyer attendance.
According to Aksel's explanation, the Scarlet Eyes had been added to the auction list midway and, being a relatively niche collectible (human organs), they were scheduled as the grand finale of Hall C, a themed auction specifically tailored for organ collectors, to drive up the bidding price.
Morrow didn't particularly care.
He had come to the auction tonight for the items in Hall A.
This hall primarily featured antiques, miscellaneous artifacts, and period artworks.
If any of them were Nen-imbued objects infused with aura, he would try to secure them.
However, Hall A had the highest number of buyers, and with his budget of just over a billion, it would be difficult to win any bids.
Guided by the staff, Morrow entered Hall A and took a seat toward the back.
Once seated, he quietly observed the buyers in the auction hall.
With about half an hour left before the auction began, attendees continued to trickle in.
Suddenly, a flurry of chatter rose from the entrance.
Morrow glanced over and saw Battera and Tsezguerra's group making their way toward the front seats.
Nearby buyers, recognizing the tycoon Battera, immediately buzzed with discussion.
Their topic, of course, was Battera's determination to acquire the Greed Island game.
"What's this? Interested in Greed Island?"
Just as Morrow was watching Battera's group, a frail, feminine voice suddenly spoke up behind his head.
When did...?! In an instant, Morrow's eyes changed as he reflexively opened all his aura nodes, only to immediately withdraw into Zetsu the next moment.
Because he quickly realized that the person who had silently crept up behind him was none other than Biscuit.
She had definitely done it on purpose.
Morrow sighed inwardly before turning his head to see Biscuit resting her arms atop the wide chair back, beaming at him with a radiant smile.
"A cute girl like you really shouldn't..."
"Stop right there!"
Biscuit's smile froze as she abruptly raised both hands in an X gesture.
Morrow watched her reaction expressionlessly and said, "Got it, the most super-duper adorable girl in the universe."
"…"
Biscuit shuddered suddenly, no longer caring about appearances as she rolled her eyes. "You're so petty. It was just a little scare, okay?"
"What?"
Morrow feigned confusion, as if he didn't understand what Biscuit meant.
Of course, Biscuit could tell he was pretending. She sighed, "Stop playing dumb all the time. You've got zero youthful charm, wasting that pretty face of yours."
Morrow's lips twitched, thinking to himself that when it came to age-appropriate behavior, auntie, you're the one who really needs to reflect.
Naturally, such words remained locked in his heart.
Unless he had a death wish.
"About that untreated emerald... Did Aksel sell it to you?"
Suppressing his thoughts with difficulty, Morrow brought up the emerald.
Biscuit smiled again, answering earnestly, "Nope, he didn't."
"Oh?"
Morrow studied her cheerful expression and frowned.
He didn't sell it to you, yet you're this happy?
In that brief moment, Morrow wondered if Aksel might have been punished by this old auntie pretending to be young.
The possibility made his frown deepen.
"Haha, just kidding!"
Seeing Morrow's apparent concern for Aksel, Biscuit laughed even more joyfully.
Morrow was speechless. His frown eased as he deadpanned, "A cute girl like you..."
"Speak properly!"
Biscuit smacked Morrow's forehead with her palm, forcibly interrupting his "spellcasting" with sheer physicality.
So fast... and terrifyingly precise control, he could feel the contact but no real pain...
Morrow touched his forehead, using the motion to conceal his surprise.
Biscuit withdrew her hand, grinning slyly. "Aksel didn't sell it to me. He gave it to me outright."
"What?"
Morrow was shocked, then skeptical of Biscuit's claim.
The Aksel he knew not only adored untreated gemstones but also highly valued money. It was hard to imagine him simply giving away that untreated emerald.
"Hmph, don't let my delicate appearance fool you. I'm quite famous in gemstone circles."
Biscuit wagged her index finger proudly. "And your business partner happened to admire my reputation, so he handed it over without hesitation."
"Is that so."
Morrow remained doubtful.
As they spoke, the auction hall's lights suddenly dimmed.
Then several spotlights converged on the stage ahead, illuminating a young, curvaceous female auctioneer in a black evening gown.
"Welcome, esteemed guests, to today's grand event. I can see you're all eager to bid on your desired items, so let's proceed directly to the auction. First up is our opening lot, a Solid-Gold Execution Sword from the ancient kingdom of Yul, dating back six hundred years!"
As the announcement concluded, a hostess wheeled a cart bearing the Executioner's Blade to the center of the auction stage.
In the seating area.
Morrow instinctively straightened his posture, his sharp gaze fixed on the Executioner's Blade atop the stage, where tendrils of dark aura visibly coiled around it.
What a promising start...
At the rear.
Biscuit noticed Morrow's reaction and subtly raised an eyebrow.
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Bonus chapter for the new review. Thx for your support.