Chapter 134: Zeno: That's My Grandson For You X Netero's Speechless Bill
Not the Ant King, still at the level of a Squadron Leader! Stronger than Leol, but weaker than Shaiapouf.
Splash. Waves crashed against the shore, dissolving into fine spray.
In Roy's world of cognition, specks of light gathered, reforming his human shape. He had disconnected for the fourth time, exiting [Re: Game of the Dead].
Roy "re-spawned" in his cognitive world, carefully replaying the [Pigman General]'s last mace strike. It already had the full-bodied taste of his father's power. In the original story, Silva had descended from the sky and instantly killed Cheetu the cheetah, demonstrating extraordinary speed and strength. In terms of physique, he was likely a cut above even the [Pigman General] that had just evolved into an [Overlord].
Twenty-two minutes.
In the exam site's underground tunnel, Geru, maintaining the "Divine Script," was starting to sweat. Nen was the only thing sustaining the "Illusion" character. An accelerated drain meant a major change had occurred within the illusion.
"That boy has encountered the mutated Pigman."
Without the [Magical Beast Encyclopedia] to "Appraise" it, Geru could only describe the Pigman General as a "mutation." Shamefully, while she was powerful— destined to become the Zodiac "Snake"—her specialty wasn't combat. She could handle the likes of Sagin and Gordan, but she hadn't been able to beat the [Pigman General]. It had snapped her neck, which was why she had fled the illusion so wretchedly the first time.
"Captain Uke, go assist her." Even a straightforward man can be meticulous. Botobai, noticing Geru was straining to maintain the Nen output, took charge. He held out his right hand, and a flow of Nen streamed onto the ground, instantly forming a "soldier" in face paint, military fatigues, and a beret.
The moment he appeared, he snapped his heels together and saluted Botobai. "Captain Uke, reporting for duty!"
"Go."
"Sir!"
Right face. Forward march. The soldier, disciplined and precise, walked to Geru's side and saluted. Geru, clearly struggling, didn't hesitate, handing the "Illusion"-marked book to "Captain Uke."
Relieved of the burden, she stole a glance at Botobai, wondering, 'A one-man army... is that his Nen Beast, or his ability?'
Inside the illusion.
After a brief rest, Roy returned to the [Game of the Dead] for the fifth time via the "Dark Continent Gate." This time, he immediately activated [Eye of Revelation], predicted the [Pigman General]'s overhead mace smash, dodged under the chain, and, dual-wielding, slashed at its chest!
Schlick! The Crimson Blades ignited. Two "flying slashes" crossed, striking the [Pigman General]'s chest. The beast didn't dodge, simply tanking the hit with its Nen-shrouded body. Ripples of aura pulsed from its chest.
'It's Ken!' Roy's pupils constricted. He could clearly feel the "hardness." This was a level of defense that simple Ten could never achieve. His Crimson Blades, enveloped in his own Ten, could pierce the flesh and armor of "Berserkers" like Sagin and Gordan. It was impossible for them to not even leave a mark.
Only Ken, which was superior to Ten, could do this!
Ken: An advanced application of Ten and Ren. It uses a greater amount of aura than usual to envelop the body, strengthening both attack and defense. If Ten was a "Nen film," then Ken was "Nen armor," condensing far more aura into a "hard" shell.
The battles of elite Nen users were often battles of Ken vs. Ken. Excluding the "intel" factor, the key to victory was whether you could break your opponent's Ken or exhaust their aura so they couldn't maintain it.
BANG! The two slashes failed to break its defense. The [Pigman General], seizing the opening in Roy's attack, swung its chain. Clank! A heavy blow! The axe at the end of the chain instantly split his chest open.
Fifth replay: failed.
Twenty-three minutes, forty-two seconds. "Memory" "saved."
Real World.
The barbecue restaurant at the entrance.
The two old men sipped their tea in silence. It had been fifteen minutes since either had spoken. The heavy atmosphere was suffocating. Bean, holding his breath, was about to pass out when he finally heard the Chairman speak. "Zeno, tell the kid to stop." Netero put down his cup. "Over twenty minutes is already an incredible achievement. You and I both know what he's facing in there."
Zeno, his white hair flowing, rubbed his teacup, not looking at Netero. "The Oldest Master called this morning," he said, his voice flat. "He's... angry."
"You're the one who had me bring the film. If... Roy doesn't pass the test," Zeno paused, then glanced at Netero, "you can forget about ever seeing Father again."
Netero's mouth twitched. "Ho ho. I only set the passing time at ten seconds. Your boy could have passed long ago. It's not my fault he's refusing to come out."
Zeno nodded, as if in deep thought. "True. The fault lies with my grandson... for being too strong."
Netero: "..." He pointed a finger at Zeno, unable to find a single word in rebuttal. It was, after all, the truth.
Tick... tock... The time on the monitor ticked by.
Roy, exiting the game, wasn't discouraged. He returned to his Sea of Cognition, rested briefly, and reconnected, entering the illusion for the sixth time. This time, he lasted two more moves against the [Pigman General]. On the third, his head was smashed. He re-spawned.
Seventh time, four moves. Eighth time, five. Ninth time... Roy sacrificed an arm, used 'Total Concentration Breathing', and unleashed [Phantasmal Sword]. He paralyzed the beast for an instant and finally... finally... his blade broke through its aura, leaving a shallow white mark on its chest.
On his ninth attempt, as the [Pigman General] angrily smashed his chest with its mace, he "died" again. This time, however, his consciousness didn't return to his cognitive world. His mind was too depleted. He felt the world spin, and he stumbled back into reality.
He was top-heavy, his body felt hollowed out. The boy staggered, grabbing Gotoh's outstretched arm to steady himself.
"Thirty minutes and six seconds. Pass!"
Pop. The illusion shattered. "Captain Uke" returned the "Divine Script" book. Geru gave Roy a deep look and announced the result.
Illumi, hiding in his corner, and Kite, leaning against the wall, watched silently. The former climbed out of his pit, hands in pockets, and walked towards the elevator. The latter wordlessly adjusted his cap and followed.
In a flash, the vast hall was empty, save for the two examiners, Botobai and Geru, the sleeping Kanzai, and Roy's group.
"Caw!" 'Finally!' Goldie, escaping Kurapika's embrace, flew to Roy's head and resumed its perch.
Cuckoo... The cuckoo clock chimed 3 PM. Dong...
As if on cue, Roy, catching his breath, looked up, just as Botobai looked over. Their gazes met, electricity crackling in the air.
The future Zodiac Dragon stared at the boy for a long moment, his muffled voice booming, "Tomorrow, this time. I'll be waiting for you here."
The boy didn't reply. With Goldie on his head, he turned and left with Gotoh and Kurapika. Kurapika, falling behind, gave Botobai and Geru a respectful nod before hurrying after them.
Tap... tap... The footsteps faded.
Klang! The elevator doors closed.
Geru watched them disappear, then turned to Botobai. "What's your plan?"
Botobai uncrossed his arms, summoned "Captain Uke," and straightened the soldier's uniform. "Weren't the Chairman's instructions clear?" he said, not looking back.
"No holding back."
"Tsk." Geru stuck out her tongue, which was forked like a snake's. She could feel it... beneath that exaggerated opera mask, a raging battle spirit was burning! And to make this "old brute" get serious... Geru thought back to the boy's strong jawline. The Zoldyck heir is indeed worthy.
Klang!
The ascending elevator opened. The barbecue restaurant. On the bar, two cups of tea were still steaming, but the drinkers were long gone.
"Sir, your barbecue rice bowls," the proprietor called, pushing through the kitchen curtain. Seeing Roy, he quickly waved them over.
Gotoh frowned. "We didn't order this."
The proprietor chuckled. "Someone else ordered for you."
"Who?"
"A guest you've met." The proprietor gave Roy a mysterious wink.
Roy paused, remembering Netero from the morning. He sat down without ceremony and began to eat. Gotoh and Kurapika exchanged a look and wisely sat down. The three of them—plus one fat crow—began to eat ravenously.
Moments later, empty plates were stacked high. Even Kurapika had uncharacteristically eaten three bowls. The fat crow was even more absurd, downing ten plates by itself, nearly giving the proprietor a heart attack. Thankfully, after they were full, they left without asking for takeout.
"Young Master, I'll go renew our rooms." Gotoh had checked them out that afternoon, not expecting to return. Kurapika, he motioned.
"You go with him." Roy said to Kurapika. Before the girl could react, he turned and walked alone toward the riverbank.
The afternoon sun was pleasant, sparkling on the water. Birds occasionally dipped down to catch fish. The boy walked silently, eventually stopping next to an old man, leaning against the railing with him, enjoying the view and recovering his mental energy.
"He paid for your meal, you can accept it. Your grandfather put in the work for it," Zeno said, his white hair flowing.
Roy stood beside him and hummed in acknowledgment. "Grandfather," he asked suddenly, "Great-Great-Grandfather... he's still alive, isn't he?"
Zeno's body went rigid.
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