Chapter 157: Milluki's Ambition
Mord had originally intended to claim Zald's keepsake after the Chimera Ant incident was resolved. Now that Netero had brought it directly, it saved him considerable trouble.
"Thank you," Mord said, looking at Netero.
"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now."
Mord stood up, observing the centenarian before him. After stepping down as Chairman of the Hunter Association, his posture had become noticeably more stooped, finally making him appear like an old man.
"Just remember to visit this old codger when you have time," Netero said with a laugh.
Mord waved without looking back as he departed.
Simultaneously...
The Hunter Association headquarters welcomed eleven distinguished guests.
The Hunter Zodiacs—twelve hunters personally recognized by the Chairman for their capabilities.
Beyond entrusting them with Association operations during emergencies, the Chairman would often invite them to accompany him during leisure times. Each member had their own epithet, and most admirers of the Chairman would legally change their names to match these titles, even striving to reshape their personalities—a dedication that was genuinely moving.
Only someone with Netero's unique charisma could inspire such devotion.
Naturally, there were exceptions.
These eleven distinguished figures comprised all Zodiac members except for the Vice-Chairman Rat Pariston, who was already at headquarters. Even the notoriously elusive Boar Ging had made an appearance.
Their purpose was singular: the election of the new Hunter Association Chairman.
None of this concerned Mord.
At that moment, Mord was already en route to Kukuroo Mountain.
"Mr. Mord." The elderly gatekeeper immediately emerged from his security booth upon seeing the distinguished visitor, bowing respectfully.
Mord nodded slightly. Then, to the astonishment of nearby travelers, he effortlessly pushed open the massive city gate with one hand and strode through.
Mord's return visit alerted the Zoldyck family.
Although the International Security Council had publicly credited Netero with resolving the recent crisis, Zeno was among the handful who knew the truth.
He understood that the young man before him was now indisputably the world's foremost Nen user.
"What brings you here?" Zeno inquired.
"Here to see your grandson. We had an arrangement, and I'm here to honor it," Mord replied casually.
"Mr. Mord." Canary immediately bowed upon seeing him.
Mord observed the girl he hadn't seen in some time. She had finally achieved her long-held ambition of becoming an official Zoldyck butler.
Consequently, her gaze now held nothing but pure admiration for Mord.
"No need to accompany me. I know the way—I'll proceed on my own," Mord said, waving them off as he headed directly toward Milluki's residence.
Upon hearing from the butler that Mord had come to the house, the chubby Milluki clearly panicked. Remembering the previous disastrous incident, he hurriedly hid all the precious figurines in his room.
"What are you doing?"
Startled by the voice from behind, Milluki turned his head and saw that familiar face. Somewhat sheepishly, he said, "N-nothing, Brother Mord. You're here."
"No need to hide them. Don't worry, I won't lay a finger on your dolls."
Mord casually sat down and said, "I came about that matter from last time. Have you thought it over? I'll fully fund your scientific research. You won't need to do anything else, just focus on this."
So that's what it was about.
Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Milluki replied, "I've carefully considered it since you left last time. I agree, but before I go, I need to see my father."
"Go ahead. If your father isn't willing to let you go, I'll beat him until he agrees." Mord picked up a figurine that Milluki hadn't had time to hide and said casually.
"Please don't cause trouble. I can handle this myself."
"Fine, I'll wait here for you then."
...
Deep within the Zoldyck Estate.
In the room of the family head, Silva.
Milluki's obese body sat uneasily on the small chair, his chubby hands fidgeting nervously.
His father, the King of the Assassination World, Silva, sat opposite him on a massive throne. Beside the throne lay a monstrous hound several times more terrifying than Mike.
The walls of the room were hung with over a dozen corpses in gruesome and bizarre states of death. The dimly lit chamber created an oppressive atmosphere that made it hard to breathe.
"Have you made your decision?" Silva asked.
"Yes!" the chubby boy replied with his head lowered.
Looking at his second son, Silva smiled and said, "Alright, no need to be so nervous."
"Tell me your thoughts. Don't worry, speak freely."
"Thinking about it, we've never really talked like father and son before. I shouldn't have forced upon you the same methods my parents used to train me to become an assassin."
This was the first time since Milluki was born that he had heard Silva speak to him in such a tone.
After much hesitation, he finally mustered the courage to voice everything in his heart.
He talked about all his invention ideas from childhood—some completed, some unfinished—and continued with various visions for the future.
Including those words he had heard from Mord.
"The flesh is weak, only mechanical ascension remains."
This was his lifelong aspiration.
Silva extended his right hand and placed it on Milluki's head, speaking slowly, "Like Killua, you are also my son, but you have your own life. Since you've found your own path, go out and make your mark."
"If you grow weary, you can always return."
"Do you understand?"
Milluki was completely stunned. He never expected his father to one day approve of his aspirations. He nodded vigorously, tears welling in his eyes.
"Thank you, Father."
"And remember, after you leave, you must listen to Mr. Mord. Understand?"
"Yes, yes, I understand."
"You may go."
The chubby boy stood up and walked toward the door. Just before exiting, he paused, turned around, knelt before Silva, and kowtowed heavily several times. Then, without looking back, he departed.
"Father." After Milluki left, Silva suddenly spoke toward a dark corner. "Do you think Mord will truly go to the Dark Continent?"
Zeno emerged from the shadows, his expression grave. "Without a doubt."
"He has now reached the legendary pinnacle of martial arts. To break his own shackles and advance further, he must go to that continent. In that case, it's good for Milluki to accompany him."
"Perhaps we might even find a solution to that problem."
Silva nodded solemnly. "Should we inform Milluki about this?"
Zeno shook his head. "It's not yet time."