Chapter 88: The Evil of Man
Time passed slowly as Haze began his recovery.
But he didn't remain idle for long… The Firth Family had hired several scholars specializing in ancient texts to give him private instruction.
As a Hunter of Ancient Texts, Haze required specialized knowledge preparation for the inevitable future connected to the Dark Continent.
At the same time, he resumed light experimental exercises.
His recovery speed was astonishing mostly due to his solid foundation. Physical strength had always been one of Haze's greatest advantages.
Host: Haze
Age: 21
Specialty: Hunter of Ancient Texts
Combat Class: Martial Arts Master, Nen Master → (Advanced: National Hunter)
Overall Attribute Rank: Human Evolver
Inside his hospital room, Haze sat upright in bed, gazing at the system screen.
His former combat classifications had been "Experienced Martial Artist" and "Veteran Nen Master."
Now, everything was different.
He hadn't been downgraded, but the panel was inactive most likely due to his current condition. To reactivate it, he would have to fully recover and regain his previous level of strength.
Still, judging from the system interface, this near-death experience had transformed him completely. Both his martial and Nen abilities had advanced significantly.
He also officially obtained the Hunter of Ancient Texts designation through the Association.
Meanwhile, David briefed him and Lily on the family's recent progress:
"The seeds we planted earlier are beginning to bear fruit. Over the past six months, hundreds of employees have been strategically placed in major institutions across several continents social welfare, education, even local governments. Some have already entered official positions. Eight nations are involved, mainly within the V5 alliance, including the KanGing Empire, as per the Patriarch's instructions."
"However, progress within V5's confidential departments Licensing, Transportation remains slow. For safety, we've only recruited fewer than twenty people, all in ordinary roles. On the family's side, we currently have forty-seven Nen users, most from Meteor City… Here's the list."
"Three elite Nen users were recruited for the Patriarch's direct team… and the new recruit you mentioned is training to awaken his Nen," David said, handing Haze two lists.
"Well done," Haze praised, closing the system.
"Infiltration within the V5 must proceed steadily. David, your results are impressive."
But when Haze glanced through the list of family guards, his eyes narrowed.
Three photos stood out familiar faces.
The Phantom Troupe.
Chrollo. Feitan. Franklin.
"Something wrong?" David asked, noticing Haze's expression.
"When did these three join?" Haze smiled faintly.
"Two months ago. They were originally enforcers trained by a mid-sized family under us the Augustus Family. Their main business is lending. These three were exceptional and weren't recommended by Augustus. We stumbled upon them by chance. Given their backgrounds, they're trustworthy all from Meteor City," David explained.
Naturally, David had no idea what Haze had experienced during the Hunter Exam.
This was the Troupe's deliberate illusion.
The Field Family, now one of the Ten Dons, maintained extremely high standards for their bodyguards strength, loyalty, discipline.
To qualify, recruits had to complete several missions with the family's armed forces. Based on their performance and the evaluation of the security captain, Mondel, they could ascend to higher ranks and reach headquarters.
A strict ranking system.
"They're stationed at the family compound?" Haze raised an eyebrow.
"Yes. Mondel holds them in high regard," David nodded.
Chrollo… seeking revenge for Phinks?
Did they already know he was the killer?
Haze muttered to himself as he called Biscuit.
"Aldama… He was discharged from the hospital months ago but he's dead now. Murdered. The Association suspects multiple culprits, likely connected to the man you killed. They vanished afterward. Due to the Hunter Exam, the Association couldn't intervene directly and issued only a private bounty. Clearly, they wanted to avoid open confrontation. These are skilled and dangerous people," Biscuit reported.
"Don't worry," she added. "Aldama's stubborn, and the Association warned him. You saved his life he wouldn't betray you."
"It's useless," Haze said coldly. "Pakunoda's there."
"So she was on watch, huh? Yet he was still killed…"
"Exactly. Three other Association members died too one a One-Star Hunter. The four were always together."
The Hunter Association, in truth, was just an organization riddled with factions and power struggles.
Even the President couldn't fully control it.
Unity was a myth and the Association rarely interfered in personal conflicts.
Officially private, but it functioned like any government body.
With two One-Star Hunters dead, this mission was extremely dangerous. Capturing the culprits would require at least two Two-Star Hunter teams yet few were willing. The Association couldn't enforce it.
Given the Troupe's strength and cunning, catching them under standard search orders was nearly impossible.
After hanging up, Haze fell deep into thought.
If Aldama hadn't revealed the truth, or only confessed to killing Phinks… would Chrollo still come for him?
Such a convenient ability, that woman's…
The chaos the Troupe caused within the underworld only grew worse, and what made them truly terrifying was that no one could trace them.
That's why Chrollo had the confidence to infiltrate the Firth Family.
"Impressive," Haze murmured. "After all this time, you've erased nearly every trace of me, yet still managed to find me…"
Most data online and underground had been wiped clean.
But the older gang leaders in his territory, those who hadn't been replaced, still knew of him.
Even if ordered to stay silent, Feitan's interrogation methods would make them talk.
Haze couldn't help but admire Pakunoda's ability with her, nothing stays secret.
But her loyalty to Chrollo was absolute. If it weren't…
"Is there a problem with them?" David asked cautiously.
"Most likely… the Troupe already knows where I am."
Never underestimate outlaws like them.
Even with heavy security from the gang, leaks were inevitable.
"I can't stay here forever. Eventually, I'll return home. You've achieved your goal now they'll just wait for the perfect time to strike…"
Haze looked at Chrollo's photo and smiled.
"This is the spider's web."
In five years, the Phantom Troupe would be strong and fearless enough to confront the Ten Dons directly… but for now, they remained cautious.
David's face paled.
He could already tell those three men were assassins, sent to eliminate the family's leader.
"Since I live close to the Association headquarters, security here is tight. Members come and go daily. If those three have infiltrated the family guards, then the others must be nearby, watching the hospital."
Haze's calm expression didn't waver.
"You miscalculated, Chrollo… You don't realize I know the Troupe better than anyone."
He smiled faintly.
"I have a little surprise for you."
Pointing at Franklin's photo, he instructed:
"Tell him he's personally responsible for my protection bring him here alone under that pretext. As for the other two, Mondel will separate them under a 'work reassignment' and hand them to the Association. Contact the Hunters who accepted the bounty."
"Can't we just kill them?" David suggested. "The family has dozens of Nen users three people aren't a problem."
"They're not ordinary," Haze laughed softly. "The family's finally regaining momentum. Losing more men now would be foolish. But… you can inform the other Ten Dons that we've found the rat stirring trouble in their territory."
"Understood."
David turned and left to carry out the orders.
"It's been a long time since I've had any fun," Haze said, smiling.
Fieldslily, who had been silent until now, smiled too.
"If it lifts your mood, then their deaths will be worth it."
"No… I don't want them dead."
"Why not?" she asked, surprised.
"Killing them right away would be dull," Haze whispered. "They're fearless I want to see if they truly are."
The evil of man is endless whether in a group or an individual.
He wanted to observe how this spider would react when faced with pure, human malice.
His heart had already changed.
He would use that mental power not just for himself, but against others manipulating them like a spider weaves its prey into its web.
To see how far his reborn self could amplify evil even within his own heart.
And Haze looked forward to it.
(End of Chapter)