"It's about the ruins. I have one I've been itching to explore, and I might need your help," Ging said without hesitation, his tone unusually sincere.
"A ruin?" Ronnel mused, his brow furrowing slightly.
For Ging to feel challenged by a ruin—and to think he'd need someone else's unique abilities—it must be no ordinary place.
After what happened during the Chimera Ant crisis, when Gon ended up in that ghastly state, Ging had remained unshaken, almost coldly detached.
But cold-blooded? Unlikely. Ging had gone to great lengths for Gon in the past. How could he not care for his only son?
No, it was more plausible that Ging wasn't worried about Gon's condition because he was confident he could fix it.
Ronnel's thoughts raced. Ging must know of ways to cure even the gravest injuries. Greed Island alone had [Angel's Breath], a card that could heal almost anything. If he could craft something like that with his friends, he must have access to people with exceptional healing abilities.
But then, why call him? What did Ronnel have that Ging couldn't find elsewhere?
"The rumors about the Cruz Cemetery are spreading far and wide," Ronnel thought. "Ging must already know the truth behind the incident. He probably realizes I can dispel anger and resentment. A mausoleum teeming with death and malice? Looks like I might be able to add a few more 'souvenirs' to my collection…"
After a moment of contemplation, Ronnel nodded. "Sure, I'll help. Let me wrap up a few things here, and I'll call you."
"Hahaha! No rush. I'll be waiting for your call!"
And with that, Ging hung up abruptly, not one to waste time on formalities.
"...That guy," Ronnel muttered, staring at the phone. Ging's carefree attitude was as baffling as ever.
Setting the phone aside, Ronnel turned to Chrollo, who had been quietly observing.
"From the conversation just now and the way Ging answered the phone, it's clear he's a free-spirited guy who doesn't care much for others' opinions," Ronnel said, crossing his arms.
"Such people tend to be polarizing," Chrollo replied, lowering his hands from his mouth. "They forge strong bonds with those who share their temperament while alienating those who don't. Ging clearly values the people he cares about deeply, which likely includes his son. But judging from your exchange, he seems uninformed about what his son is currently doing. That suggests he has allowed Gon to venture out into the world on his own terms."
Chrollo's tone shifted, becoming more thoughtful. "After all, even the fiercest cub must experience the dangers of the wild if it's to survive and thrive."
"So," Chrollo concluded, "if we encounter Gon Freecss, do as we discussed—anything goes as long as he's not killed."
The Spiders nodded in agreement, Pakunoda's sharp gaze lingering on Ronnel. The fact that someone like Ging Freecss had sought him out clearly left an impression.
Still, they knew Ronnel's reputation spoke for itself. His victory at the Battle Olympia in Heavens Arena had been nothing short of legendary. Forming a connection with someone like Ging might even benefit the Phantom Troupe.
"Alright, then," Chrollo clapped his hands, "we'll proceed as planned. Kortopi has already tracked the location of the auction item he copied. The Scarlet Eyes will undoubtedly be in the hands of that chain-wielding Kurapika. Since we know his location, we should—"
"Hello? Grandpa, it's your favorite grandson calling again~!"
Chrollo's explanation was abruptly cut off by the cheery ringtone of Ronnel's phone.
"...I really need to change that ringtone," Ronnel muttered, coughing awkwardly as he picked up the call.
"Hello? Ronnel speaking."
"Hey, is this Ronnel?" a calm voice asked on the other end.
"It's me. Who's this?"
Ronnel's expression grew increasingly perplexed as the call continued.
"What's going on, Ronnel?" Shalnark asked, noticing the odd look on his face.
"It's not a big deal," Ronnel replied, covering the phone's mic. "But the person on the other end has a... surprising identity."
Phinks raised a brow. "Surprising how? Don't tell me it's someone from the Zoldyck family or something."
He chuckled at his own joke, but his laughter faltered when he noticed Ronnel's awkward expression.
"...Wait, no way."
"Actually, yeah. He says he's Milluki Zoldyck."
The room went silent.
Phinks stared, slack-jawed. "What... are the odds?"
For a moment, nobody spoke, the absurdity of the situation sinking in. The Spiders exchanged bewildered glances. First Ging Freecss, now a Zoldyck?
Ronnel sighed. "Yeah, the timing's perfect, but it's also unbelievably weird."
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