The world isn't a simple dichotomy of black and white, good and lawful versus evil and chaotic.
Shizuku had seen too much to hold onto the innocence she had as a newcomer to society. Her guiding principle was simple: as long as she stayed true to her bottom line and could respect herself, everything else was secondary.
Back on Greedy Island, didn't Bisky capture that morally dubious Scissors user to train Gon and Killua, only to release him afterward? She had no qualms about Ronnel's association with the notorious A-list Hunters. To her, as long as Ronnel remembered who he was, her former apprentice would suffice.
Ronnel had booked a luxurious hotel for their group. After some light conversation, he took Shizuku to a separate room under Bisky's knowing gaze. The seasoned Hunter could easily see through the romantic tension between them.
...
At the Auction
Bisky had been to the Auction many times to hunt for rare gems. Initially, the dazzling stones captivated her, but over time, her adventures broadened her horizons. The jewels presented now rarely impressed her keen, professional eye—they were riddled with flaws.
This time, though, her interest was piqued by rumors of a legendary gem tied to Greedy Island. Learning that Ronnel was also in the city, she rushed to meet him, bringing Shizuku along. Her plan was simple: team up with Ronnel and Shizuku to accept Battera's employment, enter the game, and clear the challenges effortlessly. She even pre-assigned the prize cards: one for Battera as per the deal, one for her (the Blue Planet card), and the last for Ronnel and Shizuku as a couple.
But plans rarely go smoothly. After spending a few days together, Ronnel dropped an unexpected bombshell before Bisky could unveil her "perfect" strategy.
"You mean you're busy with something else and can't come to Greedy Island with us?" she asked, incredulous.
"Yeah. I have a prior agreement to explore some ruins," Ronnel replied calmly.
"Ruins? Why not head to Greedy Island first? You can explore those later!"
"That's not possible."
"Why?"
"Because... he made the game."
K.O.
And with that, Bisky had no choice but to watch Ronnel leave gracefully, Shizuku by his side.
"He's always running around. You barely spend any time together. Don't you want to follow him?" Bisky asked Shizuku quietly, watching Ronnel's figure fade into the distance.
"There's no need. Men are supposed to focus on their careers and work hard in the early stages. Once he's achieved what he wants and is tired of wandering, he'll return to me and settle down," Shizuku answered with her usual air of calm.
Her reply caught Bisky off guard.
"Who says women are brainless?" she muttered. Then, eyeing her own sharp-edged physique compared to Shizuku's soft curves, she sighed deeply.
"Well, if push comes to shove, maybe Ronnel can talk to his game developer friend and sneak us through the back door," Bisky thought with a smirk. Putting aside her frustration, she took Shizuku to shop in Yorknew City.
...
A New Adventure Begins
While Bisky prepared and the Phantom Troupe moved into action, Gon and Killua remained focused on their training. In the midst of it all, Ronnel boarded an airship, leaving behind the bustling Yorknew City.
As the hammer fell on the final item at the Auction, a new chapter was ready to unfold.
The city of Braga was known as the Arctic capital of the world. Representing the boundary of human exploration, this remote location promised phenomena that defied logic and reason, attracting Hunters of every kind.
For centuries, Braga had been a hotspot for Plant Hunters, and Gourmet Hunters. Over 960 rare species of flora and fauna had been discovered here, with some finds advancing society and earning their discoverers eternal recognition. Yet, the pursuit of such glory often came with deadly risks. The fringes of the six continents harbored not only wonder but also unspeakable dangers.
One infamous tale involved a new species of jellyfish discovered near Braga. Its strikingly beautiful appearance led one Phantom Hunter to label it a "rare beast among rare beasts." But as he moved to capture it, the creature unleashed a deadly toxin that dissolved him into nothing but a puddle within seconds. Most of his team met the same fate, with only one survivor left to tell the tale.
And now, Ronnel was venturing into this perilous land, ready to etch a new chapter in his story.
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