Who exactly is this boy?
He actually knows Colt Zoldyck.
Zebro had already stepped out of the guardhouse, but after hearing Moro's words, he quietly retreated, choosing to observe in silence.
At the Trial Gate, Moro held his phone to his ear.
The other end of the call was met with silence.
If one listened carefully, however, there was the faintest sound of breathing.
After about two seconds, Colt's usual cold tone came through.
"Oh."
"Just 'oh'?" Moro raised an eyebrow.
He then heard Colt chuckle dryly.
Moro immediately understood and sighed.
"You don't believe me, do you?"
"Should I?"
Colt's response was quick, followed by an indifferent remark.
"You have a habit of talking nonsense, so it's best to stay skeptical."
"'Stay skeptical'?"
Moro caught onto the unusual phrasing in Colt's words and smirked.
"Colt, we've fought side by side. Do I really seem so untrustworthy that you need to develop a whole strategy to handle me?"
Silence.
But Moro could hear Colt's slightly heavier breathing, like a child caught sneaking candy.
"I did no such thing!"
Colt's voice suddenly snapped back, trying hard to sound composed.
For once, his usually cold demeanor cracked, revealing a hint of real emotion.
This kid… always pretending to be detached and unemotional, when in reality, he's full of feelings.
It was the way he was raised.
The Zoldyck family's strict training had stripped away basic human emotions.
But who could judge the Zoldycks for their ways?
Every family had their own way of living.
However, in just a few years, that cold and ruthless atmosphere would be shaken.
And the one to do it would be Colt's older brother—Killua.
A prodigy, a genius unlike any other.
Someone so talented that he defied the family's rules and won their love regardless.
True talent could break the mold.
Colt didn't have that kind of talent.
So all he could do was admire his brother from the shadows.
"Fine, fine."
Moro chuckled but decided not to tease him further.
After all, kids need their pride.
Instead, he casually said:
"I'm at your front door, so as the host, how about taking me to town? Maybe treat me to some local cuisine?"
"I..."
Colt hesitated.
At this point, he realized Moro wasn't lying.
The thought of Moro being just outside… actually made him a little happy.
But he wasn't allowed to have that kind of freedom.
Even for something as simple as showing hospitality, he couldn't give a direct answer.
It wasn't permitted.
Not by his mother.
Not by his family.
The Zoldyck rules were clear:
"Assassins don't need friends."
In fact, even having a friend could mean losing the right to inherit the family name.
He knew he should just reject Moro outright.
In the dimly lit halls of the Zoldyck mansion, Colt, dressed in his deep purple kimono-style robe, hesitated.
He knew exactly what he was supposed to say.
No hesitation allowed.
But still…
"I… I have to—"
Colt gripped his phone tightly, fighting the unfamiliar feeling rising in his chest.
The feeling of wanting to go outside.
To see a friend.
Even if that friend was a pain in the ass.
"I..."
He knew he was supposed to say no.
But part of him wanted to stall.
So instead of outright rejection, he thought about saying:
"Let me ask my mother first."
But even that…
Even that simple phrase…
He couldn't say it.
Because in his mind, his mother's cold voice echoed:
"No. No. Absolutely not!"
Colt's resolve crumbled.
His violet eyes dimmed as his hesitation faded away.
"Sor—"
"Colt, I need a favor."
Moro's voice cut through his thoughts, interrupting his apology.
"A favor?"
Colt blinked.
At the Trial Gate, Moro glanced at the towering stone walls beside the gate.
Most people focused only on the grand entrance, failing to notice that the walls extended even higher, forming a stair-like structure leading further up.
"I need you to find someone for me. Consider it an official request."
"Oh."
Colt, momentarily caught off guard, calmed down.
So… Moro had come for business.
With his emotions stabilized, Colt snapped into work mode, immediately taking on his usual professional demeanor.
"Who's the target?" Colt asked.
"Is this the same one you mentioned before? And I assume I set the price?"
"No."
Colt paused.
Then, Moro continued:
"I have no idea what this person looks like.
I don't know if they're male or female.
All I know is that they sell hot spring eggs somewhere in Dentora Region."
"...?"
Colt fell completely silent.
Moro chuckled.
"Too difficult? If you can't find them, it's no big deal."
"One billion. I'll take the job."
Colt answered instantly.
There was a clear sense of excitement in his voice.
"Family commissions start at a minimum of one billion."
Realizing how sudden his response was, he quickly added:
"It's just… family policy."
Moro smirked.
"No problem. After all, we made a fortune last time."
"Mm..."
Colt understood that Moro was deliberately playing it off, making it seem like money wasn't an issue.
And Colt noticed.
And Moro noticed that Colt noticed.
This asshole really was the only person who could do this to him.
Back in his dark room, Colt smiled—completely unaware that in the shadows, a red glowing eye was watching him.
At the Trial Gate, Moro spoke into the phone.
"Alright then. I'll wait for you here."
"Okay."
But before Colt could hang up, a sharp female voice cut in.
"Colt, who are you talking to?"
"M-Mother, I…"
"Who?"
"It's a comm—"
He froze mid-sentence.
The woman's voice turned even colder.
"Tell me clearly. Who. Are. You. Talking to?"
A brief silence followed.
Then—
Click.
The call was cut off.
Moro stared at his phone.
That voice just now…
It was Kikyo Zoldyck.
Colt's mother.
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50 Powerstones? (5 Bonus Chapters)
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