Leo stepped out of the interrogation room, the heavy metal door slowly closing behind him with a dull thud.
The hallway was quiet, with only the sound of his footsteps echoing softly in the empty space.
As he walked, he pondered.
Ashir... could he be recruited?
His ability, 'Dimensional Teleportation,' was extremely practical—he could set teleportation coordinates on any flat surface and then teleport over long distances via those coordinates.
The most crucial part was that the medium where the coordinates were set could be moved.
Leo had specifically asked about this.
"If I set a coordinate on a wooden board and then take that board somewhere else, can I still teleport?"
Ashir's answer was:
"Yes. But while the medium is in motion, the coordinates will temporarily fail. Teleportation can only be activated when the medium is stationary."
This meant that as long as coordinates were set in advance, a temporary teleportation point could be established anywhere.
For exploring the Dark Continent, this ability was nothing short of a Divine Artifact.
Combined with Shizuku's vacuum cleaner, logistics issues could basically be solved.
Need supplies? Let Shizuku suck them in, then teleport back.
Encounter danger? Teleport and evacuate immediately.
Leo stopped in his tracks, standing by a window in the hallway and looking out at the azure sky.
But the question was, could Ashir be trusted?
This teleportation ability was too unique; if he had ulterior motives and caused trouble at a critical moment, the consequences would be unthinkable.
Leo narrowed his eyes.
'I'll have to observe him for a while.'
'Besides, this guy can't stay in the interrogation room for long.'
He thought of Pariston's perpetually smiling face.
That man appeared gentle and elegant on the surface, but in reality, his thoughts were unfathomable.
Brennan had said that Pariston likely sensed something was wrong with him but hadn't made a move yet.
Why? Was he waiting for something?
Or was he himself...
Leo shook his head, not letting his thoughts wander further.
The most important thing now was to gather their forces and prepare to attack the Doctors Base.
He pulled out his phone and scrolled through his contacts.
The first call was to Sophia.
It rang twice before being picked up.
"Master!"
Sophia's voice came from the other end, as crisp and loud as ever.
"Are you looking for me?"
"Yes."
Leo said.
"You and Shizuku come to the Hunter Association. Something's up."
"Okay! We're leaving right away!"
The second call was to Kastro.
It rang three times before being picked up.
"Master Leo."
Kastro's voice was steady and respectful.
"Kastro, come to the Hunter Association."
Leo said.
"There's an operation."
"Understood. I'll set off immediately."
The third call was to Nico.
"Grandmaster!"
Nico's voice sounded somewhat surprised and happy.
"Nico, how is Goreinu doing?"
Leo asked.
"He's recovering very well!"
Nico said.
"The doctor said he'll be fully recovered in a month. He can even get out of bed and walk around now!"
A rustling sound came from the other end, and then the voice changed.
"Leo!"
Goreinu's voice came through; though still a bit weak, he clearly sounded much more energetic than before.
"Thank you for letting Nico stay here with me for so long."
Leo smiled.
"It's only right. Just focus on recovering and don't overthink things."
"Once I'm out of the hospital, I'll thank you in person. Also, one more thing—I don't know if your team is still looking for people?"
Goreinu said.
"This trip has delayed too much time; I think it's time for me to train and improve myself."
"No problem. When you're recovered, come find me."
Leo said.
"We'll be in touch then."
After a few more words, he hung up.
He didn't tell Goreinu about the plan to attack the Doctors Base.
Telling him now would only make him worry; focusing on his recovery was the priority.
Leo put away his phone and continued walking out.
Two days later.
In the city where the Hunter Association Headquarters was located, at a street-side restaurant.
Leo sat in a seat against the wall, a cup of cold coffee sitting in front of him.
He didn't drink it, just sat quietly, his gaze occasionally sweeping toward the door.
The restaurant wasn't large, the decor simple but clean.
Outside the floor-to-ceiling window was a bustling street, with people and cars flowing by in a constant stream.
The wind chimes hanging on the door tinkled.
Leo glanced at the clock on the wall—2:23 PM. They should be arriving soon.
Just as he thought that, the restaurant door was pushed open.
The wind chimes gave a crisp ring. Three figures walked in.
Leading them was Sophia, dressed in dark sportswear, her long hair tied back in a neat ponytail, a familiar smile on her face.
She started looking around as soon as she entered and quickly spotted Leo sitting in the corner.
Following closely behind her was Shizuku, still with that calm expression, black-rimmed glasses, a black long-sleeved shirt, and that iconic cross necklace hanging around her neck.
The last to enter was Kastro, in a white martial arts uniform, his silver short hair shimmering faintly in the sunlight.
His steps were steady, and he radiated an aura of confidence.
Leo stood up, about to speak—and then he froze.
Behind Kastro, there was another figure.
That figure strolled in leisurely, his gait as flamboyant as if he were on a runway.
Crimson hair, a face painted with a star and a teardrop, and golden pupils shimmering with excitement—Hisoka.
Seeing Leo, his mouth immediately curled into a bright smile.
"Hi Long time no see, Leo♦"
Leo's expression didn't change, though his brow twitched slightly.
Sophia noticed the fleeting look of astonishment in Leo's eyes and quickly explained.
"Master, we didn't invite him. He followed us here of his own accord, thick-skinned as ever."
Hisoka waved his hand nonchalantly, saying with a smile,
"Hmm♦, I worked so hard to find this place Won't you invite me to sit?"
As he spoke, without waiting for Leo's answer, he very naturally walked to a nearby table, pulled out a chair, and sat down.
Hisoka folded his hands on the table and rested his chin on the back of them, those golden eyes staring intently at Leo.
Leo glanced at him but said nothing.
Kastro walked up to Leo and said respectfully,
"Master Leo, you had us all rush over here—is there something happening?"
Leo withdrew his gaze and looked at Kastro.
"Yes."
He said.
"I had you come because we're preparing to go somewhere."
Shizuku looked up and adjusted her glasses.
"Hmm? A place?"
Her tone was as calm as ever.
"Are we going to kill people?"
Leo nodded.
"Exactly. To kill some people who deserve to die."
The moment those words left his mouth—Hisoka's eyes beside them suddenly lit up!
The light was terrifyingly bright, his golden pupils almost seeming to catch fire!
His body trembled slightly, as if struck by an electric current, his whole being so excited he almost started to writhe!
'I came to the right place!'
He was ecstatic in his heart.
'Coming here was the right move!'
He could more or less guess Leo's current strength.
For a place that required Leo to gather a team, the targets would definitely not be weak.
Like a cat smelling fish, Hisoka immediately sprang from his chair, closed the distance to Leo in a few steps, his face plastered with a wide smile.
"Can I come along?"
His voice carried an irrepressible excitement.
Leo looked up at him, his gaze calm and devoid of any emotion.
"Even if I didn't agree,"
He said.
"You would follow us anyway."
Hisoka grinned, offering no rebuttal.
Those golden eyes were full of a "you understand me" light.
Sophia curled her lip at the scene but said nothing.
She looked at Leo and asked seriously,
"Master, when do we leave?"
Leo glanced at the sky outside the window.
"If there are no issues, we leave tonight."
Sophia nodded, asking no further questions.
Shizuku and Kastro didn't ask anything either.
They had absolute trust in Leo.
Leo stood up, pulled a few bills from his pocket, and placed them on the table.
"Let's go."
He turned and walked toward the door.
Sophia, Shizuku, and Kastro followed behind him.
Hisoka followed as well, his steps light and filled with a touch of joy.
The wind chimes rang once more.
The five figures blended into the crowded street, heading toward the Hunter Association Headquarters.