《Hunter x Hunter: Chimera》 Genesis On the outskirts of Yorknew City stood an old school building. Its weathered walls rising against the backdrop of a gray sky. In the courtyard, a group of teenagers played together, their laughter and shouts filling the air. The lively energy of youth radiated from the bustling crowd, a chaotic scene brimming with passion and vitality. Yet, off to the side, apart from the others, was a lone figure. A young boy balanced upside down, his hands pressing into the dirt as he performed handstand pushups. Sweat trickled from his brow, running down the length of his face and dripping onto the dusty ground, forming a small puddle beneath him. His breathing was controlled, steady, even as he whispered under his breath, "Five hundred and thirty... huuh." He pushed his body to its limit, the strain evident. As he lowered himself back onto his feet, his breath came in heavy gasps, his chest rising and falling as precious air filled his lungs. It was a small victory, but one that marked progress. "Almost two weeks now," he muttered to himself. It had been that long since he found himself in this world¡ªtwo weeks since he had been reborn, and not just anywhere, but into the world of Hunter x Hunter. He was in this world almost a Year before the canon events were going to unfold. Every detail of what would happen after a year from now was etched in his mind, provided he chose not to interfere with the natural course of things. But that choice could wait. For now, it wasn¡¯t something he needed to decide. The excitement at the possibilities and thrill of adventure had been overwhelming, but as the weeks passed, that initial rush gave way to a quiet acceptance. He had integrated seamlessly into this new life. Leaving the courtyard behind, he stepped into the building. The lively chaos outside quickly faded, replaced by a quiet, disciplined atmosphere. The school catered to underprivileged students, its halls echoing with the whispers of a strict order. The body he now inhabited belonged to a boy named Cade, an orphan who had led a relatively stable life until one fateful day. His death hadn¡¯t come from bullying or some tragic revenge¡ªno, it was far more mundane. During a cricket match, he had caught a ball, tripped, and fallen. The back of his skull had struck a protruding brick, and that was it. Simple, unceremonious. As Cade walked through the halls, his hand instinctively rubbed the back of his head, recalling the final moments of cade from the memories he inherited. When he first arrived in this body, his mind had raced with questions: Why him? How was this possible? He entertained countless theories¡ªcosmic entities, gods, devils¡ªor maybe he was in a coma, trapped in some fever dream. But in the end, none of it mattered so he let go of his concerns about reincarnation and focused on the here and now. Entering the locker room, Cade noticed groups of students chatting in pairs and small clusters.He deliberately ignored them and fished out a key from his pocket to open his locker. He could be polite and approachable to the friends the previous Cade had known, but only if it wasn¡¯t too bothersome. A week into his time here, it became clear to him that no one really gave a shit about the old Cade. Not a single person seemed to notice the shift in his personality after what had happened. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Inside the locker was unremarkable¡ªa mirror on the door and a neatly folded towel. As he glanced into the mirror, his reflection stared back: intense green eyes with a tint of blue eyes on an oval face, a narrow nose, and a sharply defined jawline. His dark, thick hair framed his forehead. Over the past two months, the changes were noticeable¡ªhis freckles and baby fat had almost disappeared. After wiping the dust from his face and hair, Cade closed the locker and headed to class for subsequent lectures. ----------------------------- "What is the largest animal in the world?" asked the biology professor, Mr. Carl placing his leather briefcase on the table. Cade never cared enough to learn his full name. The man¡¯s bald head gleamed under the classroom lights, and his thick white mustache, paired with an equally dense goatee, gave him an air of eccentricity. Among all the professors, he was the only one who managed to hold even a sliver of Cade''s interest, mostly because of how he taught. Mr. Carl scanned the room, waiting for a response. One boy raised his hand, his voice clear, "A whale." "Yes, good answer," Mr. Carl nodded. "Did you know that a blue whale is so massive, you could fit three entire school buses inside the space it occupies? Truly a marvel of nature." His voice had a calm, almost soothing quality. Then, after a brief pause, he asked, "And what''s the fastest animal in the world?" "A cheetah, Mr. Carl!" shouted one of the backbenchers, brimming with confidence. "A goose," another voice called out from the middle row. The entire class erupted in laughter, hurling insults at the poor kid. But Mr. Carl raised his hand, and the room quickly fell silent. "Very close, very close," he said with a small smile. Then, turning his gaze toward Cade, he asked, "Mr. Cade, would you like to try your luck?" Cade sighed, already bored with the familiar routine. "I believe a peregrine falcon, reaching speeds of over 350 kilometers per hour, would leave most animals and birds in the dust," he replied, his voice tired. The class murmured in approval as Cade yawned, indifferent. Everything the professor taught felt like old news. His memory, sharp even before his rebirth, had only grown stronger. And sometimes, it just made everything feel... tedious. "Excellent! That was spot on," Mr. Carl said, his face lighting up with approval. "I can tell you''ve been keeping up with your studies." He smiled, "Now, for the animal with the strongest bite force¡ªit¡¯s the crocodile. Specifically, the saltwater crocodile, with a bite force exceeding three thousand pounds." He paused, letting the information settle in. His eyes scanned the room, waiting for reactions before continuing with an air of excitement. "As human beings, we''re neither the fastest, nor the strongest, nor the largest animals in the world.Yet, we¡¯re at the top of the food chain. Why is that? " His gaze swept across the room, a certain intensity in his eyes. "The answer lies in our genes, in our DNA." He continued, "Within this double-helix structure is a history, one that spans as long as humans have walked this Earth. This genetic information, when compared to other species, tells us how we got here. As we evolved, we made a trade. We gave up physical power and instead embraced intelligence and adaptability. And, well, the rest is history." The room was hooked now, every eye following Mr. Carl''s every word. Cade listened, feeling a pang of nostalgia. I wish I had a teacher like this when I was learning. Shame I already know all of this. Near the end of the lecture, the professor shifted his tone slightly, preparing to wrap up. "One last interesting fact before we finish," he announced. "The difference between human DNA and a chimp¡¯s is only 1.2 percent. Which means that just a small tweak in our genetic code is what separates us from being mere primates to becoming the most intelligent species to ever walk the Earth." He spoke with such conviction that even Cade couldn¡¯t help but believe every word. "Adios, gentlemen!" Mr. Carl said with a light, casual tone, picking up his briefcase with one swift motion. As he turned away, he waved back at the class, a brief, confident gesture that seemed to linger in the air. '' Tweaking the genes. huh '' Cade watched him go, not knowing the changes this simple idea would bring to his future. Awakening The orphanage was only a ten-minute walk from the school. Cade strolled along the quiet road, surrounded by towering trees, their branches swaying gently in the wind. There were no signs of modern life, no traffic, no noise¡ªjust the sound of his footsteps crunching against the gravel path. As he neared the end of the walk, a large building appeared in the distance. It resembled an old cathedral, its gothic structure standing tall, though the paint had peeled in many places, showing the wear of time. Still, despite its age, the building held its dignity, standing firm against the winds and rain. This building was once a magnificent place of prayer, filled with reverence and purpose. Now, however, it stood as a mere shadow of its former self, repurposed into an orphanage, its grand past quietly fading into time. Cade reached the worn-out metal door, its cold surface towering twice his six-foot height. He placed a hand against it and pushed. The door opened, revealing a spacious hall. "Hmmm, this door definitely needs maintenance," Cade thought as he fiddled with the hinges. But he also knew the place was running on tight finances. The orphanage was a two-story building. On the ground floor were the storeroom, the laundry room, and the kitchen. He could still smell the scent of laundry detergent in the air. Cade¡¯s eyes briefly scanned the hall before his gaze landed on the wooden staircase lining the far wall, leading to the upper floor. As he stepped forward, a thudding sound echoed from the stairs, signaling someone¡¯s approach. A woman with a soft, plump figure emerged, wearing simple clothes. Her caramel hair was tied into a neat bun. In her arms, she cradled a small boy, no older than a year, lazily sucking on a bottle. "I¡¯m home, Sister Yuna," Cade said, smiling as he saw her familiar, warm face. She returned his smile with a gentle, motherly expression. "Yes, you¡¯re home. Here, hold little John for me while I make you something to eat." She handed the baby to Cade, who adjusted the boy in his arms as Sister Yuna headed into the kitchen. Little John wasn¡¯t too pleased about the exchange, fussing slightly as Cade tried to soothe him with gentle teasing. Cade headed up the stairs, thinking about the orphanage. Sister Yuna stood as the sole head of the orphanage, overseeing the care of seven children, Cade among them. Each day, she managed every responsibility, from cooking meals to ensuring the children received their education. The orphanage''s survival depended on the support of its former residents, those who had once lived within its walls and had now grown, moved on, and sent back what little they could to help keep the place running. With the baby in his arms, Cade made his way upstairs. The first floor opened into a wide living area, dominated by a large couch at its center. Scattered chairs and worn furniture filled the hall, and across from the couch, an old TV sat against the wall. On the couch, Brody, a four-year-old chubby boy, sprawled out like a miniature king, his tiny feet sticking out in all directions. Cade chuckled at the sight. Next to Brody were Lily and Lucy, twin girls dressed in matching outfits. They sat on the edge of the couch, prim and proper, giving Cade a polite nod as he entered. He smiled back at them, taking another step forward. Shwoom... Suddenly, a sharp swoosh cut through the air. Without a second thought, Cade¡¯s hand shot out, and he caught the hard leather ball sailing toward him with a firm grip. He turned his head to see Shaw, an eight-year-old boy with black spiky hair, standing there, a look of pure disappointment on his face. "Aw, come on! I thought I had you this time for sure!" Shaw whined, his hands falling to his sides. Though he barely felt it, the throw had been powerful, much stronger than Cade would expect from a child. "Sometimes I forget I¡¯m now living in a fantasy world where talented individuals can do all sorts of crazy feats," Cade thought with amusement. He glanced down at the rough ball in his hand, feeling its weight. Shaw¡¯s mood shifted as a mischievous grin crept onto his face. "Can you teach me how to do that?" Shaw asked, his voice full of hope. Cade smirked. "Only if you can catch this." The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. With a swift motion, Cade drew his arm back and hurled the ball toward Shaw, aiming just beside his temple. Before Shaw could register the throw, the ball whizzed past him, missing him by a hair. Shaw¡¯s eyes widened in shock as he realized how close the ball had come. "Hey!" Shaw''s distressed shout pierced the air as he sprinted to catch the ball. Passing little John to the Lucy sisters, who were watching the old, flickering TV, Cade sat down comfortably in the middle of the couch. The news anchor on the TV was mentioning current affairs around the world. That is, until one particular news item caught Cade''s eye. "And now, in today''s major headlines, billionaire Mr. Battera¡¯s wife, who fell into a coma after a tragic car accident close to a decade ago, still shows no signs of waking up. Doctors suggest there is little hope for her recovery anytime soon. On the other hand, Mr. Battera is still looking to hire professionals to clear the magical game Greed Island in hopes of acquiring a magical potion to heal his wife." Cade¡¯s eyes narrowed, catching the weight of the news. His gaze shifted subtly before returning to normal. "Heh, ¡®magical potion,¡¯ she says," Cade thought with amusement. "Well, Breath of the Angel is a card acquired after someone clears the game. Its effect can even bring someone back from the brink of death, so it¡¯s not wrong to call it a magical potion." Cade''s heart pounded with anticipation as the world outside teetered on the edge of extraordinary events about to unfold. He couldn¡¯t let these pivotal moments pass him by. After lunch, he slipped away to his room, one of the few private rooms in the orphanage. Only Sister Yuna and Cade had private rooms; the rest of the children were crammed together in a large, shared space. Cade¡¯s room was modest, functional¡ªa single bed, stacks of books piled haphazardly in one corner, and a simple wardrobe for his clothes. He placed his bag on the side of the bed, changed into his casual clothes, and neatly hung his uniform back in the cabinet. If there was one thing he couldn¡¯t stand, it was messiness. Sitting cross-legged on the bed, Cade closed his eyes, taking deep breaths to clear his mind of the day¡¯s distractions. He pushed away thoughts of the past, present, and future, entering a deep meditative focus. Slowly, he became aware of a strange yet familiar sensation coursing through his veins¡ªa viscous energy moving under his skin like blood. It was as if he could feel the very life force of this world pulsing within him. This was Nen, a power he had only ever read about in stories, now real, tangible, seeping through his pores in wisps. Cade began to gather the Nen that leaked from his body, pulling it back in, concentrating it into specific points, like filling balloons with air. This wasn¡¯t a skill that came to him overnight. It had taken him two weeks of relentless practice, trial, and error. But Cade persisted. His understanding of Nen was pieced together from countless hours of watching anime and sheer determination. Today, he was on the verge of something bigger. "Just a little more... and I can open my aura nodes today. I won¡¯t give up, not now," Cade muttered, his teeth clenched, sweat beading down his forehead. His mind was sharp, and emotions rarely clouded his judgment, but controlling Nen required him to let go of all inhibition. His eyes burned red from the strain, but he pressed on, mentally wrestling with the energy inside him. Time passed agonizingly slowly, and then¡ªfinally¡ªa soft pop. Cade¡¯s body went slack, deflating like a balloon that had lost all its air. He collapsed onto the bed, gasping, his chest heaving like a fish struggling for air. For a few minutes, he just lay there, recovering. When he gathered enough strength, he resumed his meditation. This time, controlling the Nen felt effortless. It responded instantly to his mental commands, no longer leaking from his pores but pulled tightly within him. He entered a state of Zetsu, diminishing his presence to almost nothing. A stupid grin spread across his face, wide and triumphant. ¡°Fuck yeah!¡± he shouted, forgetting for a moment where he was¡ªthe orphanage, with the other kids. "Oh, crap," Cade thought, wincing. A knock on the door broke his train of thought. ¡°Cade? Is everything alright in there?¡± Sister Yuno¡¯s voice was gentle but laced with concern. Cade scrambled to his feet, rushing to the door. ¡°Everything¡¯s fine, Sister! Really, I¡¯m okay.¡± After a few more reassurances and profuse apologies, he convinced her nothing was amiss. After a while, Cade sat down on his bed, his mind calm and collected. He leaned back and thought about his next course of action. It was time to determine his Nen category. He had studied the six categories: Enhancers, capable of strengthening their bodies or weapons. Transmuters, able to alter the properties of their aura into things like electricity. Emitters, who developed long-range abilities. Conjurers, known for creating objects and giving them strange abilities. Manipulators, who could control living or non-living things. Specialists, who didn¡¯t fit into any of the other categories. He thought back to the personality traits Hisoka, a perverted hunter in the anime, had attributed to each category. Enhancers, Hisoka said, were straightforward and persistent. They acted on instinct, guided by their emotions, and rarely, if ever, resorted to dishonesty. Transmuters, on the other hand, were deceptive by nature. They concealed their true emotions behind layers of lies, their behavior unpredictable and hard to pin down. Emitters had a short temper, quick to react and often impulsive in their actions. They lacked patience for details and preferred swift resolutions. Manipulators approached life with a steady, logical mindset, moving at their own pace. The only time they strayed from this logic was when their loved ones were in danger. Conjurers were known for their seriousness and caution, never losing focus once they set their sights on a goal. Specialists, however, stood apart from the rest. They were unique, charismatic individuals who thrived in solitude yet somehow attracted others to them. Unlike the other types, Specialists could only develop a single Hatsu, making them all the more mysterious and powerful. ¡°Of course, Hisoka¡¯s analysis isn¡¯t perfect,¡± he mused, ¡°but it¡¯s a good starting point. By his standards, I¡¯m either a Conjurer or a Specialist. Honestly, I¡¯d prefer being a Specialist.¡± Cade needed to know which category he belonged to. For that, he needed to perform a water divination. Rising quickly, he bolted downstairs, grabbed a few leaves, and filled a glass of water from the kitchen. Back in his room, he settled down on the floor, placing the glass in front of him with a leaf floating on the surface of the water. Taking a deep breath, Cade cupped the glass with both hands and focused his aura into it. He watched intently, the air around him thick with anticipation. Moments passed, and then the water began to shift. Slowly, it turned a deep black, and small black impurities started to form, settling at the bottom of the glass. "Heh, so I¡¯m not a Specialist after all." A wry smile crossed his lips. He sat back, letting out a small sigh. "Fine. Conjurers aren¡¯t bad either. I¡¯ll just have to get creative and make do with what I¡¯ve got," he said aloud, his voice filled with newfound resolve. Scorpion (1/2) Ashwood Town lay at the edge of the vast Yourknew city, a quiet place slowly stirring to life under the first light of dawn. The air was cool, and a soft, pale glow spread across the land as the sun began its steady ascent. Shopkeepers were unlocking their doors, shaking off the remnants of yesterday¡¯s business as they prepared for the day ahead. Beyond the town, farmers worked in their fields, some tending to crops, others guiding animals to graze along the grassy hills. A boy dashed along the mud paths that bordered the fields, his legs pumping furiously as he ran toward the town. His breathing was steady, focused, as if the morning air fueled his every step. Behind him, a man in his fifties and weathered face, paused from herding cattle to watch the boy with a quiet smile. He glanced down at his calloused hands, now more lined than they used to be, and let out a soft sigh. "Ah, youth. It slips away before you know it," he muttered to himself. His companion, another man working nearby, cupped his hands around his mouth and called after the boy, "Slow down, lad! You¡¯ll trip and hurt yourself at that pace!" The boy, Cade, barely turned his head in acknowledgment, his energy too high to waste on slowing down. It was Sunday, meaning no school today. He was headed into town to pick up some supplies, running effortlessly in a state of Zetsu, his aura tightly controlled and almost imperceptible. He was still practicing this technique, not yet a master, but it had its advantages. The energy he felt coursing through his body was astonishing. As he entered Ashwood, the town¡¯s simple layout spread before him. The first houses he passed were shabby, walls worn and patched with mismatched materials. But as he moved closer to the town¡¯s center, the homes became sturdier, their construction more refined. Soon, Cade found himself in the marketplace, where traders were setting up stalls, exchanging small talk, and preparing their goods. The currency here, jenny, was straightforward enough for Cade to keep track of. It was similar in value to the Japanese yen, which made budgeting simple for him. He moved efficiently from stall to stall, gathering the essentials for the orphanage. While Cade wandered through the bustling market, arms weighed down by heavy bags of household supplies a group of rowdy adults loitered outside a gambling den, eyeing passersby with unsettling interest. They stood in a way that marked them out as a gang, their presence casting a shadow over the lively scene. One of them, a boy with pockmarked skin and teeth jutting forward like they didn¡¯t quite fit his face, fixed his eyes on Cade. His gaze sharpened as he observed the contents of Cade''s bulging bags. "Ezra, look at that mouse over there," he called out, his voice brimming with mischief. "Looks like he''s got some good stuff on him today. Should I ask him to pay his tribute to the our Scorpions gang?" The boy looked expectantly at another, who sat lazily on a chair, a newspaper spread in his hands. Ezra, lean and tall, wore a tank top and barely spared Cade a glance before resuming his reading. Without taking his eyes off the paper, he warned, "Shut up, Kaze. You know we don¡¯t mess with orphans. Have you lost your mind?" The other four boys standing nearby nodded in agreement, silently backing Ezra¡¯s words. ¡°But Ezra,¡± Kaze persisted, not willing to let it go, ¡°this little mouse is about to graduate high school soon. Once he¡¯s out of the orphanage, he¡¯ll be on his own. Shouldn''t we atleast give him a warning so he knows his place when he moves out of that shitty cathedral? " His eyes narrowed sizing cade up. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. Ezra let out a long sigh and finally pulled his gaze away from the paper, his expression hard but resigned. "Alright," he said, his voice low but clear. "You can follow him out of town. Just make sure to tell him this: when he graduates, we¡¯ll offer him the same choice we give everyone. He either joins us, or he pays tribute every month." He paused, locking eyes with Kaze. "And remember¡ªdon¡¯t rough up the kid." Ezra¡¯s tone was firm, a clear warning to Kaze. While on the other hand Cade felt Kaze¡¯s malicious gaze on him, a cold, prickling sensation on his back. He forced himself to remain calm, resisting the urge to turn around and confront them. Instead, he quietly made his way to a nearby fruit stall, acting as if nothing unusual was happening. After browsing for a moment, he approached the vendor, an elderly woman who had served him many a times before. ¡°Anything else you¡¯d like to buy, dear?¡± she asked habitually after he bought some fruits from her. Cade leaned in slightly and asked, his tone casual, ¡°That group of boys behind me. Who are they?¡± The old woman¡¯s face darkened instantly. ¡°Those bastards didn¡¯t ask you for money, did they?¡± Her voice rose, surprising Cade with her sudden anger. ¡°No, no, they didn¡¯t,¡± Cade said quickly, raising a hand to calm her. ¡°I was just curious.¡± The woman exhaled slowly, still bristling with frustration. ¡°Good. Stay away from them. That¡¯s the Scorpions gang, led by that boy Ezra.¡± She paused, shaking her head. ¡°They say the apple doesn¡¯t fall far from the tree, but in Ezra¡¯s case, it fell into rotten hands. His father was a good man, a teacher, but after he passed away, Ezra went off the rails. Now, he and his gang go around demanding ¡®protection money¡¯ from honest working class people like us. The only protection we need is from them!¡± She huffed, clearly winded from her rant. Cade offered her a polite nod and a quick thanks, absorbing the information. Without lingering any longer, he slipped back into the flow of the market blending with the crowd. As Cade left the market, he sensed a presence following him. Kaze trailed behind, his footsteps unhidden, as they ventured into the open fields beyond the town''s limits. The silence between them grew heavier with each step, until Cade suddenly heard kaze''s voice. ¡°Stop right there,¡± his voice carried clearly over the still air. A pause followed, then Kaze''s low voice broke the quiet. ¡°Yes?¡± Cade turned slightly, his eyes scanning the figure behind him. ¡°What¡¯s your name, kid?¡± The question hung in the air for a moment before Cade answered ¡°I¡¯m Cade. And you are.....?¡± Kaze''s lips curled into a sneer, his posture exuding arrogance. ¡°You don¡¯t know me? I¡¯m Kaze, one of the Scorpion Gang¡¯s leaders.¡± Cade''s response was almost casual. ¡°Oh, okay. What can I do for you.¡± Kaze''s eyes narrowed, the sneer deepening. ¡°You¡¯re awfully calm for someone in the presence of a Scorpion. Think you¡¯re tough, or just stupid?¡± Cade shrugged, maintaining an expression of calm disinterest. Kaze puffed out his chest ¡°Listen carefully, kid. Once you¡¯re out of that orphanage, if you want to work in Ashwood Town, you¡¯ll pay us a monthly toll. Or you¡¯ll join our gang. Understand?¡± Cade met his gaze without flinching, his expression unchanged. ¡°Yes, thank you for letting me know. I appreciate it.¡± The polite response grated on Kaze, and frustration rippled across his face. But orders were orders. Ezra had made it clear: keep things civil for now. ''Still, there are other ways to make someone understand who''s in charge.'' A wicked grin twisted across Kaze¡¯s face. ¡°Since you¡¯re so grateful, why don¡¯t you show me how thankful you are? Hand over that purse of yours.I can tell there''s still quite a few jenny in there. I¡¯ll show you exactly how we collect tolls.¡± Cade raised an eyebrow, the faintest hint of amusement playing on his lips. ¡°Make me.¡± Kaze¡¯s eyes widened, his expression dumbfounded. ¡°What?¡± Cade''s smirk widened, his tone steady. " You''re name is Kaze , isn''t it? Who¡¯s acting dumb now? I said, make. me.¡± Cade placed two heavy shopping bages on the ground. And started wounding his arms like a gear. '' i was dying to try out my new found strength. And what do you know, this moron came right to me. '' Veins popped on kazes head. He gritted his horse teeth ans said " I was wondering what''s wrong with you. Now i realized that you were just begging for a beating huh! " He yelled as he ran toward him kaze swinging in wide reckless arc. Cade simply sidestepped. Kaze''s momentum carried him a few steps. Without giving up he turned and around lunged again at cade, this time cade caught his arm in a swift , precise motion and twisted it behind his back. Kaze''s eyes widened. " Let me go you bastard!! "Ka cried out in pain when cade put pressure on his arm. " Do you know who our gang leader is, Ezra''s trained in martial arts. Let me go or he''ll kick your ass. " Cade ignored him thinking to himself. '' hmmm my reaction speed has definitely increased. Unfortunately, i can''t power my attacks with nen yet otherwise this fool won''t even survive''. When cade came back to his senses. Kaze was crying snot dripping from his nose. His earlier voice that was full of vigour was now meek barely sounded. " I''m sorry, please let me go. I won''t tell anyone. Not even my mom. Please let me go". Cade released his arm and kicked him in the butt. Kaze fell face first into the soft mud of the fields. " Pathetic, no standards at all and you call yourselves scorpion gang. And who''s this Ezra I''ve been hearing about today.Bring him in the fields here in the afternoon. " He ordered as he picked up his bags and headed towards the orphanage. Scorpion (2/2) Zetsu, which allowed him to suppress his aura entirely, and Ren, which expanded it outward in a powerful surge. Martial Club
MARTIAL CLUB.¡± Inside, the bar had undergone a transformation. The floor was lined with mats, and teenagers along with adults grappled and wrestled, their bodies straining in mismatched gym clothes or whatever they could scavenge. The atmosphere was disciplined, a stark contrast to the unruly days before. Hatsu is almost complete. I can feel it." Hatsu Nen training going?¡± Zoom!¡ªand punched right through the ceiling, leaving it embedded in the wood above. Shu,'' Martin. Not bad. You guys have been making some real progress." The comment jolted them, and they turned to see Cade standing right there among them. They hadn¡¯t even sensed him approach. Hatsu. In simple terms, it¡¯s the manifestation of an ability you desire most. Every Nen user, myself included, aims to develop a unique Hatsu.¡± Osu!¡± they shouted in unison, brimming with anticipation. Water Divination test to discover your Nen types. Bring me a glass of water and a few leaves.¡± Enhancer, Martin. This means you¡¯re a well-rounded fighter, able to strengthen your body, organs, and even weapons. It also means you¡¯ll have a boosted immune system and a recovery rate that¡¯s hard to beat.¡± Transmuter, Vigil. This means you can alter your aura¡¯s properties, making it act like rubber, metal, string, or anything else you can imagine.¡± Conjurer. This type allows me to bring objects to life¡ªobjects I¡¯m familiar with¡ªand give them specific properties.¡± Good-byes Once the room settled, Cade took a steady breath, his gaze resting on each of his companions. ¡°Now that we¡¯ve determined your Nen types, it¡¯s time to talk about developing your Hatsu.¡± His voice held a firm edge, and the three vice leaders leaned in, giving him their full attention. They all sat down around Cade, who took the center. He then launched into a lecture, outlining the process of cultivating a Hatsu and explaining the time, focus, and patience it would demand. The lesson continued for a solid hour, Cade¡¯s words deliberate, ensuring they understood the importance of aligning their Hatsu with their natural strengths and unique Nen types. As he wrapped up, Cade¡¯s tone shifted to a warning. ¡°And one more thing¡ªdon¡¯t waste time trying to replicate other Nen users¡¯ techniques, and don¡¯t try to master categories outside your own. These are my honest thoughts. But if you still choose to pursue other types, I¡¯d be curious to see what you accomplish.¡± A faint, dark chuckle followed, sending a shiver through each of them. With that, Cade straightened, his expression becoming somber. ¡°I¡¯ve got some news,¡± he began, catching their attention fully. ¡°I¡¯ll be leaving soon to explore the world beyond. During my time away, keep training. Teach what you¡¯ve learned to any promising new recruits at the club and to those here who are ready.¡± Ezra, Vigil, and Martin were silent, absorbing his words. Cade continued, ¡°When the time is right, I¡¯ll reach out to you. If any of you still want to follow me, then come, and I¡¯ll show you what lies beyond this town¡ªthe vastness of the world as I know it.¡± He looked between them, his eyes resolute. ¡°While I¡¯m gone, try to work together. If a disagreement ever arises, I¡¯m leaving you a tool to settle it.¡± Cade pulled a coin from his pocket, handing it to Ezra. It was a custom-made gold coin, one side etched with the image of a Rubik¡¯s cube, the other bearing an intricately detailed snake. ¡°Flip it, and let the result guide you.¡± He paused, letting his words sink in before adding, ¡°This club is in your hands now. Also look after the orphanage in my absence ." "Don¡¯t disappoint me.¡± The weight of his words settled on the three, and Cade opened his arms, inviting them into an embrace. They exchanged a look, each one processing the moment¡¯s gravity, then stepped forward as one to meet his embrace. They had known this day would come. Cade was more than a leader to them; he was a mentor, and in some ways, a father figure. Ezra blinked quickly, his eyes misting, trying to contain the deep swell of emotion. For a while they just remained in the embrace knowing they were about to apart with each other for a long time. The next day. Cade stepped into the orphanage he knew like the back of his hand. Though he hadn¡¯t visited often since taking over the martial club three months prior, he had never lost touch with the place. The orphanage had transformed in subtle but meaningful ways. The once rusty, cracked floor tiles had been replaced with polished ones, gleaming faintly in the morning light that streamed through brand-new tinted windows. The interior held familiar echoes, though Cade had invested in a few upgrades: newer furniture, a modest color TV, a touch of comfort for the children. He pushed open the door, testing it for the creak that had once marked his arrival. It swung smoothly, and he gave a satisfied nod. A portion of the club¡¯s funds had gone toward repairing the little details of the orphanage, giving it a small but important lift. Cade glanced toward the laundry area, where Sister Yuno was working, flanked by Lucy sisters, busy with their chores. He greeted them, requesting they follow him upstairs. They exchanged a look, curious , and trailed behind him. The others gathered in the sitting room, instinctively turning off the TV as they took their places on the couches, eyes fixed on Cade, waiting. Sister Yuno watched him closely, concern flickering across her face. She¡¯d noticed his recent absence, the strange ways he¡¯d changed, and the mysterious funds he seemed to acquire. A quiet worry had nagged at her¡ªwhere had all this come from, and what had Cade gotten involved with? Yet she had remained silent, holding back her questions, choosing instead to focus on the well-being of the orphanage. Today, though, a weight seemed to hang in the air, and she waited for Cade to speak. ¡°I¡¯m leaving the orphanage to explore the world,¡± Cade said, straightforward and without hesitation. He always cut straight to the point, preferring directness. He didn¡¯t waste time on pleasantries or soften his words. A sigh of relief escaped Sister Yuno, grateful he hadn¡¯t gotten into any dangerous entanglements. ¡°If anyone has questions, ask them now,¡± Cade offered, relaxing into his seat and gesturing for the room to speak. ¡°Hey! You still haven¡¯t taught me anything, you meanie!¡± Shaw piped up, arms crossed. ¡°Take care of yourself, big brother!¡± the Yuno sisters said, wishing him well. Little John and Brody, the youngest ones, barely acknowledged Cade, but he wasn¡¯t bothered. He had never been the kind to draw children¡¯s admiration or friendship, and he was at peace with that. He ruffled their hair affectionately, teasing them for good measure, before turning to the older Yuno sisters. ¡°Thank you both,¡± he said, his voice softening. ¡°You¡¯re good girls. Focus on your studies, and I¡¯ll make sure there¡¯s a bright future ahead for you.¡± Then he looked at Shaw, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. ¡°How about this¡ªwhen you turn ten, I¡¯ll personally train you to be the best at anything you choose.¡± Shaw¡¯s face lit up, his eyes widening with joy. ¡°Deal!¡± he exclaimed. Finally, Cade turned to Sister Yuno, pulling out a small envelope. ¡°Here. A million jenny,¡± he said, handing it to her. She accepted it with a hesitant look, her eyes wet with emotion. ¡°You¡¯re not going to ask where the money came from, or why I¡¯ve changed so quickly?¡± Her lip quivered as she wiped a tear away, reaching out to cradle Cade¡¯s face gently in her hands. Without a word, she drew him into a close embrace, her voice barely a whisper, meant only for him. ¡°Do all children grow up so fast?¡± Cade closed his eyes, savoring the quiet moment. He let her words settle deep within him, a fleeting sense of warmth before he stepped out into the world beyond. Sampling Genetic Codex Extraction. Highly Endangered Species ¨C Xilara Lizards. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. experimentation
Genetic Codex Extraction,¡± he whispered, his eyes narrowing. The cube was unpredictable, its configuration resetting after every use, requiring him to solve it anew. With practiced ease, Cade solved the puzzle, activating the ability. A faint shimmer appeared, and a one-foot-long snake materialized, coiling tightly around his arm. Bio Serum. Do you like that? Good. Now, let¡¯s wait.¡± Ryo, focusing 30% of his aura on each leg while distributing the remainder across his body. This time, as he ran, the sheer force of his movements cracked the concrete floor beneath him. He completed a lap and stopped, laughing uncontrollably as adrenaline overtook him. Enhancer. A powerful one at that.¡± THE CONTRACTOR
If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. A Duel
If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Hired Ethan''s office was a snug, dimly lit chamber where the thick haze of cigar smoke danced in the air, weaving through the gleam of meticulously polished mahogany furniture. The room exuded an air of mystery and old-world charm, with a faint scent of leather-bound books and aged whiskey lingering in the atmosphere. Ethan leaned back in his chair, a faint smirk tugging at his lips as he lit another cigar. The sharp snap of the lighter echoed in the room, cutting through the silence. The smoke curled around his face, softening the sharpness of his features. His tone was cold, direct, almost mocking. ¡°So, you¡¯re telling me the boy beat you up? Aren¡¯t you ashamed, Cormac? Should I hire the boy instead of you?¡± He exhaled slowly, the smoke spiraling lazily toward the dim ceiling. Cormac, leaning against the wall casually, shrugged off the taunt. His eyes flicked to Cade briefly before he replied, his voice unbothered. ¡°Come on now, boss. I¡¯ll admit, the kid¡¯s got talent, and he got the better of me this time. But I was just testing the waters. If it had been life or death, things would¡¯ve gone differently.¡± Ethan straightened in his chair, his expression sharpening as he dismissed the excuse with a wave. ¡°Excuses.¡± Then, turning his attention to Cade, he offered a smile, leaning forward slightly. ¡°Anyway, Mr. Cade, let me formally introduce myself. The name¡¯s Ethan Ryder, but most people know me as ¡®The Contractor.¡¯ I¡¯ve got connections¡ªsome of them with people who pull the strings at the top. I¡¯m the middleman. I hire individuals like you to handle jobs no one else can.¡± As Ethan spoke, Cade remained silent, his expression unreadable, though his mind churned with thoughts. ''Ethan Ryder... A name that gets no mention in the anime timeline. That can only mean one of two things: he¡¯s either dead by next year or has gone into hiding. A guy this well-connected wouldn¡¯t disappear quietly, so death seems more likely. Should I step in and change things? Or let events play out?'' ¡°I want to hear about the job,¡± Cade said, his voice cutting through his own thoughts. Ethan nodded, taking another slow drag from his cigar. ¡°Sure. The job¡¯s a bit delicate. I keep records¡ªvideo files, documents¡ªof my dealings with certain... prominent individuals. For my own safety, you understand. Someone stole one of those files.¡± His tone darkened slightly, the faintest edge of irritation breaking through his otherwise composed demeanor. ¡°I want you to retrieve it.¡± ¡°What¡¯s on the file?¡± Cade¡¯s question was blunt, and his unwavering gaze caused Ethan¡¯s calm exterior to falter for a split second.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. ¡°That¡¯s... complicated,¡± Ethan admitted, shifting slightly in his seat. ¡°Just know this: if the contents go public, it¡¯ll ruin me. Worse, it¡¯ll damage my employer¡¯s reputation. That¡¯s bad news all around.¡± ¡°So, your employer doesn¡¯t know you¡¯ve kept a copy of his dealings?¡± Cade pressed. Ethan sighed, running a hand through his slicked-back hair. ¡°No. He has no idea.¡± ''So that¡¯s how it is, Cade mused internally. Ethan¡¯s paying me out of his own pocket to clean up his mess. In the original timeline, this file must¡¯ve been leaked, leading to his downfall. If I¡¯m going to step in and save him, I might as well make it worth my while.'' ¡°You¡¯re saying that retrieving this file will save your life?¡± Cade asked his tone even. ¡°You could put it that way,¡± Ethan admitted cautiously. ¡°Then I¡¯m afraid two hundred million isn¡¯t enough,¡± Cade said firmly. ¡°I¡¯ll also need a favor.¡± Ethan¡¯s brows furrowed as he studied Cade¡¯s face, weighing his options. After a moment, he gestured for Cade to continue. ¡°Speak your mind.¡± ¡°I want a meeting with billionaire Mr. Battera. I¡¯m a nobody right now, so if you can arrange that, consider the job done.¡± Ethan sat back, his fingers tapping the armrest of his chair. The seconds stretched as he considered the request. Finally, a smile spread across his face. ¡°Pulling strings like that won¡¯t be easy, but... if you get that file back, I¡¯ll make it happen. You have a deal, Mr. Cade.¡± The two men shook hands, sealing the agreement. Ethan reached into a drawer and handed Cade a folder. ¡°This has everything you need to know about the target. He''s heading toward the Republic of Padokea. Look it over when you have time.¡± Ethan¡¯s gaze shifted to Cormac, his tone hardening. ¡°If you need weapons, talk to Cormac. He¡¯s got plenty and won¡¯t mind sharing. Right, Cormac?¡± Cormac laughed, pushing off the wall. ¡°Of course of course. Come on, Cade, I¡¯ll show you the good stuff.¡± As Cade and Cormac turned to leave, Ethan rose from his seat. ¡°May luck be in your favor, Mr. Cade,¡± he called out. Cade gave a brief nod before following Cormac out of the room. The door shut behind them, leaving Ethan alone with his thoughts and the faint haze of cigar smoke. Cormac glanced at Cade as they walked down the dimly lit hallway. " Let''s head to my training facility I''ll show you my stash. You need to have the best weapons available if you want to deal with this slippery target. Got it?" Cade smiled and called out to stop Cormac. Cade raised a hand, signaling for Cormac to stop. ¡°Mr. Cormac, a word,¡± he said evenly. Cormac turned, his earlier enthusiasm evident in his raised brow. ¡°Yeah? What¡¯s up?¡± ¡°I appreciate the offer,¡± Cade began, his tone measured, ¡°but I won¡¯t need heavy weaponry. A military-grade knife and an untraceable smartphone will be enough.¡± Cormac¡¯s excitement drained instantly, his shoulders sagging as if the energy had been siphoned out of him. ¡°That¡¯s all?¡± he muttered, almost disappointed. ¡°Alright, no big deal. Just saying¡ªyou could¡¯ve gotten more. But hey, it¡¯s your funeral.¡± He fell silent for a moment, appearing to reconsider. Then, reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a sleek, well-worn knife. Inspecting it briefly, he held it out to Cade. ¡°Here. Take this.¡± Cade hesitated, his eyes narrowing slightly as he glanced at the knife, then at Cormac. ¡°Isn¡¯t this yours?¡± Without waiting for further protest, Cormac grabbed Cade¡¯s hand and pressed the knife into his palm. ¡°You¡¯ve earned it. Take it,¡± he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. Cade paused, unsure for a moment, but eventually closed his fingers around the hilt. He gave a curt nod, understanding that refusing would only prolong the exchange. Target
Target Profile: Rin Kazeki Description: Current Status: This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
Oakwood hotel
show me last week¡¯s CCTV footage was reckless. A demand like that would get him thrown out before he even got a chance to dig deeper. Instead, he slipped off his glasses with practiced ease, leaning just slightly toward the desk. I¡¯ll be done before midnight, I¡¯m sure,¡± he thought, offering her a polite smile. Milluki zoldyck
Milluki Zoldyck, the second eldest son of the world''s most infamous assassin family, was an anomaly among killers. Though raised in the brutal traditions of the Zoldycks, he had chosen a path that would make his ancestors turn in their graves. Where his siblings honed their bodies into lethal weapons, Milluki had let himself go, his frame grown soft from endless hours before computer screens and countless boxes of greasy takeout. En," Cade murmured to himself under his breath. "Using Ten to control my aura and Ren to release it into the surroundings... allowing me to detect anything within the sphere¡¯s radius. Also, the radius in which my conjured snake can move freely." GENETIC CODEX EXTRACTION. Cade vs Rin kazeki
What¡¯s a kid doing here? Is he after me, or¡­ Yeah, there¡¯s no doubt now. He¡¯s here for me. Is Ethan sending kids after me? No, that can¡¯t be right. I shouldn¡¯t judge him by his appearance, Rin thought, his gaze drifting to the briefcase on the table. No weapons, Rin noted. He must know about my ability to steal possessions. He¡¯s prepared. Still, he doesn¡¯t seem particularly strong, though his composure in the face of potential death is... commendable. But that won¡¯t earn him any mercy. Three traits. That¡¯s my current limit, Cade thought, his gaze steady. Anything more would push my body too far. he''s strong''.Rin thought ''My ghostly claws are as strong as steel and he ripped through them like paper. Damn. But don''t get cocky yet.'' I can''t rip them apart like the first ones These are way stronger. If I didn''t have eagle eyes I wouldn''t be able to track them even. I must get close to him. But at this rate, I''m going to run out of stamina.'' Gyo to inspect himself, he saw a black snake clinging to his leg, its fangs sunk deep into his flesh. He tried to step back, but the snake was already latched on, refusing to release its grip. In on the snake to hide its presence... Damn it! Enough of this!" Rin shouted, his voice laced with fury. Crack. In, a technique to hide conjured objects from naked eye. He was waiting for a moment to cover me with his En so his conjured snake could bite me. I underestimated him," Rin muttered under his breath. "I should finish him off quickly." Hatsu. I¡¯m impressed," Cade remarked, his voice filled with dark amusement. I could inject him with a regeneration serum¡ªmight be enough to bring him back. But what a shame... He has nothing of value to offer me¡ªa damn shame. Slash. Cade took a few photos of the corpse and then headed out to pick up the briefcase. His job here was finished. UNCUT GEM Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
TROUBLE BREWS If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.
TESTING GATES Bounty hunters? No¡­ Maybe reckless amateurs looking to test themselves against the Zoldycks? Or fools hoping to catch a glimpse of the estate? He smirked slightly. Who am I kidding? With a car like that, they¡¯re definitely up to no good. today¡¯s tour guide¡ªtook charge. Zebro sat comfortably, enjoying his midday tea. A window faced outward, giving him a clear view of the road leading up to the estate. Here we go again. Screech! There goes my poor door again. Hehe, Mik¨¦, you¡¯d better thank me. I¡¯m about to serve you a feast. hand grenade, rolling it casually in his palm. Smart enough to recognize the trap, but foolish enough to think they can outmaneuver it. call MUTE
you problem. There was no prior agreement that I¡¯d go through some arbitrary test just to see you," trial, but Cade wasn¡¯t about to let that stop him from making the most of the situation. when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Come on¡­ take the bait. A favor from the Zoldycks? Count me in. along with his entire spine before tossing the remains aside like discarded trash. Well, he thought, I¡¯ve got other tricks up my sleeve. Three ribs shattered. The forearm is completely destroyed, and the hip bone looks unstable. But luckily his brain didn''t take much damage. Mik¨¨ was probably still hungry. Cade ignored the strange remark and asked the more pressing question on his mind. This old man is completely insane. Ryu, an advanced form of Gyo that allowed him to dynamically allocate his Nen to different parts of his body. Rather than wasting energy, he meticulously distributed his aura, reinforcing his shoulders, torso, and leg muscles with precise efficiency. Truly a devious design. VOLUNTEER If I extract Mik¨¨¡¯s genes, will I inherit gigantification? Or something else entirely? Cade will extract the genes of Milluki''s choosing and implant them into him¡ªunder the condition that Milluki himself provides the source of those genes. Why do all the Zoldycks have such cool hair? Should I get them to donate their hair genes to my collection? This old man is something else. He hasn¡¯t even said a word, yet I can already feel the pressure. I guess there¡¯s a reason he¡¯s one of the strongest in the world. It¡¯s a Conjured item. Vision Bio-Serum into his bloodstream. Yes, I know. You did well. WESTERN DRAGON Guess that means I¡¯m good to go. Was that really necessary? But after that brief moment of tension, the rest of the process proceeded without a hitch. Alright, little buddy, listen up. This mutation is going to hurt at least ten times more than the Vision Bio-serum. When you inject him with the Flight Bio-serum, also administer the vial of opioids I gave you earlier¡ªjust the right amount to counter the pain. Otherwise, I have a feeling this guy might pass out from agony, and his dragon-owning grandpa won¡¯t be happy with us. Understood. Where the hell are my wings?! overfed PLAN ACCOMPLISH Milluki¡¯s laughter echoed across the courtyard, unrestrained and sharp, as his plump fingers brushed over the leathery texture of the olive-green wings now fused to his back. His excitement was palpable, his round frame trembling like a child who had finally been handed a treasure long desired. ¡°Hehehe! Grandpa, you¡¯re the best! Lending me your dragon¡¯s wings¡ªthis is beyond anything I could have imagined!¡± With the eagerness of one who had never known hardship, he crouched low, every muscle tensing in anticipation. Then, with a forceful push¡ª Nothing. The earth refused to release him. He stumbled awkwardly, arms flailing, nearly toppling into the mud. By sheer luck, he managed to keep his footing. Gotoh and Cade exchanged a fleeting glance, each raising an eyebrow in silent commentary. ¡°Young Master, perhaps¡ª¡± ¡°Quiet, Gotoh! Let me concentrate!¡± Milluki snapped, cutting him off with a dismissive wave of his chubby hand. He drew a sharp breath, steeling himself. The wings on his back twitched, trembling like a newborn fawn finding its legs. Slowly, they began to move¡ªflap, flap¡ªclumsy and uncoordinated. His brow furrowed in frustration. ¡°Just a little boost¡­ that¡¯s all I need!¡± Scrambling onto a nearby boulder, he spread his arms wide, as if to embrace the sky itself, and leapt. For a brief moment, the air seemed to cradle him. His wings caught a faint breeze, lifting him ever so slightly. A triumphant grin spread across his face. ¡°See, Gotoh? I can fly! I¡¯m¡ª¡± Woosh¡ªThud! His flight ended abruptly as he collided with the unyielding trunk of a tree. Gotoh exhaled softly, a gloved hand rising to massage his temple. Zeno Zoldyck, arms crossed, muttered something about fledglings needing to learn to walk before they could soar. Cade watched the scene with quiet amusement. ¡°Shall I offer some guidance, sir?¡± he asked, his tone measured. He could explain the delicate mechanics of flight, the principles that allowed birds to glide effortlessly through the air. Zeno raised a hand, his gesture calm but firm. ¡°No need. Even eagles do not shield their young from the trials of the sky. If he is to learn, he must endure the struggle.¡± Cade inclined his head slightly, acknowledging the wisdom. The Zoldycks¡¯ methods were harsh, but their results spoke for themselves. Milluki, undeterred by his repeated failures, hurled himself into the air again and again, each attempt ending in a clumsy crash. His frustration boiled over, his shrill voice cutting through the stillness of the clearing. ¡°Why won¡¯t these cursed wings listen to me?!¡± he screeched, his face flushed with anger. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Moments later¡ª ¡°Gotoh! Come here! I¡¯m stuck again!¡± Gotoh exhaled softly, his expression one of weary resignation as he stepped forward to assist. He had long grown accustomed to the young master¡¯s demands. Yet, despite his failures, Milluki¡¯s determination burned fiercely, though it was tinged with petulance. ¡°This is it! This time, I will fly!¡± With a forceful leap, he launched himself into the air. For the first time, his wings caught the wind just right. He rose, unsteady and awkward, but unmistakably aloft. ¡°HAHAHAHA! YES! I AM A GENIUS!¡± His triumphant laughter echoed across the sky, filled with unrestrained glee. Zeno watched in silence, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he turned to Cade. ¡°I admit you are skilled,¡± the elder assassin remarked, his tone measured. ¡°Do not waste your talents on frivolous pursuits.¡± His gaze shifted briefly to Gotoh. ¡°Take him to the guest quarters. He will remain there until the effects fade.¡± Cade gave a slight bow, though his curiosity stirred. ¡°And after that?¡± Zeno¡¯s gaze remained steady, his voice calm but firm. ¡°Then you will leave.¡± Cade exhaled quietly, understanding the unspoken implication. The Zoldycks were meticulous. They would ensure no trace of this power lingered beyond their domain. That was fine. Let them be cautious. It changed nothing.
Gotoh led Cade through the sprawling Zoldyck estate, stopping before a grand guesthouse. Its architecture evoked the elegance of ancient temples, with intricate carvings of wooden dragons adorning the entrance, their wooden eyes glinting in the soft glow of lantern light. ¡°Mr. Cade,¡± Gotoh intoned, his voice even, ¡°you may stay here until Master Milluki returns to his usual state. A hostess will attend to your needs. Please, make yourself comfortable.¡± Cade offered a brief nod, his fingers brushing against the intricate carvings of the doorframe before sliding it open. The scent of fresh tatami mats greeted him, mingling with the delicate aroma of steaming tea. ¡°Welcome, sir.¡± A woman stood inside, clad in a simple yet elegant kimono. Her demeanor was poised, her movements graceful. Interesting. She hadn¡¯t appeared in the anime. Likely just a caretaker of the guesthouse. Cade gave a curt nod and settled onto the futon. He gestured for her to join him, but she merely inclined her head. ¡°Allow me to pour you some tea,¡± she offered. He raised a hand, stopping her mid-motion. ¡°Unnecessary. I require neither tea nor food.¡± She bowed once and withdrew without protest. In truth, hunger gnawed at him. But to accept anything from the family of assassins? That was a risk he would not take. Alone at last, the mask fell. A low chuckle escaped him, soft at first, then growing into a deep, resonant laugh. His shadow danced against the paper walls, flickering with the rise and fall of his shoulders. This was not laughter born of amusement¡ªit was the exultation of triumph. His plan had succeeded. One hundred million Jenny. That was the price he had paid merely to secure Milluki Zoldyck¡¯s contact. A fortune for most people in his line of business. Milluki had been easy to manipulate¡ªhis greed, his obsession with the fantastical, his boundless arrogance. The mere suggestion of exotic genetic traits had been enough to ensnare him. The Testing Gates had been a minor obstacle. The true gamble had been stepping into the Zoldyck domain. At the heart of it all was a single, crucial assumption¡ªone upon which everything hinged. When I told Milluki that the beast for the wings had to be of his own choosing, I knew to some extent what his choice would be. True to form, the fool had sought the pinnacle of specimens. And what greater prize existed than a dragon? Cade had known from anime that Zeno Zoldyck harbored an Eastern Dragon¡ªa living legend, a marvel of biological perfection. Milluki¡¯s desperation had done the rest. The moment his eyes fell upon the beast, Cade had issued a single command to his serpent. "Destroy all bio-serum in storage. Extract every viable gene from the dragon until you reach full capacity." A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He had seized it without hesitation. And now, seated within the silent guesthouse, his triumph was absolute. A small object hovered above his palm¡ªa cube, spinning lazily, its glow pulsing with an otherworldly light. The Genetic Codex Extraction. Within it lay the distilled essence of the Eastern Dragon. A power beyond measure. Cade exhaled slowly, his grip tightening around the cube. His eyes burned with the fire of ambition. ¡°My journey has only just begun."