《Rebirth in HxH World With Gardevoir》


 Chapter 1 - Larry

    In the heart of the Eurubian continent, within the United States of Sahelta, a bustling casino in a small town was packed with gamblers, their faces filled with excitement and greed. "Seven o''clock, all in!"


    The once lively casino turned eerily quiet, as if a bomb had just gone off, sending waves of tension through the room.


    "I¡¯m in too!"


    "Move over! Let me place my bet!"


    The crowd surged forward, stacking their chips on the table, all betting on the number seven.


    Unlike the gamblers around him, who were red-faced with excitement, Larry remained calm, his sharp gaze fixed on the sealed dice cup sitting on the table. To others, this was just a game of chance, but for Larry, the outcome was already set in stone.


    The dealer, a woman with a pretty face, held the dice cup tightly in her hands. Though it was light, it felt unbearably heavy at that moment. Her palms were sweaty, and she could barely bring herself to lift the cup. A small mountain of chips piled up on the number seven spot, an amount that could turn the entire casino upside down.


    The dealer swallowed nervously. She knew her career was over. No, it was worse than that¡ªthis casino belonged to a gang. Losing this much money could cost her more than just her job; it could cost her life. Her eyes, filled with desperation, darted toward Larry. The handsome young man before her had won eight consecutive rounds¡ªeach time guessing the exact dice total instead of playing it safe with high or low bets.


    The odds of such a streak were astronomical. Was he cheating? She couldn¡¯t tell, and that terrified her. But Larry didn¡¯t seem concerned in the slightest. He leaned back casually, letting the dealer stall for time.


    However, the restless gamblers around him weren¡¯t as patient. "What the hell are you waiting for? Open it already! I want my winnings!"


    Some were already rolling up their sleeves, their aggressive glares making it clear they weren¡¯t afraid to get physical. Just then, a voice rang out from the back of the crowd. "That''s enough! The casino¡¯s closed for the night!"


    Heads turned toward the speaker¡ªa stocky middle-aged man with a thick stubble and a cigar dangling from his lips. He looked like he had walked straight out of a gangster movie, and his broad frame was flanked by several burly men in suits.


    This was Vance, the town¡¯s notorious gang boss. Seeing him, some gamblers quietly slipped away, but most of them, blinded by greed, refused to leave. They saw this as their golden opportunity¡ªuntil the guards pulled pistols from their jackets.


    In an instant, the rowdy gamblers turned into meek sheep, shuffling out of the casino without another word. Soon, the once-crowded hall was empty except for Larry and the dealer, who looked relieved to have backup. With a trembling hand, she finally lifted the dice cup.


    Stolen story; please report.One. Three. Three. Seven.


    The room fell into a tense silence. Vance walked up to the table, cracking his knuckles with a menacing grin. "Kid, you¡¯ve got guts causing trouble in my casino." He motioned for the dealer to step back, his beady eyes gleaming with hostility.


    Larry raised an eyebrow and pointed at the massive stack of chips. "So, you¡¯re not planning to pay up?"


    Vance burst into laughter. "You think you can just walk out of here with the money? Not happening. And you won¡¯t be walking out at all!"


    At his signal, the guards surrounded Larry, pistols raised and aimed at him. But instead of fear, Larry¡¯s lips curled into a smirk. "What the hell are you smiling at?" Vance snapped, irritated by Larry¡¯s calm demeanor.


    Larry leaned forward slightly, his voice dripping with mockery. "I¡¯m laughing at you. You¡¯re not big enough. Just a small-time thug, and you¡¯re already losing your cool?"


    Vance¡¯ face darkened in anger. ¡°You¡¯re Cheating! We won¡¯t Pay you!¡±


    "Since you''re not playing fair, I won¡¯t hold back either. Gardevoir!" Larry replied back without a ounce of fear.


    Vance blinked, confused. "What the hell is a Gardevoir?" Before he could react, a wave of pink aura pulsed from Larry''s body, invisible to the naked eye but carrying an immense force.


    The guards, who were brimming with confidence just moments ago, dropped like flies. Blood oozed from their eyes, noses, and mouths, their lifeless bodies collapsing onto the floor with a series of heavy thuds. A chill ran down Vance'' spine. His cigar slipped from his lips as he stared at the scene in horror. "W-what the hell are you... a monster?!"


    In his panic, his bulky frame lost balance, and he fell to the ground with a heavy thud. His layers of fat jiggled uncontrollably, and the sheer impact of the fall seemed to jolt him back to his senses. Reality hit him hard. He was a somewhat influential figure in this town, and he''d heard plenty of rumors about people with terrifying abilities. It finally dawned on him¡ªhe had messed with someone way out of his league. Larry leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips. "So... can I take my money now?" His voice was lighthearted, but to Vance, it felt like the devil himself was whispering in his ear.


    "Y-yes! Of course!" Vance stammered, his voice trembling. "Sir, please... take as much as you want. Just... spare my life!" Tears mixed with snot ran down his face as he fell to his knees, pleading desperately.


    Larry looked down at him with an amused expression. "Oh? Take as much as I want? Then how about... all of it?"


    Vance'' face froze, and his mind began racing. Greed and fear fought for dominance inside him. He wanted to hold onto at least some of the money, but the terror of ending up like his guards was too much.


    Larry chuckled softly. "Oh, and if you¡¯re thinking of holding back even a little... don¡¯t. I can tell." His sharp gaze pierced through Vance, sending a shiver down the man''s spine.


    A few minutes later, Vance returned, carrying two large boxes stuffed with cash. His face was drained of all color, as if he had just lost everything he ever cared about. Larry tapped his fingers on the table and asked casually, "One more thing¡ªhow soon can you get me an ID?"


    In this world, an identity card was crucial. Without it, he couldn¡¯t board airships, travel freely, or even apply for the Hunter Exam. Vance could be useful for more than just money. "A-about a week," Vance stammered, drenched in sweat, not daring to breathe too loudly.


    Larry studied him for a moment, then smiled. "Alright. You have a week. I''ll be staying at the hotel next door. Let me know when it''s ready."

 Chapter 2 - Water Divination Test

    Vance nodded so quickly it looked painful, and Larry left the casino, satisfied with his winnings. Arriving at the hotel, Larry flopped onto the bed with a content sigh. He had chosen the most luxurious suite, and it did not disappoint. The furnishings were exquisite, and the mattress was so soft it felt like he was sinking into a cloud.


    Turning his head, he stared at the two large boxes of cash beside him, still having a hard time believing this was real. Just a short while ago, he had been in his room, rewatching Hunter x Hunter while playing Pok¨¦mon games. But now? He was in the world of Hunter x Hunter for real.


    At first, it seemed exciting¡ªbeing in the world of one of his favorite anime. But then reality set in. This wasn¡¯t just any fantasy world; it was Hunter x Hunter, a place where danger lurked around every corner. It was a brutal world where only the strong survived. The more Larry thought about it, the more anxious he became. Monsters, dangerous creatures, deadly treasures, mysterious ruins, and terrifying assassins¡ªthis world had it all. And if you weren¡¯t strong enough, you were just another stepping stone for someone else.


    In this world, strength was everything. He knew the stories¡ªgroups like the Phantom Troupe had slaughtered countless people without consequence. Morality didn¡¯t mean much here. The world was a delicate shade of gray, where the only thing that truly mattered was power.


    Take the Zoldyck family, for example. The most feared assassins in the world. No one dared to touch them, simply because they were too powerful. Larry sighed. At first, he was annoyed. He had been playing Pok¨¦mon before all this happened¡ªwhy couldn¡¯t he have just ended up in the Pok¨¦mon world instead? Life would have been so much easier. But here he was, stuck in a dangerous world where a random stranger could kill him just for looking at them the wrong way. Not to mention the risk of getting infected by some bizarre disease and dropping dead without even knowing why.


    At least he didn¡¯t end up in Meteor City, Larry thought with a shiver. That place was a death trap, and most self-insert fanfics dumped their protagonists there right off the bat.


    Just as he was about to start feeling sorry for himself, a sudden wave of information flooded his mind. Nen Ability: Pok¨¦mon Master.


    Larry''s ability had its fair share of limitations and rules. Breeding Pok¨¦mon required time, and the stronger the Pok¨¦mon, the longer it took to hatch and develop. Training followed a straightforward process¡ªPok¨¦mon could gain experience through battles, and once their experience bar was full, they would evolve. Defeating stronger opponents granted more experience points, though some Pok¨¦mon had unique evolution conditions that required specific circumstances to be met.


    If multiple Pok¨¦mon participated in a battle, the experience gained would be shared among them. However, there was a key limitation¡ªexperience could only be gained once per opponent, preventing repeated battles from being exploited.


    In addition to breeding and training, Larry¡¯s ability included a Pok¨¦dex function, allowing him to analyze any Pok¨¦mon or object in this world. The rarer or more mysterious the target, the less information he could obtain, adding an element of challenge. Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Furthermore, some Pok¨¦mon skills could have different effects compared to their original mechanics, adapting to the unique rules of this world. A crucial limitation to this function was that scanning anything other than Pok¨¦mon required Larry to expend his own Aura, making resource management an important aspect of his ability.


    This was his golden opportunity¡ªhis "cheat" ability in this world. If he traveled around, visiting famous places and diving into the original storyline events, he could build a powerful team of Pok¨¦mon. And the best part? He didn¡¯t have to go through the usual process of opening his aura nodes. His nen ability had naturally awakened.


    Larry turned his head to the side, and the first thing that caught his eye was a figure with emerald green hair and eyes that sparkled like rubies. A red, irregular crystal adorned her chest, while her lower body was elegantly draped in a white and light green gown, resembling a noble lady straight out of a fantasy. It was none other than Gardevoir, the "Super Queen" known for her beauty and power.


    ***


    Species: Gardevoir


    Type: [Data Unavailable]


    Ability: [Data Unavailable]


    Strength Rank: B


    Known Moves: Physic (Additional data unavailable)


    Description: Data insufficient. Further observation required to unlock full entry.


    ***


    Larry gazed at the minimalistic data on the screen in his mind. The sparse information felt a little underwhelming, leaving him deep in thought. The strength levels displayed in the Pok¨¦dex were categorized by letters. Since he had yet to encounter other psychic users, Larry had no real frame of reference for what a ¡®B¡¯ rank meant. But it couldn¡¯t be too bad¡ªprobably somewhere in the upper mid-tier.


    The most intriguing thing, however, was that despite Gardevoir being a construct of his nen ability, she wasn¡¯t just an illusion or a mindless puppet. Each Pok¨¦mon was an independent entity, capable of fighting on their own without draining Larry¡¯s aura. It was as if his body functioned as a massive Pok¨¦ Ball¡ªserving as a storage space. When Gardevoir battled, she relied entirely on her own aura and strength, not Larry¡¯s. Afterward, she could return to his body to recover, just like in the Pok¨¦mon games.


    That realization sent a wave of relief through him. While others had to fight with their own strength, all Larry had to do was be a good trainer¡ªcommanding his Pok¨¦mon in battle while staying out of harm''s way. The only function that consumed his aura was the Pok¨¦dex scanning ability. ¡°Shauna?¡± Gardevoir¡¯s soft voice broke through Larry¡¯s thoughts.


    Seeing her master staring at her blankly, Gardevoir tilted her head in confusion. This was yet another thing that made Larry feel like these Pok¨¦mon weren¡¯t mere nen constructs, but real, living beings. Despite being born from his aura, they could talk¡ªthough in Pok¨¦mon language. Fortunately, Larry could understand them instinctively. "I''m fine..." he reassured her, shaking off his thoughts.


    He walked over to the large round table in the room, where a glass of water sat with a green leaf floating on top. Though he had a good guess about his ability by now, he wanted to confirm it with a test. He was about to use the Water Divination Test, a well-known technique to determine which category his nen ability fell under.


    Taking a deep breath, Larry placed his hands on either side of the glass, hovering them just above its surface. Slowly, he focused his mental aura, channeling it into his palms. A soft glow of pure white aura enveloped his hands, forming a thin, shimmering layer of aura. His forehead grew damp with sweat from the effort. Seeing this, Gardevoir quickly picked up a handkerchief and gently wiped away the sweat, a look of concern flickering in her ruby eyes. Her tender gesture reassured him, and he pressed on.

 Chapter 3 - Nen Type

    As more aura poured into the glass, changes began to unfold. The once-clear water took on a soft pink hue, deepening into a rich purple color. Larry watched closely, expecting that to be the end of it¡ªuntil the floating leaf began to curl inward. Slowly, it sank toward the center of the glass, where it stopped, forming a perfect sphere. The surface of the leaf took on a crystalline sheen, intricate patterns appearing on it, resembling the letter "M."


    Larry''s eyes widened slightly. From his perspective, the strange crystal in the water bore an uncanny resemblance to a Pok¨¦ Ball¡ªno, more specifically, a Master Ball. With the purple liquid around it, the resemblance was striking.


    After double-checking that no further changes were happening, Larry withdrew his hands and let out a slow breath. A knowing smile crept onto his face. ¡®So it¡¯s a Specialist-type ability after all...¡¯


    In Nen classification, there are six primary categories, each determined through the Water Divination Test. Enhancement is identified when the volume of the water increases, indicating the ability to strengthen or improve the natural properties of oneself or objects.


    Transmutation is revealed when the taste of the water changes, with each user producing a unique flavor, signifying the ability to alter the properties of their aura to mimic different substances or effects. Conjuration manifests when a materialized object appears within the water, representing the ability to create tangible constructs from aura.


    Emission is indicated by a change in the water¡¯s color, reflecting the ability to project aura away from the body while maintaining control. Manipulation is shown when the leaf floating on the surface moves unnaturally, suggesting an aptitude for controlling objects or living beings.


    Finally, if the result of the test does not fit into any of the five standard categories, the user is classified under Specialization, a rare and unpredictable category that grants abilities outside the conventional framework of Nen.


    Characters like Kurapika, Chrollo, and Pakunoda are well-known Specialist-type Nen users in Hunter x Hunter. Unlike other Nen categories, Specialization does not follow a fixed pattern and often incorporates traits from multiple types, making it highly unpredictable.


    Kurapika, for example, naturally belongs to the Conjuration category, but when his Scarlet Eyes activate, he shifts to Specialization, granting him the rare ability to wield all Nen categories with 100% proficiency. Chrollo Lucilfer, as a Specialist, possesses the unique ability Skill Hunter, which allows him to steal and use the Nen abilities of others, effectively granting him access to abilities across different categories. Similarly, Pakunoda¡¯s Psychometry ability lets her read and transfer memories through Nen-infused bullets, a power that does not conform to any of the standard categories, reinforcing the enigmatic nature of Specialization.


    At first, Larry suspected he might belong to the Emission category when he noticed the water''s color change during the Water Divination Test. However, as the test continued, a series of unique transformations occurred, solidifying his suspicion¡ªhe was indeed a Specialist. Thinking it through, Larry realized that his "Pok¨¦mon Master" ability seamlessly incorporated elements from multiple Nen categories. If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    The influence of Manipulation was evident in how he could command his Pok¨¦mon in battle and analyze them through his Pok¨¦dex, exerting control over their actions and abilities. The traits of Emission became clear in the way his Pok¨¦mon could freely enter and exit his body, functioning similarly to being stored in Pok¨¦ Balls, a hallmark of projected Nen energy.


    Finally, the presence of Conjuration was undeniable, as the Pok¨¦mon he summoned were tangible, independent beings that could be seen and interacted with by others, even those who did not possess Nen.


    The complexity and versatility of his ability left no doubt¡ªLarry was a true Specialist, possessing a unique power that blended multiple categories in a way that defied conventional Nen classification.A chill ran down his spine. If what he was thinking was correct, then his ability was far more powerful and versatile than he had originally thought. Was the rumor true? That Specialists were the rarest and most unpredictable of all Nen users?


    Now that he had confirmed his Nen category, the next step was clear¡ªLarry needed to train in the four fundamental principles of Nen. Mastering these core techniques was essential to building a solid foundation, ensuring that he could make full use of his abilities.


    The first principle, Ten, involved focusing and maintaining a constant flow of aura around the body, preventing it from dissipating and providing passive defense. It was the basis for all other Nen techniques, promoting longevity and resistance against external Nen attacks. The second principle, Zetsu, required shutting off one''s aura completely, rendering oneself undetectable to those using aura detection techniques. It was an invaluable skill for stealth and recovery, though it left the user vulnerable to direct attacks.


    The third principle, Ren, focused on enhancing and intensifying one''s aura, unleashing it in powerful bursts to amplify strength and presence. If Ten was about accumulation, then Ren was about release¡ªallowing for stronger offensive and defensive capabilities. Finally, Hatsu, the most personal of the four, was the manifestation of one¡¯s unique Nen ability, influenced by personality, experiences, and goals.


    Among them, Larry decided to prioritize Ren, followed closely by Ten. Ren''s practical application¡ªGyo, which allowed a person to concentrate their aura into their eyes¡ªwas essential. Without it, he wouldn¡¯t be able to see other Nen users¡¯ auras, which put him at a serious disadvantage. After all, if he couldn''t see his opponent¡¯s moves, how could he command his Pok¨¦mon effectively?


    Ten, on the other hand, was crucial for maintaining control. Not only did it serve as a foundation for further techniques, but it also helped preserve aura within the body, indirectly enhancing longevity and physical health.


    Compared to other Nen users who had to master all four fundamentals step by step, Larry had an easier path. Since his combat style focused on commanding Pok¨¦mon rather than direct engagement, he could skip extensive training in Zetsu and Hatsu for now. Still, training was important, but¡­ Larry''s gaze drifted toward the luxurious, plush hotel bed. "Eh, I''ll start practicing tomorrow."


    The next day, Larry slept in until nearly noon. After a hearty meal, he finally got around to preparing for his training. He had a clear goal in mind. His life back on Earth had been tough ¡ªnow that he had a golden opportunity in this world, he had no intention of grinding endlessly like some hardcore protagonist in a typical Novel. Seeking out a master like Biscuit Krueger for hellish training? No thanks.


    Larry knew his limits. Long-term, rigorous training wasn¡¯t his style, and he doubted he''d have the dedication to endure it. Instead, he planned to take things at his own pace¡ªenough to stay alive, but without overexerting himself. "Pok¨¦mon Master" as a Nen ability was perfect for him. All he had to do was travel, participate in events, and Pok¨¦mon would practically come to him. A passive power-up system suited him just fine.


    Before diving into his training, though, there was something else he needed to check first. Soon, a hotel staff member brought him the morning newspaper. Larry''s eyes immediately darted to the top right corner, where the date read 1998. A smirk tugged at his lips.

 Chapter 4 - Another Nen User

    According to the original storyline, Gon and his friends would participate in the 287th Hunter Exam, scheduled to take place in 1999, with the exam traditionally beginning on January 7th each year. This meant Larry still had ample time before the main plot kicked off. He also recalled that in the previous year¡¯s exam, Hisoka had been disqualified from the 286th Hunter Exam in 1998 for attacking an examiner, which meant that the upcoming exam would mark his return to the scene.


    Leaning back in his chair, Larry felt satisfied¡ªunderstanding the timeline was crucial for planning his next moves and staying ahead of future events. Yesterday, his first day in this world, he had resolved his money problem thanks to Gardevoir. Her powerful physic made reading the dice a breeze, allowing him to win every round effortlessly.


    Now that finances were taken care of, it was time to focus on training. Dressed in a loose training robe, Larry took a deep breath and assumed a natural, relaxed stance. He closed his eyes and started feeling the flow of his aura, tracing its circulation through his body.


    Following the methods demonstrated in the anime by Wing, the mentor of Gon and Killua, Larry visualized his aura moving through his body¡ªfrom his head to his right shoulder, then down to his hands, legs, and back up again. He imagined the aura swaying like flowing water, wrapping around him in a protective layer. This exercise wasn¡¯t difficult, thanks to his prior knowledge from watching the anime. It was another reason why he felt he didn¡¯t need a mentor¡ªhe already knew enough to cover the basics on his own.


    Although there were still gaps in his understanding, practicing the fundamentals was enough for now. After a while, Larry''s closed eyes snapped open. A faint glow pulsed around him as his aura, once calm and steady, suddenly expanded outward. Like an overinflated balloon reaching its limit, his Nen erupted in a sudden burst, flooding the room with invisible pressure. The surge of aura kicked up a strong gust, making his training robe billow violently. His hair spiked upward, caught in the rushing flow of aura, giving him the appearance of a Super Saiyan from Dragon Ball.


    This was Ren. The raw release of built-up aura in a single, powerful burst. The intensity of Ren was a good indicator of a Nen user''s current capacity. The longer one could maintain it, the stronger their potential. As the aura eventually settled, Larry sat down with a thoughtful expression. "Not bad," he muttered, wiping the sweat from his brow.


    Despite his relaxed approach to training, he had made decent progress today. With steady effort, he could build up his aura reserves over time without too much strain. Gardevoir, who had been silently observing from the side, approached and gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "Shauna?" she asked, concern evident in her tone.


    Larry smiled at her. "I''m good. Just getting used to this whole Nen thing."


    Gardevoir tilted her head, a soft hum escaping her lips. Even though she was born from his telekinesis ability, she acted just like a real Pok¨¦mon¡ªcaring and full of personality. Larry reached over and patted her head. "Thanks for sticking with me, Gardevoir. Let¡¯s keep working together." Her eyes sparkled with joy, and she nodded enthusiastically.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Larry stood up, stretching. "Alright, that''s enough for today. Time for some well-deserved rest." While others might throw themselves into rigorous training for days on end, Larry believed in a balanced approach. He had plenty of time before the Hunter Exam, and he''d use it wisely.


    Late at night, the streets were empty, with only a faint glow of moonlight spilling over the cobblestone road, providing just enough light to navigate the quiet town. Larry strolled leisurely into the casino, hands tucked casually into his pockets, as if he were walking into his own home. There was not a hint of caution in his demeanor. Of course, he had every reason to be confident. Deep within him, Gardevoir lay in wait, ready to appear at a moment¡¯s notice. Not only was Gardevoir formidable in combat, but her life-saving abilities were top-tier. As long as they weren¡¯t facing overwhelming numbers, a single Teleport was enough to escape any tricky situation.


    After scanning the casino, Larry¡¯s sharp gaze landed on two men standing at the center of the hall. One was short and fat¡ªhis old acquaintance, Vance. The man¡¯s pudgy face was currently plastered with an arrogant grin. Beside him stood a tall, thin stranger with an angular face and a prominent aquiline nose. He looked shifty, like someone who thrived in the shadows.


    Using Gyo, Larry focused his aura into his eyes, enhancing his vision. Immediately, the world around him shifted, revealing what was hidden from normal sight. A smoky aura drifted lazily above Vance¡¯ head, the hallmark of an ordinary person who couldn¡¯t control their aura. His life aura was continuously seeping out, something that happened naturally to non-Nen users.


    Vance, however, wasn¡¯t the concern. The real threat was the tall, thin man standing next to him. Larry noticed that unlike Vance, the man¡¯s aura clung tightly to his body¡ªsolid, controlled. A clear sign that he was a Nen user. But what stood out the most was the strange pattern covering the man¡¯s exposed skin. His body appeared fractured, like cracked glass, with thin lines of Nen running through the breaks. ¡®Baptism...¡¯ The term came to Larry¡¯s mind instantly.


    In Hunter x Hunter, reaching the 200th floor of the Heaven¡¯s Arena meant facing Nen users for the first time. Ordinary fighters who climbed that far were often subjected to a brutal ¡°baptism¡±¡ªan overwhelming exposure to aura filled with malicious intent. For those with weak potential, it was a death sentence. Their bodies would break down under the pressure, leaving them crippled for life. But for the lucky few who survived, it served as an awakening. They would gain a crude understanding of Nen, though their abilities would be rough and unrefined. The cracks on this man''s skin told Larry everything he needed to know¡ªhe was one of those survivors.


    ¡°Hahaha! Boy, your time is up!¡± Vance¡¯ voice rang through the casino, his laughter loud and obnoxious. His chubby face jiggled with every chuckle, making him look even more grotesque. The tall, thin man beside him remained silent, watching Larry with a calculated gaze. "I knew you weren¡¯t some ordinary brat," Vance sneered. "So I paid a fortune to bring in this expert!"


    Vance'' voice was filled with resentment, and his eyes burned with the pain of loss. Hiring a Nen user had cost him dearly, but to him, revenge was worth any price. "Tonight, you pay for humiliating me!" His voice dripped with venom, the memory of their last encounter clearly still haunting him.


    Larry, however, remained calm, his expression unreadable. His eyes flickered toward the Nen user, analyzing his aura further. The man''s control over his Nen was crude but dangerous¡ªwild, unpredictable. If Vance thought he had found a reliable weapon, he was about to be sorely disappointed.

 Chapter 5 - Demise

    After his initial encounter with Vance, Larry had spent the past week holed up in his hotel room, focusing entirely on training. He knew from the start that Vance had no intention of following through on his promise to deliver an ID. The biggest clue? Larry had never even given him a name. No ID could be made without a proper name or photo. But rather than confront him right away, Larry decided to bide his time and focus on mastering Gyo, which allowed him to see Nen and detect hidden threats.


    Through relentless practice, he had finally achieved a basic level of proficiency. He could now observe aura with clarity and even distinguish minor fluctuations in aura flow. Sitting cross-legged on his bed that evening, Larry had chuckled to himself. "You really thought you could fool me, huh? Some people just don¡¯t think big enough." And now, standing in the casino, Larry could see it clearly¡ªthe difference between him and Vance.


    The fat man saw only wealth and revenge, while Larry was looking far beyond that, toward the bigger picture. His lips curled into a smirk. "So... where''s my ID, Vance?"


    Vance'' face twitched at Larry¡¯s casual tone. "Hah! Forget about that! You''re not leaving here alive!"


    The tall, thin man stepped forward, his cracked skin seeming even more unnatural under the dim casino lights. Larry remained unfazed, cracking his knuckles lazily. "You sure about that? You spent all your money hiring this guy, huh?"


    Vance'' smug grin widened. "You bet I did! And he''s gonna tear you apart!"


    Larry shrugged. "Well, I hope you got a refund policy, because you''re about to be disappointed."


    Before Vance could react, a pink, ethereal glow suddenly filled the room. A ripple of aura spread outward as Gardevoir materialized beside Larry, her elegant form standing gracefully in the eerie casino light. Vance'' jaw dropped, his face draining of color. "W-what the hell is that?!" His voice trembled, eyes wide with disbelief. He had seen it before, dismissed it as nothing more than an illusion¡ªsome trick of projection or clever deception. But now, faced with the undeniable reality of the creature before him, cracks formed in his denial.


    Deep down, he should have known. The signs were all there¡ªhow it moved, how it reacted, how it cast a presence that couldn''t be faked. Yet he had chosen ignorance, clinging to the belief that it wasn¡¯t real. Now, with Gardevoir standing right before him, that illusion shattered completely. The thin man instinctively took a step back, his eyes widening in shock as he sensed the sheer power radiating from Gardevoir. Larry dusted off his jacket and gave a lazy smile. "You thought I walked in here without a plan? I was just giving you a chance to do the right thing."


    The tall man¡¯s expression darkened. "Tch... I don''t know what that thing is, but you''re not leaving here in one piece!"If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    With a flick of his wrist, dark tendrils of Nen swirled around his fingers, preparing for an attack. Larry, unfazed, gave Gardevoir a small nod. "Let''s wrap this up quickly, shall we?"


    In the blink of an eye, Gardevoir''s eyes glowed an intense blue. The casino trembled under the force of her psychic power as an invisible wave shot toward their enemies. Vance screamed as he was lifted off his feet, flailing helplessly in mid-air, while the thin man braced himself, struggling against the crushing force pressing down on him. Larry crossed his arms and smirked. "I told you, Vance¡ªyou were never big enough to handle me."


    The casino was in shambles, the air thick with tension and dust. Vance lay sprawled on the ground like a pig awaiting slaughter, his eyes wide with terror. Every fiber of his being screamed for him to run, yet his body refused to move. Hozan, the so-called Nen user he had hired, was crumpled on his knees, crushed under the immense psychic pressure radiating from Gardevoir. ¡°How¡­ how is this possible?!¡± Hozan gasped, his face twisted in agony. The overwhelming force had rendered him completely powerless, his once confident demeanor shattered. His entire body trembled, sweat pouring down his cracked skin as he struggled to breathe under the suffocating weight of Gardevoir''s presence.


    Larry stood there, watching the pitiful display with an amused smirk. "Hey, what happened?" he taunted, his voice dripping with mockery. "Weren¡¯t you the one who said you¡¯d crush every bone in my body?" He took a step closer, his eyes gleaming with cold amusement. ¡°Come on. Crush me. I¡¯m right here.¡±


    With each word, Gardevoir''s pressure increased, pressing down on Hozan like an invisible mountain. The former thug, once so full of bravado, could only grit his teeth in pain, his body shaking violently as he fought to stay conscious. Before Hozan could muster a response, Larry sighed dramatically and waved a hand. ¡°This is getting boring. You don¡¯t even have the strength to fight back.¡± His expression hardened. ¡°Gardevoir, finish him.¡±


    Hozan¡¯s eyes widened in pure terror. A chilling sense of doom crawled up his spine¡ªhis body¡¯s instincts screaming that death was imminent. He tried to move, to resist, but under Gardevoir¡¯s crushing aura, he was completely paralyzed.


    In an instant, the world around him went black. As Gardevoir withdrew her psychic aura, Hoss¡¯s lifeless body slumped to the floor. His previously tensed muscles went limp, and his expression was frozen in a mix of shock and despair.


    The thin Nen that had held his broken body together dissipated instantly, and the cracks in his skin deepened. With the last of his aura gone, Hozan¡¯s fragile frame collapsed like a broken doll. His limbs detached unnaturally, his body falling apart piece by piece, resembling the aftermath of a shattered porcelain figure.


    Larry watched the gruesome scene unfold with mild interest. ¡®So that¡¯s what was holding him together..¡¯. he thought. It seemed the aftermath of his failed Nen baptism had left him more damaged than it first appeared. His thin veil of Nen had barely been enough to keep his fractured body intact. In the end, the man who had boasted about crushing Larry had been the one crushed¡ªboth physically and mentally.


    A small notification popped into Larry¡¯s mind, signaling Gardevoir¡¯s gained experience. However, the progress bar barely budged. Larry clicked his tongue in annoyance. "A D-rank, huh? Barely worth the effort." He turned his gaze to Vance, who was still lying on the floor, trembling uncontrollably. The once-arrogant gang boss was reduced to a shivering mess, his beady eyes darting around in desperation, searching for a way out of this nightmare.


    Larry stepped over the remnants of Hozan without a second thought and walked toward Vance, his footsteps echoing in the silent casino. "Your turn," Larry said coolly.

 Chapter 6 - The Karym Ruins

    Vance let out a strangled whimper, his body trembling like a leaf in the wind. He didn''t dare meet Larry¡¯s gaze, his fear so intense that his entire body was drenched in sweat. "Please... I-I didn¡¯t mean it!" Vance stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. "I-I''ll do whatever you want! Money... power... I-I can get you anything!"


    Larry crouched down in front of him, resting his elbow on his knee as he studied Vance with an expression of mild curiosity. "You know," he mused, "I never really wanted to come back here. But you made me, Vance."


    The gangster swallowed hard, his throat bobbing visibly. "You could¡¯ve just handed over my ID, and I would¡¯ve been on my way," Larry continued, his voice calm yet laced with undeniable menace. "But no. You had to get greedy. And now look at you¡ªpathetic."


    Vance knelt on the casino floor, his round, sweat-soaked face twisted in pure terror. His eyes darted between Larry and the mutilated remains of Hozan, strewn across the floor like a grotesque jigsaw puzzle. The gangster had seen death before¡ªbut never like this. The sight of a human body falling apart, piece by piece, left an indelible mark on his already fragile mind. Larry¡¯s voice cut through the thick tension like a blade. ¡°Where¡¯s my identification?¡±


    Vance'' pupils shrank in horror, his body trembling uncontrollably. In his panic, he stammered, ¡°I¡­ I-I¡­ I didn''t¡­ I mean, I¡ª¡±


    Larry¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. He had expected this. If Vance had somehow managed to obtain the ID after spending the past week hunting for hired muscle, that would have been a real surprise. "I''ll give you one hour," Larry said, crossing his arms over his chest. "If I don¡¯t have my ID by then¡­ well, you¡¯ll end up just like him." He didn¡¯t need to elaborate¡ªboth of them knew exactly who he meant. And so, exactly one hour later, Larry stood in the casino, flipping through a freshly printed ID card. It contained all the necessary details: name, gender, and a fabricated birth address conveniently set within Yarudo City.


    A satisfied smile played on his lips as he pocketed the card and turned to Vance, who was still kneeling before him. "See? Wasn¡¯t so hard, was it?" Larry¡¯s tone was light, almost friendly. "Pressure really brings out efficiency in people."


    Vance, despite his exhaustion, forced a shaky smile. "Y-you''re right, sir¡­ I-I should have done it earlier¡­" Desperation was evident in his eyes. He was willing to give up anything¡ªmoney, influence, whatever it took to save his own skin. "Sir, please," Vance croaked. "Take all my assets, just spare me¡­"


    Larry gazed at him for a long moment before sighing. "Alright, fine. I forgive you."


    Vance blinked in disbelief, unable to comprehend his sudden change of fortune. Then Larry turned and walked toward the exit, his hands casually in his pockets. Vance'' face lit up in sheer relief. ¡®I''m alive!¡¯ He almost wanted to cry. But his joy was short-lived.


    The moment Larry¡¯s foot crossed the threshold of the casino, Vance collapsed to the ground. His lifeless body lay motionless, face frozen in an expression of foolish hope, his blood slowly pooling beneath him. "I said I forgive you," Larry murmured without looking back. "But I never said I wouldn''t kill you." Dusting his hands off, Larry turned to Gardevoir. "Nice work. Let¡¯s get out of here." With a graceful nod, Gardevoir vanished back into Larry¡¯s aura. As he stepped into the moonlit street, he stretched his arms with a satisfied grin. "Now... let''s go see what this world really has to offer."You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    ***


    Yarudo City¡ªan unremarkable urban sprawl located in the heart of the Eurubian continent, within the borders of the United States of Sahelta. Despite its lack of noteworthy features, the city saw a steady stream of travelers flowing in and out daily. The reason? The infamous Karym Ruins, a site shrouded in mystery. In fact, Yarudo City itself had been built around the ruins, capitalizing on their eerie reputation to attract adventurers, researchers, and thrill-seekers alike.


    Standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows of his hotel suite¡ªthe one with the best view in town¡ªLarry gazed out at the sprawling ruins in the distance. "So, these are the Karym Ruins... ¡®The Land of Death,¡¯ huh?" he mused, a slight smirk tugging at his lips. "The name fits."


    To the ordinary eye, the ruins appeared to be nothing more than an unusually large, crumbling relic of the past. Dusty stone structures, overgrown vegetation, and remnants of an ancient civilization long forgotten by time. But under the scrutiny of Larry¡¯s Gyo-enhanced vision, an entirely different picture emerged. A dense, oppressive cloud of deathly aura swirled ominously around the heart of the ruins. The sheer concentration of negative aura was staggering¡ªLarry could practically feel the chilling intent radiating from it, like an invisible force seeking to consume anyone foolish enough to venture too close. It was like staring into an endless abyss of darkness, a vortex of malice that threatened to swallow everything whole.


    The Karym Ruins were divided into two distinct zones, forming a near-perfect circle when viewed from above. The Outer Zone, devoid of any Nen-related hazards, had been transformed into a bustling tourist destination under the control of the V5, the coalition of the world''s five major nations.


    It was a carefully curated attraction, filled with marked paths and informational displays, allowing sightseers and amateur adventurers to marvel at the ancient architecture without the slightest clue of the true dangers that lay beyond. Vendors lined the pathways, selling trinkets and supposedly "genuine artifacts," while tour guides spun elaborate tales of the ruins¡¯ history¡ªmost of which were heavily sanitized for public consumption.


    In stark contrast, the Inner Zone was a completely different story. This forbidden area, shrouded in layers of oppressive death aura, was strictly off-limits to the general public. Only licensed Nen users with special permits were allowed entry, and even among seasoned ruin explorers and treasure hunters, few dared to venture deep inside.


    The further one went, the more intense the aura of malice became, turning the very air thick with an unseen but unmistakable sense of dread. Those who underestimated the danger often found themselves swallowed by the ruins¡ªnever to return. Rumors had it that no one had ever reached the ruins'' core. A strange phenomena appeared as one go deeper, the dense death aura start draining Nen at an alarming rate and crushing the will of even the most experienced hunters.


    Larry''s eyes remained fixed on the swirling darkness in the distance as he let out a thoughtful hum. "This world has no shortage of ruins like this," he muttered, recalling his knowledge from the Hunter x Hunter universe. "Given how vast the continents are... it¡¯s no wonder so many remain unexplored."


    The Karym Ruins were just one of many sites scattered across the continent, remnants of forgotten civilizations that once flourished in the distant past.  As he stood there, Larry felt a subtle shift in his mind. The Pok¨¦mon breeding progress bar within him crept forward ever so slightly. A gleam flickered in his eyes. "Well, well... it looks like the ruins are already working their magic."

 Chapter 7 - Shauna?

    Though he had expected as much, it was still exciting to see his ability in action. The mere act of being near a place of significance was enough to trigger the slow but steady creation of a new Pok¨¦mon. Kinda similar with Pokemon Go but at least he doesn¡¯t need beat and capture them. With a satisfied sigh, he turned away from the window and stretched.  His gaze flickered to the ID card in his pocket¡ªthe very thing that had cost Vance his life. "Efficiency under pressure," Larry murmured with a smirk. "If only everyone worked like that."


    Ever since he killed Vance and Hozan and secured his identification certificate, Larry had set off on his journey across the world. He knew from his Nen ability¡¯s description that not every place he visited would result in the breeding of Pok¨¦mon. However, participating in key events from the original storyline could increase the chances significantly.


    With that in mind, Larry decided to save major locations like Sky Arena and Yorknew City for later. Even if he didn''t set them as immediate targets, the six continents were filled with famous places worth exploring. From the ominous  Karym Ruins, to the lively Pleasure City, the world of Hunter x Hunter was far larger and richer than the glimpses shown in the original series.


    Upon arriving in this world, Larry quickly realized that the locations described in the story were just the tip of the iceberg. Countless undiscovered wonders existed beyond the pages of the anime and manga. The reason he ended up at the Karym Ruins first was simple¡ªit happened to be the closest major landmark to the town where he first arrived. It was a convenient starting point to test his luck. And to his surprise, the ruins had already borne fruit. A new Pok¨¦mon was in the process of being bred within him.


    ¡®Was I just lucky, or is the probability of breeding higher than I thought?¡¯ Larry mused, stroking his chin while gazing at the ruins in the distance.


    Curiosity gnawed at him. Even if he couldn¡¯t venture too deep into the Inner Zone, exploring the outskirts of the ruins sounded appealing. It would allow him to familiarize himself with the environment while waiting for his Pok¨¦mon¡¯s progress bar to fill.


    Despite his anticipation, Larry hadn¡¯t been idle. Over the past few days, he had been carefully analyzing his Nen ability. After running through various scenarios in his mind, an idea began to take shape¡ªan idea that could revolutionize his strength.


    Initially, he had been puzzled by the lack of detailed information about Gardevoir in the Pok¨¦dex. It felt incomplete. But then he realized there might be a way to not only fill in those gaps but also enhance his Pok¨¦mon¡¯s abilities significantly. The answer lay in the fundamental Nen principles Restrictions and Oaths ¨C The Key to Power Nen abilities, by their very nature, could be amplified through self-imposed limitations. The stricter the rules, the greater the power gained.


    Kurapika, driven by his vendetta against the Phantom Troupe, had established an extreme restriction¡ªhis Nen could only be used against them. In return, he gained immense power in a short amount of time, surpassing seasoned Nen users. The trade-off was simple yet terrifying. The benefits were immense, but breaking an oath could result in losing one¡¯s Nen abilities¡ªor worse, one¡¯s life.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    After careful consideration, Larry decided to take the same path as those who sought power through sacrifice. His greatest advantage in this world was, without a doubt, his "Pok¨¦mon Master" ability. But his second strongest asset¡ªthe one thing no one else had¡ªwas the vast, encyclopedic knowledge of Pok¨¦mon he carried from his previous life.


    It was time to turn that knowledge into tangible strength. The oath was simple yet demanding: for every Pok¨¦mon he obtained, he would have exactly one minute to recite its characteristics, attributes, abilities, and potential skill sets from memory. If he could correctly recall at least 50% of the information, the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s strength would increase¡ªpotentially advancing by an entire rank.


    However, if he failed to meet the threshold, the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s strength would decline accordingly. This self-imposed rule was more than a mere challenge; it was a way to push his abilities beyond their limits, forcing him to leverage every bit of knowledge he had.


    If it worked, he could propel his Pok¨¦mon to new heights, turning them into formidable forces in this world of Nen. And if it didn¡¯t? At worst, he¡¯d remain at his current power level. But if it succeeded... Larry¡¯s lips curled into a confident grin. Gardevoir could leap from B-rank to A-rank in an instant.


    The potential gains were too great to ignore, and the risk was one he was more than willing to take. With his heart pounding in his chest, he closed his eyes and solidified the restriction in his mind. Balance between gain and loss¡ªrestriction and oath, established.


    Holding his breath, Larry immediately put the restriction to the test. Standing before Gardevoir, he spoke rapidly, voice unwavering. "Name: Gardevoir. Type: Psychic, Fairy. Abilities: Trace, Synchronize... Base stats..." His words poured out like rapid-fire, spilling every detail stored in his mind. Every stat, every potential move Gardevoir could learn, every hidden ability¡ªhe left nothing out.


    Time ticked away. When the minute was up, Larry fell silent, his chest rising and falling from the sheer effort. And then... it happened. Gardevoir''s aura pulsed violently, and a powerful surge of Nen erupted from her form. Bright pink aura flooded the room, rapidly expanding and swallowing the surroundings in a dazzling glow. Tables, chairs, and objects in the room lifted into the air, suspended by her overwhelming psychic force.


    What was once a calm and elegant figure now radiated the regal presence of a true queen¡ªmajestic, imposing, and unmistakably powerful.


    ***


    Species: Gardevoir


    Type:  Psychic/Fairy


    Ability: Trace


    Strength Rank: A


    Known Moves: Telekinesis, Psychic, Hypnosis, Dazzling Gleam...


    Description: Gardevoir has the ability to sense the emotions and intentions of those around it. With its strong psychic powers, it can create small black holes to protect its Trainer from harm. Fiercely loyal, Gardevoir¡¯s bond with its Trainer is reinforced by Nen, driving it to protect them at all costs.


    ***


    Larry¡¯s eyes widened in astonishment, and an uncontrollable burst of laughter escaped his lips. "Hahahahaha! It worked!" he shouted, unable to contain his excitement.


    Gardevoir had ascended to an entirely new level, her power now leagues above what it once was. And this was just the beginning. If he could do this with Gardevoir, then what about future Pok¨¦mon? If B-rank could become A-rank, then an A-rank Pok¨¦mon could reach S-rank... The possibilities were endless.


    As Larry reveled in his success, Gardevoir stood beside him, radiating newfound confidence. "Shauna?" she asked softly, tilting her head.


    Larry patted her shoulder with a wide grin. "You¡¯re incredible, Gardevoir. With this power, we can take on anything."


    More importantly, Gardevoir¡¯s abilities had improved beyond just raw strength. Now, she could teleport not just herself, but multiple people over long distances and even perform consecutive teleportations without straining her Nen reserves. This meant an even greater safety net for Larry during his travels. Looking out the window once more at the Karym Ruins, Larry¡¯s grin widened.

 Chapter 8 - It Does Work

    The streets of Karym City carried an unmistakable charm, steeped in a uniform, orthodox Western style reminiscent of Gothic architecture. The city¡¯s meticulously arranged brick and stone roads painted a picture of elegance and precision¡ªan absolute paradise for anyone with an obsessive need for order.


    Houses lined both sides of the street, each a proof to the city''s historical aesthetic. Standing two or three stories tall, these buildings, with their stone frameworks and imposing flying buttresses, bore an uncanny resemblance to churches. The grayish-white color palette added to the city¡¯s neat and pristine aura, giving passersby an unconscious sense of cleanliness and tranquility.


    As Larry wandered through the city, he found himself unconsciously comparing it to the cities of his past life. While the architectural style was unique to this world, the ambiance felt strangely familiar. The bustling market streets reflected the city''s close ties to the Karym Ruins. Shops and vendors alike catered to adventurers and tourists, selling all sorts of relics allegedly excavated from the ruins. However, with the passage of time, the outer city had been picked clean of anything valuable, and ordinary citizens were forbidden from entering the inner city.


    As a result, most of the so-called "antiques" were nothing more than well-crafted fakes, and it was a well-known fact that nine out of ten items sold here were scams. Walking along the brick-paved streets, Larry''s leisurely stroll came to an abrupt halt. "Huh?" A sudden change in his Nen ability caught his attention. The Pok¨¦mon breeding progress bar that had been slowly inching forward suddenly... stopped. It had been progressing steadily up until now, albeit slowly, but now it was as if it had hit an invisible wall.


    Larry narrowed his eyes, instinctively glancing toward the looming Karym Ruins in the distance. A moment later, his figure flickered and vanished, reappearing in an open space outside the ruins. As soon as he arrived, the progress bar resumed its movement, accelerating as though it had been given a shot of adrenaline. "So that''s how it works..." Larry ran a hand through his hair, staring at the towering wall of intricate reliefs beside him.


    It was now clear¡ªthe breeding progress had a proximity limit within the city. Once it reached a certain threshold, he needed to physically get closer to the ruins for further advancement. ¡®Does this mean I¡¯ll always need to approach the central point of each breeding location?¡¯ Larry wondered. This was his first real experience with the Pok¨¦mon breeding mechanic; Gardevoir had appeared instantly when he first awakened his Nen ability, making this his first proper attempt at the process. His musings were soon interrupted when the progress bar came to another halt¡ªthis time at exactly 50%.


    Without hesitation, Larry stepped into the Karym Ruins, and sure enough, the progress bar resumed moving forward. The interior of the Karym Ruins was a sprawling maze of winding corridors and towering walls. Pale yellow stone surfaces stretched in all directions, creating an eerie yet majestic atmosphere. Scattered throughout the ruins were remnants of statues and collapsed walls, left untouched for years.


    The reliefs adorning the walls were breathtakingly detailed, each one a testament to the extraordinary craftsmanship of the ancient sculptors. Despite the damage from time, their artistry remained undeniable. According to local legends, the Karym Ruins were once the grand palace of a fallen kingdom, its destruction shrouded in mystery. Ruin hunters and archaeologists had long been fascinated by its secrets, but much remained unknown. From the intricate carvings, it was evident that this was once a kingdom of romance and artistry. The citizens were said to have been deeply emotional, with art forms such as painting and sculpture flourishing to an unparalleled degree.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    The royal family, in particular, was said to possess immense strength. Each ruler was revered as the kingdom¡¯s strongest protector, ensuring their people¡¯s safety in the war-torn times of the past. Surprisingly, despite the chaos of those days, the kingdom had never faced an existential threat¡ªsomething attributed to the kings'' mysterious power. Statues scattered throughout the ruins depicted these monarchs in various heroic poses, immortalized in stone by their devoted subjects.


    The government had declared these cultural artifacts off-limits, imposing strict regulations to protect them. Ordinary scavengers could take gold trinkets and jewelry, but touching the statues or reliefs was considered a serious offense.


    Larry meandered deeper into the ruins, his footsteps echoing against the ancient stone. With each step, the progress bar in his mind climbed higher and higher¡ª60%, 65%, 70%... Then it happened. His progress halted at 70%, and no matter how long he waited, it refused to budge.


    Larry sighed, his gaze shifting toward the swirling black mist that marked the boundary between the outer and inner ruins. Death Aura... The ominous black fog slithered and writhed like a living entity, its tendrils flickering in and out of existence. It exuded an aura of malice, as if it was eager to consume anyone foolish enough to step beyond the boundary.


    Larry stood at the precipice, arms crossed, deep in thought. "So... the progress stops here, huh?" he muttered, staring into the abyss. "I''m already at 70%, and walking away now would be a waste."


    Death Aura, known more accurately as Post-Mortem Nen, was the lingering will of the deceased. When a person with strong emotions or unfinished business died, their intense grudge or determination could cause their Nen to persist, often taking on a violent and uncontrollable form¡ªmuch like a vengeful spirit driven by a singular purpose.


    In many ways, it was reminiscent of zombie lore from horror movies; just as a grudge-filled soul could rise from the grave, the will left behind by a powerful Nen user could manifest as an ominous presence after death.


    However, Post-Mortem Nen wasn''t limited to an eerie presence; it could be weaponized in lethal ways. Larry recalled how Chrollo Lucilfer demonstrated the deadliness of Nen in his battle against Hisoka in Heavens Arena. Using stolen abilities such as Order Stamp to manipulate bodies and Convert Hands to switch objects, Chrollo transformed an entire audience into deadly projectiles, forcing Hisoka into a desperate battle of survival.


    Although not true Death Aura, it showcased how Nen could manipulate life and death in terrifying ways. Staring at the swirling black fog in front of him, Larry considered his options. "How do I get past this?" he murmured, tapping his chin. He had no desire to risk direct contact with Death Aura¡ªnot without a plan. And yet, the allure of discovering what lay deeper in the ruins tugged at him.


    Suddenly, an idea struck him. "What if... Gardevoir¡¯s aura could counteract it?" Psychic and Fairy-type Pok¨¦mon were known for their protective abilities. Summoning Gardevoir, Larry watched as she emerged gracefully, her presence radiating an overwhelming sense of purity.  ¡°Use Misty Terrain."


    Without hesitation, Gardevoir extended her delicate arms, and a shimmering veil of translucent aura formed around her. The soft, misty glow enveloped her entire body like a protective barrier. As soon as the barrier took shape, something fascinating happened¡ª the Death Aura visibly recoiled, retreating slightly. Larry''s eyes widened. "So it does work." A smirk tugged at his lips. "Looks like I¡¯ve got my way in."

 Chapter 9 - Exorcist

    With newfound excitement, Larry considered the potential applications of Gardevoir¡¯s abilities. If Misty Terrain could prevent the influence of death aura, then... what about Heal Bell? He quickly opened the Pok¨¦dex interface in his mind and scanned Gardevoir¡¯s skill list.


    ***


    Heal Bell "Removes negative effects from the entire team, including but not limited to status conditions such as curses and death auras."


    ***


    Larry¡¯s grin widened. "Bingo." While Misty Terrain acted as a preventive measure by repelling death aura, Heal Bell could actively cleanse it¡ªmaking them the perfect combination. "In a way, I¡¯ve just turned into a half-exorcist," Larry murmured to himself. "No, scratch that¡ªI''m an exorcist with double protection."


    In the world of Hunter x Hunter, the number of exorcists¡ªspecialists capable of removing lingering Nen effects¡ªwas absurdly low. Throughout the entire series, only three had ever been introduced.


    There was Abengane, the dark-skinned man from Greed Island, who famously removed Chrollo¡¯s curse with his unique exorcism ability. Then there was Hina, a peculiar Chimera Ant with an innate talent for dispelling Nen. Lastly, an unnamed old lady working within the Hunter Association, known only to a select few, whose skills remained shrouded in mystery.


    With such a limited number of exorcists in the world, their value was immeasurable, often sought after by Hunters and black market clients alike. Now, with Gardevoir¡¯s unique abilities, Larry had unknowingly positioned himself as a potential game-changer. Whether among reputable Hunters or the underworld¡¯s most dangerous figures, his newfound role could make him an invaluable asset¡ªone that people would pay fortunes to seek out.  "Alright, let¡¯s see how effective Heal Bell really is."


    With a graceful movement, Gardevoir cast Heal Bell, her soothing voice resonating through the ancient ruins. The soft melody materialized into shimmering musical notes, which floated gently through the air. As the notes drifted forward and touched the dense death aura, the effect was immediate.


    Like snow melting under the sun, the swirling black fog dissipated in patches, leaving behind clear, breathable air. The darkness was replaced by an eerie silence, as if the aura had never existed in the first place. But Larry wasn¡¯t fooled. Within moments, new waves of death aura rolled forward, filling the void left by the purified area. Gardevoir turned to Larry and spoke softly, "Shauna."


    Larry glanced at her, noting the faint glow of strain in her emerald eyes. "The aura cost is higher for Heal Bell compared to Misty Terrain, huh?" he deduced. "That makes sense. Prevention is easier than cure."


    Satisfied with the results, Larry nodded. "Alright, Gardevoir. Cast Misty Terrain on me as well."


    A soft, pinkish mist surrounded Larry, clinging to his figure like an invisible shield. With the protective barrier in place, he took his first step into the deeper parts of the Karym Ruins.


    Just as expected, the death aura recoiled from Larry''s presence, sLarrying away like a predator deterred by a stronger foe. Step by step, he advanced deeper into the ruins, with Gardevoir by his side. The dark fog continued to retreat before them, creating a path where none had existed before. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    At the end of the inner city of the Karym Ruins stood a dark, ominous door. It looked as if it was made of solid ink, surrounded by an overwhelming aura of death. If the thoughts of death swirling outside resembled a creeping black mist, then this door was a solid block of pure darkness.   "We¡¯re just going to leave? Just like that?" The voice belonged to Neguro, a man with a middle-parted hairstyle and oversized sunglasses. There was a hint of unease in his tone, barely concealed beneath his usual aloof demeanor.


    "And what else can we do? You think you can get rid of this death aura yourself?" The woman in the black leather coat snapped, her frustration evident as she glared at the door. Her clenched teeth betrayed her reluctance to give up.


    ¡°¡­Actually, I might know a way.¡± The sudden voice made all six people turn their heads in surprise. The suffocating aura of death that filled the air around them trembled, as if disturbed by an invisible force. A few moments later, a figure emerged, stepping forward with an easy smile.


    It was Larry. A faint, translucent barrier shimmered around him like a plastic bubble, effortlessly repelling the oppressive death aura. Beside him floated a graceful, humanoid figure with an air of elegance¡ªGardevoir. As Larry advanced, his eyes darted to his progress tracker. He noticed that it had stopped at 80%. This wasn''t the true end of the ruins¡ªwhatever they were looking for was beyond that door.


    The others watched in astonishment, their gazes fixed on Larry. As Nen users themselves, they immediately recognized Gardevoir as a Conjuration-type Nen Beast. However, what truly held their attention was Larry¡¯s complete immunity to the oppressive death aura surrounding them. ¡°An Exorcist?!¡± The leather-clad woman crossed her arms, her sharp eyes narrowing in skepticism. "Hey, are you some kind of Specialist?" Her voice carried a mix of doubt and hope.


    Standing in front of the massive door, Larry smirked and half-jokingly said, ¡°To be honest, I¡¯m a materialization-type Nen user. My ability lets me create a humanoid Nen beast.¡± He gestured toward Gardevoir beside him. ¡°It doesn¡¯t have any attack power, but it can generate a barrier that blocks the death aura.¡±


    ¡°Well, you are a materialization type,¡± someone muttered under their breath. No one could argue with that, especially with the Nen beast standing right there. Though most Nen beasts are usually associated with emission types, materialization users can also specialize in them.


    No one questioned the defensive nature of his ability either. Nen powers often focus on a single purpose, and it made sense that his would prioritize protection. Despite the growing urge to comment, the group held back, choosing instead to exchange uneasy glances.


    After a brief exchange, Larry pieced together their story. The leather-clad woman, the man with glasses, and the hip-hop guy were siblings. They had met Neguro and his two bodyguards in the outer city ruins. Both groups shared the same goal¡ªto explore the depths of the ruins¡ªand decided to team up temporarily to improve their chances of survival.


    However, their biggest problem was the lack of exorcist. They had been relying on their own mental strength to fend off the death aura, a method that had taken a serious toll on their stamina. If the journey had been any longer, they wouldn''t have made it this far. Even so, their aura was nearly drained, and the door before them was a far greater challenge than anything they''d encountered. The thoughts of death it radiated were ten times denser than what they¡¯d faced so far. Unlike the outside, where they could resist in short bursts, coming into direct contact with the door would be fatal.


    As Larry listened, he wasn''t just standing idly. He discreetly scanned everyone using his  ability. The results reassured him¡ªmost of them were around C-rank, with Neguro and the hip-hop guy standing out at B-rank. In other words, none of them posed a serious threat to him or Gardevoir.

 Chapter 10 - Exploring Ruin

    Neguro and his two bodyguards wore matching black suits, giving off a suspiciously organized vibe¡ªalmost like gangsters. The two bodyguards had standard crew cuts and looked rather plain, but something about them felt off. Neguro, on the other hand, kept his sunglasses on, concealing his eyes entirely. Larry couldn''t tell if he was hiding an injury or just didn''t want anyone to read him.


    Then there were the three siblings. The eldest, the man with glasses, had a thin build, squinting eyes, and wore gold-rimmed spectacles. Dressed in an ordinary white shirt and gray leather shoes, he looked like any other office worker. But his sharp gaze hinted at something more.


    The woman in leather stood out with her 1.7-meter frame and sharp, noble features. She carried a long, barbed whip that looked like it belonged to a queen of some sort. However, Link¡¯s trained eyes detected something more¡ªthis whip was purely made of aura, a manifestation of her power.


    Finally, the youngest of the three, the hip-hop guy, had a darker complexion and thick eyebrows. He wore a bright red dance-style tracksuit and carried a large hiking bag. The heavy calluses on his knuckles told Larry that he was no stranger to hard work and physical combat. Neguro was the first to break the silence. "Alright, how about this? If you help us pass through safely, I¡¯ll offer you 40% of whatever we find inside." His tone was calm and sincere, but Larry could sense the underlying schemes in his words.


    Larry smirked, his narrowed eyes filled with amusement. He could tell Neguro wasn¡¯t as honest as he seemed. Still, since their abilities were nothing special, he decided to play along. "Deal. Gardevoir, Use Misty Terrain on everyone.¡±


    With a graceful motion, Gardevoir released six translucent bubbles that floated toward the group, encasing each person in a protective aura. As soon as the shimmering shields settled around them, the oppressive death aura that had been gnawing at them retreated rapidly.


    A wave of relief washed over the group. The chilling sensation that had seeped into their bones vanished, replaced by a comforting warmth, almost like soaking in a hot spring. Fatigue that had been weighing them down lifted, leaving them feeling refreshed. Larry observed quietly, making a mental note¡ª¡®Misty Terrain not only blocks the death aura but also relieves fatigue. That might come in handy later.¡¯


    Under the hopeful gazes of the group, Larry signaled Gardevoir again. "Let¡¯s test it on the door first. If that doesn¡¯t work, we¡¯ll try Heal Bell next."


    From his perspective, it was better to conserve aura. He wasn¡¯t about to waste valuable resources clearing the aura unless absolutely necessary. A cluster of shimmering nen bubbles drifted toward the door. As they made contact, the dark mist of death clinging to the door began to recede¡ªslowly at first, then more rapidly. "It¡¯s working!" someone gasped.


    The others watched with admiration and gratitude in their eyes, all except for Neguro. Hidden behind his dark sunglasses, his gaze flickered with something unreadable. After a few minutes, the death aura had completely dissipated, revealing the true surface of the door. Unlike the finely carved reliefs outside the ruins, the artwork here was rough and almost crude. It was unclear whether the eerie aura had caused the deterioration or if the door had always been this way.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    The carvings were bizarre and abstract, depicting strange creatures that resembled something out of an ancient myth. With a slight bow, Larry stepped aside and gestured toward the group. "All yours," he said, reminding them of their earlier agreement. He¡¯d handled the death aura¡ªnow it was their turn.


    Even though the deadly mist was gone, the massive stone door remained firmly shut. There were no visible mechanisms to open it, meaning brute force was their only option. Neguro and his bodyguards exchanged silent looks, clearly unwilling to make the first move. Sensing the hesitation, the youngest of the three siblings¡ªthe hip-hop guy¡ªstepped forward confidently.


    Setting his backpack down, he took a deep breath, adjusted his stance, and lowered his center of gravity. His fists, large as sandbags, clenched tightly as a pale yellow aura surrounded them, crackling with energy. Without warning, his eyes snapped open, flashing with determination. With a powerful roar, he launched his fist forward. A sharp whoosh cut through the air, and his Aura-infused punch slammed into the door with explosive force.


    BAM!!!!


    Crack after crack formed across the surface as he delivered relentless blows, each one heavier than the last. Chunks of stone crumbled away, and before long, a dark passageway appeared behind the now-destroyed door. Sweat dripped from the hip-hop guy¡¯s brow, his chest rising and falling with exhaustion, but the results spoke for themselves. The entrance was now wide enough for everyone to pass through.


    As soon as the door opened, a wave of strange, indescribable odors wafted out. The stench was overwhelming, heavy, and thick, as if the air inside had been trapped for centuries. Without hesitation, the group quickly pulled out gas masks and strapped them on. They were seasoned treasure hunters and knew better than to enter an ancient, sealed space without proper protection.


    Larry, however, made no move to equip any gear. The man in glasses, noticing this, pulled out an extra mask and offered it to him. ¡°Here, take this. You never know what kind of toxic stuff might be inside.¡± Larry raised an eyebrow but accepted it with a nod of thanks. He could feel the shift in their attitudes. His earlier display had earned their respect, and treasure hunters like them understood the value of having someone like him around. To them, befriending Larry meant securing their future expeditions.


    As Larry and the group stepped into the cave, the lingering death aura was still present, though not as dense as outside. To ensure he could effectively eliminate it, Larry and Gardevoir positioned themselves in the middle of the formation¡ªNeguro and his two bodyguards to the left, while the three siblings took the right.


    Despite the eerie atmosphere, the cave wasn''t completely shrouded in darkness. Along the stone walls on both sides, small glowing beads emitted a faint light at regular intervals, providing just enough illumination to guide their way. ¡®These look like Night Pearls?¡¯ Larry wondered, his gaze lingering on the softly glowing orbs embedded in the walls.


    As they ventured deeper, the silence was soon broken by the hip-hop guy, who swaggered over to Larry with a grin plastered across his face. ¡°Hey, bro, what¡¯d you think of my punches back there? Pretty cool, huh?¡±


    Though he tried to keep his voice down, the acoustics of the enclosed cave amplified his excitement, making it impossible for anyone to miss. Larry glanced at him, his expression neutral. ¡°Yeah... they were pretty impressive,¡± he replied honestly, though the hip-hop guy¡¯s enthusiasm made it hard for him to keep a straight face.

 Chapter 11 - Fire and Wind Style Jutsu???

    Encouraged by the compliment, the hip-hop guy lit up and started talking non-stop. He went on about his training, his techniques, and how his fists were ¡°as tough as steel.¡± Larry responded with a few polite nods and the occasional ¡°uh-huh,¡± but his attention was more focused on their surroundings. Under the dim glow of the cave, Larry soon noticed murals covering the right-hand wall. Unlike the decorative reliefs outside the ruins, these paintings were filled with eerie, unsettling imagery. ¡®Could these murals hold the answers archaeologists have been searching for?¡¯


    Meanwhile, the rest of the group was more interested in scavenging the occasional trinkets and relics scattered along the path. Only the man with glasses seemed to notice Larry¡¯s focused gaze. He glanced at the murals briefly but quickly lost interest, more concerned with the potential value of the artifacts around him.  Larry¡¯s fascination with the murals didn¡¯t go unnoticed by the leather-clad woman. With an exasperated sigh, she grabbed the hip-hop guy by the collar and pulled him away. ¡°Quit bugging Mr. Larry already!¡± she scolded, throwing Larry an apologetic glance.


    The hip-hop guy just laughed, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. ¡°Got it, sis.¡± With the distraction gone, Larry returned his attention to the murals. As they pressed forward, the story depicted on the walls gradually unfolded before him, painting a far darker picture than anything found in the outer ruins.


    The murals depicted a time long ago when a group of explorers stumbled upon a mysterious circular altar deep within the land. By sheer accident, they discovered that sacrificing living creatures to the altar granted them immense power. This newfound power allowed them to manipulate emotions, materializing them into monstrous forms made of pure Nen energy. The creatures carved into the stone were identical to the ones on the door they had encountered earlier.


    As time passed, these people began hunting more and more living beings, drawing humans to the altar and expanding their influence, eventually forming a kingdom. The first royal family was born from these individuals, wielding terrifying abilities to control emotions. But as their power grew, so did their greed. The nearby wildlife dwindled, forcing the royals to turn their gaze toward their own people.


    To their horror¡ªand delight¡ªthey discovered that human sacrifices yielded even greater power than animals, as human emotions were far richer and more complex. Thus, it became a grim tradition for each member of the royal family to perform at least one human sacrifice to cement their rule.


    Larry¡¯s eyes darkened as he absorbed the chilling tale. ¡®In this world, hope and disaster often go hand in hand... The law of equivalent exchange applies to everything,¡¯ he thought grimly. As he studied the murals further, a disturbing pattern emerged. Every time the murals depicted a sacrifice, the altar was represented by a void¡ªan area completely blacked out, as if deliberately erased or damaged."Why would they remove the altar from the story?"


    The tale continued, chronicling how one particular king, consumed by his insatiable hunger for power, began large-scale human sacrifices. However, his greed ultimately led to his downfall. The colossal negative energy created by his actions consumed him, birthing monstrous entities that ran rampant across the kingdom. The mural¡¯s story ended abruptly here. The last section appeared hastily drawn, as if the artists were in a rush or interrupted before they could finish.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    Even without a clear ending, Larry could easily piece together what happened next. The nen beast likely ravaged the entire kingdom, leaving nothing but devastation in their wake. Once all life was extinguished, the monsters, unable to sustain themselves, eventually dissipated. With no living creatures left to feed on, the Karym Ruins¡ªonce a grand palace¡ªbecame a cursed wasteland, plagued by the remnants of countless souls, giving birth to the death aura that haunted it to this day.


    Larry stood there for a moment, deep in thought. ¡®If my guess is correct, this altar might have connections to the Dark Continent... It reeks of something far more sinister than just a relic of the past.¡¯ A chilling realization crossed his mind. ¡®What if the kingdom''s obsession with art and emotions wasn¡¯t just a cultural trait, but something engineered by the royal family? Did they deliberately cultivate emotional expression to increase the power they could harvest?¡¯


    Frowning, Larry continued examining the wall, his unease growing. Though the murals provided many answers, they left just as many questions. He turned to Gardevoir, who had been silently observing beside him. "What do you think?" he whispered.


    Gardevoir¡¯s serene gaze lingered on the murals before it gave a soft, knowing nod, as if sensing the remnants of deep sorrow etched within the walls.  As Larry and the group passed the final mural, the narrow passage they had been following finally opened up into a vast chamber.


    Stepping through the narrow entrance, their eyes widened at the sight before them¡ªan enormous cavern filled with piles of gold and silver treasures, shimmering under the dim light. To the others, it looked like a well-earned reward after their arduous journey. But to Larry, it felt more like a carefully laid trap, set by an unseen predator.


    In the far corner of the treasure-laden room, his gaze locked onto something far more ominous¡ªan altar, flat and smooth, covered in intricate black patterns. It was unmistakably the same altar depicted in the murals. ¡®After all these years, does it still possess the same sinister power? ¡®Larry pondered, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. Before he could contemplate further, movement in his peripheral vision caught his attention.


    A swirling dark green gust, entwined with fiery red flames, shot across the cavern¡ªone from the left, the other from the right¡ªboth converging toward a single target: the hip-hop guy, who had just been admiring the treasures. The sudden attack took everyone by surprise, except for Larry, who had been keeping a close watch on their surroundings.


    The combination of wind and fire intensified into a devastating force, the howling wind feeding the flames, sending them roaring forward with blistering speed. ¡®The attackers?¡¯ Neguro¡¯s two bodyguards.


    ***


    Name: Too lazy to think so let¡¯s call him extra no 1.


    Strength: C+


    Nen Ability: Son of the Wind ¨C A Transformation-type ability that allows him to convert his aura into wind-based attacks. When combined with Extra no. 2, the power scales exponentially.


    Name: Extra No. 2


    Strength: C+


    Nen Ability: Son of Fire ¨C A Transformation-type ability that allows him to convert his aura into fire-based attacks. Like No. 1, his power increases drastically when they work together.


    ***


    Larry recalled how Transformation-type Nen users, like Killua, developed their abilities to mimic natural forces. Killua, for instance, had shaped his aura into electricity, enhancing his speed and using yo-yos as weapons to channel his attacks. Unlike Killua¡¯s mastery execution, Neguro¡¯s bodyguards simply exhaled their attacks directly from their mouths, reminiscent of techniques from Naruto, blending the elements like Fire Style and Wind Style jutsu.

 Chapter 12 - Neguro Ability

    As the smoke cleared, the hip-hop guy stood in the aftermath, his shirt in tatters and faint burn marks across his chest. He hadn¡¯t had time to fully defend himself, but the damage wasn¡¯t nearly as bad as Larry had expected. With a grin, the hip-hop guy ripped off what was left of his burnt shirt, revealing his well-defined, muscular physique. His body seemed to have grown slightly larger¡ªan unmistakable sign that his Nen ability had activated.


    ***


    Name: Extra no 3 Hip-hop Man


    Strength: B-


    Nen Ability: Scars Are a Man''s Medals ¨C An Enhancement-type ability that boosts his strength and speed in proportion to the severity of his injuries. The more damage he takes, the stronger he becomes, with a limit of two minor stage increases.


    ***


    Larry couldn¡¯t help but think of how this ability resembled a beserker, whose attacks became fiercer the lower his health got.


    Neguro, seeing that the sneak attack had failed, narrowed his eyes and spoke coldly. ¡°If you three leave now, I¡¯ll spare you... but you¡¯re not taking a single coin with you.¡± Before he could finish, a whip lashed out toward him, slicing through the air with a sharp crack!


    The whip was long, thick, and tipped with a sinister hook, glowing faintly with a dark red hue¡ªalmost as if it had been soaked in blood. Neguro smirked, diverting a portion of his aura to his legs and stomping down hard. The ground beneath him shattered, sending cracks like a spider¡¯s web across the stone floor. The force of the impact propelled him backward with surprising agility, allowing him to dodge the attack effortlessly.


    ***


    Name: Extra no 4 Leather-Clad Woman


    Strength: C+


    Nen Ability: Vampire Whip ¨C A Materialization-type ability that manifests a whip up to four meters long. When it breaks through an opponent¡¯s defense, it absorbs their blood and converts it into aura to restore the user¡¯s stamina.


    **


    Almost simultaneously, two silver-white chains shot out from the hands of the man with glasses. Surprisingly, they didn¡¯t target Neguro or his guards, but instead wrapped securely around the waists of the leather-clad woman and the hip-hop guy. Larry observed closely and realized the chains weren¡¯t meant to restrain, but to enhance.


    ***


    Name:  Extra no 5 Glasses Man


    Strength: C


    Nen Ability: Shared Chain of Kin ¨C A Specialist-type ability that creates up to two white chains, linking the user and two others. It allows the wearer to redistribute aura consumption and enhancements among the linked individuals.


    Restriction & Oath: This ability only works on his blood relatives, but in exchange, it grants him a greater pool of Nen to manage.


    ***


    Larry couldn''t help but admire how well the siblings'' abilities complemented each other.


    In the world of Nen, every ability has its strengths and weaknesses. The key to maximizing potential lies in finding others whose abilities complement your own. When abilities are used in perfect synergy, they can create a force far greater than the sum of their parts. For the three siblings, their cooperation was a prime example of this. The leather-clad woman inflicted damage to generate Nen, which the man with glasses then redistributed to the hip-hop guy, providing him with a continuous energy supply. The glasses man also acted as a reservoir, ready to distribute additional Nen whenever needed.


    Their teamwork allowed them to sustain themselves in battle far longer than most could imagine. If either the leather-clad woman or the glasses man were injured, the glasses man could transfer the damage to the hip-hop guy, whose ability thrived on taking hits. As long as they kept the damage under control, the enemy¡¯s attacks would only serve to strengthen them.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    However, as Larry analyzed their strategy, he noted two glaring weaknesses. First, their overall strength was lacking. Even with the hip-hop guy pushed to his absolute limit, his peak performance would only reach B+ level. And by the time he reached that point, his injuries would be severe, making it impossible to sustain the fight for long.


    Second, their team had no means of actual healing. They could redistribute damage and replenish Nen, but without a way to truly recover, prolonged battles would inevitably wear them down. A healer would complete their formation, but Nen users with healing abilities were notoriously rare. Additionally, the glasses man¡¯s ability was bound by an oath and restriction¡ªit only worked on his blood relatives, which further limited their options.


    Larry couldn¡¯t help but reflect on what made Hunter x Hunter such a captivating world. For him, it boiled down to two major factors: the vast, uncharted universe and the sheer variety of Nen abilities. The revelation that the known world was nothing more than a tiny archipelago in the vast Lake Mobius had left him stunned when he first read about it. The sheer scale of the Hunter x Hunter world was unmatched in any anime or manga he had ever seen. The concept of the Dark Continent¡ªan unfathomable expanse that dwarfed the known world¡ªonly added to the sense of infinite possibility, a boundless adventure waiting to be explored.


    And yet, his amazement only deepened with time as the mangaka¡¯s frequent hiatuses fueled his imagination further. Sometimes, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder¡ªwas it intentional? Perhaps leaving so many mysteries unsolved was part of the plan, a clever trick to keep fans yearning for more. After all, an unanswered question lingers in the mind far longer than one with a satisfying conclusion.


    Then there were the Nen abilities themselves, each one more unique and bizarre than the last. From the terrifying ability to steal others¡¯ Nen with Skill Hunter to the ability that has the properties of both rubber and gum, the variety was endless. Larry¡¯s insatiable curiosity thrived in this world, where each encounter presented a new mystery to unravel.  He knew that Nen battles were more than just raw power; they were battles of intelligence, strategy, and deception.


    The key to victory often lay in uncovering the opponent¡¯s abilities before they figured out yours. In this sense, his cheatlike ability to analyze and draw conclusions quickly gave him an edge that Neguro and his men lacked. Larry¡¯s musings were cut short as Neguro¡¯s eyes darkened, a malicious glint flashing behind his sunglasses. ¡°You fools have no idea what you¡¯re dealing with,¡± he sneered, spreading his arms wide.


    In an instant, a massive swarm of Nen-created insects materialized out of thin air and surged toward the siblings. The deafening buzz filled the cavern, and in mere seconds, the swarm grew into a writhing tide of black, crawling horrors. For anyone with a fear of insects, the sight alone would have been enough to induce unconsciousness.


    ***


    Name: Neguro


    Strength: B


    Nen Ability: Swarm of Resentment ¨C A Materialization-type ability that generates a relentless wave of deadly insects. The swarm doesn¡¯t kill its victims instantly; instead, it gradually devours them, maximizing their suffering to produce intense death aura. If the victim succumbs to despair, the swarm absorbs the resulting death aura, growing even more vicious and resilient with each absorbed emotion.


    ***


    Larry studied Neguro closely. It was often said that a person¡¯s Nen ability reflected their true nature. Just as Hisoka¡¯s Bungee Gum represented his deceptive and playful personality, the siblings'' abilities highlighted their strong familial bonds. Neguro¡¯s ability, however, painted a much darker picture¡ªcruel, relentless, and designed to prolong suffering. It was clear he wasn¡¯t the type to play fair.

 Chapter 13 - Clash

    As Larry continued his silent observations, the battle had already begun. The hip-hop guy wasted no time and charged straight at Neguro¡¯s wind-and-fire bodyguards, intent on settling the score. With his durable body and an endless supply of Nen from his siblings, he could afford to take risks. His straightforward, close-combat style forced the duo into a defensive stance, their elemental attacks struggling to keep him at bay.


    Meanwhile, the leather-clad woman faced off against Neguro himself. Her whip lashed through the air in rapid succession, creating afterimages as she struck at the approaching insect swarm, keeping them at bay with precise, calculated strikes. But there was a problem. Her Vampire Whip could only absorb Nen if it inflicted damage on living beings, drawing their blood. Neguro¡¯s swarm, however, was entirely composed of Nen constructs¡ªthere was no blood to drain. This meant her whip was effectively useless in terms of sustaining her own energy. If not for the glasses man supplying her with a steady stream of Nen, she wouldn¡¯t have lasted this long.


    The reality was sinking in fast¡ªwithout a way to counter the swarm¡¯s endless assault, they were in trouble. The longer they fought, the more drained they would become. And Neguro knew it. Larry sighed, folding his arms as he leaned against a nearby pillar. ¡°Looks like they¡¯re stuck,¡± he muttered under his breath.


    Despite the intensity of the battle raging before him, Larry stood off to the side, watching the chaos unfold like a mere spectator. Even the fighters instinctively kept their distance from him, subconsciously treating him as if he were fragile. They knew full well that if Larry were to get injured, the death aura lingering in the ruins would make it impossible for them to escape alive.


    To them, Larry was nothing more than a non-combatant¡ªan auxiliary figure with no real influence in the fight. What they failed to realize was that the Gardevoir standing beside him, quietly suppressing its aura, could reduce them to dust with a mere flick of its wrist. Since no one paid him much attention, Larry decided to enjoy the show. The chaotic clash between the fighters was unlike anything he had ever witnessed before. It was a spectacle that could make even the most action-packed Hollywood blockbuster look like child''s play. ¡®If only I had some popcorn and a soda¡¯, he mused, smirking to himself.


    As Larry leisurely observed the battle, he also kept an eye on the progress bar in his mind. It was inching closer to completion, like an athlete nearing the finish line. The anticipation of which Pok¨¦mon might appear next filled him with excitement.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Each time the hip-hop guy¡¯s fists struck the ground, deep craters formed, sending clouds of dust and debris into the air. His raw strength pulverized the stone beneath him, but despite his overwhelming power, his attacks rarely connected.


    A closer look revealed why¡ªboth of Neguro¡¯s bodyguards were encased in a shimmering green aura, a clear manifestation of No. 1¡¯s wind-based Nen ability. By infusing wind into their movements, they enhanced their speed and agility while simultaneously releasing counteracting gusts to slow their opponent down. It wasn¡¯t on the same level as Killua¡¯s Godspeed, but it still provided a significant boost, allowing them to keep just out of the hip-hop guy¡¯s reach.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Larry shook his head as he observed No. 1, who was already drenched in sweat and panting heavily. ¡®He''s got solid control over his Nen, balancing both offense and support seamlessly,¡¯ he thought.


    No. 2, on the other hand, was less impressive. Aside from the sheer destructive force of his fire-based attacks, he lacked finesse and creativity. ¡®It¡¯s a shame they¡¯re both only at C-level,¡¯ Larry mused. Their combined efforts could increase their destructive potential, but they were still outmatched by the hip-hop guy¡¯s sheer brute strength.


    The longer the fight dragged on, the more apparent the difference in stamina became. While No. 1 and No. 2¡¯s attacks were slowing down, the hip-hop guy¡¯s punches were only getting stronger and faster. His Nen ability allowed him to thrive on taking damage, making him even more dangerous as the battle wore on.


    Seeing their advantage slipping away, the two bodyguards exchanged a quick glance. A flash of determination crossed their eyes. They weren¡¯t blind¡ªthey had already figured out the hip-hop guy¡¯s ability. Each hit he took only fueled his power. If they kept going at this rate, they¡¯d only be making things worse for themselves. They had no choice but to go all in.


    Without hesitation, they leapt back, putting as much distance between themselves and the hip-hop guy as possible. Their feet barely touched the ground as they rode the wind-infused Nen, retreating swiftly to buy themselves more time. Side by side, they brought their hands together, and streams of fiery red and emerald green Nen swirled between them. The energy started out small, barely the size of a ping-pong ball, but it grew rapidly, expanding into something far more dangerous.


    Larry''s eyes narrowed as he watched the swirling mass of energy between them. The destructive force radiating from the growing orb was undeniable. The two bodyguards were preparing their trump card¡ªa technique that involved pooling nearly all their remaining Nen into a single, devastating attack. The trick, however, was balance. The energy output from both of them had to be perfectly equal; otherwise, the fusion would collapse and detonate prematurely.


    Within moments, the swirling mass had expanded to the size of a basketball, rotating rapidly in their hands. A powerful wind swirled around them, forming a counterclockwise vortex that threatened to pull in everything nearby. Larry couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu. ¡®Is this¡­ Wind and Fire Release ¨C Big Ball Rasengan?¡¯


    The two guards¡¯ synchronized breathing and precise movements were impressive, especially given the pressure of the moment. This was the pinnacle of their teamwork, their last-ditch effort to turn the tide. With a coordinated shout, they hurled the spiraling mass of energy toward the charging hip-hop guy with all their might.


    The glowing sphere tore through the air, leaving a trail of distorted space in its wake. It wasn¡¯t just an attack; it was their final gamble. Larry¡¯s expression remained neutral as he watched it soar through the cavern. ¡°Let¡¯s see if you can handle this,¡± he muttered, his gaze locked on the hip-hop guy.


    With no time to evade, the hip-hop guy was forced to halt his charge abruptly, crossing his arms defensively in front of him. He had no choice¡ªhe had to take it head-on. The resulting explosion sent shockwaves rippling through the entire chamber, shaking the ground beneath their feet. A dense cloud of smoke engulfed the area, obscuring everything in a thick, gray haze. For a moment, the entire battlefield fell silent.

 Chapter 14 - Gengar

    All eyes were locked on the swirling smoke. Whether the hip-hop guy could withstand the attack would determine the course of the battle. No. 1 and No. 2, exhausted after pouring nearly all their remaining Nen into their ultimate move, could barely stay on their feet. They were spent¡ªcompletely incapable of continuing the fight.


    A soft breeze rolled through the cavern, pushing the smoke aside to reveal a looming figure. The hip-hop guy was still standing. His labored breathing filled the air, heavy and ragged, like a beast on the verge of losing control. Every step forward caused the cracked ground beneath him to creak and groan under his weight. "Hoo... hoo..." His chest heaved like a bellows, rising and falling with each strained breath.


    Now that the smoke had cleared, everyone could finally see the extent of his injuries. The explosion hadn''t been enough to take him down, but it had left its mark. His dark skin had been scorched to a charcoal black, his mouth the only contrasting white against the burned flesh, teeth faintly visible through lips stained with blood.  His clothes were in shreds, barely clinging to his battered frame. Blood trickled freely from numerous wounds, staining the rocky floor beneath him. But his body¡ªhis body had grown even larger. He now resembled a towering black bear, radiating sheer brute force, standing there with unwavering determination.


    Larry silently assessed the situation, his eyes narrowing. ¡®That attack just now¡­ it had definitely reached B-level strength.¡¯ Normally, an attack of that caliber should have been enough to put the hip-hop guy down for good. His gaze shifted toward the glasses man, still sitting cross-legged on the ground, sweat pouring down his face, his complexion pale as a sheet.


    ¡®So that¡¯s it¡­¡¯ Larry mused. ¡®He must have transferred a massive amount of Nen at the last second to mitigate the damage.¡¯ The hip-hop guy''s resilience was impressive, but it came at a cost. He was nearing his limit, and it was only a matter of time before his body gave out entirely.


    On the other side of the battlefield, No. 1 and No. 2 stared in horror, their faces drained of color. The sight of the hip-hop guy standing despite their ultimate attack drained what little hope they had left. Before they could react, a wave of black, writhing insects surged forward, layering on top of each other like a living tide, blocking the hip-hop guy¡¯s path.


    His eyes snapped toward Neguro. Neguro stood half-crouched on the ground, his hands splayed across the dirt with a smug grin plastered across his face. Wave after wave of insects crawled forth from the shadows, their collective chittering filling the air like an ominous symphony. They swarmed toward the hip-hop guy in relentless droves.


    The leather-clad woman, who should have been holding Neguro at bay, was sprawled on the ground, grievously injured, unable to rise. ¡°Gardevoir,¡± Larry muttered under his breath. His Pok¨¦mon¡¯s gaze softened with understanding.


    Moments ago, when the battle had been focused on the hip-hop guy, Neguro had seized the opportunity to launch a devastating assault on the leather-clad woman. Even though she had only been distracted for a moment, that brief lapse had been enough for Neguro to strike.


    The truth was, Neguro had been holding back from the very beginning. He had masked his true strength, concealing his B-level abilities beneath a facade of mediocrity. Throughout the fight, he had kept his output at a C+ level, matching the leather-clad woman perfectly, lulling her into a false sense of security. Then, when the time was right, he struck with full force, taking her out in a single calculated move.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    Larry sighed. ¡®This guy¡¯s a real piece of work.¡¯ Neguro''s strategy had been simple yet ruthless¡ªhe had used his two bodyguards as bait, drawing the siblings'' attention away from him, all the while waiting for the perfect moment to eliminate the biggest threat first.


    Now, with the leather-clad woman down, Neguro''s next target was obvious. ¡°Big sis!¡± The hip-hop guy''s voice thundered across the cavern, his eyes burning with rage. His fists clenched, veins bulging beneath his scorched skin. He didn''t hesitate. With a roar, he charged forward like a runaway truck, aiming straight for Neguro.


    Larry''s eyes flickered with interest. The hip-hop guy had finally reached the peak of his ability. But it came at a price¡ªhis body was already at its breaking point. Larry knew that if the fight dragged on any longer, the hip-hop guy wouldn''t last.


    Neguro, on the other hand, remained calm. He watched the charging figure with a predatory gleam in his eyes, his hands still planted firmly on the ground. The swarm of insects thickened, growing into an impenetrable wall.


    Despite the hip-hop guy¡¯s ragged breathing and the flickering aura surrounding his battered body, Neguro remained cautious. Instead of rushing in for the kill, he employed a methodical approach¡ªkeeping his distance and slowly dragging the hip-hop guy to his absolute limit with relentless hit-and-run tactics. Meanwhile, the glasses man wasted no time. Seizing the opportunity, he rushed to the leather-clad woman¡¯s side, administering basic first aid in an attempt to stabilize her condition. Larry couldn¡¯t help but sigh at how quickly the tides of battle had shifted. Moments ago, the siblings had the upper hand, but now they were on the brink of defeat.


    ¡®Intelligence.¡¯ That was the real reason for their downfall. If the leather-clad woman had known from the beginning that Neguro was hiding his true B-level strength, she wouldn¡¯t have been so careless. In fact, Larry thought she shouldn¡¯t have fought Neguro at all.


    ¡®The smarter move?¡¯ Let the hip-hop guy take on Neguro directly. With the glasses man providing support, the leather-clad woman could have focused on the two bodyguards. Neguro may have been stronger overall, but his Nen ability¡ªSwarm of Resentment¡ªlacked immediate high-impact damage. Its strength lay in overwhelming numbers and the ability to absorb Nen from fallen enemies, gradually growing stronger over time.


    The hip-hop guy, with his endurance-based ability, could have turned Neguro¡¯s attacks into fuel for his own strength. By absorbing the damage inflicted by the swarm, he would only grow stronger, eventually closing the distance and finishing Neguro off in close combat. Once Neguro was dealt with, the three siblings could have easily overwhelmed the two exhausted bodyguards.


    ¡®But reality doesn¡¯t work on hindsight,¡¯ Larry thought with a sigh. A lack of information and experience had turned a battle they could have won into a desperate struggle for survival.


    In the midst of the escalating fight, something stirred beneath the forgotten altar in the far corner of the cavern. A mass of black, gaseous energy quivered, sensing the chaotic Nen signatures around it. It began to shift and pulse ominously.


    Suddenly, a familiar chime echoed in Larry''s mind. "Pok¨¦mon successfully bred!"


    Larry¡¯s eyes widened in anticipation. ¡®Finally, it¡¯s done!¡¯


    Inside his mind, a large ball of purple ¡°gummy candy¡± floated in place. Larry blinked in surprise. ¡®No way... It¡¯s Gengar?!¡¯


    ***


    Species: Gengar


    Type: [Data Unavailable]


    Ability: [Data Unavailable]


    Strength Rank: B-


    Known Moves: Lick (Additional data unavailable)


    Description: Data insufficient. Further observation required to unlock full entry.


    ***

 Chapter 15 - Ai

    Larry¡¯s mouth fell slightly open. He hadn¡¯t expected to get one of his all-time favorite Pok¨¦mon so soon. ¡®Gardevoir and Gengar... If I had to rank Pok¨¦mon in my mind, these two would definitely be at the top.¡¯ Who wouldn¡¯t love a mischievous ghost that could phase through walls and scare people for fun?


    Larry¡¯s mind raced with ideas. Gengar wasn¡¯t just a powerhouse with impressive special attack capabilities¡ªit was also a master of debuffs and mind games. Unlike Gardevoir, who functioned as a long-range turret, Gengar specialized in status effects. The possibilities were endless.


    In the real world, unlike in games, there were no restrictions limiting an opponent to just one negative status condition. Gardevoir could teleport Gengar directly into enemy ranks, where it could unleash a relentless barrage of moves like Will-O-Wisp, Curse, Confuse Ray, and Hypnosis.


    ¡®Stack them all up... and just let them rot.¡¯ Larry smirked at the thought. Chasing Gengar would be futile, and fighting it would be even worse. Unless an opponent had a very specific counter, they¡¯d be forced to endure Gengar¡¯s endless harassment until they dropped. And that was just its combat potential.


    Gengar could also serve as a walking storage unit, swallowing items into its own void-like body. Larry realized that with Gengar at his side, he wouldn¡¯t need to carry supplies anymore. Everything he needed would be safely tucked away in Gengar¡¯s intangible form. Another brilliant use? Stealth. By lurking in Larry''s shadow, Gengar could provide him with constant protection, staying hidden until the moment it was needed. Even if Larry wasn¡¯t paying attention, Gengar could react on its own to shield him from harm.


    With Gardevoir providing instant escapes and Gengar covering him from the shadows, Larry¡¯s survival potential had just skyrocketed. Of course, there was one downside¡ªGengar¡¯s current strength. At B- level, it wasn¡¯t weak, but compared to the threats they were facing, it needed to be stronger. ¡¯Good thing I planned ahead.¡¯ Larry activated his coath without hesitation. He had been prepared for this moment.


    A countdown timer appeared in his mind. One-minute enhancement process starting¡­ As the countdown hit zero, Gengar''s power shot up by an entire tier, putting it on par with Gardevoir.


    ***


    Species: Gengar


    Type: Ghost, Poison


    Ability: Cursed Body


    Strength Rank: B


    Known Moves: Shadow Ball, Dark Pulse, Sludge Bomb...


    Description: Gengar possesses a mischievous yet cunning nature, exploiting negative emotions to weaken enemy resolve while phasing through objects for surprise attacks. Gengar''s mastery of psychological warfare makes it a formidable disruptor, wearing down foes with illusions and status-inflicting Nen techniques.


    ***


    Larry grinned. With both Pok¨¦mon now at A-level strength, his combat capability had taken a massive leap forward. Just as Larry was basking in the excitement of his newly acquired Gengar, an eerie change swept across the battlefield.


    Without warning, streams of invisible gas seeped out from the altar, slithering across the cavern like phantom pythons, creeping toward everyone present. Unlike the oppressive death aura that filled the ruins, this strange energy carried an even more unsettling, otherworldly presence. Even Gardevoir¡¯s Misty Terrain, which had been shielding the group from the death aura, couldn¡¯t fully block out this invasive force.


    The hip-hop guy, already teetering on the edge of exhaustion, let out a furious roar and continued pounding the swarming insect tide with relentless blows. His movements, however, had become erratic¡ªhis eyes clouded, void of clarity. It was as if he had been thrown into a hallucination, trapped in a violent daze. Meanwhile, No. 1 and No. 2, who were already drained of their energy, had somehow stumbled their way toward the altar. In an instant, their bodies withered, transforming into grotesque, mummified husks. Where they once stood, two monstrous figures emerged¡ªone red, the other green. Their forms were bizarre and abstract, exuding a chaotic, violent aura that made the air around them heavy with malice. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    The battlefield had turned into a nightmare. Of those present, only Neguro and the glasses man managed to retain some semblance of rationality. Even Larry could feel the sinister force pressing down on his mind, stirring up inexplicable waves of negative emotions¡ªanger, destruction, despair. It was a primal urge to obliterate everything in sight. But just as quickly as it came, the feeling dissipated, vanishing without a trace.


    Across the battlefield, Neguro and the glasses man locked eyes. There was no longer any trace of hostility between them, only confusion and shared dread. They both understood the same thing¡ªthis was no longer a battle for treasure. It was a fight for survival.


    Larry, standing to the side, his mind racing, quickly assessed the situation. His instincts told him that everything was connected to the altar. He had to dig deeper, to uncover the truth behind this unexpected turn of events. And then it hit him. ¡®I¡¯ve seen this before.¡¯ Memories from his previous world flashed through his mind. He had read about something similar in the Hunter x Hunter manga. The pieces began to fall into place.


    A long-forgotten horror, dormant beneath the altar, had finally awakened. The black mist seeping from its depths was far more sinister than the lingering death aura that filled the ruins. Its deep purple hue twisted and writhed, taking on a vague humanoid form that sent a chill down Larry¡¯s spine. His heart pounded in his chest. ¡®This is¡­ a creature from the Dark Continent.¡¯ One of the Five Great Calamities¡ªan entity far beyond human understanding.


    Desire-Dependent Organism ¨C Gas Lifeform "Ai."


    Larry''s fists clenched involuntarily, cold sweat forming on his palms. His mind raced back to the harrowing accounts detailed in the Hunter Encyclopedia, which spoke of the Dark Continent¡¯s Three-Star Tears¡ªa legendary mineral believed to hold boundless energy and the potential to revolutionize humanity. But wherever it was found, the mist-like horror known as "Ai" lurked nearby, an unavoidable harbinger of madness and destruction.


    "Ai" possessed a terrifying ability to seep into the minds of those who encountered it, feeding on their ambitions and slowly warping their thoughts until they spiraled into irreversible insanity. No amount of preparation could shield against its intangible grasp.  He recalled the doomed expedition of the Republic of Mingbo, one of the V5 nations, which had sought to harness the legendary object with the aid of the Hunter Association.


    Despite their meticulous planning and vast resources, the mission had ended in disaster¡ªnearly the entire expedition force was lost, consumed by the malevolent mist. Only three broken survivors returned, their minds shattered beyond recognition.


    Everything clicked in Larry''s head. A long time ago, humans must have discovered the altar where ¡°Ai¡± resided. Desperate for power, they struck a deal. The altar provided them with unimaginable strength, transforming their emotions into tangible, monstrous forms.


    Now, before their very eyes, those emotion-born monsters had been revived. Larry¡¯s earlier suspicions were finally confirmed. The black void on the murals wasn¡¯t an artistic flourish¡ªit was an actual representation of the dark mist that surrounded the altar, the same disaster that now loomed before them.


    He glanced at his ability, his mind racing. Could it identify something this dangerous?


    ***


    Name: Desire-Dependent Organism ¨C Gas Lifeform ¡°Ai.¡±


    Strength: Undefinable


    Ability: Ai" infiltrates the minds of living beings by feeding on their desires, amplifying them to the point of obsession and madness. It manipulates victims through the spiritual realm, twisting their emotions and bending their will to its own.


    ***

 Chapter 16 - Gengars OP

    Larry swallowed hard. There was no clear way to deal with it¡ªnot even the database could provide an estimate of its full power. He let out a bitter chuckle. "Great... just great," he muttered under his breath, his usually composed expression now tinged with helplessness.


    Sure, it was exciting that his ability could analyze creatures from the Dark Continent, but the bigger issue remained¡ªhow were they supposed to survive this? He hadn¡¯t been in this world for long, and he was already facing one of the deadliest threats in existence. ¡®Good luck? Bad luck? Who knows anymore.¡¯


    As the misty figure of "Ai" moved forward, flanked by the grotesque red and green emotion monsters, Larry made up his mind. He turned to Gardevoir, his voice steady despite the rising tension. ¡°Prepare to teleport us out of here.¡±


    Gardevoir nodded silently. Larry wasn¡¯t particularly attached to the treasure lying around. In this world, strength was everything. Wealth would come naturally with power.  The true prize of this expedition? Gengar.


    ¡®Wait¡ªwhere was Gengar?¡¯ A familiar, mischievous chuckle echoed beside him. Larry blinked in surprise. Gengar had materialized from his shadow without him even realizing it, standing in front of him with a grin, confidently patting its chest. ¡°Geng...Gengar!¡±


    Larry raised an eyebrow. ¡°What, you think you can handle this?¡±


    Gengar nodded vigorously, flashing a toothy grin as if it had been waiting for this moment. Larry¡¯s eyes widened. ¡®Hold on... does that mean you can absorb the death aura and counter ¡°Ai¡¯s¡± influence?¡¯


    Gengar gave an exaggerated thumbs-up before cracking its knuckles. Larry was momentarily speechless. ¡®So that¡¯s why those negative emotions earlier disappeared so fast... Gengar absorbed them?¡¯ A spark of hope lit up in Larry¡¯s chest.


    ¡°Alright,¡± he said, his lips curling into a smirk. ¡°Show me what you got.¡±


    Gengar¡¯s wide, eerie grin stretched even further as it devoured the swirling remnants of "Ai" without wasting a single bit. A thick cloud of eerie gas poured into its gaping mouth, and with a deep gulp, it swallowed everything whole. Instantly, Larry noticed the experience bar in his mind ticking forward¡ªGengar had leveled up significantly, while Gardevoir also gained some progress, though to a lesser extent.


    This was exactly why Larry was surprised when Gengar explained its ability earlier. It could absorb deathly thoughts and mist-like entities like "Ai" and convert them into experience points to level up. This unique mechanic seemed to be a special upgrade feature of Pok¨¦mon within his Nen ability.


    As for why Gengar¡¯s attacks were so effective against "Ai," Larry had a theory¡ªperhaps "Ai" was classified as a ghost-like entity, making it naturally weak to Gengar''s ghost-type moves. ¡°Burp~¡± Gengar let out a loud burp, patted its belly with satisfaction, and bounced around gleefully. It was clear the meal had left it in high spirits.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Meanwhile, the two remaining men¡ªNeguro and the bespectacled man¡ªstood frozen in shock. They had clearly underestimated Larry. A moment ago, they thought he was just a support-type with no offensive abilities. But now, after witnessing his Pok¨¦mon in action, they realized how wrong they were. Their previous assumptions felt laughable¡ªlike they had been staring at the world from inside a well, unaware of its vastness.


    With the remnants of deathly aura fading away, the hip-hop man, once inflated with rage, now looked like a deflated balloon. His body shrank rapidly back to its normal size before collapsing to the ground, kicking up a cloud of rotten dust.


    Larry sighed and rubbed his forehead. Everything had happened so fast¡ªit almost felt... boring. He had prepared for a long and grueling battle, yet Gengar had ended it effortlessly. He had to admit, though, a big part of this easy victory came down to Gengar¡¯s unique abilities countering "Ai" perfectly. If it had been any other Pok¨¦mon, things could have been very different. The terrifying nature of "Ai" wasn''t in its direct strength but in its insidious ability to mess with people''s minds and emotions, spawning emotional monsters to attack.


    People feared "Ai" for good reason. Even an experienced Nen user could fall victim if they didn¡¯t have the right tools to fight it. If it weren¡¯t for Gengar, Larry would have had to resort to his original plan¡ªteleporting away. But this victory sparked another thought in Larry¡¯s mind. Could it be that the Pok¨¦mon he bred were influenced by the environment he was in at the time?


    The eerie, abandoned ruins¡ªsteeped in despair and negativity¡ªhad given birth to Gengar, a ghost-type Pok¨¦mon that perfectly suited the surroundings. Moreover, "Ai" was also known as a gaseous lifeform, aligning perfectly with Gengar¡¯s composition as a gas-based entity. It was like fate had orchestrated their encounter.


    After confirming with Gengar that there were no more "Ai" lurking around, Larry couldn¡¯t help but feel a little regret. If there had been just one more, Gengar might have reached A-rank instantly. With the danger dealt with, it was time for the next phase¡ªcollecting the loot. "Alright, let''s get to work," Larry muttered.


    Under his command, Gengar began swallowing piles of treasures scattered around the cave. Unlike the earlier battle, Gengar showed no interest in the loot unless Larry specifically ordered it. Although some of the items were damaged from the fight, the remaining treasures still amounted to an impressive haul. As the one who saved everyone, Larry had no qualms about claiming everything.


    The bespectacled man seemed to understand this and, while a hint of regret flickered in his eyes, he was mostly grateful. Neguro, on the other hand, was practically radiating jealousy and resentment. In his eyes, he had done so much and felt entitled to a portion of the treasure. Watching Larry claim it all left him simmering with bitterness.


    However, what Neguro didn¡¯t realize was that Gardevoir, being a Psychic-type Pok¨¦mon, could sense emotions with ease. Every flicker of jealousy and hatred was silently transmitted to Larry. After Gengar swallowed the last of the loot, Larry turned his gaze to Neguro. A fake smile tugged at his lips, but his eyes were cold. "Jealous of me, huh? Envious of my strength? Angry that I took what you thought should¡¯ve been yours?" Larry¡¯s voice was light, almost teasing, but it cut deep.


    Neguro stiffened, his face betraying his inner turmoil. ¡°W-What?¡± he stammered, his shock evident.


    "Heh, the great actor, still putting on a show?"


    Gengar grinned mischievously. Three colorful will-o¡¯-the-wisps floated toward Neguro, clinging to him like parasites. The flames erupted in an instant, engulfing Neguro¡¯s body in ghostly fire. His screams echoed through the cave but were short-lived. Soon, nothing was left¡ªno trace of Neguro remained, as if he had never existed.

 Chapter 17 - Gordeau Desert

    Larry then turned his attention to the bespectacled man, who was now sweating profusely. Witnessing Neguro¡¯s fate had his heart pounding wildly. ¡°I¡ª¡± he started, scrambling to explain that he harbored no ill will toward Larry. But before he could finish, a flash of pink light from Gardevoir interrupted him, making him freeze in place.


    When Larry regained consciousness, the bespectacled man and his two siblings found themselves standing in the middle of a vast forest. The towering trees swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves rustling like whispers. ¡°This is a forest just outside the Karym Ruins,¡± Larry said, his voice calm but distant. ¡°You¡¯re not bad people¡ªcertainly better than Neguro, at least.¡± He waved a hand dismissively. ¡°Saving your lives was just a casual thing for me, so don¡¯t dwell on it too much.¡±


    Turning to his Pok¨¦mon, he commanded, ¡°Gardevoir, heal them.¡± Gardevoir gracefully raised her hands, releasing gentle rings of soft pink light that rippled through the air, enveloping the trio. Their injuries began to fade rapidly, wounds closing and color returning to their faces.


    ***


    [Healing Wave]: A psychic ability that restores health and heals wounds by emitting soothing energy waves. The healing effect depends on the amount of Nen energy used and the severity of the injuries.


    ***


    Larry watched as the two who had been on the brink of death were now looking as if they¡¯d never set foot in the ruins. Sitting cross-legged on the ground, the bespectacled man, usually composed, found himself speechless. His mouth hung open in disbelief. So far, Larry¡¯s Pok¨¦mon had displayed an impressive range of abilities¡ªdevastating attacks, mysterious mind-cleansing powers, powerful healing, and even the ability to store items like a portable vault. And these were just the two Pok¨¦mon he had seen. What if Larry had more?


    The bespectacled man swallowed hard, realizing just how little he truly understood about Nen abilities. Larry was unlike anyone he''d ever encountered¡ªhis strength was on an entirely different level. Larry, however, didn¡¯t seem to notice¡ªor perhaps, he simply didn¡¯t care about the man¡¯s awestruck reaction. Instead, he stood up once Gardevoir had finished healing the trio, nodded in satisfaction, and with a flicker of light, vanished from the forest using teleportation.


    The three siblings were left standing there, dumbfounded. After a while, the leather-jacketed woman and the hip-hop man slowly regained consciousness. Confused, they glanced around at the unfamiliar forest setting, struggling to comprehend what had happened.


    Once the bespectacled man explained the events in vivid detail, they finally grasped the gravity of the situation. Even though they hadn¡¯t witnessed Larry¡¯s strength firsthand, the fact that they were standing here, alive and unscathed, was proof enough of his abilities. None of them were ungrateful. Even if they couldn¡¯t repay him now, they vowed to remember his kindness.


    As hunters, they weren¡¯t the strongest, but if Larry ever needed them in the future, they would do whatever they could to help. They firmly believed that someone like Larry wouldn¡¯t remain in obscurity for long. It was only a matter of time before his name became widely known, and when that happened, they would make sure to express their gratitude properly.


    Meanwhile, unlike the resting trio, Larry had already returned to the Karym Ruins¡ªthis time hovering above the inner city. Yes, he was back. There was still something valuable left in this place¡ªsomething he couldn¡¯t afford to leave behind.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    The dense, swirling death aura in the inner city was like experience candy to Gengar. Every time it devoured a cluster of lingering death thoughts, its strength grew visibly. Larry watched as Gengar absorbed the thick fog-like energy in massive gulps, each one bringing it closer to a new level. Unlike Gardevoir, who used abilities like Mystical Guardian and Healing Bell to cleanse and neutralize the negative energy¡ªconsuming her own aura in the process¡ªGengar¡¯s method was simple and efficient. It required no effort beyond opening its mouth and inhaling. What others feared and avoided, Gengar thrived on.


    As the last lingering trace of death aura disappeared into Gengar¡¯s endless grin, Larry¡¯s eyes scanned his interface. [Gengar - Strength: A-Level] Larry¡¯s lips curled into a satisfied smile. Gengar had finally reached A-level, standing on equal footing with Gardevoir.


    This growth speed was practically cheating. He had a strong feeling that Gengar would likely be the first Pok¨¦mon in his roster to break through to S-level. The world was full of ruins¡ªancient sites overflowing with death thoughts and residual energies. If he continued down this path, the opportunities for Gengar to grow were limitless. And that wasn¡¯t even counting the mysterious and dangerous Dark Continent, where such negative energies would surely be in abundance. Everything there could serve as fuel for Gengar¡¯s endless hunger.


    Larry saw it as a win-win situation: his strength grew, and at the same time, these dangerous thoughts that plagued ruins would be eliminated, allowing archaeologists and relic hunters to explore safely. If he openly revealed Gengar¡¯s ability to purify death thoughts, it wouldn¡¯t be long before he¡¯d be hailed as a hero in the relic hunting community. He could already imagine people calling him the King of Ruin Hunters, a title not even the legendary relic hunter, "Gold," could match.


    ***


    Before long, news spread like wildfire¡ªpeople discovered that the death aura in the Karym Ruins had vanished without a trace. As soon as the word got out, relic hunters flooded the ruins, eager to explore areas they previously wouldn''t dare approach. To their surprise, the inner sanctum was mostly empty, aside from a few scattered murals lining the passage walls and a solitary altar. However, clear signs of an intense battle remained.


    Neguro and his two bodyguards were long gone, reduced to ashes, and no one questioned their disappearance¡ªthey were simply assumed to have fallen victim to the ruins¡¯ perils. Instead, the relic hunters turned their focus to the remaining murals, which they believed could hold secrets about the Karym Ruins¡¯ origins and its downfall.


    Among them was a seasoned relic hunter, who had some knowledge of the ruins'' connection to the Dark Continent. After careful investigation, he reported his findings to the higher-ups in the association. Soon after, the Karym Ruins were placed under lockdown, with only authorized personnel allowed entry.


    While rumors about the ruins swirled in the hunter community, Larry had already moved on. He was now traveling across the Yorbian Continent, heading east by airship. His destination: Gordeau Desert. This vast, unforgiving desert was known as the largest in the world, a barren wasteland of shifting sands and scorching heat. It was also part of the The United States of Saherta, relatively close to the Karym Ruins¡ªone of the reasons why Larry had chosen it as his next stop.


    Where there were ancient deserts, there were bound to be ruins buried beneath the sands... and more opportunities for Gengar to grow stronger. Larry had another reason for coming to Gordeau Desert¡ªhe wanted to confirm his theory about Pok¨¦mon breeding. If his guess was right, then the environment played a crucial role in determining which Pok¨¦mon would appear.

 Chatper 18 - Exploring The City

    Gordeau Desert, the largest desert in the The United States of Saherta, covering vast area at the outskirt, was the perfect testing ground. Just as he had expected, the moment he stepped into the desert¡¯s boundaries, a familiar progress bar appeared in his mind, signaling the start of a new Pok¨¦mon breeding process. Larry wasn¡¯t surprised, just pleased. Given the sheer size and unique environment of Gordeau Desert, it made perfect sense for a new Pok¨¦mon to be born here.


    The only question was¡ªwhich Pok¨¦mon would it be? Despite the vast, arid expanse of sand, the desert was not devoid of life. Many people had made it their home, building an entire tourism industry around the desert¡¯s unique landscape and resources.


    As Larry approached the city standing at the desert¡¯s edge, Mardiya City, he took in the towering black-brown walls that surrounded it. They did a great job of keeping most of the swirling sand and dust at bay, with only a few stray grains making their way through the cracks and settling into forgotten corners of the city.


    Once inside, Larry noticed an interesting detail¡ªalmost everyone, whether locals or tourists, dressed the same. White, loose-fitting clothing dominated the streets, helping to reduce heat absorption under the scorching sun. Many people wrapped their heads with bandage-like cloths, resembling the traditional Middle Eastern attire back on Earth. The long exposure to the relentless desert sun had also tanned most of the locals¡¯ skin to a deep brown shade.


    Larry chuckled to himself. If the hip-hop guy from before were here, he¡¯d probably blend in perfectly. Due to the desert''s vastness, the locals had domesticated creatures to serve as transportation. Among them, the most common mount was the three-humped camel¡ªa variant of the Earth camel but with an extra hump for increased endurance and water storage.


    The additional hump meant it could travel even longer distances without needing to stop, making it the ideal mode of transport for tourists and traders alike. Despite its slow pace, the three-humped camel was a reliable companion, well-suited to the harsh desert climate, and cheap to maintain¡ªqualities that made it the backbone of the local economy.


    As Larry watched the camels leisurely plodding along the dusty streets, he recalled what the old man at the rental shop had told him earlier. After riding for a while, he realized the old man was right¡ªthe camels were steady, resilient, and comfortable. But there was one major flaw. They were slow. Painfully slow. Riding one felt like accompanying an old man on a casual evening stroll. For sightseeing, it was perfect. But for speed? Absolutely useless.


    Still, Larry wasn¡¯t in a rush. He was here to take in the sights and observe the Pok¨¦mon breeding process, so he let the camel carry him through the city at its leisurely pace while the progress bar in his mind ticked forward bit by bit.


    Mardiya City was sprawling, but its buildings were sparse and low. Most structures were simple, squat bungalows with thick, khaki-colored walls designed to combat the intense heat and swirling dust. These earthen buildings were usually no more than one or two stories tall, blending into the landscape like they had risen straight from the desert floor. The thick outer walls were dotted with tiny holes and narrow windows, a clever architectural trick to keep the interiors cool and ventilated.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    Aesthetically, the city wasn¡¯t much to look at, but Larry¡¯s real interest lay in the bustling market district near the city center. Since tourism was the driving force behind Mardiya City¡¯s economy, everything here revolved around serving travelers. Hotels, homestays, and camel rental shops were on nearly every street corner. But the true heart of the city was the market.


    Arriving at the market district, Larry noticed an immediate change¡ªthere were far more people here than anywhere else in the city. Vendors lined both sides of the narrow streets, some operating from proper storefronts, while others simply set up makeshift stalls under large white cloths for shade. The air was filled with the sound of merchants hawking their goods, each shouting louder than the last to draw in potential customers.


    ¡°Freshly grilled sand wall lizard¡ªcrispy outside, tender inside! Only 500 Jinis per skewer!¡±


    ¡°Juicy multi-ball cacti¡ªyour camel¡¯s favorite treat! Buy now and get a discount!¡±


    ¡°The famous Samok sandworm stew! Sweet and delicious, and it¡¯s said to boost your... vitality!¡±


    Larry¡¯s first impression of the market? Food. Lots and lots of food. Despite most of the offerings being lizards and worms, it didn¡¯t bother him in the slightest. On the contrary, he found the unique local cuisine intriguing.


    Without hesitation, Larry bought a dried sand wall lizard, gnawing on its crispy exterior as he strolled through the market. In his other hand, he held a piece of sandworm meat, savoring its surprisingly rich, tender flavor. The moment he heard about the sandworm''s supposed "vitality-boosting" effects, Larry discreetly bought extra and stuffed it into Gengar¡¯s stomach for storage. Just in case. Back on Earth, he would¡¯ve hesitated to try such exotic foods, but ever since becoming a Nen user, his physical resilience had improved greatly. Plus, with Gardevoir by his side, he wasn¡¯t worried about food poisoning.


    Money wasn¡¯t an issue either. After cashing in the treasures he had collected from the Karym Ruins, Larry was practically swimming in wealth. He indulged himself freely, buying anything that caught his eye without a second thought. Even his camel wasn¡¯t left out¡ªLarry generously bought it several multi-ball cacti to munch on during their stroll. Taking a large bite of the dried lizard, he heard a satisfying crunch. The crispy exterior gave way to surprisingly tender, juicy meat inside¡ªreminiscent of beef but even more succulent.


    The market had more than just food¡ªthere were sparkling yellow stones that resembled gold, desert-themed clothing, and specialized tools for desert exploration. But what intrigued Larry the most was a local specialty: the Gilded Claw Ant Compass.


    The Gilded Claw Ants were unique to Gordeau Desert, found nowhere else in the world. Their striking golden bodies were much larger than regular ants, roughly the size of a human knuckle. The most fascinating feature was the sharp antenna on their heads, which secreted and detected pheromones with incredible accuracy. These ants had an extraordinary ability¡ªno matter how far they traveled, they could always find their way back to their original nest, even from thousands of miles away.


    This trait made them indispensable to desert travelers. Each colony of ants was tied exclusively to its birthplace, meaning people could use them as reliable navigation tools. The compass itself was simple in design. Five smaller Gilded Claw Ants were placed inside a circular stone plate, covered with a glass dome. The corresponding city the ants originated from was inscribed on the side of the compass. For example, the one Larry now held in his hand pointed towards Esharat, a city hundreds of miles away. It reminded him of the Log Pose from One Piece.

 Chapter 19 - Menchi

    After spending a few hours exploring, Larry turned his camel towards the city center, where most of the hotels were located. He knew the progress bar for Pok¨¦mon breeding was moving slowly, meaning he would likely be staying in the desert for a while.


    No problem. He had plenty of time to take things slow. If the progress bar wasn¡¯t full after exploring Mardiya City, he¡¯d just move on to the next desert settlement and continue his journey. Unlike most people who spent their days training and pushing their Nen abilities to the limit, Larry had a much simpler approach to growing stronger¡ªhe just traveled. There was no pressure, no competition. He did what he wanted, when he wanted. No one could force him into anything he didn¡¯t like, and that was the way he preferred it.


    A Week Later ¡°Come on, eat a little more. What¡¯s with that face? Is the food I¡¯ve been giving you too good, and now you''re picky?¡± Larry held out a large spherical cactus to his three-humped camel, half coaxing, half threatening.


    The camel let out a tired sigh, its droopy eyes full of helplessness. Over the past week, it had experienced both pure bliss and utter misery. On one hand, Larry was an incredibly generous owner¡ªbuying it luxurious multi-ball cacti to snack on every day, something other camels could only dream of. Back at the rental shop, it had been fed standard fodder. An old camel, rumored to be its mother¡¯s cousin, once said that many camels lived their entire lives without tasting a single spherical cactus.


    But Larry''s generosity had its downsides. The camel shifted uncomfortably and looked down at its belly¡ªa belly that had once been lean and strong but now bulged noticeably, making it resemble a floating swimming ring. Larry had been too eager to sample every dish the market had to offer, often buying more than he could eat. And instead of wasting food, he had stuffed everything he didn¡¯t want into the camel¡¯s mouth. Larry scratched his head awkwardly as he looked at the camel¡¯s rounded stomach. Maybe he¡¯d gone a little overboard.


    ¡°Hey, is it a good time to talk?¡± A crisp, confident voice interrupted Larry¡¯s thoughts. He turned to see a woman with blue-green hair, styled into several sky-high braids, standing nearby. Her fair complexion and youthful features made it clear that she was still quite young. She wore a striking outfit¡ªa purple sheer top layered over a white crop top, paired with bright green shorts. Larry recognized her immediately. Menchi.


    Even though her outfit differed from what she wore in the original Hunter x Hunter story, there was no mistaking her identity. Menchi was a renowned Gourmet Hunter, and if Larry¡¯s memory served him right, she was only about 20 years old at this point. Despite her age, she had already achieved the title of a one-star gourmet hunter, making history as the youngest person to earn the rank.


    The Hunter Association¡¯s ranking system consisted of four levels¡ªno stars, one star, two stars, and three stars. To earn even a single star, a hunter had to make significant contributions in their respective field. Larry¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. He hadn¡¯t expected to run into someone like Menchi here. With his camel still eyeing him pitifully, Larry set the cactus aside and gave Menchi a nod. ¡°Yeah, sure. What¡¯s up?¡±If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Menchi crossed her arms and smirked. ¡°I¡¯ve been watching you for a while. You''re... different.¡±


    Larry chuckled. ¡°I get that a lot.¡±


    She raised an eyebrow, clearly not amused. ¡°No, seriously. Most people come to the desert with a goal in mind¡ªsurvival training, artifact hunting, maybe even looking for lost civilizations.¡± ¡°But you?¡± She gestured to his camel¡¯s bloated belly. ¡°You¡¯re just eating.¡±


    Larry shrugged. ¡°Is that a crime?¡±


    Menchi sighed. ¡°No, but it¡¯s... unusual. I¡¯m a Gourmet Hunter, so I can appreciate the love for food. But this place isn¡¯t exactly a five-star restaurant.¡±


    Larry smirked. ¡°You¡¯d be surprised.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Larry asked, his tone calm and composed.


    Menchi led him into a small alley, her expression serious yet hopeful. ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, you¡¯re a Nen user, right?¡± Though phrased as a question, her confident tone made it clear she was certain.


    Larry nodded. ¡°Yeah, I am. And you don¡¯t have to call me ¡®Mister.¡¯ Just call me Larry.¡± Hearing his laid-back response, Menchi let out a small sigh of relief. Though he hadn¡¯t heard her request yet, his easygoing nature made her feel a bit more optimistic.


    ¡°My name¡¯s Menchi, and I hope I¡¯m not bothering you, Larry¡­¡± she began, quickly diving into the reason she had sought him out. Menchi had come to Gordeau Desert in search of a prized B-rank ingredient¡ªthe Pale Fang Scorpion.


    Similar to the Gilded Claw Ants, Pale Fang Scorpions were unique to the desert. However, while the ants were useful for navigation, the scorpions were highly sought after for their culinary value. In the hunter world, ingredients were ranked based on their rarity and difficulty to obtain. The food most people consumed was typically classified as D-rank, with C-rank ingredients being a bit more scarce. But B-rank ingredients? They were in high demand and required considerable skill¡ªand often Nen abilities¡ªto acquire.


    Larry recalled that in the original story, the Violent Great Stamp Boar also fell into the B-rank category.


    ***


    Name: Menchi


    Strength: B+ to A-


    Nen Type: Materialization


    Abilities: Possibly capable of materializing cooking tools to assist in gourmet hunting, focusing on both ingredient preparation and defensive applications if needed.


    ***


    Larry wasn¡¯t surprised by her Nen ability¡ªit suited her perfectly. What caught his attention, however, was her fluctuating strength rating. It indicated that Menchi was on the verge of breaking through from B+ to A-. Given her age, that was already an impressive achievement. Despite her experience and skill as a Gourmet Hunter, the Pale Fang Scorpion presented a unique challenge.


    While not particularly dangerous in terms of raw power, the scorpion¡¯s blazing speed and incredible burrowing ability made it nearly impossible to catch. It could vanish into the sand within the blink of an eye, burrowing hundreds of meters deep in seconds. This unmatched escape ability was the primary reason the scorpion was classified as a B-rank ingredient.


    Menchi had discovered Larry by sheer luck. Two days ago, she had been haggling in the marketplace when she sensed a sudden fluctuation of aura¡ªLarry had teleported without his camel, and the burst of aura caught her attention. Realizing that he might possess a teleportation-related ability, Menchi had been keeping an eye out for him ever since.

 Chapter 20 - Hunting Ingrident

    Larry couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at the coincidence. He had only teleported twice all week, and somehow, Menchi had caught him in the act. ¡°Uh... yeah, I can teleport, but it¡¯s actually my Partner¡¯s ability,¡± Larry admitted, releasing Gardevoir.  Gardevoir appeared gracefully, her aura radiating elegance and power. Menchi¡¯s eyes lit up with excitement. Years of experience as a hunter told her that Gardevoir was no ordinary companion¡ªshe was incredibly powerful.


    Without hesitation, Menchi clasped Larry¡¯s hands tightly, her green eyes filled with determination. ¡°Please, Larry! You have to team up with me!¡± she pleaded. ¡°If you agree, I¡¯ll cover all our expenses, and I¡¯ll handle any dangers we encounter. Plus, I¡¯ll cook the ingredients, and we¡¯ll split them fifty-fifty! All you have to do is use your teleportation ability to catch the scorpion when the time comes!¡±


    Larry couldn¡¯t help but smirk as he watched Menchi¡¯s enthusiasm. Her eager expression reminded him of a passionate recruiter, and for a moment, he imagined her shouting, ¡°With Larry here, I''m unstoppable!¡±


    After considering it for a moment, Larry nodded. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll help you¡ªbut I have one condition.¡±


    Menchi¡¯s eyes sparkled with anticipation. ¡°Name it! As long as it¡¯s within my power, I¡¯ll make it happen!¡±


    Larry leaned in slightly and grinned. ¡°Take me to Gourmet Paradise someday.¡±


    Menchi blinked in surprise, her eyebrows arching. Gourmet Paradise was an extremely secretive location, known only to a select few gourmet hunters. ¡°How do you know about that...?¡± she muttered, still processing his request.


    Larry shrugged playfully. ¡°I have my ways.¡±


    Menchi crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow, eyeing Larry with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. ¡°Alright, fine. I¡¯ll take you there someday¡ªif you can keep up,¡± she said with a confident smirk. ¡°But seriously, why do you wanna go to Gourmet Paradise?¡±


    Gourmet Paradise was a legendary haven for food lovers, said to have been created by the renowned Gourmet Hunter, Linne-Horsdoeuvre, alongside other like-minded culinary experts.  The place was shrouded in secrecy, known only to Nen users, and was impossible to reach without a specialized navigator.


    Linne was a living legend¡ªone of the oldest hunters in the association, and someone who had even journeyed to the Dark Continent alongside Chairman Netero and members of the Zoldyck family.


    Larry believed that Gourmet Paradise, the secretive food haven Menchi had created, wasn¡¯t just a culinary wonderland¡ªit could also be the perfect place for breeding Pok¨¦mon. Of course, his desire to go wasn¡¯t just for Pok¨¦mon... he was also eager to indulge in the finest dishes the world had to offer. ¡°Well, I know it might sound weird to ask, but I have to. It¡¯s my duty to understand people¡¯s intentions before taking them there,¡± Menchi said, her expression serious.


    Larry casually popped another bite of dried scorpion meat into his mouth, chewing thoughtfully before replying, ¡°Honestly? I just want to eat.¡±Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    Menchi took a step back, eyeing Larry and his camel skeptically. One was devouring scorpion meat with greasy hands, while the other¡ªhis camel¡ªhad a stomach so bloated it looked like it had swallowed a dozen basketballs. ¡°¡­Haha, no, it¡¯s fine. I can tell you¡¯re not lying,¡± Menchi said with an awkward laugh, more amused than embarrassed.


    As a Gourmet Hunter, she respected those who truly appreciated food. People who treated food as an afterthought, or didn''t value it at all, were the ones she couldn''t stand¡ªone of the reasons she had such a fiery temper during the Hunter Exam. With their plans settled, both Menchi and Larry were eager to set off without wasting any more time.


    Menchi packed light, carrying only the essentials, while Larry relied on his Pok¨¦mon to handle his gear. Gengar, lurking in his shadow, swallowed all of his belongings without complaint, making storage effortless. Since their mission was to track down the elusive Pale Fang Scorpion, they decided to travel on foot for maximum efficiency. Larry''s three-humped camel, which had been enjoying days of indulgence, was reluctantly returned to the rental shop, forced back into its ordinary life.


    Gordeau Desert stretched endlessly under a blazing sun, with towering sand dunes and swirling yellow dust filling the landscape. The occasional gust of wind sent thin threads of sand spiraling into the sky. In this vast expanse, three figures¡ªLarry, Menchi, and Gardevoir¡ªmoved swiftly across the terrain.


    Their speed was impressive, leaving behind long, straight trails in the sand that even the wind couldn''t erase fast enough. Menchi held a detailed map of Gordeau Desert in one hand and the Gilded Claw Ant Compass in the other. Staying on course was crucial¡ªgetting lost here could mean death. The Pale Fang Scorpions had no fixed habitat and were extremely rare. Finding one was mostly a matter of luck.


    "If we''re lucky, we''ll spot one within a day," Menchi said, glancing at the compass. "If not... well, we''ll be wandering for a while."


    Their path took them from one desert city to another, ensuring they stayed within safe zones while searching for the scorpions. Despite her experience, Menchi had been concerned about how they would catch the scorpion once they found it. Its escape abilities were unmatched, capable of burrowing hundreds of meters into the sand in seconds.


    Using her Nen ability, Circle, to track it was possible, but it was a taxing technique that consumed a lot of energy. Unlike emission-type users, materialization-type users like her weren''t as skilled at expanding their aura across large areas. Circle allowed her to sense everything within a given range, detecting even the slightest movements, but keeping it active for extended periods wasn¡¯t feasible.


    As night fell, the elusive Pale Fang Scorpion remained unseen. Neither of them was discouraged, though¡ªit was only the first day, after all. In the vast desert, it was unrealistic to return to the city each night, so Menchi unpacked a portable tent, a cutting-edge survival tool.


    The tent was no larger than a brick in its compact form, but with a simple press of a button, it quickly unfolded into a fully functional shelter. Since these tents were expensive, they were rarely seen in the desert. Larry, meanwhile, stood silently, making no move to unpack a tent of his own. Seeing his hesitation, Menchi assumed he hadn''t brought one and reached into her bag to grab her spare. Just as she pulled it out, she witnessed something that left her speechless.


    ¡°Gengar, spit out the tent.¡± Larry¡¯s voice was casual, as if he were making the most ordinary request in the world. From the shadows beneath his feet, a purple-black mist emerged.


    Menchi¡¯s eyes widened as a figure with glowing red eyes, a sinister grin, and stubby limbs appeared, floating ominously in the darkness. Then, to her utter disbelief, the ghostly figure spat out a luxurious, fully assembled tent right onto the sand. Menchi blinked. ¡°D-Did that thing just¡­ spit out a tent?¡± she muttered, staring at the absurd scene. She turned to Larry, eyes filled with curiosity and confusion.

 Chapter 21 - Disbelief

    Larry, looking completely unfazed, gave a nod. ¡°Yep. Meet Gengar, my other Nen beast. It can store things inside its body without any issues.¡± Larry explained casually.


    ¡°Ge-ngar! Gen-gar!¡± Gengar chimed in, sticking out its tongue playfully. It seemed every Gengar shared a love for pranks.


    Menchi¡¯s cheeks flushed slightly as she murmured under her breath, ¡°So cute...¡± But soon, another thought struck her, and she pointed at Gengar in shock. ¡°Wait! You¡¯re telling me it can store things without any issues?!¡± Her sudden outburst startled a nearby sand tapir resting on a dune. It lazily scratched its round belly, glanced at them for a moment, then rolled over and went back to sleep.


    Larry blinked, confused by Menchi¡¯s continued surprise. ¡°Uh... yeah?¡±


    What followed was a masterclass in facial expressions. Menchi''s face cycled rapidly through joy, envy, and finally frustration¡ªreminding Larry of the time he watched Pies, the casino owner, pull the same stunt back in town. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Larry asked, curious about her reaction.


    Menchi let out a long sigh and, with a faint smile, explained. As one of the top Gourmet Hunters, Menchi prided herself on her culinary expertise and Nen abilities. Her unique ability, "Menchi¡¯s Kitchen," allowed her to materialize a full set of kitchen tools wherever she went, giving her a huge advantage over other Gourmet Hunters.


    However, no matter how skilled she was, there was a universal challenge that all Gourmet Hunters faced¡ªingredient preservation. Freshness was everything. The quality of an ingredient deteriorated over time, and for someone with her refined tastes, using anything less than the freshest catch was unacceptable.


    Unfortunately, most Gourmet Hunters had to work deep in the wilderness, far from civilization, and couldn¡¯t exactly carry a massive refrigerator around. Space-based Nen abilities, which allowed the storage of items in a separate dimension, were incredibly rare. Most hunters, even seasoned ones, had never even encountered such an ability.


    Larry listened attentively, and a particular Nen user from the Chimera Ant arc crossed his mind¡ªKnov, with his ability "4th-Dimensional Apartment," which allowed him to store both people and objects with ease.


    Menchi¡¯s expression showed a mix of excitement and resignation. She was thrilled to have met someone with such an ability, but also frustrated that she didn''t possess it herself. Realizing she had lost her composure, Menchi quickly regained her usual demeanor, though her eyes lingered on Gengar with a hint of longing.


    "Gengar..." Gengar, sensing the intense gaze, retreated behind Larry, peeking out with only half of its face showing. It tugged on Larry¡¯s sleeve, whispering softly, ¡°Ge... Ge-Ngar?¡±


    Larry burst out laughing, wiping tears from his eyes. ¡°Hahaha! No, no, Gengar. She¡¯s just amazed by your ability.¡±


    Menchi, realizing the misunderstanding, gave Gengar a playful glare. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t eat you, you little prankster!¡±Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    Larry grinned. ¡°Hey, if you ever need help with ingredient storage in the future, just let me know. But in return¡­ you have to let me try whatever you make.¡±


    Menchi¡¯s eyes sparkled with gratitude, and she nodded eagerly. ¡°Deal!¡±


    At that moment, she felt like she had struck gold. Larry, with his unique abilities, felt like an endless treasure trove of surprises. As the night settled in, Menchi prepared a meal with rare desert ingredients she had collected throughout their journey. The dishes were extraordinary¡ªcrispy belly meat of the Sandworm King, the sweet juice of the once-a-year fruit from the Sand Tree, and an array of flavorful side dishes unique to Gordeau Desert.


    However, what truly caught Larry¡¯s attention wasn¡¯t the exotic dishes themselves, but a small bowl of sauce placed in the center of the table. Curious, he picked up a piece of sandworm meat, dipped it lightly into the sauce, and took a bite.


    The chewy texture of the meat combined with the sauce¡¯s rich, umami-packed layers exploded in his mouth. The depth of flavor was on another level. Larry chewed thoughtfully. ¡°This... this sauce is made from seafood, isn¡¯t it? It¡¯s incredibly complex¡ªthere are so many ingredients blended into it.¡±


    Menchi¡¯s eyes lit up with excitement. ¡°Exactly! This sauce is made from the essence of five C-rank and four B-rank ocean ingredients. I call it ¡®Ultimate Freshness.¡¯¡±


    Larry took another bite, savoring the incredible combination. The desert¡¯s dry and somewhat bland ingredients were completely transformed with the sauce, turning them into a mouthwatering delicacy. It was a perfect harmony of flavors¡ªthe sandworm meat, which could become tiresome on its own, was elevated to an entirely new level when paired with the sauce.


    Larry nodded in appreciation. ¡°This... this is why you¡¯re a Gourmet Hunter.¡±


    Menchi grinned proudly. ¡°It¡¯s all about knowing how to bring out the best in every ingredient. It¡¯s not just about hunting food, but creating something that exceeds expectations.¡±


    Larry looked at the spread before him, realizing the dedication and passion Menchi put into her craft. Hunting down rare ingredients from dangerous places, understanding their properties, and combining them into culinary masterpieces¡ªthat was the essence of a Gourmet Hunter.


    The two devoured the feast with enthusiasm, enjoying every bite. When they finished, Menchi snapped her fingers, and the plates vanished in an instant¡ªher materialized kitchen tools disappearing back into thin air. Larry leaned back, feeling satisfied. Up until now, he had only tasted food from ordinary markets and street vendors. This, however, was on an entirely different level.


    After tasting Menchi¡¯s cooking, Larry finally understood the true essence of a Gourmet Hunter¡¯s pursuit. The flavors, the textures¡ªeverything was on a whole different level. ¡°This¡­ this is what real food should taste like,¡± Larry thought, licking the corner of his mouth as he savored the lingering taste. He leaned back, staring at the starry sky and sighed, ¡°Food really is the best gift in the world... Maybe I should become a Gourmet Hunter after I pass the exam.¡±


    Menchi, who had been tidying up, perked up with excitement, ¡°That¡¯s great! I¡¯d love to have another food enthusiast around!¡± But midway through her enthusiasm, a realization hit her, and she glanced at Larry in surprise. ¡°Wait¡­ you haven¡¯t taken the Hunter Exam yet?¡±


    Larry shrugged. ¡°Nope. I never really thought about becoming a Hunter before, so I never bothered with the exam.¡±


    Menchi blinked in disbelief. With his abilities and strength, she had assumed he was already a licensed Hunter. She glanced at Larry¡¯s two Nen beasts¡ªGardevoir, whose presence alone radiated power and grace, and Gengar, who could teleport and store items with ease. Both were at least on par with her own strength, if not more. For someone with such capabilities to have never taken the exam was¡­ shocking.


    ¡°So... did someone teach you Nen?¡± Menchi asked, curiosity written all over her face.

 Chapter 22 - Captured!

    Larry scratched the back of his head awkwardly. ¡°Not really... I kind of figured it out on my own.¡±


    Menchi froze. Her mind reeled. ¡®Self-taught?!¡¯ She had encountered naturally gifted individuals before, but Larry discovering his own aura and honing it independently was beyond impressive. After a brief pause, she let out a deep breath and chuckled, ¡°Well, the world is a big place. I guess anything¡¯s possible.¡± However, a mischievous glint flashed in her eyes as she smirked and said, ¡°If you decide to take the next Hunter Exam, you¡¯re in for a surprise.¡±


    Larry raised an eyebrow. ¡°Oh? Sounds interesting. I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡± He knew Menchi would be one of the examiners next year, but he played along, smiling knowingly.


    With the meal finished, the two retreated to their tents, the night sky above them filled with countless stars.


    ***


    Three Days Later.¡°I gotta say¡­ our luck really sucks.¡± Larry sighed, scanning the vast desert dunes around them. They had spent three days searching for the elusive Pale Fang Scorpion, but so far, not a single sign of their target. They had stumbled across a rare wild Gilded Claw Ant nest, but the scorpions remained as elusive as ever.


    Just as they were about to move on, an unwelcome sight appeared on the horizon. A group of rough-looking individuals approached¡ªsand pirates. Larry¡¯s gaze darkened as he assessed them. The group was clad in light armor made of animal hide, offering decent protection without sacrificing mobility. Their mounts, three-humped camels outfitted with iron plating, stomped across the sand, pulling carts loaded with stolen goods¡ªLarry could even spot a few captured sandworms among the cargo.


    Sand pirates were a notorious menace in Gordeau Desert. They thrived on preying on the weak, robbing travelers, and running at the first sign of real resistance. Larry¡¯s appearance¡ªalong with Menchi¡¯s youthful face and Gardevoir¡¯s exotic presence¡ªmade them prime targets in the pirates¡¯ eyes. Counting roughly twenty men, Larry recognized this was a mid-sized group¡ªlarger than the usual small gangs scattered across the desert.


    The leader, a scar-faced man seated atop a camel, exuded arrogance as he surveyed his potential prey. Beside him, a one-eyed pirate licked his lips and nudged his boss with a smirk. ¡°Hey, boss¡­ that woman looks real nice. Mind if I take her for myself?¡± His words sent ripples of excitement through the group, with many of them chiming in, calling dibs and arguing amongst themselves.


    Scarface shot the one-eyed pirate a glare and sneered, ¡°Tch! You little punk, don¡¯t even think about it. A beauty like that is mine to enjoy!¡±


    The crude conversation reached Larry and Menchi loud and clear. Larry sighed and rubbed his temples. He glanced at Menchi, whose face was twitching with barely contained rage. The blue veins on her forehead were visible, pulsing with fury. Casually taking a sip from his canteen, Larry asked, ¡°So¡­ you wanna handle this, or should I?¡±


    Menchi took a deep breath, her face twisting into an unsettlingly sweet smile. ¡°I¡¯ll handle it.¡± Her footsteps crunched against the fine sand as she walked forward, each step leaving a deep imprint. The sand pirates burst into laughter, mocking her approach. Only a few of them, more experienced than the rest, instinctively gripped their weapons.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    With a sharp flick of her hands, a surge of Nen burst from Menchi¡¯s palms, radiating intense pressure. In an instant, two massive silver knives and forks materialized behind her, gleaming under the sun¡¯s harsh light.


    The weapons weren¡¯t just for show¡ªtheir sharp edges emitted a deadly aura, and the way they hovered in the air exuded a sense of control and mastery. The pirates¡¯ laughter died down, replaced by stunned silence. Scarface narrowed his eyes.


    "What... What the hell is this?!"


    "Knives and forks?! How can such giant knives and forks suddenly appear?!"


    "Idiot! Run for it!"


    The chaotic shouts of the sand pirates didn''t last long.


    The moment Menchi materialized her massive knives and forks, she sent them flying toward the bandits at high speed. Each strike carried the destructive force of a grenade, tearing through their formation with terrifying precision.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    A series of deafening explosions echoed across the desert, sending plumes of sand flying into the night sky. Within moments, the once-rowdy group of bandits was reduced to nothing but remnants buried under the shifting dunes. The same men who had laughed at Menchi just moments ago now found their laughter silenced¡ªpermanently. If there was a hell, they were already laughing there.


    Larry, watching the scene unfold, couldn''t help but think of a certain gourmet martial artist from Toriko, who wielded his hands like knives and forks to carve through opponents with ease. "These guys really had no idea who they were messing with," Larry muttered, shaking his head.


    The sand pirates were nothing more than a minor inconvenience in their journey. Their focus remained unchanged¡ªthe elusive Pale Fang Scorpion.


    Five days later... Deep in the heart of Gordeau Desert, in the eastern region of the Yorbian Continent, Larry and Menchi set up camp as nightfall approached. Over the past few days, they had only spent one night in the city, preferring to camp out in the wilderness to cover more ground. Just as Larry was about to set down his tent, a sudden alert from Gardevoir caught his attention.


    "Shauna!" Gardevoir stood still, gazing intently at a spot in the sand not far away. Her usually calm expression had turned serious.


    Larry''s eyes followed her gaze, and under the moonlight, he saw a faint silver-white reflection shimmering on the surface of the sand. ¡°Finally found it?!¡± Larry''s face lit up with excitement.


    Days of trekking through endless dunes, seeing nothing but sand and the occasional cactus, had nearly driven him to the edge. Menchi, equally excited, clenched her fists. "We finally found the Pale Fang Scorpion?"


    After days under the harsh sun, her originally fair skin had taken on a tan. If she stayed here any longer, Larry joked to himself, she''d start blending in with the locals. Without hesitation, Gardevoir vanished from her spot and reappeared mid-air above the dunes.


    A gentle breeze stirred, causing her light green hair to flutter in the moonlight. Closing her ruby-red eyes for a brief moment, she reached out with her mind. Suddenly, her eyes snapped open, glowing with a soft pink hue as psychic energy surged around her arms. Despite the immense power, she controlled it with ease¡ªthere was not even a grain of sand disturbed beneath her.


    Larry watched as a faint tremor rippled through the sand below. The Pale Fang Scorpion sensed danger and instinctively tried to burrow deeper, but it was too late. With a graceful flick of her wrist, Gardevoir lifted a massive Pale Fang Scorpion from the sand, encasing it in a psychic field and gently placing it in front of them.


    Larry blinked in disbelief at the scorpion lying motionless, its legs twitching slightly. ¡°I... I was ready to give up, and now it''s right in front of me?¡±


    Just as he was about to celebrate, Menchi gasped beside him. ¡°This... This isn¡¯t an ordinary Pale Fang Scorpion!¡±


    Larry sighed, rubbing his forehead. ¡°I knew it was too good to be true¡­¡±

 Chapter 23 - Cooking

    Menchi crouched down, carefully inspecting the scorpion. Its sheer size alone was already alarming¡ªeasily twice as large as a typical Pale Fang Scorpion. What really stood out, however, was its golden tail stinger. Ordinary Pale Fang Scorpions had white stingers, but the golden hue indicated something far rarer. Menchi''s voice was filled with awe. ¡°This is a Pale Fang Scorpion King.¡±


    Larry¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°King?¡±


    Menchi nodded. ¡°Pale Fang Scorpions are already difficult to find, but a King? This is on another level. It''s almost as rare as an A-rank ingredient!¡±


    Looking at the unconscious scorpion, Larry¡¯s mind wandered to theories about its behavior. The scorpion had surfaced at night, which made sense given the desert¡¯s extreme temperature fluctuations. During the day, the surface was blistering hot while the deep layers remained cool. At night, the surface cooled down, drawing the scorpions closer to the top. ¡°Smart creatures,¡± Larry mused. ¡°They probably avoid the heat by burrowing deep during the day.¡±


    Looking at the unconscious Pale Fang Scorpion King lying before them, Menchi couldn¡¯t help but feel her eyelids twitching. She had clearly underestimated Gardevoir¡¯s strength. Larry might not fully grasp the significance, but as a professional Gourmet Hunter, Menchi understood just how formidable their target was.


    Ordinary Pale Fang Scorpions were already a nightmare to catch due to their incredible speed. But as the king of its kind, the Pale Fang Scorpion King was not only faster but boasted considerable combat strength. The enormous, ferocious pincers still glowed faintly under the moonlight, and the golden tail stinger hinted at its deadly potential. Yet Gardevoir had captured it effortlessly, and what was even more impressive¡ªalive.


    Capturing prey alive was far more challenging than simply eliminating it, a fact that made Menchi''s heart race with admiration and a tinge of disbelief. Meanwhile, Larry stood beside her, completely unfazed, staring at the scorpion with an expression of mild curiosity. "Is this thing''s venom edible?" he wondered aloud, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.


    Menchi blinked at him in disbelief. ¡®Seriously? That''s your first concern?¡¯ Before this journey, she had always known there were people stronger than her, but she had taken pride in being a leader among her peers. After all, she held the record as the youngest one-star hunter in the Hunter Association. But since meeting Larry, her confidence had been repeatedly shattered. She couldn¡¯t help but question herself¡ª¡®Was I ever that impressive to begin with?¡¯ Compared to Larry, who could summon such powerful Nen beasts with astonishing abilities, what did she really have to offer? Cooking?


    Larry, oblivious to Menchi¡¯s inner turmoil, simply assumed she was deep in thought about how to handle the scorpion. If he knew what she was thinking, he would probably just pat her on the shoulder and say, "Geniuses and prodigies don''t mix."


    After a moment of self-doubt, Menchi shook off her thoughts and replaced them with determination. ¡®I can¡¯t let myself get distracted. I¡¯m a Gourmet Hunter¡ªthis is my passion, and I need to focus on what I do best!¡¯ She took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and turned to Larry with newfound confidence. ¡°You can relax for now and leave the preparation to me!¡± she declared, rolling up her sleeves with an eager smile.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Larry raised an eyebrow, noticing the sudden boost in her energy but shrugging it off as excitement. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll leave it to the expert,¡± he said, plopping himself down on a nearby sand dune, ready to watch and learn.


    Menchi moved with precision, spreading her arms wide as a transparent platform of Nen energy rose from the ground, lifting the Pale Fang Scorpion King to an ideal working height. With a flick of her wrist, a pair of gleaming silver knives materialized in her hands¡ªperfectly sized for the massive scorpion.


    The scorpion¡¯s tough carapace made it difficult to cut through, so Menchi expertly targeted the softer gaps between the plates, swiftly working her way through the creature¡¯s body. To Larry, watching her work was like witnessing an artist conducting a symphony. Her knives danced gracefully through the air, slicing with both precision and elegance. Within moments, the once imposing scorpion was cleanly disassembled into neatly categorized parts, each piece carefully placed onto a floating preparation table.


    Menchi classified the parts with an experienced eye, explaining her process to Larry as she worked. "The belly meat is the most tender and flavorful," she said, holding up a thick slab. "It''s best for soups and stews." She gestured to the tail section. "This area has a slightly stronger scent but offers a crispy texture when braised." "The claws," she continued with a grin, tapping them lightly, "are packed with firm, juicy meat. They¡¯re perfect for steaming to preserve their original taste."


    Larry listened intently, absorbing the knowledge as he watched her sort through the scorpion with practiced ease. Menchi¡¯s voice carried a newfound warmth¡ªexplaining everything to Larry made her feel like she was doing something meaningful.


    Once the scorpion was fully processed, Menchi¡¯s Nen abilities truly shone. Larry had always known she could materialize kitchen utensils, but seeing it in action was another story entirely.


    In a flash, a row of kitchen appliances, all made from aura, appeared before them.  A large preparation table stood in the center, holding the sorted scorpion parts. To the left, a steaming boiler, and to the right, a braising pot atop a flame-producing stove that emitted a controlled aura. Larry''s mouth twitched slightly at the sight. ¡°So... you basically carry an entire kitchen with you at all times, huh?¡±


    Menchi smirked. ¡°Pretty much.¡±


    Larry finally understood the limitations of Menchi¡¯s ability. The tools she materialized were just that¡ªtools. They couldn''t preserve ingredients over long periods, as storage required a spatial Nen ability, which Menchi lacked. The reason she couldn¡¯t materialize a working refrigerator was likely because it involved an element of spatial manipulation¡ªsomething outside the realm of basic materialization. Instead, her ability focused entirely on the cooking process, turning any location into a fully functional kitchen. Despite this limitation, there were impressive aspects¡ªsuch as the self-sustaining stove flame, which clearly didn¡¯t fall within the scope of pure materialization.


    Her ability to generate flames fell under the Enhancement and Transmutation categories, allowing her to push her cooking techniques to an even higher level. As a materialization-type user, she could utilize up to 80% of transmutation''s power, which was more than enough to achieve the perfect balance of heat and precision.


    Under her focused control, a powerful yet steady flame roared beneath the cooking pots, far stronger than the small flickers they had encountered before. Finally, after putting her heart and soul into the process, three dishes and a soup were ready¡ªsteaming hot and radiating an irresistible aroma that filled the desert night. As Larry stared at the mouthwatering spread, he could have sworn he saw a faint golden shimmer rising from the food. ¡®Am I imagining things, or is this food literally glowing?¡¯ He couldn''t help but wonder if taking a bite would bring him to tears from sheer bliss.

 Chapter 24 - Delicious Meals

    A short while later, Larry, Menchi, Gardevoir, and Gengar sat around a round table, ready to dig in. Initially, the plan had been to capture a regular Pale Fang Scorpion, which would have been plenty for just the two of them. However, the unexpected catch of the Pale Fang Scorpion King, nearly twice the size, meant there was more than enough to share.


    Menchi didn''t even question why Larry¡¯s Pok¨¦mon could eat. By this point, she had seen so many strange things from him that she had stopped being surprised altogether. Gardevoir and Gengar, having eagerly awaited their share, wasted no time digging in.


    Larry lifted his spoon, scooped up a piece of the scorpion''s belly meat from the soup, and took a bite. The moment it touched his tongue, the meat melted instantly¡ªits texture as smooth as egg tofu with a natural sweetness that burst forth in his mouth. A deep, rich aroma followed, enhanced by the layers of flavor from Menchi¡¯s signature sauce. The "Ultimate Freshness" sauce elevated the dish to a whole new level, making every bite more delicious than the last.


    As the soup flowed down his throat, a comforting warmth spread through his entire body, like drinking a hot broth on a freezing winter night. Larry leaned back, savoring the sensation. It wasn''t just delicious¡ªhe could feel something happening inside him. His aura stirred, fluctuating ever so slightly, and upon closer inspection, he realized... His aura capacity was increasing! Larry¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°Wait¡­ does this food actually boost my aura?¡±


    Menchi, who was enjoying her own meal, looked up and grinned. ¡°That¡¯s right! This is exactly what us Gourmet Hunters are after.¡± She gestured proudly at the dishes before them. ¡°Rare, high-quality ingredients, cooked to perfection with the right techniques. Some dishes, like this one, have the power to enhance aura and strengthen the body.¡±


    Larry nodded slowly, taking it all in. The way Menchi spoke about food¡ªit was more than just nourishment to her. It was art. For Menchi, this meal was a personal milestone. She had tasted many delicacies in her life, including some of the finest dishes from Gourmet Paradise, but tonight''s meal ranked among the best.


    The quality of the Pale Fang Scorpion King played a huge role, but Menchi could also feel it¡ªher cooking skills had improved. The challenging process of preparing such a rare ingredient had pushed her boundaries, refining her abilities and giving her confidence in her growth as a chef. In her heart, she silently thanked Larry. Without his help, she wouldn¡¯t have had the chance to work with such an ingredient. As she ate, her mind drifted to the words of Master Buhara, the legendary figure all Gourmet Hunters admired.


    Buhara had once told her that true Gourmet Hunters rarely worked alone. Hunting and cooking required different skills, and human energy was limited. That¡¯s why many Gourmet Hunters formed partnerships¡ªone would specialize in capturing ingredients, while the other focused on preparing them. But both had to share the same passion for food.


    Menchi had always been independent, confident in her strength, and focused entirely on food. But after facing the reality of this journey, she realized that her skills as a hunter weren¡¯t enough to match her culinary ambitions. She could cook high-level ingredients, but she lacked the strength to capture them on her own. Looking at Larry enjoying his meal, she felt a new sense of understanding. ¡®Maybe... Larry is the partner I need.¡¯ Her heart pounded, and a faint blush crept onto her face.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    "Ge-ngar, Gengar!"


    "Shauna!"


    While Menchi was lost in thought, Gardevoir and Gengar chirped excitedly, their eyes gleaming. Even they could feel the effects of the meal¡ªan improvement in their strength.


    Larry glanced at his internal status and noticed that their experience levels had increased slightly. To him, these dishes weren¡¯t just food¡ªthey were literal experience boosters. Menchi snapped out of her thoughts and smiled warmly, watching as Larry, Gardevoir, and Gengar eagerly devoured their portions. Seeing everyone enjoy the meal brought her a deep sense of satisfaction. ¡°Delicious food makes people happy,¡± she said softly to herself.


    Larry looked up from his plate and grinned. ¡°You said it. This might be the best meal I¡¯ve ever had.¡±


    Menchi chuckled, twirling her spoon. ¡°Well, if you stick around, I¡¯ll make sure you have plenty more.¡±


    Larry smirked. ¡°Careful, I might take you up on that offer.¡±


    For Menchi, the greatest compliment was seeing the satisfied expressions of those enjoying her cooking. Gardevoir and Gengar, after a flurry of excitement, had devoured the entire feast alongside Larry and Menchi. The only downside? They had all put on a little belly fat.


    Thankfully, as Nen users¡ªand with Gardevoir and Gengar being Nen beasts¡ªtheir bodies could handle the immense intake. Had they been ordinary people, they would have succumbed to the overwhelming temptation and possibly eaten themselves to exhaustion, unable to resist the sheer deliciousness of the meal.


    For Nen users, this dish was an incredible supplement, enhancing their aura capacity and strengthening their bodies. But to an average person, it could be a dangerous indulgence¡ªone that could lead them to overconsume beyond their physical limits. The rich energy contained within the Pale Fang Scorpion King could prove too much for an ordinary body to handle.


    On the market, most ingredients available were below B-rank, with B-rank ingredients considered rare and difficult to obtain. Their scarcity was due not only to their rarity in the wild but also because very few people could actually consume them. Only those with Nen abilities or individuals with extremely high status and access to top-tier security could indulge in such luxury.


    As Larry and Menchi finished their meal, a soft rustling sound caught their attention. A small group of Dune tapirs had gathered around them, drawn by the irresistible aroma. The creatures had black skin with a distinctive yellow stripe running across their bellies, their large ears twitching curiously. Their faces resembled rabbits, but their plump bodies and round bellies gave them the appearance of miniature boars. Due to their cute looks and easygoing nature, dune tapirs were commonly kept as pets in desert regions.


    Larry and Menchi exchanged amused glances before deciding to toss the scraps to the eager creatures. ¡°Here you go,¡± Larry said, chuckling as he watched the tapirs devour the leftovers with loud, pig-like snorts. ¡°Alright, that¡¯s enough of that,¡± he muttered, and with a nod, Gardevoir used her teleportation ability to move the dune tapirs¡ªand their meal¡ªfar from their camp.


    With a gentle pink glow, the dune tapirs vanished, reappearing in a distant area, still oblivious to their sudden change in location as they continued happily munching away. As the last traces of their meal faded, Menchi dissolved the materialized kitchen tools with a snap of her fingers.

 Chapter 25 - Tyranitar

    Instead of retreating to their tents like they had in previous nights, they both lay down on their blankets, gazing at the vast starry sky above. Neither of them spoke of it directly, but they both knew¡ªtheir journey together was coming to an end. Travelers always face farewells. Both Larry and Menchi were aware of this truth, and despite only knowing each other for less than a week, they had shared experiences that would leave a lasting impact.


    As they lay side by side under the stars, they reminisced and shared their dreams. Menchi talked about her childhood¡ªgrowing up in a small village nestled deep in the mountains, surrounded by wild game and the natural beauty of the world. Her village survived by hunting, and she had learned tracking and hunting techniques at an early age.


    Larry listened intently, drawing parallels between her and Gon¡ªendlessly curious about the world around her, yet entirely devoted to the pursuit of gourmet excellence. From hunting common beasts as a child to handling rare, high-class ingredients, Menchi¡¯s passion had grown stronger over time. It was clear to Larry¡ªshe wasn¡¯t just talented; she was born for this.


    In turn, Larry spoke about his own goals¡ªhow he wanted to travel freely, experiencing different cultures and indulging in the world''s most delicious foods. He even mentioned the Dark Continent, his eyes gleaming with excitement at the thought of venturing into the unknown. For Larry it¡¯s more than just exploring the mystery. Since the author never wrote it, he might as well go check it with his own eyes. Under the flickering light of the campfire, his profile appeared calm, yet his deep-set eyes revealed an adventurer''s longing. ¡°One day... I¡¯ll go there.¡± Larry''s words, spoken so casually, left a deep impression on Menchi.


    That night, conversation flowed naturally between them, as if there were endless things to talk about. They chatted until exhaustion finally took them into sleep.


    Time passed on, at undisclosed city Airport Terminal. Standing near the boarding gate, Larry smiled as he waved at Menchi. ¡°Well, this is it. Hope your next food venture goes well,¡± he said casually.


    Menchi adjusted her backpack, her expression soft but determined. ¡°Thanks, Larry. And remember, I owe you a trip to the Gourmet Paradise.¡±


    Larry grinned. ¡°Looking forward to it.¡± After an entire week spent together in the harsh desert, the moment of departure felt strangely quiet.


    Menchi was heading to her next destination in search of more rare ingredients, while Larry planned to stick around the Gordeau Desert a little longer¡ªhis Pok¨¦mon progress bar still had room to fill. As Menchi boarded the airship, Larry watched her until she disappeared from view, then stretched lazily. ¡°Finally... a real hotel bed,¡± he muttered to himself, heading off toward the city.


    Seated by the window of the airship, Menchi gazed out at the vast sky filled with white clouds. Despite their parting, she felt confident that their paths would cross again. Deep down, she wanted to ask Larry if he would consider being her food-hunting partner. But in the end, she decided against it. ¡®It¡¯s too soon to bring that up... I¡¯ll just wait for the right time.¡¯ With a small smile, she closed her eyes and relaxed as the airship soared toward her next adventure.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    A month had passed since Larry sent Menchi off at the airport. The vast expanse of Gordeau Desert stretched endlessly under the moonlight, a barren, silent wasteland. The only source of light was the moon, casting its silvery glow over the dunes. Larry stood alone, excitement brimming in his eyes. After more than a month of waiting, the Pok¨¦mon progress bar in his mind had finally reached its end.


    Ever since Menchi¡¯s departure, Larry had remained in Mardiya City, avoiding any further desert treks. His experience with the Pale Fang Scorpion had drained his enthusiasm for wandering through endless dunes with nothing but sand for company. The monotony of it all had been mind-numbing.


    Instead of traveling to other cities, he chose to stay put, enjoying the city''s comforts while letting time take its course. However, his patience was about to pay off. The completion of the progress bar also confirmed something for him¡ªPok¨¦mon don¡¯t necessarily need to be bred at the exact center of an environment. Had that been the case, he would have been deep in the heart of Gordeau Desert instead of comfortably waiting in the outskirts. Now, another question lingered in his mind¡ª¡®What type of Pok¨¦mon would be born from such an environment?¡¯ Considering the desert terrain, Larry guessed it would likely be a Ground-type or Rock-type Pok¨¦mon.


    "Pok¨¦mon successfully bred!" The moment the notification sounded, a blinding white light erupted from a small sand dune in front of him.


    Larry¡¯s heart pounded with anticipation as the light wriggled and expanded, slowly taking shape. Countless Pok¨¦mon silhouettes flashed through his mind. ¡®Could it be Onix? Flygon? Or maybe...¡¯


    Before he could speculate further, the sand around him began to stir violently. A fierce whirlwind formed at the center of the light, lifting grains of sand into the air and swirling them into a raging sandstorm. The storm intensified, spreading outward in a wide radius, engulfing everything in its path. Larry¡¯s eyes widened in realization. "This... this is a Sand Stream ability!"


    There were only a handful of Pok¨¦mon capable of summoning a sandstorm upon appearance. The sheer size of the swirling light, combined with the rising intensity of the storm, left him with only one possible conclusion. ¡®Could it really be...?!¡¯ As if answering his thoughts, the white light suddenly burst apart, revealing a towering figure within.


    "ROARRR!!" A deep, earth-shaking roar echoed through the desert, vibrating the very air around him. The Pok¨¦mon that emerged stood tall, its dark green armor-like body gleaming under the moonlight with a metallic sheen. Its massive, tank-like frame exuded raw power and authority.


    Sharp, jagged spikes jutted from its back, and its crimson eyes gleamed with a terrifying intensity. The thick smoke it exhaled hinted at the overwhelming strength contained within. It looked every bit like the Godzilla of the Pok¨¦mon world¡ªmajestic, imposing, and undeniably dominant. Larry¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Tyranitar!" He could hardly contain his grin. This was exactly the Pok¨¦mon he had been hoping for.


    Compared to other potential Pok¨¦mon like Onix or Flygon, Tyranitar stood in a league of its own¡ªan absolute powerhouse. Larry had always been a fan of using Tyranitar in sandstorm teams back when he played competitively.  For him, no other Pok¨¦mon could match the sheer presence and raw power of Tyranitar. It was one of the few non-Dragon pseudo-legendary Pok¨¦mon, sharing the honor only with Metagross. While many trainers obsessed over Dragon-types, Larry always believed in Tyranitar¡¯s unmatched potential.


    ***


    Species: Tyranitar


    Type: [Data Unavailable]


    Ability: [Data Unavailable]


    Strength Rank: A-


    Known Moves: Tackle (Additional data unavailable)


    Description: Data insufficient. Further observation required to unlock full entry.


    ***


    ¡®A-tier strength right off the bat?!¡¯ Both Gardevoir and Gengar had only reached A-tier strength after months of training and evolution, yet Tyranitar had been born at this level without any enhancement.

 Chapter 26 - S-Tier

    While having another A-tier Pok¨¦mon might not seem too impressive now, Larry knew that this was only Tyranitar''s starting point. ¡®Unlike Gengar and Gardevoir, Tyranitar had yet to reach its full potential.¡¯ This wasn¡¯t just an ordinary Pok¨¦mon¡ªit had the makings of an S-tier beast.


    Larry clenched his fists, excitement surging through him. "This might be my first S-tier Pok¨¦mon!" Tyranitar stood silently, observing Larry with an intimidating gaze. Despite its monstrous appearance, it didn¡¯t show any hostility. Without any hesitation, Larry activated the constraints and vows he had prepared in advance for Tyranitar.


    A countdown appeared in his mind. One minute. As the timer began, new information filled his vision. The moment the constraints and vows took effect, Tyranitar''s aura exploded, sending an overwhelming force rippling through the desert.


    The sandstorm that had calmed earlier now roared back to life with even greater intensity, blanketing the entire region in a thick veil of swirling sand. Sleeping sandworms were thrown from their burrows, carried away by the fierce winds as the desert seemed to acknowledge its new monarch. The sight was awe-inspiring¡ªas if the very land was celebrating the birth of its king. Larry¡¯s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "This... this is the true Desert Monarch!"


    ***


    Species: Tyranitar


    Type: Rock, Dark


    Ability: Sand Stream


    Strength Rank: S-


    Known Moves: Earthquake, Stone Edge, Crunch, Hyper Beam...


    Description: Tyranitar is a fearsome and territorial Pok¨¦mon, known for its immense physical strength and unwavering resilience. With its imposing presence and thick armor-like hide, it can withstand devastating attacks while retaliating with earth-shattering force.


    ***


    Larry clenched his fists, his excitement barely contained.¡®S-Tier!¡¯ Tyranitar had far exceeded his expectations, instantly reaching S- strength, an incredible leap from his previous Pok¨¦mon. Reaching the S-tier meant surpassing the A+ range by a significant margin. Curious about the difference, Larry summoned Gardevoir next to him and activated her full aura. In the darkness, Gardevoir¡¯s aura glowed brightly like a beacon, exuding refined strength. However, when Tyranitar roared once more, his presence felt like the blazing sun, swallowing Gardevoir¡¯s radiance entirely.


    The gap between A and S-tier was like night and day. Larry¡¯s black hair whipped in the wind, and a thrill surged through him. ¡®S-tier power was on an entirely different level than he had imagined.¡¯ In the world of Hunter x Hunter, where Nen users reached extraordinary levels, he speculated that the true powerhouses¡ªfigures like Netero and Ging Freecss¡ªwould likely belong to this tier. Seeing it firsthand solidified a crucial understanding in Larry¡¯s mind¡ªstrength levels weren''t gradual; they were separated by insurmountable walls.


    Larry reflected on the strength hierarchy he had encountered so far. At the bottom were the D-tier individuals¡ªordinary people who might possess firearm skills or even rudimentary Nen abilities but lacked practical combat experience. People like the hapless Hozan fell into this category, struggling to apply their abilities effectively in real situations.


    Moving up to C-tier, these were Nen users who had developed their abilities but lacked the combat capability to make a real impact, such as the Wind and Fire Duo from the Karym Ruins. They had potential but were far from formidable. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    B-tier, on the other hand, consisted of experienced Nen users with well-rounded abilities¡ªcapable, but not extraordinary. Fighters like Neguro and the infamous Hip-Hop Man fit this mold, possessing enough skill to hold their own but lacking the edge to rise above the pack.


    Then came the A-tier, an entirely different level. These were the elite, seasoned fighters who had undergone years of rigorous training and countless battles, honing their abilities to near perfection. Veterans like Bisky and Morel from the Hunter Association were prime examples, standing as benchmarks of what hard work and talent could achieve. But above them all stood the S-tier¡ªa whole different realm of power.


    Individuals at this level, like Chairman Netero, were living legends. Their strength wasn¡¯t just a personal asset; it was a deterrent on a global scale, capable of shifting the balance of power between entire nations. A-tier Nen users were rare but not unreachable. They could be fought, even challenged. But S-tier... S-tier was something else entirely.


    These individuals were akin to living nuclear weapons, entities that organizations like the Hunter Association or the V5 nations would rather have as allies than as enemies. As Larry gazed at Tyranitar, taking in his towering form and the raw power radiating from him, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder¡ªjust how far could he go?


    The experience bar for Tyranitar¡¯s growth was significantly longer than his previous Pok¨¦mon, emphasizing that every small step within S-tier would take a monumental effort. ¡®Even among S-tier, there must be a pecking order... and who knows if there¡¯s more tier.¡¯


    With Tyranitar now under his command, Larry''s confidence soared to new heights. In terms of raw power, he had Tyranitar. In terms of support, healing, and escape, Gardevoir had him covered. For dealing with curses, Gengar was his perfect answer. He had achieved a balanced, unstoppable trio, and with their combined strength, even high-level enemies wouldn¡¯t be able to stop him easily.


    For the first time, Larry felt like he could roam the world freely, no longer bound by the need to play it safe. He had finally broken through his previous limits.


    The desert wind brushed against his face, carrying with it the promise of new adventures. For a fleeting moment, he considered staying here, enjoying his newfound strength and power. But deep down, Larry knew that strength was just a means to an end. He wasn¡¯t here to conquer or dominate. His dream was simple¡ªto travel, eat great food, and collect Pok¨¦mon.


    Smiling to himself, he reaffirmed his goal:¡®To live a life of freedom and adventure, helping where he could but never bound by responsibility.¡¯ ¡°Alright, team,¡± Larry said, his voice full of excitement. ¡°Let''s see what¡¯s next.¡±


    ***


    Looking down from the airship, Larry marveled at the breathtaking sight below. An island, encircled by a frozen ocean, stood in stark contrast to the surrounding icy expanse. Most of the land was blanketed in pure white snow, yet at its center, a massive "circular crater" pulsed with a faint crimson glow. The area around the crater consisted of barren black soil, and several cities had been built within its vicinity.


    This was Mount Kira¡¯Zan, located in the northwest region of the ancient Vounala Kingdom. Renowned as the largest and most unique volcano in the world, Mount Kira¡¯Zan defied expectations. Despite being an active volcano, it remained encased in ice throughout the year¡ªa paradox that fascinated scientists and explorers alike. It reminded Larry of Iceland back on Earth, a land of fire and ice, where glaciers and volcanoes coexisted.


    Although the island¡¯s average temperature remained below freezing, Mount Kira¡¯Zan ¡¯s internal magma continued to smolder, creating a rare environment where extremes of heat and cold coalesced. This unusual blend made it an ideal candidate for his next Pok¨¦mon.


    After confirming that the Pok¨¦mon breeding process was influenced by the local environment, Larry had begun seeking out extraordinary locations across the world. Mount Kira¡¯Zan  immediately caught his attention¡ªit was not only a natural marvel but also home to Solvren Ruins, which had recently gained widespread attention.

 Cahpter 27 - Solvren City

    Rumors swirled throughout the Hunter Association and black market circles that deep within the ancient Solvren Ruins, traces of one of the legendary Seven Beauties of the World had been discovered. These treasures, known for their unparalleled rarity and value, were considered among the most coveted wonders in the world of hunters. Each of the Seven Beauties possessed unique and extraordinary properties that defied conventional understanding. Among them was Water Glaze, a vine-like plant that thrived on dormant volcanoes encased in ice year-round. By absorbing sulfur-rich compounds from its environment, the plant developed a crystalline transparency, giving it the appearance of delicate glass.


    Other renowned Beauties included the infamous Scarlet Eyes¡ªthe prized crimson eyes of the Kurta Clan, which remained permanently red if the owner perished in the throes of strong emotion, making them a treasured relic sought by collectors and black market dealers alike. There was also Liquid Titanium Ore, an exceedingly rare mineral that solidified upon cooling, radiating a soft, ethereal blue glow in the darkness.


    Among the more elusive of the Beauties was the Crystal Feather Bone, sourced from the nearly extinct black crystal bird, a species with fewer than 200 known individuals in existence. Their jet-black feathers, infused with a deadly toxin, were said to be both beautiful and lethal.


    Another marvel was the Colorful Egg, a mysterious beast egg with an iridescent shell that shifted through a kaleidoscope of colors, its true nature yet to be fully understood. Equally enigmatic was White Fire, a deep-sea fish found in the freezing polar depths, whose entire body ignited with white flames while alive but disintegrated into nothingness upon death, making it nearly impossible to study or harvest.


    Finally, there was the most mysterious of them all¡ªsimply referred to as The Unknown. No records existed detailing its form or properties, leaving it shrouded in myth and speculation, with many believing it to be a fabrication or an enigma yet to be revealed.


    Reports suggested that Water Glaze had been spotted in the Solvren Ruins, nestled within the frigid environment of Mount Kira''Zan, a dormant volcano perpetually cloaked in ice. The conditions were ideal for such a rare plant to flourish, drawing treasure hunters, black market collectors, and gourmet hunters alike to seek their fortune¡ªor their doom¡ªwithin the ruins.This was enough to spark Larry¡¯s curiosity and lure him to this remote and extreme environment.


    Upon disembarking from the airship, Larry found himself in the largest settlement in the region¡ªSolvren City. The climate here was bizarre. At the foot of the volcano, temperatures plunged well below freezing, but as one climbed higher, the warmth from the volcanic activity raised the temperature to a comfortable 30 degrees Celsius near the crater. Most of the population resided in the middle altitudes, where the temperatures were moderate and ideal for daily living. Solvren City, like other nearby settlements, was built on the mountainside, nestled between the freezing ocean and the fiery crater.


    The cityscape of Solvren was reminiscent of European towns, with rows of charming houses lining the streets. Most homes were single-family, constructed in a Western architectural style¡ªsimple yet practical. They were typically one or two stories tall, featuring slanted triangular roofs painted in vibrant red to withstand heavy snowfall. The houses were predominantly built from wooden planks, a stark contrast to the stone dwellings Larry had seen in the desert. Unlike the homes in Gordeau Desert, where numerous small windows facilitated ventilation, houses here had fewer but larger windows¡ªa deliberate design to retain heat in the frigid climate.


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Walking through the city, Larry observed the locals bustling about in thick coats and fur-lined hats. Vendors offered steaming cups of hot beverages, while merchants displayed volcanic minerals and beutiful ice sculptures, souvenirs that attracted many travelers to the region.


    Nestled in the unique landscape of Mount Kira¡¯Zan , Solvren City was unlike any place Larry had visited before. The contrast between its frozen shores and the fiery heart of the volcano made it a truly extraordinary destination. Unlike the relentless heat of Gordeau Desert, Mount Kira¡¯Zan  offered a far more pleasant climate, attracting countless tourists year-round.


    The city boasted an array of attractions¡ªfrom breathtaking landscapes featuring towering icebergs and bubbling lava flows to mouth-watering cuisine that blended volcanic heat with the bounty of the surrounding sea. One of Mount Kira¡¯Zan ''s biggest draws was its hot springs, thanks to the region''s abundant geothermal resources. Not only did they provide warmth in the otherwise chilly climate, but they also served as a major source of energy for the local population.


    Naturally, Larry made the most of his stay by booking a room at the city''s most luxurious hotel, renowned for offering the finest hot springs in Solvren. With a contented sigh, he sank into the steaming water, feeling the warmth seep into his bones. The unique mineral-rich water carried a faint, fragrant aroma, a signature feature of Kira¡¯s springs. Behind him, a massive oil painting depicted an aerial view of Mount Kira¡¯Zan , capturing both its beauty and its destructive power.


    The true highlight of Larry¡¯s hot spring experience, however, came in the form of three unique types of therapeutic fish that swam around him with purpose. First were the Liposuction Fish, tiny seahorse-like creatures that eagerly clung to his skin, absorbing excess oils with surprising efficiency¡ªa dream solution for anyone too lazy for a proper skincare routine. Then there were the Skin-Eating Fish, more commonly found in hot springs across the region. They diligently nibbled away at dead skin, leaving behind a smooth and refreshed sensation that made Larry feel like he was shedding an entire layer of himself. But the most fascinating of them all were the Detoxification Fish, the rarest and priciest among the three.


    These translucent fish latched onto his skin and began extracting toxins from his body, their bodies slowly darkening to a deep purple hue as they absorbed impurities.


    Naturally, Larry¡ªnever one to miss out on an experience¡ªtried them all, The liposuction and skin-eating fish offered a novel experience, but it was the detoxification fish that truly amazed him. After only a short session, he felt a distinct lightness in his body, a newfound clarity in his thoughts, and even an improvement in his Nen flow. ¡°So this is what real detox feels like...¡± he mused, enjoying the feeling of his stress melting away.


    Over the next few days, Larry wandered through the vibrant streets of Solvren, fully immersing himself in the city''s rich culture and offerings. The food scene was unlike anything he had ever encountered. Mount Kira¡¯Zan ¡¯s unique geography resulted in two vastly different culinary traditions¡ªvolcanic cuisine and deep-sea cuisine, each offering distinct flavors and styles.


    The Volcaic Cuisince Bold and unpretentious, this style focused on rich, hearty flavors. A prime example was the famous grilled Bastro Beast Meat, cooked using heated volcanic stones. This local bird, exclusive to the region, had a texture reminiscent of both chicken and lamb but without any of the usual gaminess. A single fist-sized portion cost a whopping 200,000 Jenny, but it was worth every penny.


    Meanwhile Deep Sea Cuisine is delicate and refined. emphasizing presentation and subtle flavors. Larry was reminded of Michelin-star restaurants from his previous life¡ªplates elegantly decorated, often featuring a small portion of exquisitely prepared seafood in the center of an oversized dish.


    One meal, in particular, left a deep impression¡ªMolten Ice Crab, a rare delicacy that required both freezing and heating to unlock its true flavor. The moment the shell cracked open, a burst of steaming broth met the cold ocean essence, creating a taste that lingered long after the meal was over. Larry savored every bite, enjoying the perfect balance of temperature and texture.

 Chapter 28 - Piyon

    On the third day of his stay, Larry found himself wandering through Antique Street, a bustling market known for its rare collectibles and historic artifacts. The street was lined with quaint stalls, each offering a variety of treasures¡ªold coins, relics from past civilizations, and even mysterious items rumored to have Nen properties. Larry''s eyes fell on a white porcelain plate, its surface adorned with intricate patterns resembling frost-covered branches. "Boss, I¡¯ll take this one," Larry said, pointing at the plate after careful inspection. The elderly vendor beamed and wrapped it up carefully.


    Larry had learned that many of the so-called "antiques" in the market were nothing more than clever fakes, but something about this plate intrigued him. Perhaps it was just an instinct honed through his travels, or maybe his Nen sensitivity was picking up on something unusual. Either way, he decided to trust his gut.


    Holding the delicate white plate he had just purchased. The intricate patterns on the surface resembled frost-covered branches, and under his focused gaze using "Gyo," a faint white Nen aura enveloped it.


    ***


    Rhodes Memorial Plate


    Crafted by Rhodes Company in 1655, extremely rare.


    ***


    Larry¡¯s eyebrows raised slightly. He remembered reading about these plates in the Hunter Association archives¡ªthere was even a collector in the original Hunter x Hunter series who was obsessed with collecting plates from Rhodes Company, specifically from the years 1655 and 1657. As he examined the plate more closely, a soft, sweet voice interrupted his thoughts. ¡°Excuse me, could I take a look at that plate?¡±


    Turning around, Larry was met with the sight of an adorable figure dressed in a pink rabbit-themed outfit. Her golden blonde hair complemented her white and pink rabbit ears, which twitched slightly as she leaned forward eagerly. The oversized, fluffy sleeves of her outfit and the tiny rabbit tail swaying behind her left no room for doubt¡ªPiyon one of the Twelve Zodiacs of the Hunter Association, stood before him.


    Larry instantly recognized her. She was a renowned ancient document hunter, linguist, and translator. Always seen with her phone in hand, she had a reputation for being extremely meticulous in her research. Despite the sudden approach, Larry remained calm and handed the commemorative plate over without hesitation. He couldn''t imagine someone of Piyon''s stature trying to scam him out of an antique. If anything, her presence here only confirmed the authenticity of the plate.


    Piyon¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement as she examined the plate closely, running her fingers along the edges with a delicate touch. Her rabbit ears twitched rapidly, indicating her deep focus. Without missing a beat, she pulled out her phone¡ªa pink device adorned with rabbit ears, perfectly matching her outfit¡ªand snapped several quick photos of the plate.


    Larry¡¯s sharp gaze caught the unmistakable glow of Aura surrounding her phone.


    ***


    Name: Piyon


    Strength: B


    Nen Ability: Materialization


    Abilities:  Allows the materialization of a phone with self-determined appearance. Functions as a normal phone even without a network. Any photographed object can be analyzed by consuming Nen. The more mysterious the object, the higher the Nen cost for analysis.


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    ***


    ¡®So that phone is materialized by her Nen ability¡­¡¯ Larry thought, watching her closely.


    This ability was a perfect match for her profession. It provided an edge in her field of historical research while also catering to her constant need to stay connected. As Piyon eagerly tapped on her phone screen, presumably analyzing the plate, Larry considered how the Hunter Association selected their Zodiacs. Unlike conventional Nen users, strength wasn¡¯t always the determining factor¡ªit was their contributions and knowledge in their respective fields.


    Although Piyon¡¯s strength was rated B, the same level as the ill-fated Neguro from the Karym Ruins, Larry understood the distinction. Piyon¡¯s Nen skills were vastly superior in their own right but lacked direct combat applications, unlike Neguro¡¯s aggressive swarm-based abilities.


    ¡®In a straight fight, Piyon wouldn''t pose much of a threat, but underestimating her would be a mistake.¡¯ Larry recalled Hisoka¡¯s assessment from the manga¡ªPiyon was given a respectable score of 77, which spoke volumes about her potential despite her seemingly soft appearance.


    A moment later, Piyon¡¯s eyes widened, and she let out a small gasp. ¡°This... this plate is authentic! It¡¯s a 1655 Rhodes original!¡± she exclaimed, barely containing her excitement.


    Larry smiled knowingly. ¡°I thought it looked interesting. Seems I picked up something valuable.¡±


    Piyon nodded enthusiastically, still tapping away on her phone. ¡°Do you have any idea how rare this is? These plates are part of an extremely limited collection, and I¡¯ve been looking for one for ages!¡± She hesitated for a moment, then looked at Larry with a pleading expression. ¡°Would you consider selling it to me? I¡¯ll pay handsomely, of course!¡±


    Larry chuckled. ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m not really looking to sell. I bought it because it caught my eye, and now I¡¯m even more curious about it.¡±


    Piyon pouted slightly but nodded in understanding. ¡°Well... if you ever change your mind, let me know. I¡¯d be willing to trade something valuable for it.¡±


    Larry couldn¡¯t help but wonder why Piyon, one of the Zodiacs, was in Solvren City. ¡°Are you here for the ruins?¡± he asked casually, observing her reaction.


    She blinked in surprise but then smiled. ¡°You¡¯re sharp. Yes, I came to investigate the Solvren Ruins. There¡¯s been talk that a relic connected to one of the Seven Beauties of the World¡ªWater Glaze¡ªmight be hidden inside.¡±


    Larry''s interest was piqued. He had heard similar rumors and was already planning to explore the ruins himself.  ¡°Well,¡± Larry said with a smirk, ¡°looks like we have the same destination.¡±


    Piyon¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Really? Are you planning to explore the ruins too?¡±


    ¡°I might be,¡± Larry replied nonchalantly, slipping the commemorative plate into his bag.


    Piyon pondered for a moment before offering, ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, maybe we can work together? I specialize in deciphering ancient texts and identifying relics, while you¡­ seem pretty competent yourself.¡±


    Larry weighed his options. Having Piyon on board would undoubtedly make navigating the ruins easier, especially if they stumbled upon ancient inscriptions or traps. Her expertise could save him a lot of guesswork. ¡°Alright,¡± he finally agreed. ¡°Let¡¯s see what the Solvren Ruins have in store for us.¡±


    Piyon beamed. ¡°Great! But, uh... one condition.¡±


    Larry raised an eyebrow. ¡°Let me guess¡ªyou¡¯ll need to take pictures of everything, right?¡±


    Piyon grinned sheepishly. ¡°Of course! How else am I supposed to document my findings?¡±


    Larry laughed and extended his hand. ¡°Deal.¡± As they shook hands, a sense of anticipation filled the air. With Piyon¡¯s intellect and Larry¡¯s strength, they were bound to uncover something remarkable in the ruins.

 Chapter 29 - Solvren Ruins

    The next day, Larry followed through with his plans and arrived at the Solvren Ruins. Unlike the Karym Ruins he had explored before, these ruins were perched on the mountainside of Mount Kira¡¯Zan . The terrain was rough, and collapsed buildings lay scattered, with only a few structures standing intact. Despite its unremarkable history, rumors about one of the Seven Beauties of the World being hidden within the ruins had attracted treasure hunters from all over.


    Larry scanned the crowd with a discerning eye. Multiple groups were scattered across the area, some clearly amateur thrill-seekers, others with more refined tactics and equipment. With his ability, he identified several B-level Nen users among them. Just as he was about to move deeper into the ruins, an energetic voice called out to him.


    ¡°Hey! Mr. Larry, hope you haven¡¯t wait for long!¡± Larry turned to see Piyon bounding towards him, her rabbit ears bouncing with every step. Beside her stood a tall, lean man in a black suit, exuding an air of professionalism. His lavender hair and perfectly groomed beard were unmistakable.


    Satotz... Larry recognized him immediately¡ªthe first examiner of the 287th Hunter Exam. Though not as well-known as others, Satotz was a respected figure in the Hunter Association, known for his dedication to preserving ruins.


    Piyon beamed, introducing him enthusiastically. ¡°This is my colleague from the association, Mr. Satotz! He¡¯s a relic hunter here to help explore the ruins.¡±


    Satotz extended a polite hand. ¡°Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Larry.¡±


    Larry shook his hand, noting Satotz¡¯s firm grip and composed demeanor. Despite his polite exterior, there was an undeniable strength beneath.


    ***


    Name: Satotz


    Strength: B+ to A-


    Nen Type: (Unknown)


    Abilities: (Unknown)


    ***


    Larry wasn¡¯t surprised to see that Satotz¡¯s strength hovered between B+ and A-. The gap between major ranks in Nen was vast, and many users found themselves plateauing before reaching the next stage. Satotz smiled warmly, sensing Larry¡¯s scrutiny. ¡°I¡¯ve heard about your skills from Piyon. I must say, it''s rare to meet someone with such a sharp eye for antiques.¡±


    Larry waved it off modestly. ¡°Just a hobby.¡±


    With the introductions done, Piyon wasted no time chatting excitedly. ¡°So, Mr. Larry, why are you looking for Water Glaze?¡±


    Larry nodded. ¡°It¡¯s not every day you hear about one of the Seven Beauties. Figured I¡¯d see it for myself.¡±


    Satotz adjusted his tie. ¡°It¡¯s an extraordinary find if the rumors are true. The Solvren Ruins have been hiding secrets for centuries, but few have ventured deep enough to uncover them.¡±


    After some discussion, Larry, Pyorn, and Satotz shared their reasons for exploring the Solvren Ruins. Pyorn and Satotz had dual objectives: personal curiosity about the ruins and fulfilling a mission assigned by the Hunter Association.


    The sudden disappearance of the death aura from the Karym Ruins and the discovery of hints about the Dark Continent had put the Association on high alert. Their concern was that these mysterious ruins, often brimming with malicious aura, might one day unleash an uncontrollable disaster. With only a handful of Exorcist in existence¡ªand all stretched thin¡ªPyorn and Satotz had come prepared to navigate the dangers of the ruins themselves, despite the overwhelming presence of Nen-infused death aura.


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    As Larry listened to their concerns, he remained calm. Then, he said something that left the pair stunned. "Actually... I can take care of the death aura for you."


    Pyorn tilted her head, her rabbit ears twitching in confusion. ¡°Wait, you can remove the]m? Are you serious?¡±


    Larry gave her a confident smile, and before either could ask further, a burst of purple-black energy erupted from his shadow. ¡°Geng Ar! Geng Ar!¡± Out leapt Gengar, its mischievous grin widening as it opened its gaping mouth. In an instant, a powerful suction force surged through the air.


    The deathly aura that had blanketed the area began swirling toward Gengar, funneling into its mouth. It wasn¡¯t just consuming the aura¡ªit was devouring it with almost gluttonous delight.


    In mere moments, the oppressive death aura that had haunted the ruins was gone, leaving the space eerily clean. ¡°Th-This is...¡± Satotz¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief.


    ¡°A... Exorcist?¡± Pyorn stammered, barely able to process what she¡¯d just witnessed. For both seasoned hunters, seeing a Exorcist in action was akin to witnessing a miracle. In the entire Hunter Association, only one elderly Exorcist was known to exist. Now, a casual acquaintance had just casually erased a large swath of death aura as though it were nothing.


    But that wasn¡¯t the most shocking part. Gengar was still going, eagerly devouring the lingering traces of death aura as though it were a delicacy. The area of clear space around them continued to expand rapidly, as if Gengar were carving out an oasis in the middle of a cursed land. Pyorn rubbed her eyes furiously. ¡°This... this has to be some kind of illusion, right? There¡¯s no way...¡±


    Satotz, however, had a more composed response. After the initial shock, his mind raced with connections. ¡°Wait,¡± he murmured. ¡°Could it be? Mr. Larry... were you involved in the disappearance of the death thoughts at the Karym Ruins?¡±


    Larry, still calm, nodded. ¡°That¡¯s correct. Gengar removed all the death aura there as well.¡±


    Satotz¡¯s jaw dropped, and for a brief moment, the stoic relic hunter¡¯s professional demeanor cracked. ¡°Incredible,¡± he whispered. ¡°You¡¯re not just a Exorcist. You might be... the strongest Exorcist in the world!¡±


    Pyorn, meanwhile, was completely stunned. It took Satotz explaining the significance of the Karym Ruins incident for her to fully understand the magnitude of Larry¡¯s abilities. One man, erasing all the death aura in an entire ruin in record time? Such a feat was unheard of in the Hunter world. To possess such power wasn¡¯t just rare¡ªit was practically divine.


    Satotz¡¯s voice trembled slightly as he asked the question both were desperate to know. ¡°With a Nen ability this powerful, there must be some kind of cost, right?¡±


    Pyorn¡¯s ears drooped slightly as she echoed the sentiment. ¡°Yeah... something this extraordinary must come with a huge price...¡±


    Larry pretended to consider the question, stroking his chin dramatically. ¡°Well, the price is... pretty significant.¡±


    The solemnity in his tone made their hearts sink. Satotz and Pyorn exchanged worried glances, already imagining the worst. ¡®Was it life force? A drastic reduction in lifespan? The cost of living with such power surely had to be immense...¡¯


    ¡°The price is...¡± Larry began, before pausing for effect. ¡°...Gengar¡¯s belly gets bigger. And, of course, it gets stronger too.¡±


    ¡°...¡± ¡°HUH?!¡± Both Pyorn and Satotz yelled in unison, their voices echoing through the now-cleared ruins.


    ¡°You¡¯re telling me... there¡¯s no real cost?!¡± Pyorn exclaimed, pointing at Gengar, who was now lazily patting its rounded belly and licking its lips, clearly satisfied with its feast.


    Larry nodded with a smile. ¡°Yep. Gengar just gets stronger. That¡¯s it.¡±

 Chapter 30 - Overpowered Exorcist

    It took several moments for Satotz and Pyorn to process Larry¡¯s words. While their shock began to wear off, the weight of what they had just witnessed set in.


    A Exorcist with no real drawbacks. Such an ability was unheard of. Even Alluka Killua little sister that already borderline a miracle require a cost for every use, with some exception. Satotz cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. ¡°Mr. Larry, do you realize what this means? A Nen ability like yours... it¡¯s invaluable. Governments, organizations, even rogue hunters would do anything to control it.¡±


    Larry waved off the concern nonchalantly. ¡°Let them try. Gengar doesn¡¯t take kindly to bullies, and I¡¯ve got more than enough strength to handle myself.¡±


    Pyorn, still recovering from her earlier shock, added hesitantly, ¡°But you¡¯ll still have to be careful. The Hunter Association would never use force against you, but they¡¯re bound to take an interest... and other groups might not be so polite.¡±


    As they talked, Gengar had already devoured a massive chunk of the Death Aura in front of them. And maybe it was just an illusion, but the overall density of Death Aura in the area seemed to have dropped significantly.


    The commotion hadn¡¯t gone unnoticed. Other explorers quickly turned their attention toward them. "What the hell?! Why is the Death Aura disappearing so fast?"


    "Are you blind? Look over there! A Exorcist is at work!" A murmur spread through the crowd. Soon, all eyes locked onto Larry and Gengar. Some were excited, some were uneasy... and some had a dangerous glint in their eyes.


    In a shadowy corner, away from the prying eyes of the crowd, two figures in heavy black robes observed the scene silently. "Hey, Envy! That kid¡¯s ability to erase thoughts is incredible. Lust would love this!"


    A deep, gruff voice came from the larger of the two men, his gaze filled with malice. "Hehehehehehehe..." The thin man beside him, who looked sickly pale¡ªalmost like a dried-up corpse¡ªstared at Larry and Gengar with a twisted grin.


    Once the attention on Gengar faded, people started realizing that Larry¡¯s companions weren¡¯t just any random nobodies. "Wait a second¡­ That¡¯s Piyon, the Rabbit of the Zodiacs!"


    "No way¡ªyeah, that rabbit costume, it¡¯s really her!"


    "I¡¯d do anything to be Piyon¡¯s dog..."


    "And that guy¡ªIsn''t that Satotz, the Relic Hunter?!"


    A wave of recognition spread through the crowd. Larry, on the other hand, felt like he had misheard something. Did someone just say they wanted to be Piyon¡¯s dog? Still, he wasn¡¯t surprised that Piyon was recognized. She was a member of the Zodiacs, after all. But he didn¡¯t expect Mr. Satotz to be that famous too. Then again, considering the number of treasure hunters and relic seekers gathered here, it made sense that people would know about him. Before long, Larry and his group had become the center of attention.


    Larry glanced at the crowd¡¯s mixed reactions, but Piyon and Satotz remained unfazed. Maybe they were just used to it. "Alright, let¡¯s go." Ignoring the others, Larry led the way deeper into the Death Aura-infested ruins. Gengar floated ahead, continuously devouring the sinister energy, clearing a path for them.


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    With every step, the oppressive presence of Death Aura lessened. For Piyon and Satotz, it was an entirely new experience. They had spent their whole lives battling against Death Aura, burning their own aura just to resist it. But now? With Larry here, they didn¡¯t need to do anything. The Death Aura simply¡­ disappeared.


    A strange sense of pleasure bubbled up in their chests. For the first time, they weren¡¯t at the mercy of the Death Aura¡ªthey were actively erasing it. Larry strolled along calmly, while Piyon and Satotz remained on high alert, scanning the surroundings for danger. Even though Larry hadn¡¯t asked them to, both instinctively took on the role of guarding him. After all, a Exorcist wasn¡¯t supposed to have any combat ability. Right?


    Larry¡¯s Exorcist ability was already absurd¡ªit had to come at the cost of offensive strength. At least, that¡¯s what everyone assumed.


    Meanwhile, the crowd at the edge of the ruins grew restless. Seeing how effortlessly Larry¡¯s group advanced into the depths, some began to follow in hopes of discovering hidden treasures. And sure enough, they found them. But with the Death Aura no longer keeping them at bay, greed quickly took over.


    Fights broke out almost immediately. The damage caused by these skirmishes far exceeded anything the Death Aura had done. Unlike the Death Aura¡ª which would retreat once it met enough resistance¡ªhuman greed didn¡¯t have a limit. People fought desperately over the artifacts they found, their clashes far deadlier than the very force they had feared just moments ago.


    Unnoticed by the chaotic crowd, the two robed figures from before began moving. Thick swarms of insects clung to their bodies, suppressing their presence to near-invisibility, achieving a state as silent as "Absolute."


    As fights broke out behind them, Larry and his team effortlessly made their way deeper into the Solvren Ruins. After a while, Satotz, unable to contain his curiosity, finally spoke up. "Mr. Larry¡­ Have you ever reached the depths of the Karym Ruins?" Larry have confirmed he was the one clear the death aura there, this mean there¡¯s huge possibility Larry has finished explore the whole ruin.


    Larry glanced at him and nodded. "Yeah, I¡¯ve been there."


    Piyon and Satotz exchanged glances, their curiosity intensifying. Seeing their expressions, Larry added: "And I found something inside¡­ Something that will shake the entire Six Continents."


    Both of them tensed. Under their watchful eyes, Larry slowly began recounting what he had seen. "Inside that cave, I encountered a creature from the Dark Continent." The atmosphere instantly grew heavy. "One of the Five Great Calamities¡­ A Gas Lifeform known as Ai."


    Satotz and Piyon¡¯s pupils shrank in horror. A creature from the Dark Continent? Larry had actually encountered one of the Five Calamities?


    Larry connected the murals'' history with what he had encountered in the cave and explained everything in detail. "So that''s how it is..." Satotz and Piyon spoke in unison, their voices tinged with disbelief.


    Larry''s experience sounded incredibly dangerous, but what shocked them even more was the "purple nen beast" bouncing around in front of them. They had initially thought Gengar¡¯s ability was limited to absorbing Death Aura. But now, they realized¡ªeven creatures from the Dark Continent weren¡¯t safe from its appetite. And then there was the history of the Karym Ruins.


    According to Larry, the kingdom that once stood there had used its own people as fuel for the royal family''s power. Their greed for strength led to their downfall, and in the end, the entire kingdom was consumed. It was a chilling parallel to the nature of the Dark Continent itself. Was this all just a coincidence? Or was it some kind of deliberate design from the creative mind of Togashi?

 Chapter 31 - Water Glaze

    In the Dark Continent, hope and disaster always went hand in hand. The Five Great Calamities were prime examples¡ªlike Ai, the gas lifeform that drove people insane, which just so happened to inhabit areas rich in "trinity elixir," a liquid with incredible properties. Or the swamp region, home to Nitro Rice, an ultimate food that could extend one''s lifespan¡ªif one could get past the Hell Bell Rattlesnakes that lurked within. There was a saying: "When you find ''hope'' in the Dark Continent, don¡¯t celebrate¡ªbecause disaster is right behind it."


    As they chatted, the group arrived at the rumored location of the Water Glaze deep within the Solvren Ruins. "So this is the secret of the Solvren Ruins?"


    Larry exhaled softly, gazing at the massive cave ahead. A small hill sat in front of them, with a towering cave entrance about two stories high. From its dark depths, thick streams of Death Aura flowed like sewage, continuously spilling into the ruins.


    Yet, as they stepped inside, the scene completely changed. From the outside, the cave had seemed pitch black. But inside, it was surprisingly bright. The source of this light? Vines.


    Countless vines covered the walls like parasites, glowing faintly with a soft green fluorescence. They wove together so densely that not a single patch of the stone walls beneath them was visible. Larry furrowed his brows slightly and pointed at the vines. "Is this the Water Glaze?" He couldn''t hide his disappointment.


    Sure, the vines were pretty, but they were far from the legendary Water Glaze he had imagined. Piyon , however, quickly shook her head. "No, these aren¡¯t the real Water Glaze. They''re defective." She pulled out her signature pink rabbit-ear phone, snapped a few pictures of the vines, and began typing rapidly. A few moments later, she had the answer.


    "Water Glaze absorbs sulfur compounds, which strip away anthocyanins, giving it a mineral-like transparency," she explained. "These vines didn¡¯t absorb the compounds properly, so they¡¯re stuck halfway between green and clear. In short, they''re flawed. They might sell for a good price, but they''re nowhere near as valuable as the real thing."


    Larry recalled what he knew about Water Glaze from the original records. If the real thing existed, it had to be deeper inside. The further in they went, the closer they¡¯d get to the volcano¡¯s core¡ªwhere sulfur compounds should be more concentrated. That meant their chances of finding the real Water Glaze were much higher.


    Piyon  and Satotz agreed with his reasoning, and without hesitation, they pressed forward. As they walked, Larry carefully observed the walls, hoping to find murals or inscriptions like the ones in the Karym Ruins. But there was nothing. No writings. No carvings. Just endless twisted vines.


    Sensing Larry¡¯s unspoken questions, Piyon  took the initiative to explain. "The Solvren Ruins aren¡¯t like the Karym Ruins. They don¡¯t have a deep history or a kingdom¡¯s legacy. They¡¯re just remnants of small tribes that existed long ago¡ªnothing particularly unique." She gestured toward the lingering Death Aura around them. "These probably formed by accident. It might be related to the old customs of these tribes. In ancient times, many primitive tribes had brutal traditions¡ªlike human sacrifices. They believed offering lives to the heavens would bring peace."


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    Larry listened carefully, slowly piecing everything together. The Karym Ruins were a rare case. Even among the Six Continents, it were one of a kind. That¡¯s why people called it the ''Land of Death.''


    "Geng Ar! Geng Ar!" Gengar¡¯s cheerful voice suddenly echoed ahead. The purple ghost had been busy devouring the Death Aura as if it were a snack, patting its round belly in satisfaction.


    Piyon  tilted his head in curiosity, brushing back his golden hair as she smiled. "What did it just say?"


    Larry smirked slightly. "Gengar said the Death Aura here is way weaker than the Karym Ruins. It¡¯s not satisfied."


    "Huh?" Piyon  blinked in shock. Most people were terrified of Death Aura. She had never heard of someone complaining that it wasn¡¯t strong enough. Then again... Thinking about what Larry had told them earlier¡ªthat Gengar could grow by consuming Death Aura¡ªshe reluctantly accepted it.


    Time passed they finally reach deep in to the ruin. For the first time in history, people had finally set foot in this place. The cave was exactly what Larry, Piyon , and Satotz had expected¡ªscattered with old bottles, jars, and bizarre-looking jewelry. Given that this area had once been home to a tribe, most of the treasures were antiques rather than anything particularly powerful.


    Though it didn¡¯t hold a candle to the Karym Ruins, the items here were still likely worth a fortune. However, none of those relics caught their attention as much as what lay in front of them. On the wall ahead, four crystal-clear vines stood out like divine ornaments. The moment Piyon  spotted them, she whipped out her pink rabbit-ear phone, furiously snapping pictures. The rapid sound of keystrokes filled the air as she processed the information.


    Larry, on the other hand, wasn¡¯t about to wait. He activated his ability to analyze it directly.


    ***


    Water Glaze


    Formed from incredibly resilient vines growing deep within the Volcano. Over time, these vines absorb sulfur compounds, stripping away their anthocyanins and eventually becoming completely transparent..


    ***


    ¡®Bingo. ¡®This time, it was the real thing. Larry glanced over at Piyon , whose fingers were still flying across her phone at an insane speed. He couldn''t help but think¡ªany writer back on his home planet would kill for that kind of hand speed.


    A few moments later, Piyon  hit the final button with a dramatic flourish and exhaled deeply before turning to them with an excited gleam in her eyes. "This is the real deal! We actually found genuine Water Glaze!"


    Larry remained calm, but Satotz let out a breath of relief. If a member of the Zodiacs personally confirmed the authenticity, there was no room for doubt. Without hesitation, the three moved closer, eager to get a better look. None of them even spared a glance at the piles of treasures and antiques surrounding them. Why would they? Even a single piece of medium-length Water Glaze was worth more than everything else in the room combined.


    From a distance, Larry had already found Water Glaze to be stunning. But now that he was up close, he finally grasped its true beauty. Though it grew from the wall, it was distinct from the semi-finished vines they had encountered earlier. Instead of being tangled into the stone like a parasite, Water Glaze appeared to merely rest against the surface, as if it could be plucked away with a gentle touch.


    Dark green rings coiled around its transparent length, resembling the spirals of creeping vines¡ªan elegant contrast that only enhanced its allure. It was crystal-clear, yet somehow richer than mere glass, like solidified amber that would shatter at the slightest touch. Even in the dim cave, it shimmered like a gemstone, radiating an ethereal glow. Compared to the treasures beside it, the difference was night and day. Like the full moon against a flickering candle¡ªthere was simply no comparison. "This is one of the Seven Beauties of the World..." Larry muttered in awe, his voice barely above a whisper. "I wonder what the other six look like?"