Chapter 179

────tolove continued overnight.

"... Customer. Hmm, customer.

It's almost time to open the shop..."

"... What?"

Netero opened his eyelids hazily.

"Hm?"

I was sleeping in a strange place.

Perhaps because the pillow was too good, I couldn't find the strength to get up.

"... Netero."

"... Mm?"

"... ne, te, ro."

I heard a voice coming from beneath my head, and a hand pressed against my head.

"Hm?"

"... Please wake up. That. maklajanai."

"Nothing?"

Waking Netero. The sensation at the back of the head—

I woke up and got up quickly.

As I turned around, Aisha, who had been lying on her back, was slowly tidying her worn-out coat. Keeping her face composed.

In contrast to the sense of bliss remaining in the back of his mind, Netero's whole body was filled with blood. Ah, I died today...

"Hmm... Customer.

We are not that kind of restaurant, so please try not to do this as much as possible."

"No no no no! Misunderstanding!

Vashira, what is that?"

"... Netero. Please provide the contact information for Mizaistom-san."

"Wha... why?"

Aisha lifted her upper body, tidied her clothes and hair, her face still flushed.

"That person is a Crime Hunter.

... Yes. I have something to do now."

"No, seriously, wait a moment, calm down."

"Oh, sorry, shop clerk.

I might ask you to testify, so when the time comes..."

"Ha..."

"Stop talking. I really don't remember."

Netero covered his face with both hands and wept bitterly.

... By the way, that posture was the sleepy Aisha, so Netero was not bad.

"... Hmm. Then, thank you very much..."

"Hm..."

In front of the oden shop, the two, who had calmed down and looked somewhat tired, began to walk in different directions.

After a while...

"I think I said something outrageous..."

With a slight hangover, Aisha was in pain. After eating the oden, my memory completely disappeared.

If I had to say, the person in trouble was the Netero I heard about. This person was in pain himself, and he had to take it to the grave.... Although my mood was complicated, I was still quite happy in my heart.

"... Want to say.

Ah, I might have been drinking, sorry Mom and Dad..."

For Aisha, this was more of a problem.

"Hmm, I'm sweaty, I'll take a bath first, oh, I have to buy a bra first.

Not knowing where to go, the unstable girl went somewhere.

"Woo woo. My chest hurts so much..."

──Girl takes a bath──

"Unyaa. My chest is rumbling."

Dreaming dreaming.

──Girl tries on clothes──

"Wandering. It's a bit hot wearing a bra..."

Fluffy.

──Girl eats snacks──

"Ha. I finally calmed down. The ice cream is delicious."

Subiyo.

After bathing, shopping, and eating a light meal, Aisha paraded around the Hunter Association to kill time. The target was Pariston. The Poster issue seemed manageable, but I felt it wouldn't be good if I didn't do something about Pariston himself. Conversely, if the Poster was treated as a joke and he was punished appropriately, he could cut off future worries.

That is why I went around asking about Pariston's whereabouts.

At the very least, all the replies were that they didn't come today, didn't see him, or didn't know. But what was the former Vice President's purpose? And the end of the suspicion. Even for a moment, if Aisha, as a Hunter, desperately searched for Pariston, she would likely arouse suspicion.

Most importantly, I was noticed by Pariston's Bodyguard captain.

──As I was walking down the hallway of the Association building, a woman walked over from across the way, posing quite dramatically, blocking me as if I couldn't pass through here. What?

"Are you still Sheila?

Noha, who is looking for Master Pariston?"

"Oh, yes.

... That is correct. You?"

I didn't know what to ask, but she was an influential woman; once you see her, you won't forget her.

That's right. I saw him in his campaign speech video. I'm sure...

"Oh, do you know me?

... Hmm.

I am the cute beauty, Kavami Hunt, captain of Pariston's Bodyguards.

Former Chairman Aisha Koza is also quite lax when it comes to collecting information."

"Ha.

... I'm sorry about that."

I didn't even have the strength to reply. I don't know what would happen if I tried to poke such a pink, mysterious creature with a shovel. Is this the cute Hunter I heard about... m.

"So, Sheila, what do you want from Master Pariston?"

"Ah, yes. That...

I want to meet him in person. It would be good to have some news.

This is a private matter, and I don't want to talk to anyone but him, so..."

"Oh!? What on earth is Sheila!?

This is a private matter with Pariston...!

As Master Pariston's Bodyguard captain, I cannot underestimate you!"

Wait a minute, this person! I don't want to get involved.

It will be troublesome if I get entangled any further, so I'd better end this early.

"Um.

I don't have any connection with him anymore. I recently lost the use of it.

That's why there's nothing to worry about, right?"

"Hmm. Is it really Sheila?"

He circled around me, staring at my whole body without hesitation. What?

"Pfft, pfft.

You...

The material is cute, but isn't the essential sense of fashion ruined?

Is it because you want to join Master Pariston's Bodyguards or something, Sheila?

If that's the case, if you say so, I will coordinate for you as soon as possible, Noni. Most importantly, if my presence is a condition, I will meet Master Pariston—"

"No, no, no!?

I'm sorry!"

Who is this person, why should you get a free meal!? Go away!

"Oh, don't be shy, nte.

How wasteful are you?

Even if you are a Nen Ability user, you are naturally cute, so how can time pass so quickly? Do you know that it is important to work hard to maintain it and work hard to keep it beautiful?"

"Um, I don't understand what you mean by 'cute' in the first place...

Never mind—"

"Oh!?

You don't even know this! You have already lost a lot of life, Luwa!

Fine, I will tell you, Gel. Okay, can you listen to me finish? What I mean by cute is—"

Oh my!?

──I listened to countless stories I didn't want to hear, kept refusing the mysterious and beautiful invitation to join the Royal Guard, and when I was finally released without being broken, an hour had passed in vain. Ha...

Giving up completely on investigating Pariston's whereabouts, I returned to the Association purely to kill time.

Cute Hunter... hey. You really can do anything, Hunter. What kind of creature is that? I don't want to get involved anymore. Who gave him a star?

... Come to think of it, I haven't decided what kind of Hunter I want to be yet. Leina also said she isn't active, so I don't have to force myself to decide either...

Go inside the Association and take a look, and you will find things related to various Hunters, such as the XX Hunter meeting room and the XX Hunter archives.

After all, Hunters often hunt. Kurapika calls himself a Blacklist Hunter, but apart from the Phantom Troupe's bounty, does he have any intention of hunting for bounties?

I have never heard of such a thing. The reason I obtained the single title was probably just for the convenience of retrieving my Scarlet Eyes.

However, if you are thinking of looking for other bounties, I hope you talk to me. Kurapika has a strong sense of justice. It is absolutely impossible to trade for Scarlet Eyes—

"Hey, you"

"... Yes?"

I have been feeling your gaze. No, seeing them is not uncommon. If it is the Association Headquarters, it is inevitable. Because of the inquiry, it also got some attention.

However, very few people talk to it. Most of them just stare.

Turning around, I saw a white one-piece dress, with cherry-colored long hair hanging down... Hmm? Lady? Male? The voice is a bit masculine...? There is a person.

I looked at him vigilantly, and also because of what just happened, he shrank back and gently raised both hands,

"Hmm, I'm sorry.

If I called out to you suddenly and made you angry, I apologize."

"... I'm not angry."

"Is that so?

By the way, are you Aisha Koza?"

"Yes, that's right. Do you need something from me?

... Or rather, in what capacity?"

Is that so? It's like I've met you somewhere before. Where was it...

"Apologies for not mentioning your name.

My name is Uranus Cherry.... I called you yesterday."

"Ah, I just remembered.

Come to think of it, we brushed past each other in the hall yesterday."

Hmm?? This person said something when passing by.

"If you have time, I would like to talk to you."

Is that so? What is it.... If you are detaining me for a request related to a Hunter, please don't make it difficult. No way, this isn't a second solicitation for a Bodyguard.

I want to say I'm busy, but I'm actually really bored right now... I want to hang around and kill time after this.

"... I have time now, but if it's a job request or solicitation, that's a bit..."

"Ah, no.

Right now, it's just to talk. I don't want to force myself to invite you.

Even if you ask for something, it's not a matter of doing something right now.

I can't find anyone to talk to, so I'm really in trouble."

"Ha.

... Please let me think about it."

I took my Mobile Phone out of my pocket and checked the time. It is 11:00 AM.

Hmm. Netero said 3 days, but it's possible he might call immediately...

You should be able to respond at any time. That is why I came to the Association Headquarters for the time being.

Pointing at the floor.

"It doesn't matter if it's in this building.

Also, I don't know when something sudden will happen again, so if it's while we are talking..."

"Yeah, that's fine.

It would be helpful if you could listen to what I have to say."

The man with cherry-colored hair? He seemed relieved.

He turned and started walking, so I followed him. Yes... I guess he's a man. It's hard to tell, but the skeleton and center of gravity are like that. The flowing White Dress and carefully groomed cherry-colored hair are like that. A slender figure, a staggering gait... is he really a man? I've lost confidence.

In the meeting room reserved by the man, I sat down on a suitable round chair. The man also sat on a nearby chair.

"Well, let's start again.

I am Uranus Cherry. I am a Rune Hunter."

"Really..."

Kamiji. Simply put, it is a special character written with heart. It is mainly used to enhance Nen Ability or to Fixed a Nen Ability onto an object.

"I am Aisha Koza.

I don't have any particular activities, so I'm just a Hunter."

"Hmm?

... Some rookie Hunters haven't determined their policy yet, but are they really doing nothing?"

"..."

"If you investigate, you will know; if that were the case, I don't think I would go out of my way to talk about it."

"Hmm.

Then what is your time used for?"

"Then what did the Rune Hunter do to me?

... Ah, can I ask you a question?"

"Yeah, what is it?"

"... Yesterday you spouted nonsense at me, and that was that."

"Yes, you remember?

I'm sorry..."

Mr. Uranus scratched his cheek with a sour expression. A bit cute.

"... If it's inconvenient, I won't ask you anymore.

Even if you tell me what you need."

Honestly, I'm really worried.... I know that's my aura, but I was and am still using 【Angel's Veil】, so there shouldn't be any special feeling.

"Hmm... well, I will prioritize this topic.

Do you know Greed Island?

Is that so? What happened?"

"... I, yes."

Hmm, yes.

I bent over, pressing my forehead in pain. Ugh, bad memories, bad memories... why is it like this today...

"Oh, hmm? Is that okay?"

"... I have a lot of experience."

"Oh, he is an experienced player!

I am glad if that is the case, it will be quick and helpful."

Mr. Uranos crossed his arms and nodded happily.

"That... hmm."

Mr. Uranos tilted his head at me, as I seemed to have difficulty speaking.

"Ah...

If that is the case, are you a little cutie who has suffered a lot?"

I put my hand to my mouth.

"Hmm. Yes, that's right."

Yes. I heard you had a terrible experience that really made you sick. This is the place where things went least smoothly in my life as a Hunter.

"As far as the reaction I see goes, the hope is slim...

I don't mind. I'm just talking.

Honestly, I am looking for a partner to beat it.

Well, depending on the situation, you don't have to clear it."

I tilted my head. Entering this game for purposes other than clearing it...

"If you don't clear it...

Are you using Specified Pocket Cards in the game?"

"That is the only thing... I don't think so.

Are there any other reasons to enter Greed Island?"

"... Criminals? A hideout."

"This is a game that only Nen users can enter; it feels like hiding in a place where experts gather is futile. If you are planning something using Specified Pocket Cards, that seems possible."

"Hmm...

That might be the case. There is also a shaper."

"... And.

Do you know that it was finally cleared and reopened recently?"

"Restarted?"

"Ah, you didn't know it stopped in the beginning?

After someone cleared it, I couldn't enter Greed Island for a while.

Recently, I have been able to get back in.

There was a long time between the clearing and the restoration, but I think they might have changed the events for the Specified Pocket Cards."

"Ha.

... I see, maybe that's true.

If the acquisition method has always been the same, it seems that as long as players cooperate with each other, they could easily clear it repeatedly."

In fact, my friends seem to be talking about this too. If you do it well, you might be able to clear it repeatedly.

I don't want to get involved in the discussion because I don't like it anymore. It seems Mr. Genthru and the others didn't cooperate, so it ended up in a stalemate.

"Hmm...

That area will be taken care of. Well, let's leave the details for later.

Last time I played alone, I collected as many as 70 types, but what about you?"

"............"

Looking down. What should I do...

"... Oh, don't force it if you don't like it."

"────Cleared."

Uranos's movements stiffened. I rolled my eyes.

"............ mm?

Oh yeah? Wow, another one."

"That...

Cleared.

The number of people is quite large, even though the rewards are a bit messy, but..."

"..."

Ha!

I thought it was nothing more than that, but this surprises me... I am so surprised!

I outsmarted those hame-gumi and Tsezguerra.

Hmm... I know they didn't clear it."

Mr. Uranos scratched the top of his head.

"Isn't this for my curtain..."

"If it happens again, can't you team up with the same friends to clear it?"

"............

House.

I can't go in anymore. I cannot reach my goal."

Uranos tilted his head. I don't know why.

"By the way...

Can't you go with the same friend again? Can't you enter Greed Island anymore?"

"... Now, go to Greed Island.

Even if I go in, I would just be an Obstacle."

"Hmm.

... It feels strange that I cannot achieve my own goal, or that I am an Obstacle."

That is what I wanted to say... why that game brought me resistance...

I am a Boss Attribute...

Mr. Uranos fixed the shoulders of his clothes and rubbed his hands.

"Sorry. I'm a bit curious, so please tell me as much as you can.

Do you mean you didn't reach your goal?"

... Oh, that's fine. Even if you complain a little, you won't be hit.

"I wanted a designated Pocket Card, and I got it myself.

That... it doesn't work on me."

"Hmm?

k, ka, na, i, is... that kind of ability?"

"... Even if it's not a hit, it's not far off."

"Eh...

No, the interesting thing is that it doesn't work. If it's an ability, it seems somewhat flexible.

If that's the case, what I thought of is a Manipulation System problem..."

"..."

"Hmm?

No, well, I'm not trying to guess the answer."

I exhaled. It has almost been confirmed, so there is no need to keep it Hidden.

"... That is correct.

I already have a Manipulation System ability, so other Manipulation Systems don't work."

"It's a first-come, first-served rule.

Suppose a Hunter who fights against antipsychotics and causes immediate failure might use a defensive method, intentionally eating a harmless Manipulation System first, but...

You won't be able to obtain other auxiliary effects, and the only way to remove it is to ask the caster to remove it or remove it yourself."

"..."

"Even if you have already gotten rid of it, are you willing to do something about it?"

"Empty."

"... Hot Spring.

This is annoying. As you know, high-level Nen Ability usually contains a Manipulation System, so you won't be able to obtain powerful support."

Someone told me: 'Hmm?' and grabbed it. Contains...

"... Wait a minute.

This isn't just about playing with the Manipulation System ability, first-come, first-served."

"Yes, that's right.

Anything that contains a Manipulation target's Manipulation System is useless.

There is no rule that you must narrow your ability down to one lineage."

So that's how it is... I accidentally misunderstood Hormone Cookies as a Transmuter type because it has the effect of changing gender... but that wasn't a misunderstanding. Does it have a sex?

I don't know if the Boss Attribute not activating is because the Manipulation System didn't work, so the Transmuter system didn't work either. I don't know, I haven't tested it. Well, regardless of the result...

I thought idly while Mr. Uranos explained various things.

"If it is an auxiliary effect containing a Manipulation System with a time limit, of course, you can hit the enemy's Manipulation System during that period, so it is still very useful, but...

Well, not many people have the ability to spare no effort to create a high-level support 'Departure'."

"..."

"This support effect also applies to Greed Island items, right?"

"Of course it does.

Designated Pocket Cards have many Manipulation Systems and have an obstructive effect, so the benefit of not being manipulated later is also great."

"Ah.

Connections or something. Like the Rainbow Diamond."

"Well, that's right.

I think this lineup is a bit strange."

It's hard for me to say that. It's not like what I wanted.

"For now, I understand that the goal cannot be realized.

... Aside from giving up, I probably cannot find a solution. It depends on what you want."

... Hm?

"Hmm, that is...

Does this mean there are things that can be managed without sparing any effort?"

"..."

One. This is something I cannot answer. Hm? If you are curious, please consider it yourself.

... No, no. If you ask me whether I want to use a Hormone Biscuit now...

Yes? Stick, wait a moment.

I give up... because this is absolutely impossible. It should be

--Ah? When you said there might be hope, I wavered a little.

"... Is it okay if I don't answer?"

I lowered my head in thought, then hurriedly raised it.

"Hmm. No, no.

... Well, I am curious, but..."

"...

If you talk about it, it is a trade-off.

I said whether it is possible to handle things without sparing effort.

You said what you wanted.

In response, I will say whether it can be done."

Mr. Uranus, you are a good person... You have already answered, haven't you?

But in the end, I don't know if the Hormone Biscuit will be included in the things I can manage...

... Hmm, not bad. Tell it to future generations!

"Ho, it's a Hormone Biscuit."

Mr. Uranus, who had an androgynous face, widened his eyes: "Hmm!?"

What is this... what is this strange awkwardness? Ah...

"... Hm.

Yes.

No personal matters, yes.

Hmm... the order is reversed.

First, the answer to whether an item can be managed without being abandoned is...

First, this is not just about controlling items."

"?"

"It is probably not limited to items in the Specified Pocket, but...

Nen Ability products that can be obtained within Greed Island... all special items can be 'remodeled'."

"Ah..."

Hearing this, my spine straightened.

... Changing the effect of an item. Yes, I have an idea.

----'Return Postcard to the Dead'.

If you write a letter to the deceased on the postcard, you will receive a reply from that person the next day.

I had Leina give it to me as a reward for clearing it... an item I gave to my father so he could interact with the mother I killed.

That, Dad...

With that item as the core, single-handedly materializing the mother who only knew the dead into... a Nen Bead.

Under the condition that each postcard can be kept for a maximum of 24 hours, my mother was able to exist physically in this world again.

There is an example----

"I feel like I know something...

Can we continue talking?"

"Oh, yes."

Mr. Uranus sighed,

"So, this is a type of Hormone Biscuit...

I cannot be certain as I haven't studied it properly, but to the point where it doesn't work on you, it definitely has a control effect."

"... Yes."

"It also changes your body instantly, so I think this is definitely a combination ability of Transmutation + Manipulation, but..."

"..."

Mr. Uranus pressed his palms together with Goo.

"This is just a theory. Uh...

If it is just an item that changes the body structure into the opposite sex's structure, this might not be impossible."

"..."

"However... what is certain is that he is manipulating hormones, and if he were to turn his body into the opposite sex without manipulating hormones..."

"..."

Listening, my head lowered.... Yes, this is correct.

"This is no different from forcing someone to have the body of the opposite sex through surgery.

For surgical sex reassignment, it will take more time, and we will resolve it through hormone injections..."

... Uh.

"Hmm, it is twisted.

It is very likely to cause physical and mental changes, and if it goes poorly, it will shorten your lifespan.... No, it definitely shortens it.

... I will check it. For now, like the Hormone Biscuit, right?"

"... Yes."

"I don't know... then it would be difficult.

The only thing I can think of right now is a combination of the Hormone Biscuit and hormone injections that only change my body, but even after a day, even if I return to my original sex, the injected hormones remain the same. I don't think this will cause any real harm."

"Ah..."

Is it bad after all?... I knew it, damn it! Always hitting the punchline!

As I lowered my head, showing my disappointment,

"... Just for investigation, are we going to investigate?"

"Yes?"

When I raised my head, Mr. Uranus scratched his cheek somewhat awkwardly,

"It might take time, but as long as you have the Hormone Biscuit, you can do research.

Possibly, there is a way to change sex without risk, using only the changing system...

The possibility is a bit grim, but I don't know if it is absolutely impossible."

Uh... but this pattern is useless after all.

I don't know why, but I don't have this premonition. Why?

"I... uh, that...

This takes time and money, and you don't have to spend precious energy on uncertainty...

I have already given up."

Yes, I am going to give up... as a woman, I pursue happiness... I don't know.

Mr. Uranus made an embarrassed expression and placed his Finger on the table beside him.

"... Well, let me say it to you, isn't it unfair to keep silent?

That was one of the projects I initially wanted to research."

"?"

When I tilted my head because I didn't understand,

"Modifying items available on Greed Island was one of my research topics.

That is why... I am too, right?"

That? Uranus's face flushed red.

Come to think of it, this person resembles a young girl...

"That is... something called Gender Identity Disorder...

Hmm...

... I want to be a woman."

... Oh.... I see.

... The world... is not going well.

In front of Mr. Uranus, who revealed his secret with a blushing face, my expression became enlightened.

"--Eh!? No, but.

Uranus, aren't you supposed to eat the Hormone Biscuit normally? In the game."

"... Even if I became a woman for a day in the game...

No, I have been doing this for a long time, I don't believe in it, so I want it.

I want to use it long-term outside of the game."

"Hmm.

Then I have no choice but to clear it..."

"But...

Hey, do you know how many days in total you can change your sex?"

Ah.

Well, if I remember correctly, it is a set of 1x1 box per day x 20 x 10 boxes...

"... 200 days, isn't it?"

"Do you think this number is enough to clear and obtain it?"

"Ah..."

That's it. I also thought about this problem. I mean, I don't know about an item that only lasts for one day...

"I am, and you are too.

Even if you could adapt to the sex you want for 200 days, would you be satisfied?

Honestly, I am scared."

"..."

"I also want to do something about this.

It would be great if it could be mass-produced, but I want to aim for modifications like increasing the effective number of days.

That is why...

The variable, risk-free Biscuit you want is not entirely unrelated research. It takes time, and it is impossible to fully research it within the game."

"I see..."

I don't think I have that kind of passion... I want to do Training.

Excellently...

Mr. Uranus wouldn't say it, but I'm sure he doesn't like undergoing gender reassignment surgery. The reason I refused is that I wouldn't be able to return to my original gender. Hormone Biscuit is very effective for him, so it's natural to approach him from there.

Mr. Uranus fiercely slapped Eri into a mess,

"Hoo...

Alright, let's talk about this too.

For me, Hormone Biscuit is not my main, desperate Sepa; in fact, there is something I want right now."

"What is it?"

"... Witch's Rejuvenation Potion."

"Ah...

If there were a list of items I wanted, that would definitely be in the top three."

"Probably."

"Uranus, how old are you now?

Sorry, you don't look old enough for me to worry about your age."

It's partly because my body is slim, but frankly, I'm still a child.

"Wow! Young!

Aren't you a child?"

"Rude.

You don't look like a child at all."

"Ingredients...

Don't tell me what you look like!"

Perhaps from the perspective of a Fugura, I look older. Pfft.

You are using your Manipulation to make yourself look younger... aren't you? I can't look at it that way."

"Hmm. Are you thinking about something rude?"

Mr. Uranus stared at me sitting in the chair again.

"Where did it come from?

That inhuman Life Energy."

—Jolt. I was confused because I didn't quite understand what you were asking.

"... What do you mean?"

"You are hiding quite a bit of aura, aren't you?

As expected, if it weren't for this period of time, I might have figured it out."

I looked away. I couldn't find an excuse.

As pointed out, this is also a problem with the 【Veil of the Angel】. It can mask my aura, tricking it into a state of ticking like a normal person, but it doesn't cause much stagnation; instead, it exposes that I am hiding it. Though, for many users.

But... Mr. Uranus shouldn't be able to perceive the Hidden aura itself.

However, my latent Qi capacity seems to have been refined through Ren.... How?

Mr. Uranus sat down, sitting straight in front of me.

"... I might ask you to help me clear the game...

Let me explain. Just don't say anything else."

"... Yes.

Conversely, I am the same."

"Of course.

You don't have to worry about being subject to Manipulation; I feel it's a bit safer, but are you really okay?"

"... I don't know how to handle what you already know.

Whether to pass on any further information is up to me."

"You are smart... worthy of being the former president."

"Stop.

... I stand out, and I'm really in trouble."

Mr. Uranus covered his mouth strangely,

"As expected.

It looks like he won't try hard to become president; I find that strange."

"Already! The story continues."

"Bad.

These eyes of mine."

He used his Finger to pull down his lower eyelid, making his brown eyes look larger,

"If the pores of the eyes are opened, you can see the aura normally."

Even in the Absolute state, one can see things beyond the aura field.

My eyes have been like this since birth."

... Except for Aura?

"I can see it.

Nen Ability can be said to be the power of the source of Qi—Life Energy and Spiritual Energy."