Chapter 200

────I even thought I would never meet them again.

Various events from a year ago flashed through my mind.

The Phantom Troupe. A small group of elite criminals who were once A-Class Bounty Hunters.

After two days of bloody battle in Yorknew City, the Phantom Troupe was annihilated by me and my companions.

Immediately after, Kurapika's chain drove a wedge into his heart, and he was bound by multiple rules.

In the deep cage, while being humiliated, he should have been forced to face justice, holding onto a glimmer of hope—the possibility of revenge.

Of course, this could not be a Coincidence. They must have found my whereabouts through some means and came all the way here. I don't know what their purpose is...

Fortunately, not all of the Phantom Troupe were walking toward us.

Shalnark.

Shizuku.

Kortopi.

These three were all opponents I had directly engaged with. ──Although treated as non-combatants within the Troupe, Shalnark and Shizuku are definitely top-tier users. Moreover, Shalnark is also a rather intelligent person. This makes me look a bit pathetic.

If I were in my normal state, that wouldn't be a problem, but... just like I am now.

Among the rules Kurapika set for them, there are definitely four that remain in effect.

──From now on, the use of all Nen Ability is prohibited.

──Passing any of our information to others is prohibited.

Of course, when information is leaked by another person's Nen Ability, even written communication is subject to this rule.

──Do not commit acts that harm others.

──Obey and be judged according to the law.

Forbidden from using their Nen Ability and unable to harm others, they do not pose a real threat.

But that is because they follow the rules. If you are willing to break the rules in exchange for your life, your Nen Ability might activate just once.

I don't think they would do that... but expecting them to have such common sense is too dangerous. I must absolutely not let them realize that I am in a state where I cannot fight just in case.

If you find out. When you are attacked in exchange for your life, you must pass through it carefree. I wonder if I can do it now...

Furthermore, if they succeed in abolishing————

First of all, the reason they are on Greed Island, which cannot be entered without 'Cultivation', is because they cannot use Nen...

"... Meleoron, Shim.

Just before we make contact with them, I want you to stop and leave.

In the event of a fight, Meleoron, take Aisha and Shim and manage to Escape. You can run anywhere. I know where the three of you are, so I will join you later."

Uranus lowered his head, covered his mouth with his hand, and spoke to the two. There was still some distance, but he had to be wary of lip-reading.

I... did not object to his instructions. But I don't trust it. Uranus seems to know about the Phantom Troupe, but he must be an uninvited guest for me. It's impossible at such a bad time... Damn it!

If only I were the one harmed, I could still convince myself that it was what I deserved. But if these three unrelated people become victims, I...

"... What do you think, Aisha? Why are they here?"

Uranus asked me, but honestly, I don't know how to answer.

There is too little information. Look down as deeply as possible and hide your mouth from the front.

"I cannot judge right now.

I don't want to give you as much information as possible, so don't give me anything to protect me until the very last moment."

"Oh, that's what I meant.

... I'll tell you first. I know their Constraint rules."

Looking at Uranus's face. —The expression that can usually be described as cute has now become solemn.

"As an escort for the Phantom Troupe, I am accompanying you at Netero's request.

It was you who requested Netero to bring the Spiders.

... Ah, I remember now. Come to think of it, I think Netero mentioned your name on the phone."

"Oh, really..."

"At that time, Uranus was in Yorkshin."

"I came to Yorkshin with Netero, so it's hard to say I was there, but..."

"Through Netero, I heard about the laws that bind them."

—Originally, Kurapika's ability should not have been told to Netero. As long as you don't know where it leaked from, it is natural to keep information that serves as your lifeline secret.

However, the rules that bind them are also quite severe. If they didn't tell Netero about this matter, contact with humans who don't understand their rules would trap them between the law and other rules, and they might even willingly choose death. I didn't forbid contact with the abandoned, so I hope he absolutely stops it. If I use rules to bind it, I can easily choose death.

Therefore, I consulted Kurapika and notified Netero on a limited basis. If a problem arose with the escort due to a lack of information, that would be a problem.

Of course, I believe it was a necessary measure for Netero to tell Uranus about this. Even I know that Uranus is a trustworthy person.

If anything, I am surprised that Uranus has such a close relationship with Netero.... Well, he is the chairman of that guy. Isn't it strange to be on good terms with a well-trained Godhood Hunter?

"So you know Netero?"

"During the Hunter Exam, I had a bit of trouble with Gisang...

Since then, the relationship has been terrible. I am a good customer who buys my Kamiji, and I can't be reckless either."

After muttering, Uranus lowered the hand covering his mouth. We were getting closer and could hear each other's voices.

I suppressed my doubts and tried my best not to ignore the approaching madmen.

Uranus signaled behind him. The two behind me stopped.

The three members of the Phantom Troupe also walked toward us, staring straight ahead. Each one was expressionless.

────Contact.

A while ago.

After leaving Antokiba, the three members of the Phantom Troupe headed south.

"Ha..."

Shalnark let out a faint breath.

"What's wrong, Shalnark?"

Shizuku, who was walking side-by-side, asked curiously.

"About what...

Being able to see that girl again in a place like this, it really is a punishment, but I think I did the right thing."

Shizuku just tilted her head, not understanding his intention.

He didn't want to explain in detail, and he was too lazy to do so; he was truly too tired.

Imprisoned for a year. After experiencing many twists and turns, for the first time in a long while, I was able to breathe the air of Saba.

I collected information in Greed Island to the extent that it didn't violate the rules, wondering if I could find an exorcist or a method of exorcism, but...

The instructions came from above. He told me to go see a girl named Aisa.

I didn't even give him detailed information, so it's possible it's another person with the same name, but originally this is a place only Nen users can enter. It's unlikely to be anyone else.... Forcing us to bring along children who don't even know how to use Nen, I don't know what these people are thinking, but... for what reason and result must I go this far and face my nemesis?

Of course, this is much better than being alone in prison. No matter how absolute the obedience to the employer is, in this situation, a lot can be achieved with companions. You can even expect a sentence reduction in return.

As a Professional Hunter, I was only sentenced to about 200 years of imprisonment.... But my hope was too slim.

Regardless, I have no intention of making that possibility zero. What's more, this isn't the end of the sentence; other comrades can have their sentences reduced and get out of prison. Some of my comrades don't even have that possibility and are waiting for execution. The Leader is a Professional Hunter, but he is waiting for execution because the charges are too Heavy to offset.

I heard they will all be sentenced to death. Considering the crimes committed by the Phantom Troupe, this is natural.

However, it seems everyone did not resist and showed a submissive attitude to accept the punishment, leading to some members, including me, getting their sentences reduced. Regrettably, I have to admit that this is because of being bound by Kurapika's chains. It is possible that the people of Meteor City made the judgment more cautious, but that is just a guess.

These are the two people who were imprisoned the least after me. Shizuku has only been active in the Phantom Troupe for a short time, and Kortopi rarely participates in combat. Depending on the situation, the three of us must act with the Spider's regeneration in mind, so we can only proceed with caution.

In any case, being able to walk out like this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the entire Phantom Troupe to break out. A rare opportunity that couldn't be foreseen in prison.

... But. However, if I meet her face, I might crush this opportunity.

It is always dangerous. For some reason, myself outside of prison.

If that happens, they might be bound by stricter rules than they are now.

The one year of Stick-ing to a faint hope, the humiliating effort of wanting to be food might come to nothing. This is also the way the opportunity will not come again. After thinking about it, I didn't care.

Even from a distance, you can see four people walking toward you.

The two people walking in front look familiar. One is Aisa, after all. I cannot forget. The other is... in a different sense, someone I will never forget.

The two people behind are both wearing hoods, so I really can't tell.

"Shizuku. Please don't talk nonsense."

"Why?"

The constant lack of focus makes me irritable. This year seems to be on a whim.

"You should think about it yourself."

Kortopi, who was following behind me, rushed out.

"Hmm. I'm thinking."

Shizuku said something, but there was nothing but anxiety. I wouldn't say he is stupid, but his usual lack of thinking is like Uvogin. I can't tell myself.

I want to make it intense...

My life is at stake. And the future of the Spider.

... I think I have no choice but to do my best.

The distance where facial expressions can be seen. The other party seems to have been whispering until not long ago, and I know more. Also, stop the useless chatter.

Come on. Enemy.

At a relative distance of about 10m.

Both camps naturally stopped in their tracks.... Not suitable for talking, but in terms of combat distance, this is a distance I don't want to close any further.

I don't want to fight. With each other.

In the tense atmosphere, neither one's feet nor one's words could take a step forward.

Sighing, I walked closer.

If they find me too alert, they might realize I have been weakened. I must stand calmly. This is a dangerous distance, but I stopped at about three meters away, gently crossed my arms, and made a sound.

"Good mood, long time no see."

"I hope you are doing well too."

Shalnark returned without hesitation. Well, I hope to interact with him. Except for Chrollo, he might be the one who can best demonstrate leadership.... Actually, as a conversation partner, he might be even more troublesome than Chrollo.

Uranus, who walked from behind, lined up next to him and stopped.

"Yo, do you still remember?"

"Long time no see, you too."

"Eh? Who is it?"

Uranus and I, our shoulders both slumped. Shalnark lowered his head.

At Shizuku's words, Kortopi was surprised,

"Forget?

This is normal."

"Hmm? No, of course I remember this black-haired girl.

But over there... hmm? Girl? Where did you guys meet?"

Uranus, who was being pointed at, gave a dry laugh,

"I really forgot..."

"Is it that difficult this year?"

Shalnark looked at Shizuku's slightly sarcastic words, looking at Shizuku's face,

"No, I think I just don't remember.

If you don't care, that's how things are."

I am who I am, and I am a bit confused that they have no Poison.

I know they are a bunch of lunatics with no room for personality correction, but... if this happened a year after prison, could they be corrected? It's just too late...

If they solidify, they move like a Spider. This is beyond doubt.

But... if it's broken, I wonder if it's like this. There has never been a person who could forgive my heart.

"We don't want to talk for too long.

I want to finish my work as soon as possible."

Check what Shalnark tells you. I don't want to have long contact with you, same here.... But if you don't listen to what you need to hear, you will have too much anxiety later. This is dangerous, but...

I tightened my gaze, but did not break the arm.

"This won't work.

Tell me why you are here."

Shalnark made a bitter face. It seems he is not very good at lying. I cannot hide my feelings. Has his personality changed somewhat?

"──Staff. I want you to understand this."

Hearing this, there was some comfort in my heart. Like me, they logged in using a Staff Account. Otherwise, I cannot explain why they are here, as they cannot use their Nen Ability.

Perhaps the reason I said that is just because if I say something is for the sake of being a staff member, then I might touch the clause "prohibited from passing any information about us to others." From this point of view, it does not seem wrong to think that abolition is impossible. Kurapika should have noticed if it was abolished.

... But I am in trouble, this. The rules will prevent you from exchanging information with me. Shalnark and I might not interfere with each other, but considering my own safety, I cannot leave Uranus.

Uranus, who naturally listens to stories,

"Is that so?

Hiring death row inmates and ultra-long-term prisoners."

I looked at him as he spoke.

"This is one of the things a Professional Hunter can do with a Hunter License.

Under the condition of Absolute obedience, hiring prisoners who have committed serious crimes and death row inmates. For those who are easily restrained for a long time in this game, this may not be uncommon.

... Devil. Even so, I think most of the idiots who hire you all are."

Really. I certainly heard such stories from Netero.

But he is not one of those big criminals. It is the Phantom Troupe, former A-rank Bounty hunters. Who hired...

"Who is your employer?"

"Confidential."

I got the obvious answer. Shit!... I can't believe it's Ging. I am overwhelmed because this seems the most likely.

In that case, I want you to wear a collar. Of course, I don't think the Game Master neglected his supervision, but the fact that no one directly supervises those who have no sense of security even in prison...

I want to ask many things, but I almost feel like I will be knocked down...

"How long have you been working?"

"Don't know, look at the situation over there."

"Who is your manager?"

"Confidential."

"... Are there only the three of you in the Brigade?"

"Maybe, maybe not.

We cannot contact each other, we cannot even freely confirm their safety."

"... Is your Phantom Troupe the only one in this game?"

"Maybe."

…………

As for the current situation of the Brigade, perhaps I should go see them while they are captured. It is careless to leave it without checking once. I don't think there is such a thing.

But... their laws are closely related to ours. I want to avoid contact that would lead to their accidental death as much as possible.

Should I talk to Kurapika and change the rules? Absolute obedience is more flexible.... No, it's about them. When I take off the chain and try to re-tie it, I might consider making a notch. However, to unilaterally eliminate them while they are imprisoned...

... Well, something to think about now.

I spread my arms.

"I don't want to ask you anymore.

If you have something, go."

When I told him that, Shalnark was relieved.

"We also didn't receive any specific instructions.

To make contact with you.

I haven't heard any more news yet."

...?

What does this mean? In other words, the purpose is to make us face each other, to make us recognize each other?

I can think of a few reasons, but... this is another vague instruction.

"Hmm? Is that so?"

Shizuku's words after a pause.

Kortopi dropped his shoulders in disappointment. Shalnark's face was twitching.

Uranus and I could not help but smile bitterly.

I understand why you were lying down. This might be because I participated in my information and broke the law.

But I cannot even explain it. This makes me feel a bit regretful.

────This is exactly what Shalnark and the others were instructed to do.

"A girl named Aisha participated in the game as a staff member.

Contact them and tell them you are also a staff member."

So the goal has been achieved. Shalnark screamed in his heart for him to hurry up and leave.

"... In short, we have nothing to say.

Please finish quickly."

"..."

Do you still want to take revenge on us?"

"... Oh, so that's how it is."

"Do you want to break out of prison?"

"... I think just thinking about it is enough.

I can't think of anything specific."

"Do you think you can get away with it?"

"... Cannot answer."

Hmm... did I hear wrong?

"Then...

Is there anything you want to ask me?"

This is just out of curiosity. I am also looking for it.

"... Has your chest gotten bigger again?"

"I will kill you."

Even in this situation, this guy won't say anything nice. When I turned my killing intent toward him, Shalnark flinched.

"Um, sorry...

... Your hair seems to have grown longer. I wonder if it has returned to normal."

The Wind is blowing, so he seems to have noticed the length of my hair. While admiring that observational eye,

"Ah... still not enough.

I am trying various things to see if I can quickly stretch it to its original length. I cherish it."

"Really.

By the way, how many cups?"

"Shaln..."

Don't be discouraged, you jerk... If you forgive me for a moment, so be it. Even Kortopi was taken aback. And Uranus, why are you looking away?

I did not hide my anger and snapped my fingers,

"I am sorry for guessing.

I will blindfold those who get the correct answer. Even if it doesn't fall off, I will draw lots to remove some joints."

"Stop."

"Come, answer quickly, I am waiting for your joints to be removed."

"Sorry."

By the way, if you get it right, it is a trap, with the possibility of falling into a 'forbidden to tell others any information about us' trap. But, if Shalnark realizes this.

Uranus is cramping next to me, so it must be time. I am also exhausted.

"I don't want to hear anything from you either.

Since you are all done, let's break up quickly."

"Oh, if you can do that, that would be great.

I don't want to see you again."

Hearing Shalnark's words, I frowned slightly.

"I don't want to see you again, are you going to take revenge?"

"... To be honest, I really don't want to see you."

Ah, I believe that is it. They want to take revenge on Kurapika. Because it is the direct cause of being bound by the law and suffering humiliation.

But you know what? If you want to take revenge on Kurapika—or if you actually take revenge, you will definitely fight me.

"Alright."

Shalnark dodged to the side and started walking south. The two people following him.

Shizuku and Kortopi looked at our faces thoughtfully as they brushed past each other.

Uranus beckoned to the two people behind him. Meleoron and Seam rushed over.

We observed the rear of the Phantom Troupe as it left to the south for a while.

Looking at each other, not saying a word. Finally, I lowered my gaze.

"... Sorry. It seems like I invited them.

I put everyone in unnecessary danger..."

When I apologized, Uranus shook his head in denial,

"Aisha, you don't have to apologize."

"Aisha does not want to see them. Correct?"

"Mm, that is indeed the case, but..."

"This is the most terrifying part of Greed Island.

I am also a fated partner; I cannot say that only Aisha is the culprit.... In any case, I am glad that nothing happened. I think this is a blessing in disguise."

"Is that so..."

Taking one last look at the departing Phantom Troupe, we also began to walk toward our destination, Antokiba.

............ Where are they going?

Such a thought popped into my head.