Chapter 411: Episode 68

One week later, we gathered 15 friends and visited the town of Sovrabi again.

Negotiations with the Tsezgera group were successful, and we secured the cooperation of four players, including their leader, Tsezgera. As a result, 10 people were assembled into a powerful combat force. The remaining five were players who wanted to return to the real world but were unable to do so due to a lack of ability. I cannot count on them to be a combat force, but I will not argue about the distribution of rewards.

The contents of the nine sports games in the Pirate event we are challenging from now on have been revealed. We decided in advance who would be in charge of which game and formulated detailed countermeasures. If the rules are the same as before, we should be able to win these nine games. If you lose, you can replace the substitute member and try again.

By the way, the duel with Hisoka has been put on hold until this match is over. Perhaps once the battle begins, it will come to an end. Fooling around is not enough. First, you should focus on clearing Gon's game.

Although I was worried about whether Hisoka could endure it, I expressed some understanding for his prioritizing the appointment with Gon and the others. He seemed to know that I had no intention of running away here, so he decided to wait quietly.

"In the past week, the Genthru group has obtained new cards, reaching 97 cards. For them, only two cards remain, 'Blue Planet' and 'OneTsubo Coastline'. I will get 'OneTsubo Coastline' in advance."

I know where the pirates' hideout is, but if I go there directly, there is a possibility I won't be marked, so I stopped at the tavern as before. Perhaps because members had been there before, this time I was guided to the hideout without going through a strength test.

"Oh, it seems you've come to challenge again. Haven't you learned? Do you need me to explain the rules?"

"No, if there are no special changes, I don't mind if you start."

"Alright. Then, let's go play the first game."

The pirate in charge of Boxing looked at the nine with a terrified expression, but even if I wasn't worried, it wasn't my turn yet. Since the seeds for this match are well-known, it seems those who are good at it should take it on individually.

Barry, a member of the Tsezgera squad, stepped into the ring. The opponents were relieved when they saw him, but I don't think there is any room for complacency. The match started, and Barry quickly stepped forward.

"This guy is a fighter...!"

If he commits to melee combat immediately, the advantage of using the Emission System for range will be reduced. Since he had to be on guard, his fists had no chance to teleport, and Barry's one-sided attack continued.

"Winner, Barry!"

After that, although the pirates were knocked down several times, they played well, but they were still defeated. The second game, Bowling, was won by Tsezgera's Rodriot, and the third game, Penalty Kick, was won by Cusu, who also belongs to the Tsezgera group.

None of them used any special abilities; the victory was because their basic strength exceeded their opponents'. Even in sports games with rules, if the use of Nen is allowed, the ultimate test is not the ability as a player, but the skill as a Nen user. For the side that took appropriate measures and preparations, this is a reasonable result.

"Fushiki, it seems you can't deal with my subordinates. Well, let's go next time."

However, the unexpected thing here was the appearance of the pirate captain, Razor. Although it was only the fourth battle, the sudden appearance of the boss caused quite a stir. I thought something like this would definitely be the final Wall at the end of the game.

But in a way, this is a good development. Once a player participates in a game, regardless of win or loss, they cannot participate in another game. A player cannot play multiple games in a row. Now that the third round has just ended, there are enough members who can fight here, and there is room for choice.

"The game format is dodgeball. Please choose 8 players to participate."

Just as I was wondering what that was, a mass of Aura gathered around Razor, forming shapes. It manifested seven Nen Beasts, each with a number. This is Razor's ability, a Nen Beast user.

"Wait a minute! Eight people for one game? Then what happens to the victory? One person wins one game, right?"

"Of course. So the team that wins this game gets eight wins. Easy, right?"

In other words, even if we win 7 games against the minions, if we can't defeat Razor, it's meaningless. It's like getting 100 million points on the last question of a quiz show. No matter how many times you try, unless you can defeat Razor, you won't be able to get 'OneTsubo Coastline'.

However, if Razor's priority is to weaken our strength, it would be better to postpone this game. After 7 wins, all the substitute members are reserves, so it is possible to win with an overwhelming advantage. It can be said that just not doing that is a matter of Conscience.

Then I wanted to tell you to leave from the first round, but as expected, the bugs are too good.

"Oh no, three members of the Tsezgera group are gone, and the remaining seven are the combat force."

"There is no choice but to choose one of the substitutes."

"Eh!?"

"I know the situation has changed."

"I'm going to play dodgeball with a Nen user."

The substitute member's complaint. Admittedly, I didn't count him as combat strength at first, but I didn't expect him to be this weak.

However, if the hiring is not good, there is a possibility of a dispute with someone who increases the reward, so there is a place that deliberately chooses people with this personality. From their perspective, coming here is a Contract, so there is no reason to do more.

"Those who don't want to go out don't have to, right? 7 people, then."

"I can't do that. I've already gathered 15 people, so I must get the exact number of players specified."

"You're one person, aren't you?"

Gon accused Razor of using Nen Beasts to form a team. However, as long as it is recognized that it is just in case, it cannot be strongly criticized. Razor does not seem to want to change the rules.

"It can't be helped, Gon. Your opponent is a character in the game."

"That's right."

"Hmm? Did you just say Gon...?"

As if something had touched a chord, Razor began to observe Gon intently.

"Now that you mention it, there is some resemblance. What is your father's name?"

"Ging."

Hearing this name, Razor began to laugh as if he had been convinced. Immediately after, a powerful Aura erupted from Razor's body. The fighting spirit swelled so intensely that it was hard to believe it was blocked by a single skin. At a glance, it was clear that this person was no ordinary person.

"Someone told me not to relax when you came. It was your father."

"...!! You know Ging!?"

"This feeling of intimidation, compared to ordinary thugs... who are you...?"

"He is definitely one of the game masters. He is not a fictional character; he is a real person."

Tsezgera said that Razor is a real person, just like us. Furthermore, it is said that he is one of the creators of Greed Island. Must be strong.

"Could it be that Ging is also on this island?"

"If you can defeat me, I will answer that question."

Faced with Razor's intimidation, Gon did not flinch. On the contrary, he seemed even more determined. However, on the other hand, the substitute members of this team lost their nerve just by seeing Razor's Aura and started to run away.

"Hey!? This is no joke! If you fight that thing, you'll be killed!"

"Hey, wait!"

"Fine, leave me alone, I won't drag you down."

"But the next game is..."

"There are enough people, two of us are enough."

Aura gathered around Golainu, and a Nen Beast appeared. It was a gorilla covered in thick white fur. Is he also a Nen Beast user? Razor's team can also count Nen Beasts. There is no reason not to accept this. Players from both teams are on the court, and the game will proceed without any problems.

"I will explain the rules! At the start of the game, there are 7 players on the inside and 1 on the outside. Players hit by the ball will be out. You can return to the inside, and as an important rule in this game, we adopt an 'Emission System' for hit judgment."

If a thrown ball hits two or more players without boundaries, they are all out. However, in this situation, if someone can catch the ball before it touches the ground, then everyone is safe.

"Can I check one thing? If an attack directed at a teammate succeeds, will that player be out?"

"If the ball is thrown to a teammate, it is considered a pass."

Golainu asks Razor a question. The offense is to throw the ball at the opposing team's infield players to get them out. First, do not target your allies.

"But you can use your Nen Ability in this match. 'That situation' might happen. Well, it's also possible to attack your allies. Is that okay?"

"Oh, I see."

As a possible scenario, one could control enemy players with a Manipulation ability. I wonder if Golainu is a Manipulation ability. However, he has already shown his Nen Beast ability. Most importantly, it is hard to imagine he even possesses the ability to manipulate living things.

Perhaps there is a workaround. I don't know what they intend to do, but everyone's ability to possess different Nen Abilities varies, so it was decided to leave individual strategies to the individuals themselves, as long as it does not interfere with teamwork.

The court is 12 meters long and 24 meters wide. The infield court is 12 meters square on each side. Subjectively narrow. Players from both teams line up on the field. The referee will be the Nen doll "Number 0" created by Razor.

●Gon Team

Gon

Killua

Biscuit

·Nine

Golainu

Hisoka

Tsezgera

Golainu Nen Beast (Outfield)

Razor Team

Razor

No. 2

No. 5

No. 7

No. 1 (Outfield)

"Then we will start the match while throwing the ball in from the sideline. Ready, start!"

We control the jump ball, our team goes first. Rather, the enemy dares to retreat in this regard. First of all, do you mean to watch the handwork?

"Don't worry, I will bite you instead of greeting you."

Golainu passes the ball. The attack is excellent, knocking down one of the enemy's Nen dolls. Golainu catches the ball that spilled into the outfield, and the next second throw also kills an enemy effortlessly. Moreover, the ball rolls in this area again, and the offense continues.

"What the hell, both of them are out! Looking at you panting, this is no big deal either!"

A player from Tsezgera's group who was watching the match poured a cup of tea. The Nen doll stood there eating the ball. Razor himself looks strong, but isn't the ability of the Nen dolls not very high?

It is too early to draw conclusions now. The opposing team's outfield is joined by two players, and there is a formation surrounding three sides. Dodgeball is a sport where the number of outs is not a simple measure of strength. Relying on the cooperation between the infield and outfield, it is easy to reverse the superior and inferior positions. It is best not to let your guard down. As proof, Razor has not lost his composure.

"Alright, end the pleasantries here, it's time to fight back."

"Interesting, give it a try!"

Golainu throws the ball to Razor. It looks like he was provoked, but the ball is faster and more powerful than his previous throws. I never underestimate Razor. However, Golainu's serious throw did not cause any accidents, accompanied by a dry sound.

"Oh, you stopped it with one hand...!"

And the fighting spirit quietly radiating from Razor. It's not like I put a lot of aura inside. However, their natural behavior makes them more cautious. The bad feeling became reality in the next moment.

"Hmph."

This is Razor's first throw. The speed is simply lethal. Even if we are Nen Users, how can we talk about it as a sport? That power is simply too ridiculous, I can only think that he threw it with killing intent.

Even for Golainu, it must have been incredibly fast. Although he was prepared to receive it, the reaction of his aura simply couldn't keep up. You can't avoid it either. Nine tried to run away, but at this distance, help would definitely be too late.

The best case is serious injury, the worst case is death. However, what everyone thought was an unavoidable serious injury unfolded in an unexpected direction. Just before the ball hit Golainu, his body changed instantly. Appearing there was the Golainu Nen Beast that should have appeared in the outfield.

The white gorilla Nen Beast was hit by Razor and flew apart. On the other side, the caster Golainu seemed to want to replace the Nen Beast, instantly Aporting to the outfield.

Most likely, it has a special ability to switch positions between itself and the Nen Beast. He used his Nen Beast as a substitute to avoid danger. Nine rushed to the disappearing Nen Beast and caught the ball that was about to bounce back into the enemy zone.

There was still huge recoil remaining in the ball, which seemed to be pulling the whole body. I guess his goal was to rebound back to his own half. Somehow suppressed the power.

"Golainu's movement to the outfield is not included in the foul range because it is due to the influence of his Nen Ability. However, for Golainu to return to the infield, a 'return' declaration is required. In addition, due to Nine's catch, Golainu's Nen Beast player will be safe with the buffer system applied."

"However, players who cannot enter the field will be penalized. Whether in the infield or outfield, they will not be counted."

Golainu's Nen Beast has been completely destroyed. Realizing it again from this state will be difficult. Ordinary Nen Beast users cannot instantly regenerate destroyed Nen Beasts.

There may be some Nen Beast types with enhanced recovery performance, but types with powerful special abilities like Golainu will require more time to reuse. At the very least, in this match, it is likely that it cannot be realized again.

Thanks to the buffer system, he is not out, but he cannot play an active role as an outfielder, let alone an infielder. After all, it is synonymous with being one player short. I can only think that it is good that the ball was not passed to the enemy.

"Don't mix my gorilla with those Nen Beasts."

However, Golainu did not give up. A gorilla Nen Beast appeared beside him. This surprised not only Razor, but everyone on this team. Didn't expect there to be a recovery ability.

"... It's black. Wasn't the gorilla white before?"

"When my gorilla is resurrected, it awakens in a pitch-black aura symbolizing death and turns black."

I thought it might be a different Nen Beast than before, but the person himself denied it. Well, I can't tell anything except the color, if I could create two different Nen Beasts, I think it would be amazing.

Razor did not chase too deep, letting the Nen Beast's infield revive. I feel he is more focused on enjoying this situation than winning or losing the match. He didn't give me any detailed instructions.

But that doesn't mean winning is easy. This is a manifestation of confidence that I will crush everything, including some small tricks. Razor has the ability to do that. This is also not the time to choose means.

In response to the referee's voice announcing the restart of the match, Nine performed a run-up and threw the ball out. The ball flying at a reasonable speed was caught by one of the Nen dolls.

"Pah, if you're not good at throwing the ball, you just pass the ball to the enemy... Razor is going to shoot you again!"

Tsezgera nearby made a sharp sound, but I was also thinking about this problem. It's not that he threw the ball without a plan. The trick worked.

"Gish!?"

The Nen doll that should have caught the ball effortlessly accidentally let go of the ball. He hurriedly tried to pick it up, but the ball slipped in his hand and finally fell out.

"That is a foul. Player number 3 is out!"

When I threw the ball, I coated the entire ball in a thin layer of "strawberry jam." The part attached to the ball sticks like glue and possesses an aura that increases stickiness. Even if you try to peel it off, it will slide, so it does not come off easily.

As a result, the surface of the ball is as hard to grip as a loach. It is impossible to see through this state at a glance. My goal was to get two consecutive outs, hoping the AwayokubaSoba player would follow up and give it up, but I wonder if it won't go that smoothly.

"Fuhmuki, try a different way; this is really hard to deal with."

The ball fell into the opponent's Forbidden Area and eventually landed in the hands of Razor. However, with the ball in its current state, it is impossible to catch it properly. If you try to use force, your control will go crazy, and it will be easier to miss the target. Although it cannot be completely blocked, it should be possible to suppress that murderous throwing force significantly.

"But then I don't have to hold it?"

Throwing without holding. Just when I thought it was impossible for him to do that, Razor gently threw the ball up. Razor himself jumped up to catch the ball in the air. I finally understood what he wanted to do.

It was like a volleyball spike. Don't grab the ball, hit it. Even so, since the ball would be pushed out by the hand, it should normally slide in an unexpected direction. It doesn't matter if you don't have it. This overconfidence slightly delayed my reaction.

Razor's spike form was so complex that it was hard to believe it was just a blade stuck to a blade to attack a slider. Instead, it had more majesty than holding it in his hand and throwing it normally.

The launched ball possessed enough power to kill a person. The trajectory captured the position of number nine directly from the diagonal air. Grabbing the core of the ball with an accurate hitting point for an instantaneous strike, he eliminated the effects of the stickiness as much as possible.

I had no time to admire his excellent technique. The ball closed the distance with lightning speed. I couldn't avoid it. I had to do something to catch it.

"Ouch!"

However, there was a problem. A Golainu Nen Bead interrupted the trajectory of the ball's flight. The enemy's attack was not at a speed that could be interrupted in time after being seen. He most likely acted while anticipating this situation.

I hate to say it, but this Nen Bead did not have the power to compete with Razor's ball. I knew this by observing how it shattered into pieces in the previous throw. That is to say, this interruption was not to take the ball, but to act as a shield to protect number nine.

Considering the power of the ball and the lethality it contained, it was enough to kill a Nen user. I want to thank him for his kindness, even if it meant sacrificing his Nen Bead to help us, but from a strategic point of view, this was not a good move.

I had no confidence in catching a ball with that kind of power, even as number nine, and even if I could, I would not be able to escape injury. However, if you have the ability to repair, you won't die. Even if you are out, you can continue to play. There was no need to sacrifice Golainu's Nen Beast here.

The Golainu Nen Bead spread its arms as if to protect number nine, leaped, and blocked the line of fire of the ball approaching from above. A murderous ball that ignored sportsmanship pierced the completely defenseless Nen Bead.

"Pugaba!?"

Then Golainu was blown away. As he hit the floor, his momentum continued until he crashed into the stadium Wall with a boom.

I couldn't understand what had happened. But my eyes did record the whole story. It was too late to accept the facts.

Just before the ball hit the Nen Bead, a Golainu seemed to replace it. This was the ability of the Nen Bead I saw earlier. At that time, I swapped with Golainu, and I thought it was an ability to swap with the caster himself, but can it swap with others?

In other words, the caster was hit by the ball he launched himself. Sure enough, even he could not have anticipated this situation and had to experience the power of the kill shot himself, unable to cope.

I wondered if Razor would be out in this situation, but then I remembered the rules Golainu had checked before the game started.

If you use a Nen skill, attacking an ally is also effective. In other words, even if it is an offensive ball thrown by a player on the same team, if it hits, it will be an out. In other words, even if it hits the ball thrown by the player himself, it will be an out.

Was Golainu for this? Even if Razor is out, he will return to the inner court as a defender, but the important thing is to make him use his precious back here. Moreover, he was hit by such a powerful ball and must have suffered considerable damage.

The ball that hit Golainu rebounded into the air with the recoil. If this continues, the ball will land in our team's outer court. The flow of the game seems to be moving in that direction.

Just as I thought this, the enemy team made a move. Even after Razor lost consciousness, the Nen Doll did not stop moving. It should not be a "remote control" type, but an "automatic control" type Nen Beast. Regardless of the caster's condition, it completes the given task.

The Dolls threw the athletes themselves into the sky like cannonballs toward the ball they could no longer reach. The thrown Nen users caught the ball in the air and sent it back to their own inner court. We could only marvel at this unexpected cooperation.

"If the body does not touch the area outside the Forbidden Area, you can also catch the ball in the air. So, Razor will be safe."

A trembling chill swept through my whole body. Razor, who had been sent out of the court, returned. Every time you take a step, a sense of intimidation approaches like a wave.

"Sorry, I haven't lost my mind in a game for a long time."

It shouldn't have suffered any minor injuries, but a vicious aura was pouring out, making it hard to believe it had weakened. Razor smiled gently. However, behind that smile, one could glimpse a terrifying murderous intent that could not be concealed.

"From now on, let's face it seriously."

Looking at the record alone, three enemies are out, and we have not been defeated yet. However, seeing the existence before me, I did not have the slightest optimism.