Chapter 75: The Night of Destiny Begins

September 1st, early morning.

"Wow! You came so early in the morning, you really are an amazing person!!"

Looking down at the general tourist market of Yorkshin, Gon let out a very happy sound, but Killua, who was trailing slightly behind him, looked somewhat bored.

Although he himself was actually ignorant of this world, playing around without innocence was just Killua's personality, but in this situation, it didn't matter.

The reason the two came to Yorkshin was not just because of the promise they made on the day Killua left Jiuliang Island, and the day they parted ways with their Hunter companions.

Gon had taken revenge on Hisoka during the third exam at Heaven's Arena, but after losing the match, he returned to Jiuliang Island and obtained clues about his father, Ging.

This was a game limited to Hunters called Greed Island.

Gon and the others did not yet know what this clue was. The Rom Card with the Save Data was attached to the cassette tape, but judging by the caution taken to erase the tape's audio source with Nen Ability, it might even be a bluff.

However, since there were no other clues, Gon and his friends decided that making "Greed Island" their direct goal was fine, but the wall they hit immediately after deciding was a terrifying "budget," and the "shortage" was reality.

Although the asking price exceeded 5 billion, it was far from a sky-high price for a game, but at the Yorkshin Auction, after researching what seemed to be the easiest minimum winning bid to obtain, it naturally jumped even higher.

The two ran to the 200th floor and couldn't get battle money in the shortest time, but even so, they were fighters in the sky, possessing assets impossible for 12-year-olds to have.

However, even so, looking at the winning bid for "G. I.", it was only at the level of a sparrow's tears, hot stones, and water.

Of course, the two of them didn't give up because of that.

After learning of the existence of the Auction and understanding the knowledge of the trading floor, he thought, "We can also participate as 'sellers' and increase our capital." Within a few days, the deposit was squeezed to over 10 million.

A battle broke out between Gon and Killua.

Fortunately, it was a healthy and warm quarrel about how the method I proposed was more profitable, rather than blaming each other for the loss of most of the deposits, but Gon and Killua were different types, yet they were stubborn. No one stopped their Disaster, and they split the initial 10 million Yen into two and held a competition to see who could increase it more in the two weeks before September 1st.

The result is now.

It can be seen from the expressions on their faces that the winner is Gon, and the reason for Killua's failure can be seen from Killua's muttering to himself.

"Ah, if the Muumu Dance hadn't fallen at the 4th corner, it would have been 12 times~"

This kid, at the very beginning of dabbling in gambling, earned about 200 million at once, but at the end of his life, he accidentally lost it all.

Even so, Gon looked at Killua's words, still without a hint of regret, and said: "I'll say it again." Repeating the sermon he had already given several times.

"Trying to hit one with a burst of greed is the first mistake.

Sora also said this. "This game is played by those who have the self-discipline to only spend money they won't regret losing, and who have the mindset to enjoy it even if they lose. If someone lacks either of these, then sooner or later, it will ruin the result."

Last night, when I told Sora on the phone, this almost became a daily routine after the win-loss results came out, Gon repeated the Suggestion I gave her with a kind of seemingly foolish nervousness, saying she was already angry. And, sure enough, Killua made an awkward expression and retorted with a feeling of disgust.

"

"Winning is winning."

As Killua said, the winner of this competition was Gon, but this was thanks to Killua's self-destruction.

Apparently, in this situation, he cheated himself, lost 800 million, and he became very cautious.

Even so, Gon seemed satisfied with this result, raised the Bracelet on his right arm, and said with a triumphant smile.

"And, Sora was naturally speechless, but afterwards he said, 'It's really great that you can calmly reflect on your own shortcomings.'"

"……That's ironic, isn't it?"

Killua pouted at Gon's words, and although it was his own words, he knew very well it wasn't like that.

Regardless of failures like mine, I know I'm not the type to be discouraged by such irony from those who deny what they did to the winners, no matter how insignificant they are.

So both were taken aback, but Gon was praised, and he didn't like being scolded.

The Bracelet on Gon's hand and Killua's Pendant were both birthday gifts from Sora.

Both contained Sora's "wishes."

He had a pure and generous heart, but for better or worse, his heart was too simple and naive.

Because he was so calm, calculating the winning percentage and prioritizing "things you want to avoid" rather than "things you want to do," Killua cut off the Carnelian of hesitation so he wouldn't regret it like that final exam.

Gave them each, because they hoped, prayed, and wished for it, so that they could get the future they wanted most, but Gon grew as he wished, even if it was a bit idle. On the other hand, although he did interrupt his own hesitation, not only Sora, but Killua himself is now thinking, "No, it's not like that." But it's still not fun.

Seeing Killua sulking again, Gon gave a bitter smile.

That was a bitter smile, a bitter smile that seemed somewhat interesting, but there was absolutely no momentum of looking down on Killua there.

It was just happy to see Killua, who was more mature and steady than me, make a rare mistake, as if a child of the same age as me, feeling the distance had closed again.

"On the other hand, I've become quite familiar with the inside story, secrets, and tactics of the auction!"

"That's right, claiming to be a middleman is the most painful."

So Gon stopped talking about the game and changed the subject slightly. Actually, the loser was betting on what the winner would listen to, but in Gon's view, seeing this part of Killua was enough.

Perhaps Killua realized he was thinking this, and while putting on an expression as if he had something to say, he steered the topic further away from the game. Killua himself seemed to want to forget the competition entirely.

"By the way, where are Leorio and Kurapika?"

"Leorio said he would arrive in the afternoon, and Kurapika and Sora arrived yesterday, but he is working and might not have time."

Gon naturally got Leorio's name wrong again, but he understood this was a meaningless prank, so he gave up on the question and answered it.

Hearing Gon's answer, Killua snorted again.

"……Sora and Kurapika, I don't think they are doing the same work."

Although he would never admit it himself, because he had joined Yorkshin at the same time as Kurapika, Sora's main rival, and had also contacted him saying: "I might not have time because of work," Killua expressed doubt, but Gon answered immediately: "I don't think so."

"I thought so too, so I asked Kurapika, but Kurapika said it wasn't like that, and I was surprised that Sora was also working.

First of all, when Sora said it was his work, he sounded annoying. With Kurapika, I think Sora might perform well in any job."

"……Hmm, that's right."

Gon had a lot to say, and there were parts he didn't like.

Sora's work was to kill the Curse of the "Hidden Treasure" that Sora was involved in last year with those eyes. This year, it just so happened, perhaps because we were Training at Heaven's Arena, there wasn't enough time, so the curses on these items were not lifted in advance, but went directly to the scene. I understood it would be and agreed.

Because he contacted me every day.

Because that voice clearly reminded me of that brilliant smile that never changed.

So, both were convinced, believed, and did not pursue the details.

"Sora and Kurapika will contact you as soon as they have time."

"Good, then turn on the power—you should buy a mobile phone too!! It's a Hunter essential!"

"Oh, I see."

The two of them still did not know how to regret it.

There are 15 hours left until the decisive night.

The crowd at a Yorkshin street stall.

At this time of year, it is not uncommon for people to sit in a corner eating a light meal that looks like lunch, but this trio is truly strange.

A teenage girl, wearing glasses, with a cute face, is not a problem at all.

And the only one not eating lunch, for some reason, is a short man in black clothes, with a pair of eyes bulging out, looking suspiciously at the hem and sleeves of his own clothes. At this moment, both the front and back are gathered, which is still within an acceptable range.

The problem is the last person.

His physique, which alone embodies the word "giant," is enough to make surrounding tourists shy away, but his face is covered in scars, possessing a strength that cannot be called excellent in any sense. The power radiating from his body is indescribable, and even people from the underworld like the Mafia would take the initiative to avoid getting involved with him.

No one noticed the trio; they could not find any such connection.

I noticed that one person was clearly not serious, so I am not showing off their curse-free spirit that I am not allowed to touch.

However, just because it is in a corner of the crowd, it is not conspicuous, does not hinder passersby, and does not look like it is in a secluded place where no passersby would notice.

However, the reason no one noticed is because these three people have already completely killed their presence in a very natural way.

I don't know that I was being chased, and I thought if I were discovered, I would just have to take it back.

The reason why Shizuku, Feitan, and Franklin, as members of the Phantom Troupe, used "Ryu" to kill their presence is just that.

"What time does the auction start tonight?"

"Starting at 9:00 PM."

Shizuku asked while gnawing on her lunch sandwich like a squirrel.

"I see. Then there is still time.... Where should we go?"

"? Is there anywhere you want to go?"

Shizuku was satisfied with Franklin's answer and continued to eat her sandwich, but Franklin was worried that he hadn't just asked because he forgot the start time of work, so he asked back.

As Shizuku said, there is still plenty of time; as long as they return to the auction venue—the Grave Building—by the time they are supposed to start work, no matter what they do, I won't blame them.

However, Shizuku never remembers what she has forgotten, so it is unlikely she would forget the work itself, but it is very likely she would forget the auction start time or the location of the venue.

Shizuku's ability is essential for this job, so Franklin showed a quality of care inconsistent with his appearance; if he were free to act, he would grasp where he was going and ensure he could contact me. I asked like this, but Shizuku did not seem to intend to act freely as an "individual," so she answered straightforwardly.

"No, that's not it. However, if I have time, I just want to go find him; I want to see who the leader fell in love with at first sight."

"Shizuku, you're wrong."

Regarding Shizuku's answer, not only Franklin, but even Feitan, who wasn't eating lunch, didn't care, checked the secret weapon he was hiding, and reflexively denied it.

However, despite the two denying it, Shizuku still tilted her head in confusion and asked back: "What's wrong? Didn't the leader tell you to go find him?"

To this question, the two answered, "That's not true," and then they secretly sympathized with their childhood friend, who was also the captain, Chrollo.

"... Shizuku. It is true that the commander said to go find him when you have time, but love at first sight is different. I don't have it. Commander, you would deny it with the most direct answer."

Sure enough, Feitan issued a negative retort, but did not correct Shizuku's misunderstanding.

"Eh~, that's a lie~. Because even if it's the commander, Shalnark and Machi both opposed it... Sora? Isn't it? That child is also prey, and when I told him, I got the information that he was inside. Yorkshin, your eyes are as dazzling as I have never seen before."

"... If you are going to forget it, then forget the existence itself."

Listening to Shizuku's answer, she remembered the details but completely forgot the important commander's direct answer. Franklin held his head as if enduring a headache, corrected her view, and said, "... Enough." I gave up and apologized to Chrollo in my heart.

While apologizing, I thought it made more sense to interpret Chrollo's obsession as Shizuku's "love at first sight."

The day before, for the first time in three years, all members gathered together, a major event worthy of gathering the members, after being told the plan to steal all the treasures at the Underground Auction, Chrollo expressed his position at the same time.

"This time I am going to capture Sora Sikiori."

Apparently, when Shalnark was conducting a preliminary investigation of the Yorkshin auction, a woman with unusual eyes, who manipulated the strange obsession of the leader about ten months ago, seemed to have received news that they were going to visit Yorkshin.

Chrollo seemed to be happier and more hopeful that Sora Sikiori would be in Yorkshin than the treasures of the Underground Auction.

Perhaps Chrollo personally wanted to prioritize that woman rather than the treasures of the Underground Auction.

However, for some reason, Shalnark and Machi actively opposed capturing the woman, so they did not compromise and plan to treat it as work, but ordered the members to "go find him when you have time."

Shizuku seemed to intend to be dutiful, but Franklin, like Shalnark and Machi, did not want to get involved with that woman, so he hesitated for a while about what to do.

If you ask me if I am interested in Sora Sikiori, there is a lot.

To be honest, I really want to look at Chrollo's every word and action askance because it is a bit scary, and the blue sky eyes that Chrollo is so obsessed with are even more than the "Scarlet Eyes," and I am also interested in the supernatural power attached to those eyes.

But not only that, Franklin was also worried about the opposition between Shalnark and Machi.

In this group of the Phantom Troupe, there is a hierarchical relationship between the "head" and the "limbs," but since they were originally a collection of childhood friends, the members who are the "limbs" do not worship or blindly believe in Chrollo, who is the head.

Nevertheless, Chrollo is the "head," possessing a charisma that makes you think "I want to follow this man," and most members will obey some unreasonable orders while complaining.

First of all, this work against the Underground Auction also has many disadvantages in the long run, because it turns the Mafia around the world into enemies. If you are not good at it, you will end up establishing a honeymoon relationship with the Mafia. Although the hometown of Meteor Town can become an enemy, there are some muscle idiots who enjoy it, but no one opposes it.

However, there were only two people who strongly opposed Sora Sikiori. This is an anomaly for the Phantom Troupe to me.

So Franklin asked.

Why are you so opposed?

As usual, Machi's opposition is "intuition."

However, her intuition is really too good, and I sometimes wonder if this is really a prediction of Hatsu ability. That is why Chrollo did not force his opinion and seemed to have compromised.

And besides Chrollo, Shalnark is the only one who has interacted directly with Sora Sikiori; he erased his characteristic gloomy smile and told him to spit it out, which Franklin remembers very clearly.

"... This is impossible.

It doesn't matter if you catch him or kill him. Honestly, I don't want to have anything to do with that matter anymore. Honestly, I don't even want to tell Chrollo that he is there."

For some reason, Shalnark, who can be called Chrollo's "loyal vassal" and "confidant," deliberately tried to suppress information, and contrary to Chrollo, he avoided Sora Sikiori.

A simple sentence explained the reason.

"——That is a monster."

Just one word, and after saying it, what surfaced in Shalnark's eyes was "fear."

Shalnark's role was primarily logistical support, but as a Manipulation System user, his ability was standard, not rare and irreplaceable like Shizuku's or Pakunoda's.

Therefore, in emergencies, he acted as a meat wall and a special attack role to protect his friends, such as himself, Uvogin, and Nobunaga, who possessed irreplaceable abilities.

This could be said for everyone in the team, but even among them, the thought that he shouldn't have died, the inability to bear that usual suspicious smile, the severe fear, the awe—Franklin felt a chill down his spine.

This is why Franklin, like Machi and Shalnark, did not want to actively seek out the woman named Sora Sikiori, let alone capture her.

"……It's a pity the master isn't by our side."

"But if you capture the disciple, won't the master come out too?"

"

"Shut up, Shizuku. Why do you remember unnecessary things?"

However, it seemed that not only Shizuku but also Feitan intended to search for Sora Sikiori before getting off work.

For him, it wasn't because of Chrollo's interest in that woman, but because Sora's teacher, Biscuit Krueger, had blown him away without him even having a chance to activate his Hatsu, and he just wanted revenge.

Capturing that disciple to use as a hostage to bring her in—I've known him for a long time, don't even think about it.

Franklin also knew that his own gaze couldn't suppress this desire with his own words, and he sighed deeply.

"……Although I have time, I can't go that far."

Both Shizuku and Feitan possessed abilities that were harder to replace than his own.

So, in an emergency, I decided that when facing the "monster" that had branded absolute fear into Shalnark, I should follow them as a shield.

For my friends.

For the Phantom Troupe Spider.

Franklin took it for granted that this was his role.

"We should utilize the Phantom Troupe Spider."

He acted according to the principles announced by Chrollo when he formed the Phantom Troupe.

Of course, in an emergency, I believe even the severed "eternity" can find a replacement and continue to live.

There are nine hours left until the decisive night.

"It's me. How are you?"

As usual, Kurapika detected a hint of fatigue in his arrogant voice and thought to himself: "Ah, the boss must be engaging in violence."

The Phantom Troupe Spider, a Hunter who was a daughter of a detestable Human Body Collector, was depressed and trying to grasp his own emotions; he was someone who couldn't stand talking to him, but for the sake of his own goals and the future he wanted to reach, Kurapika swallowed his hatred and humiliation and endured it.

Touching the "wish" hanging by his ear, he calmed himself down and answered truthfully.

"No abnormalities."

"There are no changes outside."

When I conveyed the words of Senritsu, who was monitoring the main entrance, Dalzollene also briefly ordered "continue monitoring," so "Understood. I will contact you if anything happens." Kurapika hung up the phone.

As before, we continued to monitor from the rooftop with binoculars, just outside the range where only the Auctioneer, staff, and community security were allowed to enter.

However, no matter how focused you are, just staring at the front door without saying a word is not enough.

"But you are thorough; apart from the community's dedicated security, you won't even let anyone approach within a 500m radius of the venue."

"If you don't do this, the whole area will be full of hard faces."

So, Senritsu and Kurapika chatted with each other so that they wouldn't neglect their surveillance.

It was supposed to be just a trivial, meaningless small talk, something to be rounded up as long as there was something to do.

"……Can I ask you one thing?"

However, the material for such a story had long since run out. No, Senritsu asked without being exhausted.

This was nothing more than the small talk I mentioned earlier. It was a story she shouldn't know; she knew curiosity killed the cat, but she still wanted to know.

I want to know the reason and meaning of that "heartbeat."

"Scarlet Eyes."

Kurapika's expression didn't even twitch. When he first met her, her face was so feminine; jealousy was foolish, just like during the interview.

But the heart, the heart was too honest.

Once these words were spoken, the originally calm heartbeat suddenly accelerated.

"What does that give you?"

"……What do you plan to do after hearing it?"

"I don't care, I'm just curious."

Thanks to showing a part of his ability during the interview, Senritsu realized that the "Scarlet Eyes" were important to Kurapika; I think it was just a matter of curiosity, it didn't seem like a big deal, and the heartbeat slowly returned to its original calm tone.

Apart from Senritsu or the question asked, there was no displeasure or anger.

Precisely because of this, Senritsu understood how deeply "that tone" was carved into his own heart as a wound.

Senritsu remembered.

His heartbeat when he looked at the slides at the meeting and the list handed to him during the interview.

"When you saw the screen on the slide, the heartbeat melody was because it was so amazing."

……An unfathomable anger. That kind of melody.

Seeing Senritsu's response, Kurapika sighed.

I knew it from the beginning, but he is not someone you can lie to.

So I made up my mind…… while apologizing to that resolution over and over again, I subconsciously touched my earring again and began to speak.

"I come from the Kurta Tribe. Our eyes are usually brown, but when we are excited, they turn red.

I am searching for the eyes stolen from my brethren. For my comrades…………………… no matter what I must do, I will Recapture them."

As expected, I had no intention of discussing the details too much, so I only asked after explaining.

"Are you going to report to Darzorne?"

"……I will stop. I don't want to be killed."

"……You know that far?"

Kurapika's expression was the same as before, calm and balanced.

However, the heartbeat truthfully etched a tone of relief into Senritsu's answer.

A melody of determination from someone who marries themselves to their own will played at the same time he chose to speak, because he could not lie.

He said: "If I talk about it, I have no resentment, but it is powerless." I cannot leave my childish colleagues in the wrong place.

The reason I chose not to speak was not just because I didn't want to die, but because there was a reason for it.

Because I wanted to hear a peaceful voice, not that kind of painful melody.

Senritsu listened to Kurapika's heartbeat, which played a gentle melody, and breathed a slight sigh of relief.

"Why are you doing this job?"

I felt sad for Kurapika's honesty toward me, but Senritsu did not want to talk about himself.

It is not that easy to believe. There is physical evidence; as long as it is brought out, it can be believed instantly, but I don't want to show too much.

"……What will you do if you listen? I might not say it anyway."

So I intended to say that to deceive him, but Kurapika's heartbeat remained calm, and his mask-like expression relaxed for the first time.

"I know just by looking at your eyes."

I cannot say I smiled. However, that calm face and heartbeat moved Senritsu a little.

"I am also a Professional Hunter.

——I am looking for a musical score."

"…………You are not lying, but you are hiding important things."

"Ahahahaha, well, I will definitely succeed."

While joking, Kurapika's words were actually quite good, and he began to tell Senritsu what exactly prompted him to take this job.

"What I am looking for is the 'Dark Sonata'.

It is said to be a solo piece composed by a demon king. There are four types: piano, violin, flute, and harp, and it is said that when a person plays or hears it, it will summon a terrible Disaster."

"……Why are you looking for something like that?"

Hearing Kurapika's question, Senritsu couldn't help but widen his eyes and look at him.

The Kurapika who asked tilted his head in confusion, as if he did not know why the other party had such a reaction.

The earlier mature, expressionless face, combined with a heartbeat that was beating too normally, and an unbelievably age-appropriate reaction made Senritsu soften slightly, and he asked back.

"……You are easy to believe, aren't you?"

"…………Honestly, I would like to think so too, but there are also people who kick ghosts with their physical bodies and hack ghosts to death, so even if there is a song that brings Disaster, I wouldn't be surprised."

"Wait."

When Kurapika answered Senritsu's question with a slightly distant look, understanding why she had such a reaction, Senritsu found the basis for Kurapika's belief in the existence of the "Dark Sonata".

For Kurapika, this was almost a joke, and it was the performance from four years ago when we first met Sora, so I could have talked about it, but as I expected, I decided to stop the long-winded talk, as it was difficult to finish. At work, Senritsu's request fell through.

"……Well, I don't know you very well yet, but I know you aren't using that song to hurt others.

…………So, this might be unnecessary help, but if you have received the 'Disaster' of that song, if you want to break the Curse of the 'Disaster', then if you don't mind, as I mentioned earlier, let me introduce you to the 'abolitionist' who kills ghosts with her physical body.

Perhaps because she uses a very special method to remove Nen, she is almost invincible when it comes to death-Nen, but it seems there are many times when it is no good for other Nen you have, so unfortunately there is no guarantee that your Curse will definitely be lifted, but even so, because of her work, she easily collects that kind of information, so I think it wouldn't be a loss to meet her, right?"

Hearing Kurapika's words, Senritsu widened his eyes again and froze for a good while.

Kurapika thought that he must be surprised that he knew an Exorcist who was said to be harder to find than a snow-tail, and that he was close enough to him to introduce him. I am reading the relationship with "her".

After widening his eyes and freezing for a few seconds, Senritsu narrowed his eyes slightly and replied.

"……Yeah. Please. Or rather, even if you weren't an Exorcist, I would really like to meet you."

Kurapika did not mind Senritsu, and Senritsu replied with a slightly humorous laugh.

Well, if I am told that I have already performed physical exorcism on the souls of the dead, I can only think that if they could meet normally, they would want to meet.

So, Senritsu's next question was a bombshell that Kurapika did not expect.

"Is the 'her' who is an Exorcist your lover?"

"！?"

The involuntary Kurapika hurriedly caught the binoculars he was using to monitor the main entrance, just about to fall from the roof, and cast his gaze toward Senritsu beside him.

……This time, the masked expressionlessness completely disappeared.

Beneath the cold, expressionless face—an expression that would be painful if he knew what he was thinking in his heart—was the blush and embarrassed face of a seventeen-year-old boy.

"Wh... wh...!?"

"Oh, it seems not. But you really love that girl, right? At least, the gift-giver who gave her the Earrings on her ears must definitely be that 'abolitionist girlfriend', right?"

While Senritsu smiled slightly maliciously at Kurapika's behavior, he casually pointed out the feelings Kurapika did not want to say out loud and wanted to hide.

Kurapika glared at Senritsu with an expression younger than his age, blushing, and like a sullen child, asked dejectedly:

"Yes."

"……When you look at slides in a meeting, when you look at a list during an interview, you stroke the Earrings on your ears as if you are trying to calm your heart that is Burning with hatred. So, when I actually touched the Earrings, your heartbeat was gradual, but it was clear my heart was calming down, so I thought these Earrings must have been given to me by someone important to me.

Although it was calm, it sounded like you were expecting something. When you touch the Earrings, it is the heartbeat. And the heartbeat when I said 'Exorcist's girlfriend'."

When Senritsu said this, Kurapika hid his bright red face in the roof's guardrail and began to beg: "……Please, stop it."

While begging, Senritsu saw his fingertips fiddling with the sky-blue gem hanging by his ear while he was lying down, probably because of his restless habit. I didn't say anything more.

What is the name of the melody that "girlfriend" played when Kurapika remembered her?

Senritsu did not say that answer.

Because for me, a stranger, to teach through intervention is immature.

Therefore, Senritsu was relieved to learn that this boy, who seemed to be heading toward self-destruction, did not wish for destruction, but rather aimed for a transcendent hope, and had fainted from the pain. I will give the young man a chance to refocus.

"... The time has come. The Underground Auction is about to begin."

There are 10 minutes left until the decisive night.

"It's amazing, most of them are above the group executives, and there are even places where the bosses come in person."

With less than a few minutes left until the start of the Underground Auction, Wese, who was attending an auction for the first time, looked around and muttered to himself.

"Strange."

"What?"

Although he intended to talk to himself, Toshino, who was attending as a representative of the Nostrade Group, asked back, and Wese stated his doubts without hesitation.

"This is just an auction, right?"

Another representative, Ivankov, seemed to have a question.

Of course, as Wese said, no matter how much you want something, if you are a child like your own boss, even if the taste is bad, you can insist on meaningless actions, such as "I want to bid myself"... I understand, but older people would rather not participate in this kind of auction where only three people can enter, and weapons, recording equipment, and communication equipment are not allowed.

However, Wese's question was indeed an amateur's thought, and Toshino made a face as if to say, "What is that?" and explained like a senior.

"This is also a place to save face."

If the bid is high, 5% of the price will be paid to the community as a commission. Well, you could say this will be the highest payment. While showing off our financial strength, this is a great opportunity to sell your name to the Mafia nationwide and raise your stock.

Because of this, I have even heard of some teams that went bankrupt after fierce competition and bidding at high prices."

When I was convinced by Toshino's explanation and smiled a little at the final punchline, the sound of a microphone resounded throughout the Venue.

Apparently, it was time for the Underground Auction.

《Welcome everyone》

As the sound of the microphone rang out, Wese and the others, as well as the Mafia inside the Venue, turned their eyes to the stage of the Auction.

Standing there was a man like a small child with thin, long eyes, and a giant who looked like he had even smaller eyes.

The giant had many scars on his face, and no matter how you looked at it, he was not serious, but he had no reason to be serious in this place anyway.

So the participants and the auction facilitators did not expect it, but interpreted it as Bodyguards, suppressing crazy contestants without losing the auction.

《Then, let's skip the formal greetings—》

In this situation, an ordinary person would notice that an abnormal situation had occurred.

If a big man with scars on his face appeared, someone living a very normal life would definitely not approach him; I would be suspicious.

A few seconds later it was clear that the complete elimination of Ken had shortened the lives of the residents of the underworld, but few could live long enough to realize it.

"I want you to die."

Just as Feitan, dressed as a character, finished with a unique pronunciation, Franklin smiled viciously and spread his hands folded behind his back.

The fingertips were cut off around the first joint and connected with chains. Alien hands.

From there, a Shoot invisible to anyone other than a Nen User was fired.

〈My hands are machine guns, Double Machine Gun!! 〉

First, the Mafia near the stage in the Venue were hit by the Nen Bullets all over their bodies; instead of being killed instantly, they were crushed to pieces.

Fortunately, Wese and the others were closer to the entrance than the stage, so the first shot was blocked by other gangsters, and Toshino got a chance to use his ability.

"Get behind me!! Balloon Black, protect me!!"

"11 black children under the edge!!"

However, this was too miserable, nothing more than a meaningless waste of time.

"!?"

11 people. And although it was not human but Aura, Franklin's Nen Bullets easily pierced the Balloon Black acting as a shield and also scratched Toshino's whole body.

Just this time, as a Nen User, the habit of letting "Mata" faint in battle and emergency situations became the biggest enemy.

Because the defense was increased by half, it was impossible to die immediately, but even so, the power of the Nen Bullets obtained by Franklin's "cutting off fingers" restriction could not be offset, and as a result, he could not escape. I was teased.

Even so, even if he was mocked as a contracted Hunter looking for some pocket money, he still had his pride and stubbornness regarding his profession.

Even though his whole body was scratched by Nen Bullets and he was teased, he still shouted and entrusted himself to the two companions he was protecting.

"Run... run!! And know the emergency outside...!!"

Before he could finish speaking, a Nen Bead hit Toshino's head, and the "coat" that Toshino had lost most of his body could not erase the power, blowing off a third of his head.

Despite this, Wese and Ivankov knew what they wanted to say and what their mission was.

So, not wanting to waste the time Toshino had earned, using his own life as a shield, the two opened the door with a bang and went out.

As soon as he went out, Ivankov's consciousness was cut off.

Even with his consciousness cut off, in order to protect his comrade's will, he moved his limbs, but his movements were so pathetic and meaningless.

The brain fluid spilled on the floor could not be detected at all, and his limbs continued to move, like a muscle-spasming bug crawling on the ground, until the faint spark of life remaining after the heart stopped beating was extinguished.

Wese clicked his tongue, took off the high heels she was wearing, and sprinted at full speed.

While running, I desperately tried to find a way to overcome this situation, but I wanted to cry because I couldn't think of anything.

"Why is my ability 'control the target being kissed within a certain time'!? However, facing a Materialization opponent with long-range weapons, while regretting that the ability was the worst and most useless ability, she released a burst of Aura from her whole body, strengthening her leg power a little to make her run faster. Even if she was attacked a little, she would struggle to offset the power, but she was not good at strengthening because she was an Operation type."

Shizuku, who smashed Ivankov's head, prepared her weapon and partner, the brutal vacuum cleaner "Blinky," and looked at Wese, who was running away so desperately, with a blank expression.

Although he was running desperately, he was desperately just one step away from catching up to the distance, but even so, Wese was no longer doing it for work, nor for Toshino, but for himself, a primitive desire that could never be put down: "I don't want to die!"

(Someone help!!)

"Hmm?"

He did not even realize that Shizuku was right behind him, emitting an incongruous, carefree sound.

However, Wes could only try his best to dodge the traces of death emanating from the vacuum cleaner swung at his back like the blade of a guillotine.

So at first, I didn't know what it was.

It was right behind me, "Blink!"

Suddenly, the sign of death that had been plaguing me all along vanished.

I could not comprehend the sound of "Shizuku!?" in the hall.

However, the sudden disappearance of the death sign perhaps snapped the taut thread; Wes tangled his legs and fell, recovered a bit of composure, immediately stood up, saw the situation before him, and looked back.

When I turned around, the first thing I saw was a red back.

A person wearing a long coat with a red hood stood there, as if to protect Wes.

He stood with his back to Wes, and because the hood covered his eyes, his face could not be seen; furthermore, because the coat was slightly large, his physique was unknown, and thus his gender was unknown. His neck did not move, and when he noticed the weak person, Wes was stunned for a moment, beyond his understanding of the current situation.

The fainted person grabbed by the Red Coat was precisely the vacuum cleaner woman who had been hitting Ivankov's head and was chasing her.

The temples of the completely fainted woman were soaked in blood, so the sound Wes heard was likely the sound of the Red Coat kicking her away.

This woman... Shizuku is definitely a Materialization ability user, and should be like Wes, relatively weak in strengthening Aura.

I don't know who this Red Coat is, but if the Aura system is an Enhancement or a similar Emitter/Transmutation System, if you collect Aura under your feet and kick them, the position of the kick is the location, so if you are not good at the Enhancement system, it is no wonder that even wearing "Goo" would result in a concussion.

Setting aside Wes from just now, Shizuku did not notice his existence, which probably means he was in a state of "Absolute" before attacking, but from such a state, "Hard" suddenly appeared on his feet. That would be? As expected, Wes had no room to consider this.

In the hall, Franklin and Feitan noticed that Shizuku had been countered; Franklin turned one hand toward him, and Feitan emitted an aura from his whole body.

However, they would not attack. Leaving aside the confused Wes who was full of openings, the Red Coat had no openings, and since that Red Coat had grabbed the fainted Shizuku's neck and refused to let go, there was simply no room to attack.

Taking advantage of Shizuku as a hostage, the other party was unable to move.

When the Red Coat pointed to the exit, Wes stood up and asked, "... Are you saying we should run?", and the Red Coat turned and nodded.

Even when I turned, I couldn't see his face clearly.

Not only was he wearing a hood to cover his eyes, but the Red Coat was also wearing goggles that could be worn while riding a motorcycle to cover his face.

The only thing I knew was that although I hid the face so much, the shape of this face was still quite regular, and the hair color overflowing from the hood was black.

Finally, even without knowing their gender, they seemed to have no intention of hurting themselves, fighting, or even seeking help.

"... I don't know who you are, but thank you."

Upon hearing this, the corners of the Red Coat's lips curled into a wry smile.

Seeing those lips, some thoughts crossed Wes's mind, but since there was no time to confirm, she believed this Red Coat would surely survive, believed in a reunion, and she ran again.

Wes is a kisser with a lip fetish, to the extent that "kissing" is the condition for her to activate her ability, and besides that, although it is relatively easy to understand, I didn't have time to notice.

Up close, the black hair overflowing from the hood was clearly artificial.

The night of Fate has begun.

Overall, I am considering having the Yorkshin version pay tribute to the "Consideration of Murder (After)" in the "Sea of Black Mirrors."

There is still no shadow or shape here, let alone a murder investigation.

Furthermore, there is no confession or repentance here.

I had determined the overall concept of the Yorkshin arc since the beginning of the serialization, and I had completed quite a few details about half a year ago, but... I did not intend for Wes to survive for about two weeks.

Somehow, I survived.