"The Zoldyck family's principle is simple: as long as there's an assassination request, we'll take it."
Zeno's voice was calm as he continued, "There isn't a single job we won't accept."
"So even if the target is one of our own family members, we'll still take the job."
"However…"
He lifted his gaze and looked Morin directly in the eye, his expression steady as he added:
"Even though we'll take any request, the prerequisite is that you must be able to provide compensation that matches our standards."
"If you can't, then there's nothing to discuss."
"Also…"
Zeno gave Morin a serious once-over before continuing:
"Even if you do manage to meet our requirements and pay the price, if someone later places a contract on you…"
"The fee we offer will drop to the lowest possible amount."
"Is that so?"
Morin nodded slightly. "I understand now."
Morin had no further questions, but Zeno spoke again, voicing a question that had been on his mind for a long time.
"How do you know about Alluka?"
Zeno's gaze was fixed on Morin, resolute and probing.
To the Zoldyck family, Alluka was a taboo subject. Mentioning it brought more than discomfort—it could potentially lead to disaster, not just for their family but for the entire six continents.
"Because Alluka came from that place," Morin replied nonchalantly.
"You should know," he added with a faint smile, "any man who refuses to settle for mediocrity has an endless fascination with that place."
"The Dark Continent, huh?"
Zeno nodded knowingly.
"With your tools, learning about things connected to the Dark Continent isn't exactly difficult," he mused aloud, seemingly drawing his own conclusions from Morin's cryptic remark.
Zeno's expression shifted as he recalled his own memories.
His father had been such a man—born into the world of assassins but with an innate thirst for adventure.
Even when Netero had offered a high-paying contract, Zeno's father likely only accepted because of his own desire to explore that place.
Thinking about this, Zeno let out a small sigh.
"If you ever need anything, feel free to send us a commission."
Having resolved the doubts in his heart, Zeno saw no reason to linger.
With those parting words, Zeno lightly tapped the ground with the tip of his foot, and his figure shot into the air.
Before long, a massive golden dragon could be seen spiraling across the sky.
"Need, huh?"
Morin glanced in the direction Zeno had left and slowly shook his head.
"Probably not."
Meanwhile, news of the formation of the Zodiac was formally announced by the Hunter Association, documented, and filed with the V5.
The official notice bore the red seal of the association, and the list was published online and posted for public viewing.
The entire process was handled with exceptional formality, leaving no room for criticism.
Yet, as the list was revealed, it stirred ripples within the Hunter Association.
To be recognized by Netero as one of the twelve elite hunters trusted to manage the association was a mark of unmatched prestige.
Pariston as vice-chairman? No objections there.
Mizaistom? Upright and reliable, a solid choice.
Cheadle? Besides her occasional temper, she was an excellent candidate.
Pyon? Highly competent in her field.
Botobai? Absolutely no issues.
Ging? ...Ging? Ging Freecss?!
Hunters went through the list name by name, scrutinizing each selection.
While there were minor disputes about some members, the overall consensus was one of acceptance—after all, these were Netero's handpicked choices, and their achievements and abilities were well-documented.
Except for one.
No one questioned Ging's abilities or accomplishments. His reputation spoke for itself.
But his unpredictable and eccentric personality had left him notoriously unpopular within the association.
"Why would that guy become a member of the Zodiac?!"
"Did Chairman Netero make a mistake? How could he trust such an important position to such an unreliable person?!"
"I'm not working under him! No way!"
"That's right! Kick Ging out of the Zodiac!"
Gradually, this sentiment grew into a chant within the Hunter Association, with many members joining in to oppose Ging's inclusion.
Oddly enough, the selection of Hua Shidoulang, a rising star, didn't stir much controversy. But Ging Freecss, a legendary figure, was met with waves of resistance.
Even Pariston hadn't anticipated this. Originally, he had planned to stir up trouble regarding Hua Shidoulang's appointment.
But now...
"Well, I suppose I'll leave it be," he muttered with a smirk.
"Better to let this matter take its natural course," Pariston mused.
Unintentionally, Ging had become Hua Shidoulang's shield against scrutiny.
However…
"These bastards! I'm going to teach them what respect really means!"
Ging rolled up his sleeves, a red cross popping on his forehead, and jumped into the fray.
Hua Shidoulang tried to back him up at first, but as the situation escalated beyond his control, he slipped away.
Morin, meanwhile, paid no attention to Ging's antics. After his conversation with Zeno, he received a new invitation.
The Hunter Association Headquarters – Top Floor
In the Chairman's office, the sound of a bamboo fountain echoed softly. Water filled the bamboo tube, which then tipped over, spilling its contents onto a stone in the pond with a crisp clack, before resetting to repeat the cycle.
The room was decorated in a rustic Japanese style, exuding a peaceful harmony reminiscent of a mountain retreat.
Morin sat at a tea table, savoring a cup of fine tea.
The fragrance lingered on his lips and tongue, leaving a rich aftertaste.
"Marvelous," Morin remarked, even after experiencing countless gourmet delights conjured by his [Gourmet Tablecloth]. The aroma and taste of this tea still managed to earn his praise.
After all, the Hunter Association had an entire category devoted to Gourmet Hunters.
Even within the six continents, there were countless unknown culinary treasures waiting to be discovered.
And on the resource-rich and abundant Dark Continent, who knew what new and edible creatures might await?
"Do you like it?"
Sitting across from him, Netero sipped his tea with a smile.
"If you do, I still have some rare tea leaves in my collection. I can give you some."
"Since it's part of your collection, I wouldn't want to take something you cherish."
Morin chuckled as he politely declined. "Besides, I can only discern the aroma—I can't fully appreciate the deeper nuances of the flavor.
"Such fine tea would be wasted on someone like me."
"Is that so?"
Netero set down his cup, smiling knowingly.
"Though you're a member of the Phantom Troupe, to be honest, you don't exude the same reckless abandon typical of Meteor City natives.
"You appear wild and unrestrained on the surface, perhaps even audaciously so, but not to an extreme degree."
"In other words," Netero continued with a grin, stroking his beard, "you have a rationality about you—a kind that allows for communication."
His expression grew intrigued.
"The reason I invited you here for tea is that I'd like to learn more about your tools."
"About my tools?"
Morin smiled faintly. "It seems, Chairman Netero, you're already quite familiar with my abilities."
"Indeed," Netero replied, nodding. "Your performance during the Hunter Exam was quite impressive—something not easily forgotten.
"However, while I've heard of your abilities, I've seen little of your tools in action."
At this, his expression turned playful, like a mischievous child.
"I've heard your tools have some truly remarkable effects.
"If you wouldn't mind, could you show me a demonstration?"
Morin raised a brow and asked with a faint smile, "Chairman, you barely understand the effects of my tools, yet you've already given me the title of one of the 'World's Five Strongest Nen Users'?"
Outside the association, in addition to the publicly announced Zodiac list, the title of "World's Five Strongest Nen Users" had also begun circulating.
Although there was no official documentation, this title, attributed to Netero himself, had quickly spread within the Hunter Association.
It carried considerable weight—being recognized by the Chairman as one of the five strongest was no small feat.
Many martial arts enthusiasts and those striving to improve their strength had taken great interest in this claim.
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