Time passed slowly as Oboro began his recovery.
Rather than remain idle, he arranged for various experts in ancient languages to visit and teach him, coordinated through the Fells family. As a newly certified Ancient Text Hunter, he needed to build his professional knowledge base. This would also prove valuable for future expeditions to the Dark Continent.
Despite his limited mobility, he continued light physical training. His speed of recovery was remarkable, largely due to his solid physical foundation, an aspect in which he had always taken pride.
In the hospital ward, Oboro sat on his bed and studied the system interface:
Host: Oboro
Age: 21
Profession: Ancient Text Hunter
Combat Class: Fighting Master, Nen Master (Eligible for National Hunter Status)
Comprehensive Rating: Human Evolver
His previous combat classifications had been "Seasoned Fighter" and "Senior Nen Master". Now, everything had changed. Although there was no downgrade, the tablet appeared gray, clearly related to his current state. To reactivate it, he would have to regain his previous strength.
However, the system interface suggested that this brush with death had triggered a true transformation. Both his martial arts and Nen abilities had been enhanced, and his new certification as an Ancient Text Hunter had been officially recorded.
Nearby, David updated him and Lily on the family's ongoing operations. "The seeds we planted have begun to bear fruit after more than six months. We've successfully placed hundreds of agents in various social, educational, and local government institutions in eight countries, mostly within the V5 nations, including the Kakin Empire as specifically requested."
"Progress with the V5's classified departments, such as the Permit Office and the Ferry Office, remains cautious. So far, we've only been able to make contact with about twenty lower-level employees."
"In addition, the family now employs forty-seven Nen users, mostly recruited from Meteor City. Here's the complete list," David said and handed Oboro two lists.
"Well done," Oboro praised and closed the system interface.
As for V5, patience was essential. Infiltration required a methodical approach, and David's achievements were already impressive.
However, Oboro's expression darkened as he scanned the family's security list. Three familiar faces caught his attention: Chrollo, Feitan and Franklin.
"Something wrong?" David inquired, noting Oboro's reaction.
"When did these three join?" Oboro asked with a measured smile.
"Two months ago. They were originally enforcers for the Augustus family, one of the mid-level organizations in our territory, specializing in loans. Our scouts identified them independently, their Meteor City street background actually working in their favor in terms of trustworthiness." David had clearly met them personally and found them to be memorable.
What David didn't know was Oboro's history with them during the Hunter Exam. This was clearly a calculated move by the Troop.
The Fells family, as one of the Ten Dons' organizations, now maintained strict screening protocols for their security personnel, evaluating strength, loyalty, and various other factors. New recruits had to complete assignments under the "armed division" and receive approval from Guard Captain Mondel before being allowed access to core operations.
"Have you been assigned to the family compound?" Oboro asked.
"Yes. Mondel speaks highly of them."
"Chrollo, is this revenge for Phinks? Oboro wondered. 'Have they confirmed that I was responsible?
After some thought, Oboro contacted Bisky.
"Aldama was released months ago, but now he's dead. Murdered. The Association has determined that several perpetrators were involved, probably connected to the person you eliminated," Bisky reported after checking with the Association. "The perpetrators disappeared afterwards. Given the connection to the Hunter Exam, the Association has limited its response to offering a private bounty. The perpetrators are clearly avoiding direct conflict with the Association. They are experienced and formidable."
Bisky added, "Do not worry about exposure. Aldama was resilient, and the Association had reminded him that you saved his life. He wouldn't have revealed your involvement."
It doesn't matter now that Pakunoda is involved," Oboro thought.
"So he was warned and on guard, but still eliminated?" Oboro asked.
"Correct. Three other members of the Association died with him, including a single star hunter. They were together the whole time."
The Hunters' Association, despite its power, remained divided by internal politics. Even the chairman couldn't maintain complete control. Not all members acted in unison, and the Association rarely intervened in personal matters; there were no protocols for such intervention.
Although officially a non-governmental organization, its operational structure mirrored government bureaucracy. The deaths of two single-star hunters made this bounty particularly challenging. It would take at least two Double-Star Hunter teams working in tandem to capture the suspects. But even with the Association's backing, few would accept such a risky mission, and the Association couldn't force participation.
Given the skills and cunning of the Phantom Troupe, standard bounty protocols would prove inadequate.
After ending the conversation, Oboro sank into deep thought. Even if Aldama hadn't given anything away or even claimed responsibility for killing Phinks himself, how had Chrollo traced it back to him?
Pakunoda's ability is devastatingly effective,' he thought.
The Troupe's criminal activities were escalating, but the underground remained unaware of their true nature. This obscurity had given Chrollo the confidence to infiltrate the Fells family.
"Impressive. Even though almost every trace of my past has been erased, they still managed to track me down," Oboro acknowledged.
Though online and underground information channels had been blocked, some veteran gang leaders in his jurisdiction still remembered him. Even under orders to remain silent, they would have broken under Feitan's interrogation techniques.
Purely from an ability standpoint, Oboro was fascinated by Pakunoda's power. No secret could withstand her skill. However, her unwavering loyalty to Chrollo made any possibility of turning her unthinkable.
"Do you have concerns about her?" David asked cautiously.
The troupe has probably already assessed my condition," Oboro realized. The hospital's security, though tight, couldn't guarantee against information leaks.
"I can't stay here indefinitely. I'll have to return. They've reached their destination. Now they just have to wait for the right moment to strike," he said, looking at Chrollo's photo with a slight smile.
This was the spider's web. In five years the Troupe would have the strength to challenge the Ten Dons directly, but for now they remained cautious.
David's expression changed as he realized the implication. These three were assassins targeting the head of the family.
"My residence is well protected due to its proximity to the Association's headquarters, its security, and the Association's regular traffic. These three have infiltrated our security team, so the others must be monitoring the hospital," Oboro explained, showing no concern.
Chrollo had miscalculated, not knowing that Oboro knew the Troupe members intimately.
"I have a surprise for them," he muttered. Turning to David, he pointed to Franklin's photograph. "Put him here alone under the guise of personal security. Have Mondel separate the other two on professional grounds and coordinate with the Association's bounty hunters for their capture."
"Wouldn't it be easier to eliminate them?" David suggested, noting their dozens of Nen users.
"They are no ordinary targets," Oboro smiled briefly. "The family has finally regained its momentum and begun to implement our plans. We can't afford any unnecessary casualties. However, inform the other Ten Dons that we've identified the rats disrupting their territories."
"Understood!" David went to carry out the orders.
"A welcome change on such a monotonous day," Oboro remarked.
Lily, who had been silent, smiled. "If it improves your mood, their deaths serve a purpose."
"No, I don't want them dead."
"Why not?"
"Killing them all at once would be unfulfilling. These people pride themselves on being fearless. I want to test that claim," Oboro whispered. "Human malice knows no bounds, whether in groups or individuals. I want to see how these little spiders react when confronted with true evil."
Something had shifted in him.
When this power was not directed at the mind, but at specific targets,
He would play with the spiders in ways they couldn't imagine.
Use them to test the limits of the evil his "reborn" self could manifest.
He looked forward to it.