Hunter: I Became Stronger After Death

Why—

Why is the Phantom Troupe's Kortopi here?

And why did he transform into Saisin? This is clearly a targeted operation.

Looking at Kortopi, who had shed his transformation ability, Moro's pupils constricted.

In an instant, countless thoughts raced through Moro's mind.

He was certain that Kortopi had come specifically to cause him trouble.

This led him to think about Saisin's situation and the possibility that other members of the Phantom Troupe might be nearby.

The worst-case scenario would be the Troupe acting as a group and singling him out as prey.

But—

What would be their motive? What reason could they possibly have?

Moro had never had any interactions with the Troupe.

Could it be a whim, or perhaps they had taken an interest in his antique shop?

Highly unlikely.

Leaving aside the shop's actual value, it wasn't even noteworthy in Yorknew City. Considering the Troupe's style—capable of robbing entire auction houses—how could they possibly set their sights on his little antique shop?

A whim?

Even less likely.

If it were truly a whim, they wouldn't have gone to the trouble of targeting Saisin first, let alone using transformation to ensure precision.

This was clearly a premeditated plan, meticulously designed to leave no room for failure.

And among the Troupe, the one who would insist on such an approach is...

Chrollo Lucilfer.

The worst-case possibility.

This alone was enough to suggest that besides Kortopi, there were at least Chrollo and Pakunoda—Chrollo's constant companion—involved in this operation.

Danger was imminent.

But at times like this, it was even more important to stay calm.

Why was the Phantom Troupe targeting him?

There was no point in delving into the root cause now. What mattered was figuring out how to escape this perilous situation.

Moro suddenly retreated, and as he passed the visitor counter by the door, he grabbed an ashtray.

Amidst the wind and rain.

Kortopi noticed Moro's movement but didn't seem to care. Even with his disguise blown, he was in no hurry to attack.

He hadn't been able to fully carry out Chrollo's instructions, but it wouldn't make much difference.

"Hm?"

Kortopi suddenly raised an eyebrow.

A muffled sound came from inside the antique shop. In the next instant, the lights went out, plunging the shop into darkness.

Seeing this, Kortopi realized that Moro had grabbed the ashtray to destroy the power switch as quickly as possible.

But what use would that be?

Kortopi still didn't move, standing motionless amidst the storm.

Inside the pitch-black antique shop.

Moro looked toward the back door, clearly sensing an unbridled, violent killing intent emanating from that direction. There was no attempt to conceal it.

He was blocked in.

Moro let out a long sigh.

Judging by Kortopi's methods, it was highly likely that Chrollo and Pakunoda were nearby, but it was obvious there were more than just those three...

Completely abandoning any thought of confronting the killing intent at the back door, Moro tried to remain as calm as possible and then stepped out of the antique shop.

In that brief moment, three figures appeared on the street.

The one in the lead had short black hair, with a purple cross tattoo at the center of his forehead. His dark eyes were deep and inscrutable. Though his expression was calm, there was a faint hint of indifference in his gaze.

To his left stood a tall, curvaceous blonde woman with cold, sharp features, though a hooked nose marred her overall beauty.

To his right was a blonde, baby-faced young man with bright green eyes and a cheerful smile.

Chrollo, Pakunoda, and Shalnark.

Their distinctive appearances allowed Moro to instantly recognize who they were, causing his heart to sink.

Chrollo stood with his hands in his pockets, gazing at Moro as if looking at an object devoid of life or meaning.

Beside him, Shalnark placed one hand on his hip and smiled. "Very sharp and decisive. It seems he knows we're here..."

"Let's subdue him first," Pakunoda said, crossing her arms beneath her ample chest.

Chrollo silently raised his right hand, channeling nen into his palm.

Seeing Chrollo's movement, Moro's eyes grew sharp, and his tone remained devoid of emotion:

"The Phantom Troupe... You really hold me in high regard. But as I said, I've never had any direct or indirect dealings with you."

Chrollo's gaze was calm as still water. He remained silent.

None of the other Troupe members seemed inclined to answer either.

No response, huh...

Moro took a deep breath, thinking hard about his chance to escape.

At that moment, Chrollo activated his nen ability.

"Skill Hunter."

Amid the surge of nen, a book with a red handprint on its cover appeared in Chrollo's right hand out of thin air.

Rustle...

Under the pouring rain, the book's pages flipped on their own.

When it stopped, Chrollo's left hand conjured a monocle attached to a golden chain.

Seeing the monocle materialize, Moro's expression shifted slightly, torn between relief and anger.

The monocle was none other than Saisin's conjured ability.

Now that Chrollo had stolen it, it confirmed that Saisin was still alive.

But given the Troupe's typical modus operandi, even if alive, Saisin's condition was bound to be grim...

Chrollo held the monocle but did not put it on.

"No rush," he said slowly, stopping Kortopi from attacking.

Originally, Chrollo had intended to use the conjured monocle to unsettle Moro and create an opportunity to capture him alive.

Oddly enough...

Moro's reaction betrayed no hint of surprise or confusion.

If an ally's ability were used by someone who had come looking for trouble, even the steadiest mind would display some doubt.

Yet what Chrollo saw in Moro was... relief?

What could he possibly be relieved about?

Chrollo could only surmise that Moro had realized the ability's owner was still alive upon seeing the monocle.

To make such a judgment required prior knowledge of his "Skill Hunter" ability as a Specialist.

This was intriguing.

"Moro... As you said, we've never had any direct or indirect dealings."

Chrollo spoke in a definitive tone, his gaze tinged with curiosity.

"But your reaction conveys one thing—you know my nen ability."

It wasn't a question or a guess. It was a declaration.

Hearing Chrollo's words, Shalnark, Pakunoda, and Kortopi all displayed expressions of surprise.

"..."

Moro remained silent, a trace of shock in his heart.

Just from his fleeting reaction to seeing Saisin's ability, Chrollo had discerned the truth and confidently stated it as fact.

This was Chrollo Lucilfer.

Moro suppressed his inner turmoil, resisting the urge to glance at Pakunoda.

If there was still a chance to escape, it lay in...

Information.

Moro was almost certain Pakunoda had used her memory-searching ability on Saisin to extract information about him.

And that information contained a critical error.

That was...

In Saisin's understanding, Moro was an Enhancer.

But in reality, he was an Emitter.

The opportunity was hidden within this discrepancy.

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