"The world's most technical method of killing!"
"We will show you what it truly means to master the art of killing!"
This was the Matar family's slogan in their early days.
The Zoldyck family scoffed at the notion, dismissing it as mere theatrics. Yet, the slogan managed to garner significant attention and intrigue from many people across the world. Sometimes, a flashy gimmick can work wonders. In today's world, even the finest wine might remain unnoticed in a hidden alley—and the Matar family's "wine" wasn't particularly fine to begin with.
Ronnel examined their so-called "murder artistry," peeling back the layers of hype. It quickly became clear that their methods were little more than flashy modifications of standard assassination techniques. The essence remained the same, only the packaging had changed.
Take, for instance, the way the "charter woman" killed the greasy man earlier. If the Zoldyck family had been tasked with the job, they'd likely use a simple pebble to achieve the same result. Was deploying poisonous smoke necessary? To them, it would seem wasteful. Yet, the psychological terror induced by the smoke left a far deeper impression than a straightforward kill ever could.
For advanced Nen users and elite professional assassins, such methods are trivial and inefficient. But to the uninformed, these theatrical techniques seem shrouded in mystery. Ironically, this appeal to pretentious elites who had never encountered true artistry gave the Matar family a foothold in the world of assassination. Their business grew, and over time, they ascended to become the second-largest assassin organization, rivaling even the Zoldycks.
Despite their rise, the Matar family's success was built on shallow foundations. Their reliance on dramatic tactics made them the subject of ridicule among true professionals.
As Ronnel pondered their so-called "alliance," he came to a blunt conclusion:
No. Reliability. Structure.
The idea of an alliance in the assassin world was inherently flawed. If such an alliance did form and successfully toppled the Zoldycks, it would only result in the Matar family taking the top spot—a new leader, but the same power dynamic. This was unlikely to sit well with the other families, all of whom harbored ambitions of their own.
Ronnel's observations were clear: the alliance was doomed from the start. Each family would inevitably pursue its own agenda, ensuring discord and competition within the ranks. Even if the alliance somehow succeeded, the resulting instability would likely cause more harm than good.
Yet, despite the glaring flaws, the Matar family's intentions seemed deliberate. Was there some hidden motive behind their actions?
As Ronnel delved deeper into the matter, his thoughts drifted to the Zoldycks. Despite the commotion stirred by Matar, the Zoldycks remained an unshakable force. To them, the Matar family's antics were little more than a minor annoyance, akin to a loach squirming in a pit. Their disdain was evident in their silence—a refusal to dignify the Matar family's theatrics with a response.
Ronnel chuckled to himself.
"They're just jumping clowns," he mused, following the sightseeing bus as it departed. The alliance meeting was still some time away, leaving Ronnel ample time to prepare.
...
Grettier: Gateway to Mount Saint-Pierre
Grettier was the nearest city to Mount Saint-Pierre, known for its strategic location between two nations and its proximity to the famed Bridge of Despair. As a bustling hub for tourists and adventurers, the city saw a constant flow of visitors. Numerous travel agencies operated here, offering packages that began and ended in Grettier.
Unsurprisingly, the city's streets were teeming with strange figures, many of whom carried a faint air of menace. Ronnel noticed several individuals whose murderous aura made pedestrians instinctively keep their distance.
"Do these people have no concept of subtlety?" Ronnel muttered, exasperated by their lack of discretion. He entered a nearby tavern, blending seamlessly into the crowd. By "accidentally" brushing against a few patrons, he used his Nen ability to gather the information he needed.
"Nen that directly probes memories is so convenient," he thought, sipping his drink and reviewing the information he had obtained.
Key details emerged:
The meeting would take place on January 7th, coinciding with the start of the Hunter Examination.
Only organized groups were invited, solo assassins were excluded.
Participants needed to cross the Bridge of Despair and demonstrate sufficient strength to gain entry.
"Doesn't sound too challenging," Ronnel mused, eyeing a group of killers from a small organization seated nearby. Their distinctive uniforms betrayed their affiliations.
Smiling to himself, he finished his drink and left. With his Nen ability to alter his appearance, infiltrating the meeting would be a simple task.
Training in the Mountains
Not far from Grettier, a group of students clad in camouflage uniforms navigated the rugged terrain. Beneath their field gear, glimpses of white lab coats could be seen, hinting at their academic background.
"Stay close and don't wander off!" their leader, a stern-faced middle-aged man, barked. Wielding a machete, he cleared a path through the dense foliage.
"You're all students of our university, so act like it! Show some discipline!" he added, his tone leaving no room for argument.
The group pressed on, each step bringing them closer to their destination. For these students, this was more than just a field exercise—it was a test of their resolve and a lesson in survival.
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