Ralph shook his head. "It's work-related, but it shouldn't be a big problem. Someone higher up has already been sent to handle it."
He turned to Kaizen and Wendy. "Thank you."
Ralph bowed deeply to them. "The life we have now is all thanks to you. Otherwise, we'd still be struggling in the slums—if we even survived."
He knew the dangers well. Those creatures killed each other mercilessly. If you were exposed, you were as good as dead. The fused monsters were undoubtedly stronger than him, and without his intervention, could Lilith and the others have made it?
Not likely.
When he first heard they were moving to the Kingdom of Fiora, Ralph had been uneasy, unsure of what the future held. But once they settled in Keek City, his worries eased, especially after seeing how the locals lived.
A Nen user from the Dojo of Beasts had changed his perspective. Ralph had felt like an outsider, but seeing someone like that thrive made him realize he wasn't so different. Here, even if you revealed your ability, you weren't met with fear or scorn.
Training in Nen had helped him integrate further. Lilith, Haji, and Hassan now had stable, happy lives. What more could he ask for?
He looked at Kaizen and Wendy with genuine gratitude. "Really, thank you."
"No need to be so formal," Kaizen said with a wave of his hand. "I didn't do much. It was all arranged by Dominica-sama."
"By the way, I brought you something."
With that, Kaizen stepped outside and walked to the car. Wendy pressed the key fob, unlocking the trunk.
"Lilith, these are for you. I wasn't sure what you'd like, so I got a bit of everything. Snacks, toys—I hope you like them."
"Thank you!" Lilith and the others cheered as they received their gifts.
Just then—
Ralph's phone rang. His expression shifted as he answered.
"Ralph! Get to the northwest garden now! Hurry!"
His face darkened. "Kaizen, Wendy, I have to go."
"Got it."
Ralph took off at full speed.
Kaizen glanced at Wendy. "Should we check it out?"
Wendy hesitated. "Let me contact the Dragon Dojo first."
In Fiora, the three major dojos were the most respected Nen training grounds. However, not every Nen user spent their life training. Many left their dojos after reaching adulthood to serve the kingdom. These Nen users, known as Dark Hunters, worked behind the scenes to maintain order.
Ralph was part of Keek City's Dark Hunter unit.
Wendy dialed a number. It was answered quickly.
"Hello?"
"Ina-sama, it's Wendy."
A pause.
"...Wendy, Ina is dead."
Wendy's breath caught. "What?!"
The voice on the other end continued, "Are you in Keek City? Stay put. It's dangerous right now. No—forget it. Tell me where you are. I'll come to you."
Wendy quickly shared their location.
Soon, a car pulled up. A middle-aged man was at the wheel.
"Gaunt." Wendy recognized him immediately. He had trained at the Dojo of Beasts, not the Dragon Dojo, and had a complicated relationship with Ina. The two had been divorced but remained close.
Gaunt noticed Kaizen. "And this is?"
"Kaizen. A good friend. He's from the Zoldyck family."
Gaunt frowned slightly but didn't comment. "Get in."
Kaizen and Wendy got in.
"Lilith, stay inside and don't wander. Wait for Ralph or us to return."
"Understood!" Lilith and the others quickly obeyed, peeking through the window as the car sped away.
As they drove, Wendy clenched her fists. "Gaunt-san, what happened? Why was Ina killed?"
Ina had been a maternal figure to her at the Dragon Dojo. While Dominica had given her something akin to fatherly love, Ina had provided the warmth of a mother. The thought of her death sent a sharp pang through Wendy's chest.
Gaunt's hands tightened on the wheel. "Do you remember the attack on the Nirvana Conference?"
"Of course."
"The attackers weren't just remnants of the Taris Kingdom. Mimbo Republic forces were involved too."
Wendy's eyes narrowed. "What does that have to do with Keek City?"
Gaunt took a deep breath. "Keek City holds a dark secret. A war was fought here long ago, and something dangerous remains sealed beneath it. The head of an unreal being."
Wendy's pulse quickened. "What do you mean?"
"Rosgel."
Her breath hitched.
"Rosgel, the hero of the Mimbo Republic. Their independence was largely thanks to him. But while Mimbo gained freedom, Rosgel lost his life."
"However, he didn't die easily. His death left behind something… unnatural."
Kaizen listened quietly as Gaunt continued.
"Our people feared what Rosgel might become, so we dismembered and sealed his body. It was divided into six parts: the head, arms, torso, and legs."
Wendy's grip tightened. "So Mimbo Republic wants his body?"
Gaunt nodded grimly. "They plan to break the seals. If they succeed, they'll use Rosgel's power as a weapon. This could spark war."
Wendy's voice shook. "And Ina—?"
Gaunt's face darkened. "She was killed by one of them. A Nen user with fire-based abilities burned her alive. There wasn't even a body left. Just… ashes."
His hands trembled on the steering wheel.
A single tear fell onto his hand, disappearing into his clenched fist.
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