Leorio and Kurapika traveled together.
Between them, Kurapika had already secured six points—his own tag plus Tonpa's. However, Leorio still hadn't reached six. Tonpa's partner wasn't Leorio's target, so Leorio only had four points at the moment. He still needed two more.
Either he'd have to find his actual target and take that person's tag—which would leave one spare tag—or else grab tags from two unrelated individuals. Clearly, the first option seemed more manageable.
Even though Kurapika had finished collecting his points, he decided to help Leorio gather the tags he needed, given how Leorio had significantly helped him in defeating Tonpa. Instead of heading straight to the port, they advanced cautiously across Zevil Island.
Leorio still didn't know who his target might be.
Suddenly, someone barreled down the hillside at high speed—a middle-aged man, slightly overweight, gasping for breath, looking in terrible shape. Leorio didn't even recognize him, but one thing caught Leorio's attention: the number on the man's tag was the one he was after. Without hesitation, Leorio rushed in.
At that moment, Bourbon hardly noticed. His mind remained preoccupied with Ponzu and Ron. By the time he realized Leorio's charge, it was too late.
Boom!
A tremendous impact sent Bourbon flying. He soared a good ten meters before crashing hard and rolling along the ground, finally coming to a stop when he slammed into a large boulder.
Leorio dashed over.
"Got it!"
Kurapika glanced at Bourbon, sprawled on the ground.
"Leorio, let's get out of here. This guy looks like he's just been through a serious fight. There may be someone chasing him. We don't need the trouble."
"Right."
They left quickly. Bourbon slipped into unconsciousness. A swarm of venomous snakes converged around him, forming a tight circle that prevented anyone from approaching.
Ron looked off in a certain direction.
"Ponzu, I'm stepping away for a bit. Stay here and don't wander off."
No sooner had he spoken than Ron's figure disappeared. When he reappeared, he stood in a small clearing within the forest.
Someone sat there on a rock, fully cloaked.
"I'm here," Ron said. "Care to explain why you deliberately left me a marker and brought me over?"
He studied the individual—someone who hadn't appeared in the original story. Like Ron, this person was an extra element. The cloaked figure removed the hood, revealing tangled hair. Then she looked up at Ron.
"Ron…"
Her way of addressing him made Ron raise an eyebrow. But soon, he noticed the differences in her appearance: golden hair, a young woman's face—not fully human. She had traits that clearly weren't human, reminiscent of some wild mammal like a hyena or a wolf: two upright ears covered in yellow fur. One might call her a fox-eared girl in a more two-dimensional world.
She didn't look the same as when Ron had previously taken note of her, but as a Nen user, she could easily possess transformation-type abilities.
"And you are…?"
"My name is Elita. I currently work for the Underworld Mafia."
"Have we met?"
"It was you who saved my life, Ron. Maybe you don't remember me, but I'll never forget your scent."
Elita continued, "Back then, near Aurean City, it was only because you happened to pass by that I wasn't killed by members of the Underworld Mafia. Otherwise, I would already be dead. I've never forgotten that."
Ron's eyes flickered slightly. From what she said, he had a pretty good idea of her background: one of the survivors from Dandins's second experimental facility. He recalled that day clearly. After killing Dandins, he'd opened the doors to the second facility, releasing the test subjects locked inside. It caused massive chaos in Aurean City. Many of those experimental subjects died, but to them, death was less horrifying than living trapped on operating tables and treated like livestock. At least a few managed to survive in the aftermath.
Ron had left Aurean City soon after freeing them. But on his way out, he'd run into a few of the escapees—and also been pursued by the Underworld Mafia. Those pursuers were all killed by Ron, including a member of the Shadow Beasts.
"I was hiding in the bushes back then," Elita explained. "Some Underworld Mafia people came along, asking if you'd seen us. You didn't answer. They tried to block your way, and you killed them. You even glanced in my direction—so I knew you'd noticed me."
"That's why I survived. I remember your scent, Ron. At first, I wasn't sure. During the second exam, I began to suspect. Finally, here on Zevil Island, I'm certain. Thank you, Ron."
Ron waved a hand dismissively.
"You don't owe me anything. I never intended to save you. Even if I did, it was just in passing. If you've made a new life with the Underworld Mafia, then stick to it. Or, if you want to report me for killing those Mafia members, that's your call."
By now, Ron had no fear of the Underworld Mafia. With his ability and connections, they were the ones who needed to think twice before provoking him.
Elita's face flushed.
"I'd never do something so ungrateful. The reason I wanted to meet you was so I could follow you, Ron—repay the debt of my life. I'd like to use my abilities to serve you in any way I can."
Tears brimmed in Elita's eyes as she spoke.
"Really, you don't have to repay me," Ron said, shaking his head. "Just live well."
"I can't just walk away from a debt like that! My life is yours, Ron. Whatever you want me to do, I'll do."
"You insist?"
"I insist!"
"And you'll do anything?"
"Anything."
"What if I told you to die right here, right now?"
----------------------
You can read up to 120 Advanced chapters!
Patreon(.)com/IDKjust