This time, the task entrusted by Law did not go as smoothly as before.
Milluki encountered a formidable opponent… one who thoroughly crushed him, leaving him utterly defeated.
In such situations, the tough nuts should be left for last, while the other pests are dealt with first.
However, Milluki's pride flared up. Not only did he not inform Law of the situation, but he also stubbornly fixated on that powerful opponent.
The result is... half a month has passed, and Milluki's progress on the task showed absolutely no improvement.
Law, of course, was unaware of this. Whenever he assigned work to Milluki, he never interfered with or inquired about the process… he simply waited for the results.
During these two weeks, he stayed at the Zoldyck Family's Estate without going anywhere. His days were filled with routine training, and in his free time, he read books from the Zoldyck Family's collection.
Beyond that, he played with Killua or taught him some combat techniques.
As for Nen, at the Zoldycks' request, Law did not reveal it to Killua. Any techniques he used during their interactions were disguised as 'magic tricks'.
On the sixteenth day of his stay at the Zoldyck estate, Law, as usual, finished his daily training in his room and stepped out, planning to take a stroll. However, his sharp instincts immediately picked up on the changed atmosphere within the household.
Noticing this, Law remained composed and did not overly immerse himself in the Zoldyck Family's affairs. He simply carried on with his daily routine as usual.
Five more days passed before Killua finally revealed to him that Alluka's ability had been discovered. A butler had already lost their life because of it.
Killua had been summoned by their parents and forced to disclose the secret he had been hiding… though he omitted certain details.
The Zoldyck Family, recognizing the latent threat posed by Alluka, swiftly took action.
On one hand, they began constructing a special room for Alluka beneath the estate. On the other, Illumi volunteered to investigate and fully understand Alluka's abilities.
Killua wasn't aware of these developments, but Law knew everything clearly.
"Law, I feel a little uneasy."
One day, Killua came to Law's room, his eyebrows drooping weakly, the usual sparkle in his eyes dimmed. He seemed somewhat lost, even helpless.
As always, Law reached out and ruffled Killua's hair, saying, "Don't overthink it."
"But..." Killua bit his lip. He had noticed that while his family's attitude toward Alluka hadn't changed, the look in their eyes had. He wasn't sure whether he should share this observation with Law.
"Hmm?"
Law quietly watched Killua, though the corner of his eye was focused on the window. He knew exactly who was standing outside, what actions the Zoldyck Family was taking, and what they would do next.
However, even if Killua asked him for help, there was little he could offer.
"Never mind." Killua felt it might be inappropriate to bring up his family's matters to an outsider, so he dropped the subject and instead said, "Law, Alluka and I want to have an ultra-luxurious feast tonight!"
Law was stunned for a moment, sighed in his heart, and said with a smile: "Sure, I'll prepare it for you tonight."
"Great! It's a promise, then." Killua nodded, turned, and dashed toward the solid double doors. He paused briefly mid-step before pushing them open and slipping out, closing them behind him.
Law stared at the closed doors for a moment before turning his gaze to the arched, vintage-style window. Then, he calmly remarked, "Don't you have anything better to do? I haven't seen you take on any jobs lately. Instead, you've just been lurking around like a stalker."
The moment he finished speaking, a figure materialized outside the window… Illumi. He pushed the window open and climbed inside.
This version of Illumi was still young, wearing branded sportswear, his hair short and neat. He hadn't yet grown the long, silky locks that would later make even girls envious.
"I suggested to Father that you should leave." Illumi said.
"And then?" Law asked calmly.
"He refused." Illumi let out a deep sigh, propping his chin on his hand with a troubled expression, "But I don't understand why he rejected the suggestion. At a time like this, it's really not suitable to have outsiders staying in the house!"
"Blame me, then." Law walked over to the sofa, plopped down, and crossed his legs with an air of utter nonchalance.
Illumi snorted coldly, "I don't want Killua to develop a habit of relying on you. You… better recognize the boundaries."
'As if Killua would ever want to rely on you.'
Law complained in his heart, then said: "Do you know why Silva rejected your suggestion?"
Illumi stared at him calmly, waiting for an explanation.
"Because I've never interfered with your affairs… no, more accurately, I've never interfered with the Zoldyck Family. Or in other words, I've been playing by the rules." Law tilted his head slightly, resting his cheek on his hand.
"What are you trying to say?" Illumi's brows furrowed slightly.
Law smiled and said, "I'm saying your brother complex is getting worse."
A surge of malicious Aura erupted from Illumi, dark and oppressive, as if the very air had been tainted.
"Wow." Law feigned surprise.
The hostile Aura appeared as abruptly as it vanished.
Illumi reined in his emotions, his handsome face expressionless. He studied Law carefully before asking, "Can I kill you?"
"No, I don't want to die yet." Law smiled, "Besides, can you even do it?"
"I couldn't before, but now… that's hard to say." Illumi's tone was indifferent.
Law's eyes flickered in understanding, 'Illumi's newfound confidence must stem from Alluka's ability.'
He chuckled, "That ability is indeed somewhat unbeatable, but there are risks involved. I think you should figure out the rules first before deciding whether to use it."
Hearing Law's words, Illumi's expression suddenly changed. His eyes became sharp, and he said coldly: "Killua told you?"
"You could say that. I'm Killua's 'secret sharer'. Jealous?" Law teased deliberately.
The malicious Aura Illumi had just suppressed flared up again. The phrase 'secret sharer' had indeed struck a nerve.
"How much do you know about Alluka's ability?" Illumi forced down his emotions, his frown deepening.
Law looked at Illumi with a strange look and said, "I know as much as Killua does. Otherwise, how could I be his secret sharer?"
Without another word, Illumi turned and left. In that moment, he realized he'd asked a foolish question.
Since Killua had shared the secret with Law, then Law's knowledge would be the same as what Killua had reported to the family. His earlier inquiry had been entirely redundant.
For Killua's sake, he believed that if necessary, he could use Alluka's ability to eliminate Law.
Yet, during their conversation, he couldn't understand why Law seemed so unshakably confident.
With Illumi gone, only Law remained in the room.
'Killua didn't reveal all the secrets to you. And the ones he kept hidden… I know them too.' Law thought silently in his heart.
Illumi's earlier killing intent had been unmistakably pure. His worsening brother complex might very well drive him to extreme measures… like wishing for Law's death through Alluka.
However, Law wasn't worried at all. He had already verified one crucial fact, dispelling any concerns about Nanika's power.
'If Illumi tries to stick a needle in Killua's head, should I…?' Law pinched his chin, then shook his head slightly, 'No, that matter was approved by Silva and Zeno.'
At that thought, he let out a quiet sigh.
Ten days later, Law went to collect the results from Milluki… only to be stunned at the sight of a visibly thinner Milluki, who had lost over ten pounds.
At the same time, Alluka was placed under confinement.