If Knov could improve the Hide-and-Seek Dimension to the point where the Mender couldn't invade, Law would naturally be delighted.
But that wouldn't be an improvement... it would be overturning its essence.
Knov had thought Law wanted him to strengthen the apartment's security, but that wasn't it. He looked confused.
"I want you to make a spare key for the Hide-and-Seek Dimension."
Denying Knov's guess, Law stated his reason for calling him aside.
"A spare key..."
Knov habitually adjusted his glasses.
Honestly, he had been thinking about the concept of a spare key for a while.
However, he himself was the type who deeply lacked a sense of security, which was why he could develop an ability like the Hide-and-Seek Dimension. Even the master key controlling all entrances, when conjured, had to be handcuffed to his wrist.
This detail showed Knov's personality. Therefore, creating a spare key would be very difficult.
Law, naturally, understood this. Otherwise, given the apartment's mechanics, creating a spare key would be a very reasonable phenomenon.
But reasonable phenomena differ depending on the user.
Looking at Knov, Law said softly, "Can you do it?"
Knov pressed his lips together. He couldn't make any guarantees, but he didn't want to disappoint Law, so he steeled himself and said, "I can."
"Good. No rush, take your time."
"Yes."
"Alright, go rest now."
Knov nodded and turned to leave.
After two steps, he stopped.
Watching him, Law's gaze lingered on his back.
Knov slowly turned to face Law's gaze and said hesitantly, "I might be able to create a spare key in a short time."
"Oh?"
Surprise flickered in Law's eyes. He had thought this would take considerable time... improving Nen Abilities wasn't something done by just talking.
"But there would be an unavoidable restriction," Knov continued.
"You have an idea?"
"Yes. If I were to follow conventional methods to create a spare key, it might take a very long time, and I might not even succeed. I hate to admit it, but it's related to my personality flaws."
Knov lowered his gaze. It was the first time he had acknowledged his shortcomings in front of others.
"Theoretically, someone lacking a sense of security like me would have great difficulty creating a spare key."
He raised his hand and conjured the apartment's master key. Also conjured was the handcuff connecting it to his wrist.
Previously, seeing the handcuff hadn't seemed unusual, but when discussing relevant topics, the handcuff became quite glaring.
Looking at the master key connected to the handcuff, Knov said quietly, "But if it's based on trust, for me, creating a usable spare key shouldn't be too difficult."
He then looked up at Law, who had been listening, and his tone became serious. "But the spare key would become a specialty item, usable only by a specific individual."
Law raised an eyebrow. "A restriction for use by a specific individual, you mean..."
"Yes."
Knov averted his eyes slightly and explained, "It's a common social phenomenon to give a spare key to someone close, right? This is basically the same principle."
But he didn't specifically mention that this phenomenon usually occurred between men and women about to enter a relationship.
"I see."
Law didn't think that deeply. He stroked his chin, looking enlightened.
It made sense, aligning with the user's personality and the Vows and Limitations of Nen Abilities.
"Thinking about it, it's quite troublesome. So, who here meets the criteria?"
"Only you."
Knov looked cautiously at Law.
"Huh?"
Law was stunned.
With the restriction for use by a specific individual, only he met the criteria. That was awkward... the spare key's function couldn't be utilized at all.
But it couldn't be helped. Considering Knov's feelings, Law didn't dwell on the issue.
"In that case, make a spare key for me first."
"Perhaps, I can do it now."
Knov looked down at his hands.
"Oh? Go ahead and try."
Law was slightly surprised.
Knov nodded, first dispelling the conjured master key, then gathered Nen into his hands. He closed his eyes, letting his mind focus on imagining the spare key.
That's what he said, but he wasn't sure he could do it.
As Law said, he could only try.
In Knov's mind, the outline of a spare key slowly took shape.
As his imagination grew, the mass of Nen in his hands slowly changed shape.
Watching, Law saw the Nen mass coalesce into a form at a decent pace.
Conjuring an object is no easy task. Even a talented Nen User like Kurapika had taken considerable time to successfully conjure his chains.
However, Knov had experience conjuring the master key, so creating a spare key would be less difficult.
About ten minutes later, the Nen Mass in Knov's hands formed the shape of a key.
Watching, Law nodded slightly in approval.
Though his eyes were closed, Knov sensed the key's shape.
'Next is to imprint the exclusive mark for Law...'
Following the thoughts in his mind, Knov guided his Nen to gently wash over the key in his hands.
During this process, Knov felt a strange sensation.
As if a small shackle in his mind was loosening...
Curious, he tried to touch the faintly visible shackle.
Just then, the spare key was successfully conjured.
Knov opened his eyes and looked at the spare key in his hand. It was very similar to his master key, the difference being it wasn't attached to a handcuff.
"It worked."
He murmured. The strange, hazy feeling had now dissipated completely.
Replaced by joy.
Honestly, he hadn't expected it to be so easy.
Perhaps it was because this spare key was prepared for Law.
"Law, try it."
Knov handed the spare key to Law.
Law nodded, quite expectantly taking the spare key.
...
Inside the black disc, bright and monotonous.
The Scarecrow lay on a platform inscribed with strange runes, bound by a centipede.
Around it stood about ten Humanoids whose masks bore patterns of rare animals and beasts. Two of them had blank masks.
One of the two was the master of the centipede... because he had conjured it, his mask was blank.
The other, like a newborn, was blank and without pattern.