This would likely provoke the opposite reaction from the Zodiacs. They were all elite Hunters chosen by the Chairman; none of them wanted to
This would likely provoke the opposite reaction from the Zodiacs. They were all elite Hunters chosen by the Chairman; none of them wanted to be manipulated.
Pariston hadn't anticipated that Cheadle would announce Chairman Netero's death at the meeting's outset.
The sudden news silenced the meeting room.
But anger quickly followed, as Netero's death was, strictly speaking, partly Loki's fault.
The discussion regarding Loki's fate began. Ging remained silent.
Mizaistom, Kanzai, and even Botobai, having fought Loki, declared that such a dangerous individual must be eliminated.
The reasoning was simple: intelligence reports indicated that the Hunter Association currently lacked the means to restrain Loki. Therefore, even if captured, imprisonment was impossible, leaving execution as the only option.
The lack of debate surprised even Cheadle.
"But the Chairman had high hopes for that brat," Cheadle interjected, unexpectedly defending Loki.
"He went berserk after the Chairman's death. Morel and Knov said that if not for his incredible strength, despite his injuries, forcing back those dangerous creatures, they wouldn't have escaped!"
Kanzai scoffed. "Even so, that doesn't excuse his crimes."
Mizaistom agreed. "Massacring Hunters, attacking the Hunter Association, killing Zodiac members, injuring Chairman Netero—his role in the Chairman's death is undeniable."
Ging stood, drawing everyone's attention.
"Before the Chairman's injury, I performed a special treatment." This statement was met with puzzled looks. Weren't they discussing Loki?
Ignoring their confusion, Ging continued. "Strictly speaking, it wasn't treatment; it was a slow suicide."
Before anyone could question his actions, Ging revealed, "It was the Chairman's request. The temporarily recovered Chairman could unleash power comparable to his peak."
The room fell silent. Netero at his peak—the world's strongest Nen user! Kanzai stammered, "Really?"
Ging smiled. "I can assure you, the Chairman was stronger than ever, not weaker."
Stronger than ever, not weaker! This meant Loki had defeated Netero at his peak in a direct confrontation—a brat who'd only awakened his Nen a little over a year ago. He had surpassed Netero!
Silence fell; expressions were varied. Pariston, rarely surprised, stared at Ging.
Ging smiled. "So, you really want to kill a brat who performed a miracle for humanity? If he fulfills Chairman Netero's hopes…"
"Then the gate to the New World awaits us!"
The New World referred to the Dark Continent. Everyone present knew of its existence, and every expedition had ended in failure. Netero had forbidden expeditions during his tenure. A new world lay before them, and the key was in their hands. Should they destroy this key?
Not a single Zodiac member lacked interest in the Dark Continent.
"Even so, that brat's crimes…" Mizaistom began, her resolve less firm than before. Loki's value was too significant.
Ging interrupted. "Crimes? What crimes? Was eliminating the Phantom Troupe wrong? Why was he wanted?"
This question stunned Mizaistom. "He destroyed a building, killing innocent people."
"Did you see it with your own eyes?" Ging countered.
No one answered.
"The Phantom Troupe, backed by Meteor City, were already highly wanted criminals. Their crimes were far worse than Loki's."
The Zodiacs understood the unspoken implications.
Kanzai stared at Ging. "Then why did the Chairman personally order Loki's arrest?"
Cheadle, realizing something she'd overlooked, spoke hesitantly. "Perhaps the Chairman wanted to channel Loki's anger towards himself, minimizing his hatred for the Association."
Kanzai fell silent. If this was true, Saiyu's death also made sense. Kanzai and Botobai had sensed Loki's lack of killing intent; only Saiyu had used his ability first, prompting Loki's lethal response.
Even when Kanzai was restrained, he wasn't killed.
Loki only showed ruthlessness to those who sought to kill him. Those who attacked Loki after the warrant were all killed.
It wasn't a crime to kill someone who was trying to kill you.
The Zodiacs' hostility towards Loki lessened, but complete acceptance remained impossible.
"Ging, what's your opinion?" Kanzai asked.
Ging sat back down, glancing at the grim-faced Pariston. "In my opinion, dealing with Loki can be postponed. Isn't the priority dealing with the suddenly appeared unknown creatures?"
Unknown creatures! "What's to worry about?" Kanzai scoffed, his dismissiveness echoed by the other Zodiac members.
"Nothing to worry about? Creatures that Morel and Knov, Hunters the Chairman respected, found terrifying? That's not worth worrying about?"
Morel and Knov had described the creatures as powerful, but the Zodiacs didn't find them threatening. At most, a nuisance, surely not more dangerous than Loki.
Their expressions remained unchanged, filled with disdain.
Ging sighed. "Loki's strength, after defeating Netero at his peak, is undeniable. We might not be a match for him in single combat."
Botobai suddenly spoke. "So what? He's unconscious. We have time."
Ging nodded. "I know. But even in his rage, Loki couldn't kill them. Are those creatures really so easy to deal with?"
This caused Botobai to frown sharply, his face paling. The others' faces also paled.
A Nen user, in extreme emotion, could unleash power several times their normal strength. Loki's power was already terrifying; in a rage, it would be far greater. Even accounting for his injuries, his power at that moment wouldn't have been weaker than usual.
Cheadle understood the seriousness of the situation. The unknown creatures were as dangerous as, or perhaps even more dangerous than, Loki. Who in the Association could handle them? A comparison…
__________________
for more advance chapters visit patreon.com/bars45.
For 10$- All advance chapters.