To people full of desire, Nanika is the most special existence in the world.
She can grant any wish.
It's just that behind the wishes lies a risk that could potentially destroy the human world.
And to Nanika, Killua is also the most special existence.
As long as it's Killua's command, there is no risk to bear.
Why does Nanika treat Killua differently? Perhaps because Killua is the only person in the world who has never thought of using her?
To Illumi, none of this was important.
He only needed to confirm 'how to use the tool.'
Therefore, to ensure the stability of this tool, it was necessary to alter some of Killua's cognitions and make him completely give up the idea of 'liberating Nanika.'
This way, the family wouldn't have to hold a butcher's knife to Nanika's neck to force Killua's compliance, as they did when they first verified the ability's information.
That method, after all, still carried the risk of 'losing control.'
But inserting a needle to alter cognition could not only eliminate this risk but also guide Killua's growth back to the proper path the family desired.
However, this also gave Illumi an opportunity for personal gain.
He took advantage of the moment Nanika had just woken up, and while his family's attention was drawn to the precious gift Kalluto had brought, to bring Killua before Nanika and make a wish that wasn't difficult to grant.
Yes, Illumi didn't think the wish to 'be stronger than Morrow' was difficult at all.
Ever since his soul returned, he had sensed that he possessed a powerful force that could transcend the identity of a human.
The most special thing about this power was that, like Post-Mortem Will, it could greatly enhance the strength and characteristics of his Nen.
As for making this wish to Nanika, it was partly because he felt this power was not yet sufficient, and partly to ensure he could kill Morrow without any chance of failure.
Ultimately, whether it was acting on his own or his style of wanting to firmly control every situation, these were typical things a Manipulator would do.
The only thing Illumi hadn't anticipated was that this wish, which he considered to be of no difficulty, would cause Nanika to erupt with such astonishing power.
This meant...
Morrow's strength was likely far beyond his imagination and understanding.
This result left Illumi both astonished and doubtful.
A feeling of having miscalculated quietly emerged.
Of course, he wasn't worried about the risk.
Because as long as Killua made a request in a commanding tone, Nanika's response had nothing to do with 'wishes,' so naturally, there was no risk.
This was certain.
What he truly cared about was how long Nanika would have to sleep after fulfilling this wish.
He had originally thought this wish would be easy, not even causing much of a stir, so Nanika naturally wouldn't have to sleep for too long because of it.
But now, he was clearly and utterly wrong.
Judging by the overwhelming black aura before him, the power Nanika had consumed this time was likely no small matter. She would probably have to fall into a long slumber again.
Three months, half a year, or even longer...
Although Illumi felt he had miscalculated, he quickly accepted reality.
Father will probably be angry.
Bathed in this majestic black aura, Illumi could clearly feel the power of the same origin within his body growing at a rapid pace.
In just a moment, it gave him a feeling of omnipotence.
An excited expression finally appeared on Illumi's face, gradually twisting into a ferocious grimace.
This is fantastic...
The feedback of power surged like a tide, making Illumi momentarily cast aside his worries about being punished by his family.
Only a trace of regret remained in his heart.
Nanika wasn't good at healing, but she was extremely skilled at destruction.
If he had let her kill Morrow directly from the start, perhaps she wouldn't have needed to sleep for so long afterward.
But what was done was done; there was no point in overthinking it.
Illumi was certain he could use this power to kill Morrow with his own hands.
—--
Nearby.
Killua looked at the black aura connecting Illumi and Alluka like a bridge, his heart filled with confusion.
Just who is this Morrow guy?
He also hadn't expected that a seemingly simple wish would trigger such a large-scale eruption from Nanika.
Sigh... Alluka and Nanika just woke up. Now they'll probably have to sleep for a long time again.
Thinking of the price Nanika had to pay after releasing this power, Killua felt a pang of guilt.
He had clearly promised to play with them for three days and three nights.
But he didn't blame his older brother.
In Killua's heart, his brother must have had a very good reason for doing this.
If Kalluto knew that Illumi had used a Nen needle to alter Killua's memories of Morrow, he would probably be even more furious.
But from Illumi's standpoint, not implanting a hatred for Morrow into Killua's mind was already quite restrained.
His Nen needle even granted Killua, Alluka, and Nanika a minimum degree of freedom.
Isn't this a happy ending for everyone?
With the sudden eruption of the black aura, Silva and the others in the monitoring room felt it immediately.
Surprised, they no longer had time to pay attention to the precious items from the Dark Continent that Kalluto had brought home. They immediately set off for Alluka's room.
Zeno was away on a mission and not at home.
As for Maha, after sensing Nanika's power, he merely watched quietly for a moment through the gloomy wall, then slowly withdrew his gaze and turned back to the cartoon playing on the television.
By the time Silva and the others arrived at Alluka's room, the fluctuations of the majestic aura had almost completely disappeared.
There were no surprises.
Nanika had once again fallen into a deep sleep, held gently in Killua's arms.
Only this time, who knew how long she would have to sleep.
Sensing his family's arrival, Illumi had no intention of showing off his power. Instead, he restrained his aura with great control.
Silva stepped into the room, his gaze as cold as ice.
"Illumi, what did you ask of Nanika?"
Even without witnessing the process, he instantly deduced that the commotion just now must have been related to Illumi.
After all, with a Nen needle in his head, Killua couldn't possibly have the thought of running away with Alluka and Nanika again.
And Nanika herself had no initiative to use her ability; she had to respond to someone's request or command to activate it.
Facing his father's cold, sharp gaze, Illumi calmly raised his hands and said in a placid tone, "Father, I just asked Nanika to make my strength surpass Morrow's. I thought it wouldn't be difficult, but I really didn't expect it to cause such a big commotion."
He paused slightly, then added seriously, "Killua can vouch for me."
Before he finished speaking, Killua chimed in, "Yeah, big brother really only made that request, but why did it require Nanika to use so much power?"
He was still wondering about Morrow's origins.
Silva's brow furrowed. His gaze swept past Killua and returned to Illumi.
He didn't speak immediately, his eyes just grew colder and more imposing.
Illumi knew he was in the wrong and had no intention of making excuses.
If the commotion hadn't been so big, he might have harbored the hope of getting away with it.
Now, what was done was done.
"Father, once I bring Kalluto back, you can punish me however you want."
Illumi slowly lowered his hands.
Silva said gravely, "Just bring Kalluto back?"
"Ah, I thought that a small matter like killing Morrow on the side wasn't worth mentioning specifically."
Illumi's tone was flat.
Silva's face grew even colder. "Illumi, I warned you..."
"Yes, but I know exactly what I'm doing."
Illumi rarely interrupted his father, his attitude calm but without the slightest hint of backing down. "Father, this is the one thing I absolutely must do, and it's not entirely out of selfish desire."
"You and mother saw it just now. For Morrow, Kalluto didn't even hesitate to... have killing intent towards family. Today it was me, tomorrow it could be mother. But as long as Morrow disappears from this world, the problem will naturally cease to exist."
After explaining his motive to Silva, Illumi didn't expect to receive approval or consent.
So before Silva could respond, he spoke again, "When I return, I will accept any punishment."
After hearing Illumi's words, everyone present could feel his unquestionable resolve.
But only Milluki, who hadn't been involved but already knew the whole story, muttered to himself in his heart: If it weren't for you, big brother Illumi, always acting on your own, how would things have gotten so complicated?
Vaguely, Milluki even began to feel a trace of blame towards the big brother he respected.
However, he would never admit that this was because of the precious gifts Kalluto brought, nor was it out of jealousy that big brother Illumi could act on his own and demand power from Nanika, while he couldn't even get his small requests for a limited-edition Alice figure and a next-generation computer fulfilled.
He was taking a stand for 'justice,' offering a reasonable critique and condemnation of his big brother's actions.
Of course.
He could only condemn him in his heart.
The otaku thought to himself.
—--
Dozens of kilometers away.
Kurapika and Kalluto were completely unaware of the sky-rocketing aura that had erupted from Kukuroo Mountain.
But Morrow sensed it.
This might be because of Tree Rings, or perhaps because he absorbed Post-Mortem Nen year-round, making him particularly sensitive to it.
"It's in the direction of Kukuroo Mountain."
Morrow withdrew his gaze from the window and let it fall on Kalluto.
Kalluto's expression changed slightly.
Even if he hadn't detected the Post-Mortem Nen, since Morrow said so, it must be true.
And it was in the direction of Kukuroo Mountain, of all places.
Kalluto's heart immediately leaped into his throat, and he naturally thought of the situation at home.
And with dozens of kilometers between Ryuboku Town and Kukuroo Mountain, Morrow could still sense the fluctuations of Post-Mortem Nen...
This was very likely Illumi's doing.
The moment he thought of this possibility, Kalluto's first reaction was, Has Illumi gone mad?
But looking at the safe and sound Morrow before him, Kalluto's tense heartstrings relaxed slightly.
At the same time, Kalluto realized he had to tell Morrow about Alluka's existence as soon as possible.
Kalluto quickly returned to the previous topic and began to divulge the family secret.
As a transmigrator, Morrow actually knew the nature and mechanics of this wish-granting ability better than Kalluto, but that didn't stop him from listening quietly at this moment.
Beside them, Kurapika learned of the existence of the wish-granting ability from Kalluto's account and was unable to hide his shock.
This type of ability completely exceeded his understanding of the Nen system.
But he soon realized that his understanding might be flawed.
This power that Kalluto described, which was almost 'responsive to every plea,' was perhaps not within the scope of ordinary Nen at all.
It might come from some higher-level existence.
An idea uncontrollably surfaced in Kurapika's mind.
But he quickly suppressed that unrealistic thought with his tenacious will.
A moment later.
Kalluto had revealed everything he knew.
Kurapika thought for a moment and asked, "This is what you've been worried about, right?"
"How could I not be worried?"
Kalluto was in a terrible mood, his tone inevitably carrying a needle-like sharpness.
Kurapika could understand Kalluto's feelings at the moment and didn't mind. Instead, following Kalluto's earlier description of the nature of Illumi's aura, he reminded him, "Have you ever thought, Morrow possesses a very powerful ability to remove Post-Mortem Nen?"
Kalluto froze at his words, having indeed overlooked this point. He couldn't help but turn to look at Morrow immediately.
Meeting Kalluto's questioning gaze, Morrow said calmly, "I can't say for sure what the result will be, but as long as it's Post-Mortem Nen, I can handle it easily."
"But..."
Kalluto looked hesitant, not because he doubted Morrow's Nen exorcism ability, but because he worried that Illumi might use the power of a wish to pose a direct threat to Morrow.
Just to eliminate this one possibility, did he have to make Illumi completely lose this 'option'?
But if he did nothing, and something happened, it would be too late.
This left Kalluto in a dilemma.
Morrow suddenly reached out and ruffled Kalluto's hair, smiling. "Stop overthinking it. I'll be fine."
This time, Kalluto didn't slap Morrow's hand away immediately as he usually did.
His mood just remained low.
The three of them didn't stay in Ryuboku Town for long before setting off for the nearest airport.
Morrow told them about his plan to study Divine Script, which managed to divert some of Kalluto's attention.
However, he guessed that Killua had probably been stuck with one of Illumi's needles again.
And the reason Kalluto held back from saying anything was probably because he was afraid of putting him in a difficult position.
—--
Kalluto, I promised you I would only kill Illumi in self-defense, but I was also sure that after you left home, Illumi would definitely take action within a short period of time.
On the way to the airport, Morrow thought silently to himself.
His judgment was not wrong.
When they were still some distance from the airport, a large number of figures suddenly fell from the sky like raindrops.
They were the Needle People controlled by Illumi.
A dense 'rain of people' poured down towards the location of Morrow's group.
Faced with the sudden attack, Morrow's expression didn't change in the slightest.
Having been tempered by the various dangers of the Dark Continent, his state of mind was undoubtedly world-class.
One hundred, two hundred... nearly five hundred.
Morrow glanced up, instantly estimating the approximate number while simultaneously locking onto the Post-Mortem Nen emanating from each Needle Person.
Just as Kalluto said, this guy Illumi...
The intensity of his Nen had become extremely exaggerated. He could actually control five hundred Needle People at once, with their strength evenly distributed.
Thinking of this, Morrow took the initiative to leap into the air, heading towards the group of Needle People whose nature could restrict the characteristics of his Starlight Convergence ability.
He was completely fearless, casually grabbing one of them.
Very good, I can absorb it!
In an instant, Tree Rings gave him the choice.