Chapter 15: Read Message, No Reply
Germain spoke slowly.
You have one more chance to make an offer. Think carefully. A poison whose composition hasn't yet been identified makes it almost impossible to find an antidote quickly. That's its value.
With repeated use, poisons eventually reveal their formulas and antidotes become easier to craft which, in turn, leaves trails that can expose the killer.
The greatest danger of a poison lies in the moment when it's still unknown.
Of course, there might exist someone with a Nen ability capable of purging any toxin without reason but that was another world entirely.
I understand, I understand…
The dealer wiped the sweat from his forehead with a white cloth, thought for a moment, and then gritted his teeth.
Then ten million Jenny!
But… I can't get ten million right now. I'll give you five million this time, and the rest in two days.
Germain recalled Killua Zoldyck the bounty for his photograph was rumored to be a hundred million Jenny.
This syringe of venom was worth a tenth of that price. Not bad.
He wasn't worried the dealer might refuse. Worst case, he could return to his old profession as an assassin and let the dealer see what his skills were worth.
Deal.
The dealer sighed in relief as Germain agreed.
After confirming the transfer of five million Jenny into his anonymous account, Germain returned to the mines.
But this time, he didn't rush to sell the rest of his spoils. Instead, he deliberately relocated to another city.
On the 30th day, he arrived at a new city and sold the hurricane moth's scaled wings each as large as a sheet of paper.
The wings didn't fetch as much as the venom, but their mysterious origin gave them a certain collectible value, resulting in a final sale of four million Jenny.
The remaining five million from the poison sale also arrived in his account soon after.
In the blink of an eye, Germain had become a small-time millionaire.
Rich fabulously rich by his standards he didn't hesitate to book a presidential suite that very night.
Standing on the extended balcony, he enjoyed the cool evening breeze and admired the cityscape below.
From the city's highest point, the ground seemed distant and dreamlike a misty tapestry of stars scattered like falling rain.
A few glimmering dots appeared in the night sky, gliding slowly above.
Due to various factors, the technological path of this world had diverged greatly from the one in Germain's previous life.
There were smartphones, computers, and even real-life video games that could transport people to isolated islands quite advanced.
Airplanes existed too, though mostly for private use; public air travel relied primarily on airships.
That bright dot crossing the skyline was one such passing airship.
Logically, there was no reason civil aircraft shouldn't dominate it seemed more likely there were restrictions, perhaps imposed by the V5 or tied to the Dark Continent.
Germain sat silently in his recliner, pondering these things.
Suddenly, a vibration came from within his black robe. He pulled out his phone, unlocked the screen and saw a message.
Grandma: Hi, hi! (smiley face)
Grandma: Do you remember who I am? Miss me?
It was Biscuit.
A month ago, she had promised to help Germain gain direct access to the Hunter Exam. But after a month without contact, he had nearly forgotten her.
He waited for a while, but when no further messages came, he set the phone down on the round table beside him and went to the kitchen for some water.
When he returned, the phone buzzed again, lighting up the room.
He unlocked it once more.
Five minutes ago
Grandma: Huh? Are you there? Why aren't you replying?
Four minutes ago
Grandma: Are you… mad at me?
Grandma: Sorry! I can't help it, I've been so busy lately!
Grandma: I haven't forgotten my promise! I have good news!
Three minutes ago
Grandma: Still, it's kind of rude to ignore someone for so long.
I'll give you one minute to reply.
Two minutes ago
Grandma: Answer me! (angry face)
Grandma: Answer me! (angry face)
Grandma: Answer me! (angry face)
And then, another buzz.
Grandma: Answer me! (angry face)
Fortunately, phones in this world didn't have the immoral read but not replied feature otherwise, Biscuit would've exploded by now.
Germain tapped the screen and typed slowly.
Germain: The Hunter Exam registration office sent a message. The headquarters will be somewhere in Yanisa City.
This time, Biscuit responded instantly.
Grandma: Everyone knows that! Isn't it clearly stated on the website?
The location and headquarters of the Hunter Exam change every year.
Yanisa City is huge are you planning to sniff around every street like a bloodhound?
Germain: So where exactly is the headquarters?
Grandma: You're still so rude… (sighs helplessly)
Do you really want to know? Really, really want to know?
Then you'll always call me Beautiful Princess!
And you can't ignore my messages anymore!
Honestly, this habit of yours reminds me of another difficult person...
Germain ignored her unreasonable demand.
Instead, he stood up, walked back to his room, and found the color-changing stone of the red flesh-eating insect.
Wasn't it technically a precious gem?
He placed it on the floor and recorded a video of it gradually shifting color against the blue tile, then sent it to Biscuit.
Next, he moved it beside the wooden door and filmed again as it changed hue with the grain sending that one, too.
This time, three minutes passed with no response.
Assuming she'd lost interest, Germain left the phone on the bedside table, grabbed a book from the shelf, and settled into the soft bed, leaning against the pillows to read.
But before he could finish a paragraph, his phone chimed playing an instrumental piece he'd recently become fond of.
Reluctantly, he put the book down and picked up the call.
The caller ID said Mother-in-law.
The moment he answered, a soft, playful female voice came through.
Hey… Germain, did you give me that gem especially for me?
Thank you so much! It's the best gift I've ever received! My last message was just a joke, don't take it personally…
Germain cut her off quickly.
Equivalent exchange. Where's the exam location?
Oh, don't be so formal! Biscuit's voice stretched playfully.
Even if I told you the exact place, it wouldn't help. Only when the guide says the password will the staff open the way.
(End of Chapter)