Ron stared at the lingering Nen while in deep thought.
The tale isn't entirely false. Just more than half of it is exaggerated.
There's no god at the center, just a vitality tree that produces fruit using human lives as fuel.
Kaguya was the guardian of the tree; she offered humans as sacrifices to prolong its life.
For several years, she spread the tale continuously, luring humans. It's bound to meet resistance.
With the sacrifice of two people, she was sealed into the tree, getting mummified by its vines, living in a state between life and death for eternity.
***
[The First Trial]
Ron loosened his grip and slowly made his way into the mist.
Defending against residual Nen was nearly impossible, especially those built on resentment. But this place was different; the mist wasn't composed entirely of leftover aura.
At intervals, the tree itself released Ren, weaving the fog into something like a living labyrinth.
To find the correct path, one had to distinguish which currents of aura led forward. In a way, it was not merely a curse but a baptism.
While ordinary people could enter, only a few ever managed to succeed. Navigating the trial required at least one of these three things:
Luck.
A guide.
Skill in Nen to defend against hostile aura.
For Ron, who was extremely proficient in the last, passing this trial was practically a walk in the park—literally.
All he had to do was follow the paths with the least resistance while continuously defending against hostile Nen.
The journey was long, but hardly difficult.
[The Second Trial]
The next trial was trickier.
Only a select few knew the details, but the valley had become a women-only domain.
Legends said that long ago, the ancient beast had taken a liking to Kaguya, imprisoning her, but she escaped successfully and rallied an army to kill the beast.
Feeling betrayed, the creature merged with the tree and cursed every woman who wandered around, binding them for eternity in a state between life and death.
Just another tale.
There are countless versions of the story...
***
If the residual Nen or Ren barrier awakened the individual, it was considered passing the trial.
Going in would only end up as nourishment for the tree...
That was before.
But the tradition remained.
The inhabitants would kill anyone who wandered around uninvited. This had been going on for a long time.
So how could one pass the second trial?
One needed an invitation or some special means to gain access.
The difficult part was either earning acknowledgment from those inside or being escorted by a guide.
It's safe to say having a guide was the only way.
***
An Amazonian girl with short grey hair stood guard at the valley entrance. She wore a classic, primitive white outfit. Her aura radiated the confidence of a fearless warrior.
Ron showed her the invitation at hand; it was a small card with a ribbon attached.
After she confirmed the authenticity of his invitation, she made way for Ron to pass.
Looking around at the surroundings, he felt a flicker of nostalgia.
"It's been a while since I've been here.
And this place, it's still as beautiful as ever."
The houses were carved from the roots and veins surrounding the massive tree, and waterfalls cascaded from the top, like something out of a fantasy.
Ron suspected this Tree of Life had come from the Dark Continent, deliberately planted by someone.
Don Freecss's journey had begun over three hundred years ago.
Could others have arrived here before him?
While five calamities were known, who could say how many hidden threats remained?
Probably not documented.
Who knows?
Ron ascended the Stairway to Heaven, his destination set at the top of the giant tree.
After taking thousands of steps, he arrived at the establishment.
A strict security check stood between visitors and the second floor—only authorized personnel were allowed.
Seeing a familiar figure, the lady guarding the place made way for him.
Ron ignored the guard's ogling gaze and proceeded without hesitation.
Upon finding the room he had been searching for, he pushed the door open in a "gentle" manner.
"Hey, old hag!"
The kicked door went "clink," revealing a slender, long-haired woman seated inside. Her face was hidden behind a black mask, and fitted clothes extended all the way down her body, leaving only her dull eyes visible.
This was Renko, one of the Meteor City elders—also known as the Witch.
Renko spoke in a monotonous tone; her eyes shifted sideways.
"Sit down first... I have company..."
Following her gaze, Ron saw a short-haired blonde girl practicing Hatsu (water divination); recognition hit him.
Pakunoda?
He smirked inwardly as a mischievous thought popped into his mind.
Pointing at Pakunoda, he asked Renko jokingly,
"Old hag, is this your biological daughter? She grew up pretty well. It seems like her father's genetics won by a large margin. Ha!"
Renko's eyes flicked sharply, the fingers holding her cup trembling. Yet, she chose to ignore his jab with practiced calm.
"Keep quiet, child. You're interrupting her practice."
Ron snorted but didn't say anything else. Knowing she had understood his intention, it was good enough.
He casually slid into a seat and continued observing Pakunoda.
"I see... So she's your new disciple?"
Nothing about her seemed different from what he'd seen in the manga.
Well, except Machi, whom he had personally trained in Nen.
Feeling Ron's intense gaze, Pakunoda stared back without blinking.
Ron pretended it was their first meeting and gracefully introduced himself.
"Hello, my name is Ron Komacine; I prefer to be called Ron.
Strictly speaking, I'm your senior... What's your name, little girl?"
She replied flatly,
"...It's Pakunoda."
He nodded repeatedly.
"Pakunoda—that's a good name."
Pakunoda's eyelid twitched.
Who the hell is Pakunada?
"It's Pakunoda; please don't get my name wrong."
Ron nodded, feeling amused.
"I get it, Pakanuda."
Hearing Ron say her name wrong for the second time, Pakunoda chose to give up correcting him; it was clearly intentional.
"By the way, Pakunoda...
Did you shave your head before?
Is that why it looks like this now?"
Pakunoda remained silent, resisting the urge to throw hands.
Originally, she at least wanted to retort, but seeing his genuinely serious expression, she pursed her lips, deciding it wasn't worth it.
The truth was, Pakunoda had heard of Ron before but had never actually met him.
According to the elders, he was the acting guardian of their area.
Other details came from Chrollo and her teacher. Renko claimed that Ron possessed unmatched talent in Nen and combat.
She rarely complimented others, so Pakunoda had held a measure of respect for him—which evaporated with that first impression.
Oblivious to her thoughts, Ron changed the subject.
"Anyway... how far have you come in Nen training?"
Pakunoda smiled politely.
"...I'm only at the basics; I haven't gone that far yet."
Ron nodded approvingly.
"That's good. I could tell you have great potential. Keep it up."
When the two were having a heart-to-heart discussion, Renko's teacup clinked, cutting through them.
Renko looked at Ron with disdain and asked,
"So why did you come here? I don't think this is a casual visit..."
Pakunoda stood up, ready to leave, but Ron raised a hand, blocking her path.
"You don't have to leave. Just stay still and keep practicing. Besides, we're not strangers or anything."
Pakunoda turned to Renko for guidance.
Renko neither agreed nor disagreed, so Pakunoda chose to stay and continued her practice.
Ron leaned back and crossed his legs, clearly feeling at home.
"Old hag, I'm planning on leaving Meteor City today.
The reason I came here is to personally say goodbye to you."
Renko's dull eyes gleamed briefly before fading, unnoticed by anyone.
The small cub... Has it become a tiger now?
Renko sighed deeply.
She couldn't leash someone bound to wander in the jungle.
"I'll allow it... However, you must not forget your obligations."
"I know! Just contact me if anything happens.
I only came here to say goodbye. Since I've fulfilled my purpose—well then, old hag!"
Ron waved.
But before leaving, he wrapped an arm around Pakunoda's neck, making her involuntarily jolt, and whispered something.
Seeing their closeness, Renko wanted to eavesdrop but couldn't hear a single sound—which annoyed her.
Not that she wanted to listen... Who wanted to listen?
When Ron was gone, she stood and stared blankly out the window...
The silver ring on her finger glinted as she traced the glass, leaving a faint line.
Watching his departing figure, her mind wandered back to their previous interactions.
***
Ron pinched his chin, studying the corpse in front of him with great interest.
"So your ability is to restore dead bodies to their peak state before death?
That's as good as the real thing—impressive!
Maybe I should dig up the corpses of famous actresses and have you restore them to their prime."
Seeing his silly grin, she sighed deeply and shook her head.
Renko chose to ignore the meaning in his remark.
"An embalmer, if you will... And my ability isn't for that kind of use."
"Embalmer... hmm..."
His smile widened knowingly.
"From what I know, Specialists fall into two categories: those naturally born and those who evolve into them.
The latter emerge after extreme trauma, and their manifested abilities are tied to that experience—"
Ron suspected that her attire had something to do with being a Specialist.
If not, an external factor must be at play—similar to how Melody obtained her power.
Renko's eyes sharpened, a rare glint of danger flashing as she stared at him narrowly.
"It's not good... to pry into someone's secrets."
Ron didn't shy away from her threatening gaze and met it head-on.
Threats?
He wasn't the type to be intimidated.
As a matter of fact, he loved provoking dangerous individuals. It's a strange sensation, like playing with a child.
And now that he had poked her sensitive spot, he couldn't be happier.
Ron shrugged and smirked, displaying his white teeth.
"I'm just kidding... but it's kind of cute when you're angry.
Madam, you make my heart race."
Renko: "..."
Seeing him playing coy, Renko had only one word in mind.
Cringe!
Why is this kid so cringe?
Feeling the awkward tension, Ron cleared his throat.
"Ahem... There's something called 'Redo of Healer.' It can heal any injury or disease..."
A Nen ability that could cure any injury or disease?
That's truly fascinating.
Renko was all ears, but knowing Ron's personality, he wouldn't mention it for nothing—there was likely a scheme involved.
Renko eyed him suspiciously.
"You're thinking of going after my recovered body... once I'm healed?"
Ron's eyes widened, caught off guard. His gaze darted away as he retorted, clearly panicked.
"How could there be such a thing? I'm simply trying to repay a debt. I'm a good man with entirely sin-free intentions."