Chapter 66: The Transaction between Big and Small Foxes

High-level Nen battles aren't simple exchanges; a single mistake can mean death.

After confirming his superiority in physical ability, combat skill, and Nen, Aldama launched a barrage of attacks. Oboro watched as Phink's Nen transfer lagged half a beat, leaving him unable to reinforce his defenses in time. Aldama's blow caught him in the face, sending him crashing to the ground.

Aldama pounced like a lion on Phinks.

His fists rained down mercilessly.

The impact churned the yellow sand beneath them into deep swirls.

Phinks covered his head with his arms, his body sinking into the sand pit, seemingly helpless.

But Oboro's eyes narrowed.

Suddenly, Phinks abandoned all defense, letting his opponent's fists smash into his head while he raised his own arms to exchange blows with Aldama.

Pinned down, he was at a severe disadvantage in both angle and leverage, and his blows were far weaker than Aldama's!

This seemingly suicidal strategy seemed almost foolish.

"One, two"

Oboro counted under his breath. Without guard, Phinks could die in ten seconds! At the count of five, a sharp crack rang out as their fists collided, instantly shattering several of Phink's fingers.

"Using just enough aura for basic 'Ken' to regulate the damage taken, while focusing the rest on offense, but the total aura remains constant," Oboro observed coldly. "If your opponent notices this and adjusts his destructive power to break your defensive balance, forcing you to redirect aura from attack to defense. Otherwise, death comes quicker, but it weakens your strikes even more. Simply put, you're completely outplayed.

The aura in Aldama's fists intensified as his opponent abandoned defense for a death match, and he immediately grasped Phink's plan to exchange injuries.

Their fists could still collide, but Aldama's increased aura output forced Phinks to "flow" his aura from his hands to his head, weakening his blows until his fingers shattered.

But the injury didn't slow Phinks down. Aldama grabbed his arm, ready to break it.

The blood-covered Phinks grinned at his mounted opponent.

His blood-stained teeth gave the smile a ferocious edge!

CRACK!

Aldama brutally broke Phink's arm, white bone piercing skin.

Suddenly, Aldama's expression changed.

He realized that Phinks had completely abandoned Ken, pouring all of his aura into his other attacking fist. This madman was attempting a 100% Ko attack! Aldama could withstand it and kill Phinks, without aura defense, the blow would be fatal!

But Aldama's own fate would be grim. As a fellow Enhancer, Phinks' strike was explosive!

The choice: trade serious injury for a kill, or retreat to safety?

At that critical moment, thoughts raced through Aldama's mind before he leaped back to avoid the blow.

For him, the badly injured Phinks posed no further threat; having figured out his opponent's tactics, there was no need for such a risk. He could create another opening.

"He lost."

From afar, Oboro sighed.

The loser wasn't Phinks.

It was Aldama The Examiner's rationality betrayed him. His choice wasn't wrong, but he should have realized that his opponent was different! 

Phinks' attitude had changed from the beginning.

"Heh, why run? Weren't you going to kill me?" Phinks staggered up from the pit, his broken arm dangling. Despite his horrible appearance, one uninjured eye looked mockingly at Aldama.

"What?"

Aldama's pupils contracted.

Phink's aura surged again, showing no signs of weakening.

Impossible.

According to his estimation, both his aura and his physical strength should be almost exhausted.

Such a fundamental miscalculation was inconceivable!

Phinks had used "Ren" to maximize his aura!

His willpower had reached its peak.

"As expected, you're still bound by reason. Aura contains infinite uncertainties and possibilities. Your judgment wasn't wrong, but your mistake was to underestimate your opponent's resolve," Oboro said.

Phink had changed during this battle! His aura had changed. Even from a distance, Oboro could feel the overwhelming bloodlust and pressure.

A qualitative evolution.

Not everyone could suddenly grow in battle, Aldama's mistake was understandable.

"It's because of death."

Through the haze of battle, Phinks clearly felt his sudden surge of power, felt himself growing stronger.

He began to spin his good arm, round and round.

With each turn, his momentum grew more terrifying.

"Stay where you are!"

Phinks' cold warning preceded his attack.

Aldama felt the danger, why should he stop? He dodged again.

But Phink's speed had increased!

A twist of his waist brought the eyebrowless man within striking distance.

Aldama unleashed his stored power through his Nen ability and strengthened his fists.

BOOM!

A thunderous explosion.

Sand erupted skyward like a massive wave.

Aldama flew back like a rag doll and crashed far away.

"Hey, hey, don't die, get up, I haven't used my full power yet," Sand cascaded from Phink as he appeared, smirking arrogantly. He approached Aldama step by step, still twisting his arm.

Aldama barely managed to straighten up and stared in shock at the opponent he thought he'd defeated. Blood spurted from his mouth.

BOOM!

Another blow, louder than before! Aldama soared higher, blood flying through the air.

Beep beep

Seeing this, Oboro had already put his hands in his pockets, ready to go.

The outcome was clear.

But his phone rang with an unknown number.

"Hohoho Oboro"

The familiar voice immediately identified the caller.

The Chairman.

Netero could easily get his number.

After all, Biscuit and Wing had it.

"A personal call from the Chairman? Something important?" Oboro asked innocently, although he suspected the reason.

"You're at the scene. Has Aldama engaged with the examinee?" The old man asked calmly, sipping his tea.

"Yes, he's almost dead."

Oboro glanced back before answering with a smile.

"Is that so?"

The chairman smacked his lips. "Then may I ask you to save him?"

"Chairman, what are you saying? I'm just an examinee now, not an employee of the Association, I'm here as a spectator This man is willing to kill an examiner, I can't afford to make an enemy of him What if he targets me next?"

Oboro continued his act, "If I can't beat a single star hunter, I have no chance. Though humanitarian instincts tell me to help, I'm powerless. Please understand."

"Hahaha, you rascal, planning revenge so soon?" Netero laughed.

"Oh, Examiner Aldama's condition is worsening," Oboro gasped deliberately.

Phinks wouldn't kill Aldama quickly, that wouldn't satisfy him.

"You can blame Aldama and the Association for the Examiner's death, it won't reflect on you."

"Chairman, you're asking me to kill someone, is that appropriate?" Oboro's voice changed as he sensed the underlying meaning.

"You joined the Association to become stronger."

"First, the Association has vast resources and professional intelligence in various fields. Second, it offers tasks and opportunities for experience that do not require gradual growth, and most importantly, it houses many powerful individuals. You're eager to learn from them, to your great benefit. In other words, you see the Association as a stepping stone, right?"

Another sip of tea.

"It's over. The examinee has Aldama breaking his fingers one by one, the limbs are next," Oboro told without answering directly.

"I said I know how to make you stronger, you trust that, right?"

The old man remained calm and spoke cheerfully.

"Of course," Oboro's lips curled upward.

"Save him, I'll share the method with you. The growth will be considerable, and I'll grant a small request within the rules. Consider it."

Netero spoke calmly, "If you're uncomfortable, forget it. No pressure, just an offer in your preferred style."

A promise from Netero!

For Oboro, this was priceless!

The old man was a living encyclopedia. Even without direct instruction, extracting secrets and information from him would be immensely profitable.

Many things remained unknown even to a time traveler.

"Well, you make a compelling offer." Oboro smiled.

"Really? Do you think I'm kindhearted now? I'm old, not long for this world, so reputation matters. I've always taken care of you youngsters."

"Hehehe"

Oboro laughed awkwardly and hung up. "No time to chat. Any longer and he dies, no saving him then."

He pocketed his phone with a grimace, "Consider it overtime."

He looked between Phinks and Aldama, then stepped onto the battlefield.