187

Clearly, the [Hundred-Step Divine Fist] was similar to the [Great Fire Annihilation]—both had been transformed by the system into Nen-based abilities or directly into Nen techniques.

Alex was especially intrigued by the description of the [Hundred-Step Divine Fist].

A technique that could launch perfect punches from a distance—up to a hundred steps—was perfectly in line with his fighting style.

His greatest strength was in close combat, particularly his mastery of the military-style Killing Fist.

But if he could release that same power at a distance, with pinpoint control, he would be able to maintain his close-combat advantage while also gaining powerful mid-to-long-range capabilities.

Just imagining it—activating Quick as the Wind, unleashing a barrage of high-speed punches like a meteor shower across a battlefield—filled Alex with excitement.

Of course, whether the technique truly worked as described remained to be seen. He'd only find out once he officially accepted the reward.

"Mr. Alex, sir!"

A voice called from nearby. Alex turned to see Jim Bron jogging toward him, wearing an expression of respect.

"I just finished speaking with Master Elijah. He's waiting for you at the front of the mansion. You may proceed along the road ahead after passing through the gate."

In this world, strength commanded respect.

Even though Jim Bron served as a guard for the prestigious Zoldyck family, after seeing Alex push open all seven gates of the Trial Door, he dared not show a hint of disrespect—even if Alex hadn't already been in contact with Elijah.

"Appreciate it," Alex replied with a faint smile, then turned back toward the massive door.

Even though he was eager to try out the [Hundred-Step Divine Fist], now wasn't the time. He hadn't come just to complete the system achievement—he had a meeting to attend. That's why he had contacted Elijah in advance.

Rumble...

The Trial Gate opened once again, all seven doors groaning under Alex's immense strength.

Though the achievement was already complete, Alex maintained his use of internal thread extensions from his Thread Fruit ability—not just to keep up appearances, but also to avoid exposing the ability's secret prematurely.

As the gate opened, Alex stepped through with a powerful stride. Dilumon soared into the air and landed gracefully on his shoulder.

"I've always been curious about the Zoldyck estate," Shiba said, walking alongside him. "It's a place shrouded in secrecy—perfect for a family of assassins."

"Since they're killers, it's no surprise they operate in the shadows," Mia added.

Together, the three of them stepped beyond the Trial Gate. As they passed through, the enormous stone doors slowly closed behind them, cutting off the outside world and enclosing them in the estate's secluded domain.

Inside, a stone path extended through dense forest, and not far ahead, a massive creature blocked the road.

Grrrr...

A low growl echoed across the trees as a beast's cold, predatory eyes fixed on them. The hulking creature, resembling an enormous hound, stood poised and watchful.

"That must be the monster that devoured those intruders earlier... A giant guard dog."

Shiba narrowed her eyes, studying the beast.

"It looks more like a machine than a living creature," Mia muttered, her brows furrowed. "But it's not attacking."

"Meow~! I don't like this thing!" Dilumon growled softly from Alex's shoulder. "It gives me a bad feeling!"

Even a magical cat-like beast such as Dilumon couldn't suppress its instinctive animosity toward the emotionless hound.

"That's Sanmaw, the Zoldyck family's guard dog. Anyone who doesn't enter through the Trial Gate gets hunted down by it," Alex explained.

As he studied the beast, another thought crept into his mind.

"Maybe I should find a beast companion too... Not just for combat support, but maybe something cool to ride."

He recalled the massive, dragon-like beast Silva and Zeno rode during the Chimera Ant arc—its majestic form left a strong impression.

Such a mount would serve both as transportation and intimidation. The idea made Alex's heart race with excitement.

Of course, finding and taming such a beast would be no easy feat. But if the opportunity ever arose, he'd definitely take it.

After lingering near Sanmaw for a moment, they moved on.

Unlike Gon and the others in the original storyline, who faced resistance entering the estate, Alex encountered no opposition.

There were no guards barring their path—because he hadn't come uninvited. He'd made prior arrangements with Elijah.

Eventually, a grand mansion came into view. Standing before it was a group of people—clearly waiting for their arrival.

Alex's gaze sharpened as he spotted familiar faces.

Among the welcoming party stood Elijah, the man he'd been in contact with. But that wasn't all. Next to him stood Silva and Katherine—Elijah's parents and the current heads of the Zoldyck family.

And beside them was the previous family patriarch—Zeno Zoldyck himself.

"That's... almost the entire core of the Zoldyck family," Alex thought, eyes narrowing slightly.

Behind him, Shiba and Mia stiffened instinctively.

Even though they didn't know the Zoldyck family members by name, they could feel the overwhelming pressure emanating from Silva and Zeno.

Their instincts screamed at them—these men were dangerously powerful.

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