Fireplace

Using a restriction to break past a technique's natural limits…

Not every nen user would think to leverage such an idea.

The brooding young man didn't understand the mechanics behind what he had witnessed, so he naturally concluded that his target was a highly skilled emission-type nen user.

He had seen it clearly:

That projectile, resembling a shooting star, combined speed, power, range, and—most critically—stability.

Facing an emission user capable of such precise long-range attacks, one would either have to close the distance quickly or risk being toyed with to death.

This was a reasonable conclusion to draw and also ruled out the young man being an emission or enhancement user himself.

However, his hesitation wasn't about the uncertainty that came with the range.

In fact, his preferred opponents were emission users.

His confidence stemmed from his nen ability:

Fireplace.

The young man pressed a hand to his abdomen as he concealed himself, glancing toward Moro's approximate location.

Fireplace was a hybrid ability, blending conjuration and transformation.

Its effect transformed the abdominal area into a literal fireplace, complete with lingering embers.

This conjured fireplace could absorb any damage within its range, converting the damage into fuel. This fuel stoked the fire within, and as the flames grew, so did the intensity of his nen.

When the fire completely filled the fireplace, his aura output surged, and his body became increasingly heated over time, turning him into a walking inferno.

This was why he favored fighting emission users:

He could absorb their initial attacks as fuel for his ability, turning their strength against them.

However, Fireplace wasn't omnipotent.

Its capacity to absorb damage was limited by the strength gap between himself and his opponent.

After witnessing the sheer power of Moro's projectile, he wasn't confident he could absorb an attack of that magnitude.

This was the source of his hesitation:

Should he press on or withdraw and devise a new plan?

Meanwhile.

The wrecked car was engulfed in flames, thick smoke billowing into the night sky.

The fire illuminated the road while casting jagged shadows across the trees.

Hidden within those shadows, Moro narrowed his eyes, peering toward where the sniper had been positioned.

The maximum output of Fraudulent Star, amplified twofold, had already surpassed the destructive force of an RPG.

Even if the projectile hadn't killed the sniper outright, it would have at least caused severe injuries, drastically reducing the sniper's threat level.

Still, Moro wasn't focused on confirming the sniper's condition. What concerned him more was the potential presence of additional enemies.

When his attack struck the sniper's location, he distinctly sensed a surge of aura—brief but undeniable.

Although the aura faded after a second, its location had been revealed.

"A nen user," Moro muttered, turning his gaze toward the forest shrouded in darkness.

The sudden spike in aura intensity was likely an emotional reaction, possibly from witnessing a comrade being attacked.

Emotions often had a direct impact on the state of one's aura.

This was why maintaining a stable mental state was a cornerstone of nen mastery and often a decisive factor in battle.

The teachings of Shingen-ryu, which emphasized cultivating the heart before learning techniques, reflected this principle.

That said, heightened emotions didn't always have a negative effect.

In some cases, extreme emotions could boost a nen user's combat ability.

However, most of the time, they were a liability.

For instance, the emotional outburst Moro had detected had inadvertently provided him with critical information, giving him an edge in what should have been a completely blind situation.

Retreat or advance?

Moro made his decision in less than a second:

Advance. Strike decisively.

It wasn't just about seizing an opportunity to grow stronger; it was about reinforcing his resolve to face challenges head-on.

Moro believed that choosing to retreat now would be akin to surrendering any chance of achieving the strength required to kill Feitan within his limited timeframe.

Every skilled nen user had earned their strength through life-or-death struggles.

Only by confronting mortal danger could one truly understand their limits—and surpass them.

During that deadly rain-soaked night, when he managed to use Fraudulent Star to kill both Pakunoda and Shalnark, Moro's success had been forged in the crucible of survival.

If someone had told him beforehand, "Even though you've only trained in nen for six months, you can assassinate Pakunoda and Shalnark right under Chrollo's nose," Moro would've laughed outright.

And yet, he had done it.

Some things could only be achieved by giving everything you had.

Nen, as a power brimming with limitless possibilities, thrived on such determination.

Having chosen to attack, Moro's thoughts shifted to combat strategy.

He studied his surroundings.

The forest wasn't densely packed, with noticeable gaps between the trees.

However, such an environment limited the mechanics of Fraudulent Star.

"I need open ground."

He glanced toward the now-quiet hillside.

In the forest, his attacks would be hindered by obstacles. On open ground, he'd have to consider the possibility that the sniper could still fire.

Moro leaned toward the belief that the sniper was incapacitated and stepped out of the forest, walking boldly into the open.

The brooding young man watched from a distance.

"This guy…"

Seeing Moro emerge from the trees so openly, the young man's heart sank.

Recalling the earlier nen projectile that had traversed over a kilometer with precision and power, he couldn't help but feel the weight of Moro's confidence.

No wonder Zazan was killed…

But the most infuriating part was the incompetence of those responsible for gathering intelligence.

A powerful nen user had been classified as an easy target, giving Moro the opportunity to mask his strength and turn the tables.

Still, what is this guy's goal?

Why would someone capable of such strength infiltrate a group of captives, only to abandon the act and kill Zazan midway?

It didn't add up.

The young man's mind raced, but before he could reach a conclusion, he noticed Moro's movements.

Moro was heading straight toward him.

"What?"

His expression darkened as he stared at Moro's approach.

"Has he discovered me?"

As Moro closed the distance, the young man found himself torn between advancing and retreating.

The power Moro had displayed clashed against the mission directives he'd been given.

Caught between fear and duty, he hesitated.

For 20 advanced chapters: https://www.patreon.com/c/Ely225