HHES: Chapter 128

The Hunter Association's planned extermination of Loki was stalled by the absence of a member from the Twelve Zodiacs meeting.

Ging's absence, however, proved far more strategically advantageous than anyone else's. Other members' absences would be out of character.

Secondly, while Ging was known for his unconventional lifestyle, his contributions to the world were undeniable. He was qualified for a three-star Hunter license, but his inherent laziness prevented him from formally renewing his credentials with the Association.

Given his established behavior and significant contributions, his absence from the meeting wouldn't warrant any disciplinary action, providing Netero with a convenient pretext to postpone the operation.

Netero, smiling at Beans, remarked, "By the way, was the Phantom Troupe really completely annihilated by Loki?"

"Oh! I forgot to mention that, Chairman," Beans replied, pulling out a stack of files. "The intel we've gathered indicates that not all the bodies of the Phantom Troupe members have been recovered."

"The most suspicious aspect is the absence of Chrollo Lucilfer's body," Beans continued.

"Furthermore, we have received reports that a member of the Phantom Troupe was seen acting in concert with Loki," Beans added, placing Pakunoda's file before Netero.

Netero briefly glanced at Pakunoda's photograph before focusing on the section detailing her speculated abilities:

'Suspected Nen ability: Memory reading.' Upon reading this single line, Netero instantly grasped the significance of the situation.

"And, Chairman," Beans continued, "we also have a file on this woman; she seems to have been employed by Loki."

This woman, of course, was Baise.

After reviewing Baise's file, Netero suddenly erupted into laughter.

"Hahaha!"

Beans, taken aback by Netero's sudden outburst, inquired, "Chairman, what is so amusing?"

Netero shook his head, replying, "Nothing of consequence. I merely had a rather amusing thought."

Lowering his gaze to examine the intelligence Beans had provided, Netero finally understood the reason behind the urgency displayed by those who sought Loki's capture or demise.

Loki had likely apprehended the Phantom Troupe's leader, and these individuals were deeply concerned that Loki might unearth any secrets concealed within Chrollo.

This fear was the driving force behind their aggressive demands that Netero either eliminate Loki or surrender him to their custody.

Initially, Netero had assumed that these individuals were primarily motivated by Loki's potential or perhaps had surmised his intention to leverage Loki's power to reform the Hunter Association, hence the ultimatum presented to Netero: kill Loki or hand him over.

However, it now became clear that their desire to eliminate Loki was merely a facade; their true objective was to acquire Loki's services or, failing that, to destroy him completely.

Given this revelation, Netero became even more resolute in his determination to thwart their ambitions.

'I will not allow what happened to me to happen to Loki,' Netero silently vowed, steeling his resolve.

Turning his attention back to Beans, Netero issued his instructions. "Announce it."

Beans, exhibiting a degree of hesitation, voiced his concerns. "Are you certain about this course of action, Chairman? Perhaps you could personally seek out Loki and resolve this matter directly?"

Netero firmly rejected this suggestion. "That is unnecessary."

Loki's massacre of those who attempted to apprehend him sent shockwaves throughout the world.

While it significantly amplified his notoriety, it simultaneously dissuaded numerous individuals of lesser strength who harbored ambitions of achieving fame and fortune by eliminating him.

This unexpected outcome inadvertently shielded Loki from a considerable amount of unwanted attention and potential conflict.

Although Loki possessed no fear of so-called "human wave tactics," the constant pursuit by these individuals would have undoubtedly proven a significant inconvenience.

The single act of mass slaughter cemented Loki's reputation as a formidable monster, effectively deterring most individuals from seeking any form of confrontation.

Consequently, the price of information pertaining to Loki skyrocketed, reaching astronomical figures that were beyond the comprehension of the average person. Even the mere mention of Loki's name became a taboo subject among many.

Despite the global turmoil surrounding Loki, the Yorknew City Auction proceeded as scheduled.

Baise, elegantly attired in a black evening gown, occupied a discreet corner seat within the auction hall. Seated beside her was a similarly well-dressed gentleman.

"This auction is quite lively," the man remarked, casting a glance at Baise. "Our employer is remarkably audacious, entrusting you with such a substantial sum of money without any apparent concern about the possibility of you absconding with the funds."

Baise responded with a dismissive glare. "Perhaps it's because you're a professional Hunter that he places such unwavering trust in you, Chrollo," she retorted.

The man seated beside Baise was a newly hired operative procured by Loki. Loki himself remained entirely absent throughout the proceedings. Chrollo, under the impression that his employer was an ordinary individual, remained completely unaware of his true identity.

"Baise," Chrollo began, "our employer's intense interest in Greed Island suggests a desire to obtain the game's completion reward. However, successfully completing that game is no easy feat."

"I am unaware of the employer's precise motivations," Baise responded curtly, "but our priority is to secure a copy of Greed Island and fulfill our contractual obligations," she added, displaying a distinct lack of enthusiasm for further discussion.

Baise's evident disinterest in engaging in prolonged conversation effectively dashed Chrollo's hopes of fostering a cordial relationship with his future colleague.

"The auction is commencing!" Baise announced, her gaze fixated on the Greed Island game being presented on stage by a poised attendant.

"You'll handle the bidding," Baise instructed Chrollo.

Chrollo nodded in acknowledgement. "And what is our upper limit for bidding?" he inquired.

"There is no upper limit," Baise stated with unwavering composure.

Upon hearing this declaration, Chrollo was rendered speechless by the sheer audacity of the instruction.

He had initially assumed that a sum of ten billion Jenny for a relatively short-term contract represented a substantial amount, but now, he found himself regretting his failure to negotiate a more lucrative compensation package.

"Greed Island, the starting bid is 900 million Jenny. Those who desire this extraordinary game must be prepared for the consequences," the auctioneer announced with dramatic flair.

"Death within the game results in actual death in the real world. Now, let the bidding commence!"

The auctioneer, a vivacious woman with her hair styled in a stylish bun and attired in a striking cheongsam, exuded an infectious enthusiasm as she introduced Greed Island to the assembled bidders.

The bidding commenced. "Number 1, 900 million!"

"Number 145, double the bid—1.8 billion!"

"2 billion!"

"Number 1, doubling the bid to 1.8 billion!"

"Number 2, 1.6 billion."

"Number 3, increasing the bid by 1 billion—3.2 billion!"

The individual who placed the 3 billion Jenny bid was Gon.

Baise observed Gon's bid, a subtle recognition dawning upon her. 'That young man appears to be an acquaintance of the young master,' she mused.

"If there are no further bids, the game will be awarded to Bidder 201. Are there no other bidders willing to offer a higher price?" the auctioneer inquired, her voice laced with a hint of disappointment.

Observing Gon's apparent distress and hasty bidding, Baise couldn't help but smile inwardly. 'Perhaps he made a rash bid without first verifying his financial resources,' she pondered. At that precise moment, Chrollo unexpectedly doubled the existing bid.

"Oh! Unbelievable! Bidder 40 has doubled the bid to 6.4 billion Jenny!" the auctioneer exclaimed, her voice filled with astonishment.

The auctioneer was utterly astounded by the sheer magnitude of the bid. The first copy of Greed Island had just been sold for an astronomical sum, a truly mind-boggling price.

Batla, Bidder Number 1, who had been poised to place a bid, lowered his hand in resignation upon witnessing the exorbitant bid. 6.4 billion Jenny for a single copy of the game was, in his estimation, excessively extravagant.

Meanwhile, Gon and Killua experienced a profound sense of relief, as they lacked the financial resources to afford the game at the 3.2 billion Jenny price point.

Killua's gaze sharpened as he directed his attention towards their unexpected benefactor. "Gon, observe that woman," he urged.

Gon followed Killua's line of sight. "That woman was previously associated with Kurapika—she served as a guard for the Nostrade family," Gon remarked.

Killua nodded in agreement. "However, after Loki's departure, that woman also left the scene."

"You mean..." Gon and Killua exchanged a meaningful glance.

"That woman might be one of Loki's subordinates," Killua concluded.

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