Book 7: Chapter 28: Wiped Out

The Apostles of the Tower and the Nen users from the Hunter World shared the same origin in their combat systems, yet their expressions differed greatly.

Every ability of an Apostle relied on their Law Body. Whether it was Spiritual Equipment or Apostle Skills, they couldn’t be used without sufficient base attributes.

Even World Treasures, which had the fewest restrictions, required an Apostle to unlock a mana slot first. Qin Lun’s highest-level skill—Tree World Descent—was currently sealed precisely because his Mental Will fell short of the requirement.

For Nen users in the Hunter World, the essence of Nen was Life Energy, which also belonged to life’s origin.

However, the expressions of these two powers were completely different. While an Apostle’s abilities were limited by their physical attributes, Nen users largely ignored such physical gaps.

Take Kurapika and Uvogin as an example. The boy and the hulking man were worlds apart in physical strength. Yet if Kurapika’s Nen ability far surpassed Uvogin’s, he could crush him like an ant.

Currently immobilized by nerve toxins, Uvogin couldn’t break the chains. But this didn’t mean he’d completely lost his Nen ability. Not long ago, with only his head able to move, he’d still killed three powerful Shadow Beasts.

He bit Leech to death, smashed Rabid Dog’s skull with his own broken bones, and roared Porcupine to death. Uvogin relied not on his body, but his Nen. His lung capacity alone couldn’t have shattered Rabid Dog’s Nen defense.

From this, Qin Lun concluded that although Uvogin’s body was paralyzed, his Nen still resided in his muscles and organs.

Yet Kurapika, in his emotional turmoil, could make chains no thicker than a thumb dig into Uvogin’s tank-like muscles. These chains clearly carried immense Nen power, easily stronger than rocket explosions.

The overwhelming Nen on the chains suggested Kurapika belonged to the Manipulation Type. However, from witnessing how the boy captured Uvogin, he’d also used Conjuration abilities.

The reason was simple: if the chain wasn’t manifested through Conjuration, it was unthinkable how Kurapika could have captured Uvogin. The chain stretched from the towering cliffs down to the valley floor – it wasn’t an ordinary length and couldn’t possibly be wrapped around one’s arm!

Thus, it was clear Kurapika employed both Manipulation and Conjuration types of Nen abilities.

Looking at the six categories of “Hatsu,” Manipulation and Conjuration were separated by the Specialization category. In other words, a Nen user able to use 100% of their Manipulation powers could only access 60% of Conjuration abilities, and vice versa.

Kurapika, being skilled enough to confront Phantom Troupe members, was clearly a mature Nen expert. He ought to understand that biting off more than he could chew was foolish.

Using the chain as his primary weapon meant his Conjuration abilities could reach 100% effectiveness. Yet the sheer power of Nen on this chain raised suspicion that he could also utilize Manipulation abilities to their full potential.

Qin Lun doubted that 60% Manipulation prowess alone could injure Uvogin. Combining both inferences led to only one truth: Kurapika was a powerful Specialist Nen user.

This also indirectly confirmed Qin Lun’s suspicion. Kurapika hadn’t gone all out during their sparring. The boy genuinely possessed the individual strength to stand against the Troupe members.

Qin Lun glanced at the grimacing Uvogin beside him and cracked a pleased smile. Realizing this instantly lifted his spirits.

Though he’d chosen his alliance long ago, a heavy weight had pressed on Qin Lun. His plan lacked a crucial element—a trump card against the Troupe.

The explosion at the Auction Building demonstrated that even if Qin Lun got a chance to strike a Troupe member, he couldn’t inflict real damage. Once the power difference breached a critical threshold, all schemes became useless.

Kurapika’s presence perfectly plugged this gap. The boy harbored an irreconcilable vendetta against the Troupe. With careful manipulation, he would inevitably become Qin Lun’s sharpest blade.

Clarity brought warmth to Qin Lun’s gaze and a brighter smile as he looked at Kurapika.

“Kurapika, how do you plan to handle him?” Qin Lun asked, pointing at Uvogin beside him.

Dalzollene led the Nostrade Family guards in pursuing the Phantom Troupe. Ostensibly, it was to apprehend the criminals behind the Auction attack and avenge the likes of Ivanov. In truth, they sought the Mafia’s massive bounty.

Their original duty was protecting Neon. Yet after the Auction incident, Dalzollene emptied the guard roster, leaving only Squala’s five attack dogs watching over the boss.

Even under the pretext of avenging Ivanov and the others, it felt forced. Protecting Neon remained their paramount task. How could they leave her side amid such chaos?

Qin Lun’s question had a point. Uvogin was captured solely by Kurapika. The Mafia hadn’t insisted on a live prisoner, so Dalzollene naturally deferred to the boy’s wishes.

“After extracting any Troupe intel, Captain Dalzollene will probably hand him over to the Mafia,” Kurapika replied, hesitating. He hadn’t considered this yet.

Qin Lun narrowed his eyes slightly, displeased with the answer but deeply intrigued by the nature of Kurapika’s hatred towards the Phantom Troupe.

Kurapika had once told Qin Lun about his undying grudge against the Troupe. Yet now, with Uvogin captured, he hadn’t thought of personally ending his enemy’s life…

It meant either the hatred ran shallow, or the boy was simply too gentle. Both were bad news for Qin Lun. A blade tempered with too much kindness loses its edge.

He needed some refinement, but now wasn’t the time! Qin Lun shot a glance at Uvogin and shelved his urge to interrogate Kurapika further.

Suddenly, Qin Lun’s gaze sharpened. A silver clock face flickered across his right pupil as he focused on Uvogin’s calf. A shin guard made of animal hide covered the man’s leg, pierced by a tiny needle. An invisible thread connected to the needle was hidden by Nen.

“We’re being tracked!” Qin Lun bent down, plucked out the needle, and flicked it out the car window.

“Tracked?” Dalzollene in the other car was horrified.

“Stay calm, Captain Dalzollene. I already notified the Ten Dons of our location earlier,” Qin Lun said smoothly. “The remaining Shadow Beasts are rushing here. They’ll intercept the Troupe pursuers for us.”

“Oh!” Dalzollene exhaled loudly in relief, gratitude in his voice. “Thank you, Qin Lun.”

“It’s nothing, Captain. Capturing the Troupe is also my quest,” Qin Lun lowered his phone and spoke to Kurapika who was driving. “Kurapika, pull over!”

“Qin Lun, what are you doing?” Kurapika frowned.

“I’m a Shadow Beast too. I’ll join the others and buy you some time to escape.” Qin Lun smiled. “Captain Dalzollene gave me the rendezvous point. After dealing with the pursuing Troupe members, I’ll join you all.”

“You…” Kurapika paused, a flash of confusion in his eyes. “Qin Lun, you saw their power…”

“Don’t worry!” Qin Lun smiled reassuringly. “I can protect myself.”

…

Watching the two cars speed away, Qin Lun permitted a slight smirk. Through their interactions, he’d learned Kurapika was clever and highly cautious… but far too good-hearted. Words alone wouldn’t earn the boy’s trust; action was required.

Of course, volunteering for rearguard duty also served another purpose: observing the Nen abilities of other Troupe members through the remaining Shadow Beasts. He wouldn’t risk fighting himself, but letting the sacrificial Shadow Beasts die would ensure both Kurapika and Melody owed him a favor.

A silver clock face materialized in Qin Lun’s right eye, its three hands moving slowly. His stamina drained rapidly as his Perception expanded vastly.

Despite its density thinning, his Perception’s range ballooned. Soon, he sensed the fierce battle unfolding further down the highway.

“Six Shadow Beasts against four Troupe members!” Qin Lun’s eyes gleamed. He hid by the roadside, silently observing the clash.

“Fools… Four comrades dead, yet they learned nothing!” A sigh of regret escaped Qin Lun after watching briefly.

The remaining six Shadow Beasts possessed decent strength, but reckless tactics squandered the advantage of an ambush. The Troupe members crushed them swiftly.

Still, Qin Lun gained something. Beyond the known abilities of Feitan and Shizuku, he witnessed Machi’s and Shalnark’s Nen powers. Sadly, Nobunaga was trapped inside Owl’s “Space Package” ability before joining the fight, denying Qin Lun data on the swordsman.

“Five dead. One captured. The Shadow Beasts directly under the Ten Dons—wiped out!” Qin Lun’s smile turned bitter. “No wonder the Main Quest issued by Star Void never considered the Shadow Beasts or the Syndicate part of the Hunter Side. Beyond being bait or expendables, their impact on the Main Plotline was minimal.”

Though aware the Shadow Beasts posed little threat to the Troupe, any loss stung.

“The Troupe captured one Shadow Beast… they’ll soon learn the auction goods’ location. Neon’s existence is surely exposed now.” Qin Lun scratched his head, muttering with relief, “Yin and Liza aren’t the strongest fighters, but they’re experienced scouts. They should keep Neon safe.”

“The Phantom Troupe remains in Yorknew City for one last reason: Uvogin captured by Kurapika.” A cold glint sparked in Qin Lun’s eyes. “Most Troupe members hail from Meteor Street though. Their loyalty… unreliable.

To make them stay at any cost requires stoking their anger, targeting their deepest obsessions…”