"Is this a clone?" Ging stared at the duplicate standing next to Ronnel, visibly surprised.
"I thought your abilities were limited to dispelling grudges and using Pocket of the Dead to store items belonging to the deceased. How could there be—"
He abruptly stopped himself. Asking about another person's Nen abilities was an unspoken taboo, even for someone as unconventional as Ging. Despite his casual demeanor, Ging's sharp intellect reminded him that such questions were considered intrusive.
"Really, Ging?" he scolded himself silently. "You can't even stop yourself mid-sentence? That's not like you."
Ronnel returned Ging's glance but chose not to explain the nature of his Nen abilities or how he had mastered multiple types. They weren't close enough for that level of trust, and Ronnel wasn't the type to share his secrets lightly.
For his part, Ging reciprocated this guardedness. Though they had spent some time together, he hadn't disclosed his own Nen abilities or hinted at his extraordinary talent. Perhaps it was a deliberate attempt to avoid unnecessary suspicions. Ging had neither inquired into how Ronnel dispelled grudges nor revealed his own techniques.
The unspoken agreement between them created a precarious but balanced relationship—neither too distant nor too close. Only through shared trials or numerous adventures might they consider opening up about their abilities.
"People like Ging rarely form close friendships," Ronnel mused. "Even someone as kind-hearted as Gon has only a handful of truly close companions—Leorio, Kurapika, and Killua."
Gon's bonds with people like Kite, Bisky, Wing, and Zushi were significant, but they paled compared to the deep connection he shared with Killua. Gon's profound grief for Kite during the Chimera Ant arc was driven more by guilt and self-blame than anything else.
Ging broke the silence first. "Your clone... does it have the same sensory abilities and strength as your main body?"
Ronnel nodded slightly. "Yes. If it's destroyed, it won't affect me directly. But using it to scout ahead comes with risks—when my consciousness is in the clone, my main body becomes slower to react."
Ging understood immediately. Without further questioning, he moved closer to Ronnel's real body, ready to defend him if necessary.
"I'm tired," Ronnel said before transferring his consciousness into the clone. The double moved ahead cautiously, leaving his physical body under Ging's watchful eye.
Ging watched the clone walk forward, then glanced back at the immobile Ronnel. With a shrug, he pulled a red apple from his pocket, wiped it on his shirt, and bit into it noisily. The quiet crunching sound was the only thing breaking the tense silence.
Meanwhile, deeper within the path lay an ominous clearing surrounded by towering mountains of bones. At the center, a throne crafted entirely of white bones rose on a high platform.
The air grew thick as a malevolent wave of Nen radiated from the throne. A hoarse, sinister voice echoed from the platform.
"So, they're finally here. It wasn't in vain to spread those dark rumors and collaborate with their movements."
The voice trailed off as a cold blue light erupted from beneath the throne, illuminating the surrounding Bone Mountains. Behind the throne, two glowing circles resembling lanterns flickered faintly, accompanied by deep, labored breathing.
Near the base of the mountains, a heap of corpses lay in a grotesque pile. Unlike ordinary remains, these bodies were covered with thick, black Nen that seemed cursed, etched into their very bones. One skeleton clutching a violin emanated the darkest aura of all, its Nen an eerie mix of malice and despair.
...
Far away a small coastal town bustled with activity. A flash of white light descended from the sky, materializing into a figure clad in a long coat adorned with a reversed cross.
Chrollo Lucilfer surveyed his surroundings calmly. His gaze settled on the wooden sign at the town entrance: "Welcome to Trunik Town!"
"Teleportation?" he muttered, a faint smile playing on his lips.
This was where he had purchased a ship to embark on his eastward journey. It had taken him to a mysterious island, where he encountered a man with squinting eyes, a white vest, and sneakers. The man, identifying himself as G.I., revealed the island's name: Greed Island.
Before Chrollo could gather more information, G.I. handed him a card and sent him back to the mainland, leaving him with a cryptic message.
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