Kaka, a C-rank disciple under Gelu, stood among the four teams spread across the designated directions, executing Gelu's precise orders.
"Move out," Gelu commanded before turning and leaving.
Kaka glanced at Kaizen and Wendy. "Let's begin."
"Understood," Kaizen replied, exchanging a nod with Wendy.
Both were still replaying the earlier scene in their minds. Gelu's fighting style had surpassed Kaizen's expectations—its simplicity was overshadowed by its raw brutality.
Kaizen knew Gelu specialized in poison, but he had imagined a more conventional approach: traditional combat augmented by poison and hidden weapons. Instead, Gelu had displayed something entirely different.
First, a vast poisonous mist to clear the field of weaker monsters. Then, a precise, concentrated venom to target those with stronger vitality. The methodical use of toxins was breathtakingly efficient.
One glass bottle of venom—crafted to be unbreakable against normal objects yet shatter upon contact with its intended target—was enough to kill an A-rank monster. These weren't mere creatures but alienated beings born from the Nen experiments of the Taris Kingdom.
Kaizen cast a glance toward Gelu's retreating figure.
"No wonder Gelu is one of the twelve Zodiacs of the Hunter Association," he murmured.
Wendy nodded. "Impressive."
Kaizen's thoughts deepened. In the original plot of the world, poison was rarely emphasized. Its few mentions included the Zoldyck family's rigorous anti-poison training, Chrollo's battle with Silva during the Yorknew City arc, and the peculiar properties of the crystal feather bone.
Yet Gelu's mastery of poison was something else entirely.
"Creating such potent toxins isn't a quick process. It explains why Gelu's preparations took so long," Kaizen reasoned. "This poison isn't universal but highly targeted. It's effective against these monsters, but it might not work on others. Otherwise, Gelu could easily ascend to the chairman of the Hunter Association."
Kaizen continued analyzing. "The poison requires direct contact to take effect, making it less viable against Nen users who are inherently cautious. Gelu's poison might struggle against creatures like the Chimera Ants. However, in the hands of a skilled fighter, it could prove lethal even against them."
He recalled how Chairman Netero had ultimately defeated the Ant King using the Miniature Rose.
"Gelu's poison doesn't compare to the Rose, but in a prepared scenario, it's devastating."
Kaizen's musings were interrupted as he sensed danger.
"En!" His aura spread outward, revealing a figure approaching rapidly from underground.
"Be careful!" Kaizen shouted.
Kaka and Wendy immediately tensed, preparing for combat.
Suddenly, Akutagawa Ryunosuke appeared beside Kaizen, his sharp gaze locked on the threat.
"Rashōmon!"
With a swift motion, dark red claws erupted from the ground, pulling out a humanoid figure. It resembled a monkey but bore traits that set it apart from both humans and the monsters of the Taris Kingdom.
"Some kind of hybrid?" Kaizen speculated as Akutagawa's claws dispatched the creature effortlessly.
Meanwhile, Wendy demonstrated her finesse. Invisible wind blades targeted the creature's vital points, killing it with precision. In contrast, Kaka struggled. His poison-coated weapon missed its agile target repeatedly. Forced to adapt, Kaka used a wide-area poison to slow the creature's movements. A fragrant mist spread through the air.
"Kaizen, Wendy," Kaka called out, tossing them two vials. "Antidotes. If the scent affects you, use these."
Kaizen caught the vial but didn't need it. His resistance rendered the poison as harmless as regular air. Wendy, surrounded by a shield of wind formed from her Nen, was equally unaffected.
"Akutagawa," Kaizen commanded.
Dark claws extended once more. One claw supported Kaizen, while the other aided Kaka. With a decisive strike, the claw pierced the neck of the creature harassing Kaka, ending the struggle.
As more hybrids emerged, the trio worked in unison to dispatch them. None posed a significant threat. Once the fight ended, Kaka let out a relieved sigh and turned to Kaizen.
"Thanks."
Kaizen gave a small nod, his focus already shifting to the next challenge.
------------
+285 chapters on patreon.com/FanficsHub