"Alright," Nesli agreed. "I'll send you the information on the Four Beasts soon."
She ended the call. The airship landed, and Ron immediately noticed a suspicious number of Nen users around the terminal—individuals who clearly didn't belong. Though not particularly strong, they were numerous enough to block him from simply boarding another flight and leaving. Beyond that, he sensed they had some way of tracking him; not precisely or in real time, but well enough to keep up.
Ponzu released dozens of bees to scout the surroundings. Ron could maintain a roughly hundred‑meter diameter En, though he had to account for the aura cost spent on his Nen Beasts. Ponzu's Bee Radar covered a few kilometers, though it wasn't as sensitive as Ron's En.
However, the combined coverage gave them a decent picture of the area.
"Captain," Ponzu murmured, still blaming herself, "I'm sorry…"
"You don't need to apologize. I picked you for the team. That was my choice, and I bear the consequences. Rather than blaming yourself, focus on the tasks I've given you."
Ponzu swallowed hard and nodded. "Yes, Captain. I won't let you down."
A short while later, Nesli's data on the Four Beasts arrived. Ron read it over: four members, all A‑level Nen users.
- The first was an Enhancement‑type, highly skilled in martial arts and balanced in all areas.
- The second was a Manipulation‑type who could control non-living objects.
- The third was also Enhancement, but instead of balance, boasted explosive bursts of power.
- The fourth, a Transmutation‑type, had no further details available.
"They don't sound especially outlandish, but if Oster values them more than the Three Hounds, they must have unique strengths. Likely they'll be troublesome to deal with even with my strength."
His phone vibrated. Checking the screen, he answered it.
"Grandpa Zeno."
"Ron, tell me your location."
Ron gave the name of the city where he'd landed. Zeno glanced at Silva.
"Father, at least three hours," Silva estimated.
Zeno spoke into the phone. "Ron, can you hold out for three hours?"
"No problem."
"Then wait for us. We'll come."
"Got it."
Ron ended the call and slipped away to hide in a nearby alley.
—
After sending the Four Beast's intel to Ron, Nesli contacted a higher-up in the Revolutionary Army via video call. The face that appeared on the screen made Tuck's eyes go wide.
"Sotan, sir? You…you're alive? I thought Oster had you killed!"
Sotan offered a cool smile. "That was only the official story Oster put out."
Sotan was far more famous than Tuck—practically a legend in the Saheerta Federation, one of the so-called "Twin Stars of the Kingdom." He'd risen through the ranks at incredible speed, earning genuine respect for both his achievements and prowess. Tuck had admired Sotan deeply, believing him capable of guiding the nation toward reform. Then rumors spread that Sotan was dead, devastating Tuck. Now here he was, a living member of the Revolutionary Army.
Sotan explained, "When I discovered the truth about some of Oster's activities, I confronted him. I was badly injured—nearly died—but the Revolutionary Army saved me. Since then, I've been one of them. Tuck, welcome to the right path. This country's lords and ministers are rotten to the core. Only the Revolutionary Army can bring real change. I hope we can fight side by side to make it happen."
Tuck nodded fervently. "Sotan, I'll do everything I can."
Nesli cut in. "Sir, Oster has targeted someone named Ron for assassination. The Three Hounds are already dead, and the Four Beasts are on their way."
Sotan's brow arched. "Ron? Who is he?"
Nesli looked at Tuck, who answered, "Ron is a Hunter Association member and a Floor Master at Heaven's Arena—extremely strong. We worked together before, back when we went after the Red Tron gang. Recently, I hired him to keep Nightfall busy."
Sotan mulled this over. "This might be an opportunity. Oster commands three elite Nen squads: the Three Hounds, the Four Beasts, and the Six Herd. With the Three Hounds gone and the Four Beasts presumably occupied, that only leaves the Six Herd. This could be our best chance. If we can use this opening to kill Oster, it'd be a huge step forward for the Revolutionary Army—maybe the biggest in changing this country."
His eyes shone. "The kingdom's decay has three pillars: the nobles, the ministers, and the merchant guilds. If we eliminate just one of those pillars—Oster, a top minister—we'll terrify the rest, forcing them to hold back. We might also open the door for a more hopeful figure to rise. I've decided: Nightfall, full mobilization."
He declared, "We'll go to the capital and assassinate Minister Oster. We must succeed."
Nesli and Tuck exchanged glances, each seeing the same spark of conviction in the other.
"Yes, Lord Sotan!"
Nightfall's entire force of eight gathered. Tuck took Lannard's place. Nesli, Tuck, and Nancy were B‑level Nen users, but the other five were A‑level. Apart from certain top leaders of the Revolutionary Army, this was the best team they could field—still not enough to match Oster's entire faction, let alone the duke or the royal family. Which was why they seized any viable chance that arose.