Shizuku didn't follow Liam and look away, so she immediately saw the tall middle-aged man walking out of the street shop.
He seemed to have been here for a long time. Waiting for the three people who returned from the park.
Chilu had practiced Nen ability for a day. Was so tired he'd lost consciousness. Passively stopped and realized something was wrong with the atmosphere. A man with tightly combed back hair and thick gray eyebrows like sharp swords thrust into his temples—maintained and trimmed very neatly. A thick beard. Wearing a smart soldier-like combat uniform. Blocked their way.
Behind the middle-aged man, three or four men in black suits came one after another. Acting like followers or bodyguards.
Shizuku looked at this person. "You finally showed up."
The middle-aged man with white eyebrows and thick beard couldn't help but be surprised when he heard this.
Only then did Liam look away. Turned back to look at the middle-aged man blocking the road. This man was indeed very tall—almost the same as himself now, nearly two meters tall. Felt oppressive when you looked at him.
"Why are you looking in the wrong direction? Don't try to scam me. It's not you I was looking at." Liam asked. "You guys have been secretly watching us since yesterday. Are you finally willing to show up and meet us face to face?"
The people behind the middle-aged man were shocked. It turned out their tracking and observation had always been under their control?
How fresh. What do you think the little sparrows raised as companions are for? Specifically for surveillance and anti-surveillance?
The rock sparrow sitting on a nearby lamppost opened its mouth and yawned humanely.
"My name is Tsezguerra." Although the middle-aged man was surprised, he kept his expression and immediately confessed his identity. Took out a card from his chest. "I was entrusted by someone to meet the two miracle doctors. As for the secret observation yesterday—just to confirm the identities of you two. It was really a last resort. Please forgive me."
Liam and Shizuku weren't wearing masks at the moment. He revealed their identities in one breath, which surprised Chilu. What was even more surprising was the card the middle-aged man named Tsezguerra pulled out.
"Hunter License!?"
The kid exclaimed. Caused passersby to look at him. But Tsezguerra didn't care. Obviously a brave man. An expert who didn't worry about his license being exposed and noticed by thieves. Really capable masters looked down on other people's Hunter Licenses. Petty people jealous of licenses—Tsezguerra didn't even know how many he'd killed with a flip of his palm.
"Could you two show a little respect and find a more appropriate place to chat?" Tsezguerra asked, calmly tucking his Hunter License back into his chest pocket.
"No," Liam replied, his face a mask of cold indifference. "Hiring a professional Hunter just to kidnap a 'miracle doctor'—forcing me to play the savior on your terms? It's a novel approach, I'll give you that. But I'm busy refining my skills and I have no intention of running errands for you. Do yourself a favor and show a bit more wisdom."
After saying that, he raised his feet and left.
Tsezguerra called out from behind him, "The compensation is beyond generous. Name your price—wealth, rare treasures, anything you desire. My employer can even source an out-of-print JoyStation console. As long as you agree to assist us, no request is too great."
Liam came to a halt. He turned back, his gaze measuring Tsezguerra from head to toe with cold scrutiny. "I'm not interested in discussing the reward with you," Liam said. "What I want to know is, what exactly are you prepared to promise?"
Tsezguerra's smile widened slightly. "It makes no difference to me. As long as you're finally willing to negotiate, we can call it whatever you like."
Liam turned his attention to Chilu. "Go on home. And don't forget—nine o'clock tomorrow morning. We'll be practicing at the usual spot in the park."
"Oh. Right. Okay!" Chilu chirped, already halfway turned to bolt. He had been looking for an excuse to escape for some time; this bearded, middle-aged man radiated a level of professional intensity that screamed danger to anyone with a shred of survival instinct.
Tsezguerra watched them with a calm, steady gaze as Chilu vanished.
Liam paused, feigning a moment of deep contemplation before offering a reluctant nod. "Well, since you're a Hunter, I assume you're supposed to be some kind of Nen master?"
"A Master..." Tsezguerra smiled and said nothing. He didn't admit it. But didn't deny it either.
"You heard what I said just now. Let's fight in the park tomorrow." Liam smiled. "If you can beat me or her, then we can have a good talk." He pointed to Shizuku next to him.
Shizuku looked at Tsezguerra. She wasn't as bellicose as Liam, but it would be good to gain more experience fighting with Nen users.
After Liam finished speaking, he turned around and continued walking away. Didn't wait for Tsezguerra and the others to reply.
Tsezguerra didn't pursue them either. Since he knew they were always aware of being followed, there was no need to continue pursuing this problem.
The backs of Liam and Shizuku were framed in a shot. On the balcony of a high-rise building a few kilometers away, someone put down the telescope in his hand. Said to himself, "What's going on? You didn't follow or start a fight?"
"Tsezguerra, are you sure you can defeat them?" someone in a black suit asked.
Tsezguerra was silent.
Others said, "Didn't there just now say 'or'? Even if you can't beat the man, if you beat the silent girl next to him, there's no problem, right?"
Tsezguerra glanced at a few people unhappily. "As long as I can complete the employer's commission and get paid, I can beat anyone. Let's go back first and get ready."
In the past two years, due to his breakthrough in Nen ability, he'd been busy accumulating performance and making a lot of money. His basic skills had been delayed for a while. He hoped his fists and feet hadn't become too rusty.
Why is it Tsezguerra?
On the way back to the hotel, Liam watched Tsezguerra and the others walk away in the opposite direction through Jaku's eyes. Recalling the manga plot that had already begun to blur in his mind.
In his impression, Tsezguerra was hired by Battera to try to clear Greed Island. As if it was half a year before Killua? That is to say, basically synchronized with the timeline of Chapter 1 of the manga—early 1999. But it was only the beginning of 1996. A full three-year difference.
What Liam didn't know was that Battera had already started investigating the mystery doctor duo when the rumors first came out.
The Greed Island team that Battera had spent a lot of money to build had made limited progress so far. Unknown when they could hope to get the spell card Breath of Archangel that was rumored to cure everything. His lover who'd been critically ill for many years might pass away at any time. Battera wouldn't give up any new hope. But ordinary investigation methods yielded nothing. They weren't even sure where the mystery duo was.
Until the interview report a few days ago. Battera spent a lot of money to hire a professional Hunter. The famous One-Star Bounty Hunter Tsezguerra. He vowed to find these two legendary doctors at all costs. Should also invite them to heal his lover.
Just last night, Tsezguerra had already had a phone call with Battera. Through tracking and investigation and evidence collection in various local hospitals, he'd largely confirmed the abilities of these mystery doctors.
Battera had been seeking medical advice for many years. His subordinates even had a large number of Nen users who could enter Greed Island to play games. Naturally he knew some knowledge about Nen. So Tsezguerra made it clear to Battera last night that these two miracle doctors—at least one of them—was most likely an Enhancer with excellent healing Nen abilities.
This kind of Nen ability was very rare. But the effect was so good it could be said to restore flesh and bones to a living person. Even a vegetative patient who'd been paralyzed for years could be revived immediately. An incurable disease just one step away from dying could be saved alive. Pulled back from death's door. This was something Tsezguerra had never heard of.
Battera just said: If it's true, even if he loses everything, he'll invite such a god.
Tsezguerra, don't have any worries. Just make an offer to these two miracle doctors!
"The price is already being raised."
In Tsezguerra's residence, he was wearing a vest and shorts. Sitting cross-legged on the ground. His aura flowing through his body. Inflating like breath. Picking up the wasted effort temporarily. "If I can win, I'll have the chance to sit down and negotiate a fair price together. If I can't win, what qualifications do I have? By then we really won't be able to stop Battera from going bankrupt..."
He silently muttered to himself, "Battera's assets are as rich as any country's. Probably exceeding one trillion Jenny. If I made all of this, wouldn't I..."
There was a sigh in the room.
The next day. Still the same park. Still the same deserted riverside. Liam and Shizuku ran over at 8 o'clock as if just strolling all the way.
Ten, Zetsu, Ren, Hatsu.
Gyo, Shu, Ken, En.
He and Shizuku had a thick layer of aura all over their bodies, like solid armor. They fought each other quickly. Used the Ryu method to distribute just the right amount of aura every time they exchanged blows.
You attack with 80 points of aura, I'll defend with 80 points of aura. You use 120 points of aura to defend, I'll attack with 120 points of aura. This kind of attack and defense not only tested control of aura but also tested concentration. Generally speaking, this kind of offensive and defensive mutual training was as slow and leisurely as an old man and old lady doing Tai Chi. However, Liam and Shizuku were as fast, accurate, and ruthless as octagon MMA. Could move freely. The slopes by the river were covered. The two of them going back and forth caused gusts of wind.
At 8:30, Tsezguerra, who was walking from a distance, happened to see this scene. At first he thought they were simply fighting and practicing fists and kicks. But after using Gyo in his eyes, he saw that between the two's fast and ruthless punches and kicks, it turned out to be such a situation. Couldn't help but be shocked.
Is this how Ryu works?
Is Ryu so smooth?
You guys aren't flowing at all. Just call it slipping! The aura all over the body isn't like a ball of water flowing on the body, but as if lubricant has been rubbed in. Really silky smooth. In comparison, when I use Ryu, it's like a rusted machine. You can already hear the creaking sound.
Is there something wrong with me, or something wrong with you two?
Liam and Shizuku sparred for a while. Then noticed the figure on top of the slope. Stopped gesturing. Looked at the time. Raised his head. "You're early."
Tsezguerra was stunned. He took a deep breath. Exhaled slowly. Asked in a deep voice, "Are those wooden signs on the road used for practicing Emission?"
"Is it so easy to see?" Liam nodded. "Yes."
Tsezguerra couldn't help but sweat again. According to his observations on the way here, the farthest road surface with traces of damage by aura masses was between the 2,500-meter marker and the 2,000-meter marker. In other words, this young man in front of him with extraordinary healing abilities was also quite impressive in Emission development!
More than 2,000 meters?
Even if Emission is adjacent to Enhancement, aren't you exaggerating a bit? Don't you need to invest energy in your Enhancement training? As for basic Ten, Zetsu training, as well as Ryu, Shu, Gyo, and other techniques—these all require hard work and training. Where do you get so much energy and so much time???
When Tsezguerra came back to his senses, he realized he'd accidentally wandered off just now. Saw the young man walking up, rubbing his shoulders. "Start now? Do you want to prepare?"
"No need." Tsezguerra took a deep breath.
"By the way, what's your Nen category?" Liam asked casually. "If your affinity is too far removed from Enhancement, I'd prefer to keep my distance."
Damn you... Tsezguerra almost lost his composure. What do you mean by this? You look down me, right?!
Liam observed his constipated expression. "He didn't get angry straight away. It seems he's definitely not an Enhancer."
He was really curious!
When reading Hunter manga in his previous life, he was very curious to know what type of Nen user each character was. For example, the classic Zeno who beat up the Enemy Hakka. Was the old man an Emitter or Transmuter? Many people had different opinions. Even Netero—because of the extraneous trick of Hundred-Type Guanyin, many people wondered whether this old guy was an Enhancer. If he was an Enhancer, how could he move Guanyin out of thin air? What the hell was the Ant King trying to do with a cannon from behind? Even Ant King Meruem—many people argued whether he was a Specialist or Enhancer.
Tsezguerra appeared in the Greed Island arc, but his Nen type didn't seem to be mentioned. So Liam was a little curious.
Shizuku was also curious. Observed keenly from the side. Ready to watch the battle.
Tsezguerra didn't answer. But put on a stance. The aura on his body became active. Said in a deep voice, "Come on."
Liam also made a gesture. His aura surged out. Forming Ken like thick armor. The rose gold Star Mark on the back of his neck also quickly activated auto-combat mode. Switching to his strongest melee mode. Like flowing water—strong and soft at the same time.
Tsezguerra didn't fully unleash his momentum. Liam didn't know exactly how strong or weak he was. Didn't dare to neglect him.
Tsezguerra gave a low shout and took the lead in attacking.
Tsezguerra went flying, blood spraying from his nose as he tumbled across the ground. He scrambled to right himself, but a heavy impact shut down his momentum—Liam had already closed the gap. Pinning the Hunter's arm with a knee, Liam drove a sharp punch into the side of his face, right where the blood was still flowing.
Dripping with cold sweat and unable to break the hold, Tsezguerra finally felt the pressure lift. Liam pulled him up from the dirt by his collar. "Why didn't you maintain your Ken?" Liam asked coolly. "Is it that you didn't want to, or you simply couldn't? Without Ken, your offense and defense are useless at this range".
Damn it... Tsezguerra wiped his face, cursing under his breath. He knew that in a close-quarters brawl, no one could match the efficiency of an Enhancer who could maintain a full-body shroud of aura without it ever wavering. Trying to out-muscle one of these specialized "sticks" was a fool's errand.
"Let's settle the debate," Shizuku interrupted, stepping forward with a glass of water and a single leaf floating on the surface.
Tsezguerra's eyes twitched as he stared at the setup for Water Divination. Liam simply spread his hands with a smirk.
"You lose".
Not far away, Chilu hurried over. Liam took Shizuku's wrist and looked at his watch. It read 8:55.
"I'll be back tomorrow!"
The fact that he had only lasted ten or twenty minutes left Tsezguerra simmering with a mix of embarrassment and rage. Without waiting for Liam or Shizuku to confirm if they'd even grant him a second chance, he snorted coldly and limped away, clinging to whatever shred of professional dignity he had left.
"He's..." Chilu started, pointing after the retreating Hunter.
"He's none of your concern. Just focus on your training," Liam said, clapping his hands to snap the boy back to attention.
Chilu nodded quickly and returned to his exercises. He began cycling through the Four Major Principles in sequence, concentrating his efforts on refining his Transmutation techniques
In the evening, the setting sun was like blood. Shining on the quiet river. Chilu had gone back after a tired day.
Shizuku picked up Blinky and sucked in all the leftover lunch boxes. By the way, she and Liam discussed again what the core of Conjuration practice was. From Conjuration, it extended to Transmutation.
"How quickly does the transmutation transition?"
"How radical is the change?"
"How long do the conjured items last?"
However, for some Conjuration props, you only needed to add some restrictions to easily extend effectiveness. It was definitely inappropriate to judge the progress of Conjuration practice by how long it lasted. Just say Shizuku's Blinky—according to her, since the birth of Blinky, she hadn't paid much attention to the problem of maintenance time. It seemed as long as she didn't dismiss it, Blinky could always be carried in her hand.
This was natural. Whose vacuum cleaner suddenly disappeared when it was half used?
Liam sat side by side with her on the slope by the river. Looking at the beautiful sunset in the west. Suddenly asked in a loud voice, "Aunt Bisky?"
Shizuku sat up straight and looked around curiously.
Liam waited for a while. Then heard a clear and sweet voice like a girl coming from far behind.
"Idiot, the problem is 'reality'!"
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