Chapter 14: The Team
As soon as Zeno and Illumi left the vicinity of Kukuroo Mountain, Zeno began clearing any potential threats that might arise around the mountain.
The surrounding tourism industry was forcibly shut down, and no one was allowed within a five-kilometer radius of Kukuroo Mountain. Any outsiders found would be killed without mercy.
Among the secrets of the Zoldyck family, only the eldest son, Illumi, and the second son, Milluki, knew about this matter among the five youngest brothers. The three younger siblings were still unaware. Killua and Kalluto were too young and needed to travel outside, making them prone to slip-ups. As for Alluka, he was deliberately kept in the dark.
A large number of small drones were deployed by the second son, Milluki, to monitor the movements around Kukuroo Mountain. All the butlers of the Zoldyck family were mobilized, forming teams of three to patrol the surrounding forests in shifts.
At this moment, the Zoldyck family was like a hornet's nest. Anyone daring to approach would pay a heavy price.
After 24 hours of sweeping, not only were there no humans in the surrounding forests, but even large wild animals had been hunted to extinction. The only remaining beasts in the forest were the giant hounds raised by Silva.
Silva and Illumi, father and son, lived up to their reputation as assassins. It took them only 28 hours to retrieve Killua, who was hiding near the border of East Gorteau.
At the foot of Kukuroo Mountain, the group of four had already passed through the Testing Gate and was heading straight for the Zoldyck family castle.
"Father, what exactly is going on? Worth breaking your promise?"
"..."
Killua Zoldyck received no answer from his father and could only silently follow behind him.
Although Killua Zoldyck was only 12 years old, he was by no means a naive child. He had a height similar to a child's, spiky white hair, and fair skin, giving off a naturally likable impression. In reality, he was a somewhat dangerous kid. Through the Zoldyck family's brutal training, he could ignore over 60% of toxins and withstand electric shocks. He was both mischievous and ruthless.
"Killua, you'll meet someone later. Don't defy him, or you'll die. Judge the situation yourself."
Illumi spoke. Although he wanted to control Killua, he valued Killua's safety greatly.
"Something's really off."
Killua put his hands behind his head, chewing on a blade of grass.
"Um... will Killua be in danger?"
Another kid spoke up. It was the other protagonist, Gon Freecss. He was also a brat, but one who had already mastered Nen.
"There's a high chance of danger."
Silva's attitude toward Gon Freecss was relatively kind. When he had captured Killua earlier, Gon immediately offered to help and made it clear that if he couldn't be of use, he wouldn't cause trouble.
"Is that so? Then Killua, be careful."
"Tch, I'm really strong."
"Yeah, I know."
Gon Freecss nodded firmly, trusting Killua's strength. Perhaps only such a straightforward kid could become Killua's friend.
The group soon arrived in front of the Zoldyck family castle. Although Gon Freecss had been to Kukuroo Mountain before, he had never seen this castle with his own eyes.
"Killua, your house is huge."
Gon Freecss looked up at the castle ahead.
"Of course."
Killua grinned proudly.
"But it's also really run-down."
"#!"
Killua's smile froze. His friend was just that straightforward.
The group entered the castle and headed straight for the meeting hall. Inside, Maha Zoldyck was leaning back in a chair, dozing off. Su Xiao was sitting cross-legged on a chair, holding a tablet, deeply engrossed in a game.
"Maha, they're here."
Su Xiao spoke but didn't stop his actions. He was about to clear a very important level in the game.
"Why is there an extra one?"
Maha sized up Gon Freecss. With his experience, he immediately judged that this was a promising young man—no, a child.
"This is Killua's friend. He wanted to help."
"Oh, then let him stay temporarily in the castle. Have Kalluto entertain him. They're about the same age."
Maha's words were not to be disobeyed within the Zoldyck family.
"Old sir, if there's anything I can help with..."
Before Gon Freecss could finish, he noticed two pairs of eyes fixed on him. At that moment, Gon felt the surrounding temperature drop sharply. The auras of the two people looking at him—one was black, representing death and withering, while the other was blood-red, sharp and ferocious.
In an instant, the young Gon Freecss realized that no matter what was about to happen, he probably couldn't help.
"Your kindness is appreciated. Just stay safely in the castle for now."
Maha and Su Xiao hadn't released their auras. Gon's earlier perception was entirely due to his innate keen senses. This kid was as sharp as a young beast raised in the forest.
"Mm... okay then."
Gon said nothing more, looking dejected.
"Gon, it's fine."
Killua patted Gon on the shoulder. Although he was comforting Gon, he was actually panicking inside. He still had no idea what was going to happen.
"Things are going smoother than expected. Since everyone's here, let's set off as soon as possible. I'm busy lately."
Su Xiao put away his tablet. He had already adjusted his state to the optimum.
"Silva, bring Alluka here."
Hearing this, Silva turned and left. Maha's eyes no longer looked lifeless. He had been waiting for this opportunity for years.
A few minutes later, Silva brought a "little girl." The "little girl" had long hair, wore a hairpin, and was dressed in loose clothing. She looked like the type who stayed home a lot, curious about everything around her.
This was Alluka. He wasn't actually a "little girl"; he just dressed and looked like one.
Everyone was assembled, and everything was ready. It was time to head into the depths of Kukuroo Mountain.
"Bai Ye, once we enter Kukuroo Mountain, you take Killua, and I'll take Alluka. As planned, before we reach the center, neither of them can die."
"I'll try my best. I'm good at killing, but when it comes to protection... don't expect too much. That said, this kid has some self-preservation abilities. He won't die that easily."
"No, if it were up to him alone, he'd die as soon as he entered Kukuroo Mountain."
Maha's expression was serious.
"Down payment."
Since Su Xiao and Maha were going deep into Kukuroo Mountain, they naturally needed a down payment.
Maha took out an ancient wooden box from his pocket and retrieved four large soul crystals from it, handing them to Su Xiao.
[You have obtained Soul Crystal (Large) × 4.]
With the down payment in hand, Su Xiao stood up and walked out of the meeting hall.
"Zeno, we need your ability to enter Kukuroo Mountain. Come with us to the summit. After you send us into Kukuroo Mountain, return to the castle immediately. Don't stay long at the summit."
The group set out. The personnel going deep into Kukuroo Mountain were:
Main Force: Maha Zoldyck, Su Xiao, Bubu Wang (Bubu Wang as scout + healer, main skills: You Can't See Me, Secret Peeping of the Canine Star).
Support: Amu, Zeno Zoldyck (Zeno leaves the team after opening the path at the summit).
Special Personnel: Alluka Zoldyck, Killua Zoldyck.