Biscuit and Morel carried Oboro and Hisoka on their backs as they returned to the border of East Gorteau. They immediately contacted the Hunters' Association to send medical personnel.
Basho took possession of the mission's target: the ritual artifact skull.
Biscuit was on the phone with Chairman Netero, reporting Oboro's condition.
"There are no survivors left in the Bozwa settlement. This ethnic group has been completely wiped out."
"Hm."
"Oboro's condition is critical. His muscles and skin are atrophying and aging rapidly. He can no longer feel the Nen. Only a tiny amount of life force keeps him alive; he's barely breathing."
Biscuit adjusted Oboro's weight on her back as she ran at full speed, her voice heavy. "According to our assessment, he not only used up his Nen reserves, but also his life force potential!"
"..."
The chairman remained silent.
He had already seen the photos the three had sent.
Oboro was very young, only twenty. Although his body was mature, it still had room for growth and development. His physical abilities could have become even stronger through training and trials.
Nen energy is the manifestation of one's life force, directly connected to the physical body.
Oboro must have forcefully stimulated his body's growth, causing both his aura and Nen abilities to undergo a transformation, leading to this result.
Borrowing power from one's future potential requires both extreme willpower and a deep connection to one's Nen; at least Netero's goal of forcing Oboro to face a baptism of death had been achieved.
But the consequences, no one could have predicted.
This mission had been filled with uncertainties from the beginning.
"Don't worry too much. He only used a part of his potential. Although his condition looks serious, it's not irreversible yet. I've assembled a team of hunters with healing abilities, and I've had Pariston bring you specially prepared medicine."
Netero's tone brightened slightly.
Hearing that, Biscuit felt some relief.
Considering the chairman's experience and abilities, his assessment that Oboro would survive was about 90% certain.
"What about the after-effects?"
Under normal circumstances, Biscuit would have been displeased to hear about Pariston's involvement, but right now she couldn't spare the energy to worry. She glanced at the frail head resting on her shoulder as she asked.
It was worth noting that Biscuit, now in her muscular adult form, had already tried to use her Nen ability "Magical Aesthetician" on Oboro, but it had almost no effect. Her ability wasn't meant for healing.
It could only relieve tiredness and restore energy.
In her haste to save Oboro, she had revealed her true form.
Even though they often argued, that was in their private life, not during missions.
Work was work.
She had been the one who had recommended Oboro to join the Association. Even though Biscuit often complained about his personality, she felt partly responsible for his current state.
Oboro's life could be saved, but there would certainly be lasting consequences.
"Overdraft" was an inherently ominous term.
"From what you've described, he must have tapped into his potential to achieve some kind of transformation in his Nen abilities when he was at death's door. I suspect it's related to his aura type. The time period he drew from seems to be about three years. After he awakens, his physical strength will be greatly diminished, and for some time his Nen will be extremely weak; he may not even be able to feel it."
Biscuit bit her lip when she heard this.
With Oboro's personality, could he accept such a result?
The Striving for Power
Reduced strength was his Achilles' heel!
This wasn't just a setback; for some, it could breed hatred.
Hatred of the association, of the president, of himself, of everyone involved.
"His attitude has changed. In the long run, this will be beneficial. He'll understand. If he lacks the courage to face even temporary weakness, his journey ends here."
The old man added one last thought before hanging up.
Basho, running in the middle of their three-man formation, put down his phone.
"Don't worry. If the chairman says there's a way, there must be a way to recover."
Morel said with a smile.
Biscuit looked at him, but said nothing.
Within a day, the three of them arrived at the next border checkpoint.
During this time, Biscuit had constantly monitored Oboro's vitality, fearing any sudden changes in his condition.
Fortunately, although his injuries were severe, the small amount of aura remaining in his body, like a candle flame flickering in a storm, never completely died out.
Remarkably resilient.
On a grassy plain at the foot of a barren mountain, Biscuit and the others watched a small airship slowly descend. Pariston stood in the open hatch, smiling and waving down at them.
"Why is he here?" Morel frowned.
"Never mind."
Biscuit replied calmly.
After the airship had landed, several medical personnel, including the Association Hunters, moved to put Oboro and Hisoka on stretchers. But at that moment, Hisoka suddenly jerked awake, sitting bolt upright and instinctively assuming a fighting stance. His eyes blazed with a terrifying bloodlust, his expression manic.
After taking in his surroundings, he relaxed his guard and realized that he had been rescued by the Association.
"What are you doing?"
Morel's expression darkened.
Hisoka pulled out the IV lines the doctor had just inserted, dragged his badly injured body off the stretcher and walked over to Oboro's stretcher. He stared at the unconscious hunter for a moment before raising an arm in farewell.
"Goodbye. I'll take care of myself. Don't waste your resources on me; focus on treating my captain," he said in a casual tone.
He had already walked more than ten meters away when he turned back to look at Biscuit and the others, his lips curling into a smile. "When he wakes up, tell him his performance was wonderful. I'm very pleased."
Hisoka's words stunned everyone present.
"Your injuries are too serious! Without immediate treatment, you could die!" a female doctor called after him urgently.
They had only managed basic first aid for the two men's superficial wounds; several internal injuries still required surgery.
But Hisoka seemed to ignore her words completely as he walked away.
"Get Oboro treated first."
Biscuit ordered.
Both she and Morel could tell that this Hisoka was no ordinary person. The fact that he had survived such a devastating battlefield spoke volumes. They had assumed that all of Oboro's team members were novices, but clearly, one of them was quite formidable.
Considering Hisoka's obvious strength, they decided that he would probably be able to handle himself.
Pariston stood with his hands in his pockets, watching the scene unfold like a theatrical performance. His gaze flickered between Oboro and Hisoka's retreating form, his smile growing more playful.
He seemed to have discovered something interesting.
"My, my. Oboro is truly remarkable. He has only just joined the association, yet the chairman entrusts him with such important missions. Even I wouldn't be confident enough to take on such an assignment, but he's done it so quickly; I'm impressed," Pariston said cheerfully.
His words seemed sincere.
"I actually applied to join his team, but unfortunately I was rejected."
Pariston mentioned again.
Biscuit gave him a cold look and did not dignify him with a reply.
The veterans were well aware of the current internal politics of the Association. Besides the regular members, there was also the "non-affiliated faction," those who strongly opposed and resented Chairman Netero.
People like herself and Morel were close to the Chairman, considered his allies.
As for Pariston, although he didn't openly declare his allegiance, he was definitely not one of "their people" in Biscuit's eyes.
The fact that the Chairman could nurture and even promote someone like Pariston, if Biscuit had her way, she would have expelled him long ago.
The Way He Played Innocent After Causing Trouble
Biscuit's blatant disgust only seemed to please Pariston, making his smile even wider.
Soon everyone boarded the airship and the medical team attached various monitoring devices to Oboro's body.
The airship quickly took off, heading back to the Association's headquarters.
A hunter retrieved the medicine the chairman had mentioned from a case. It was made from rare ingredients discovered by Gourmet Hunters, specifically chosen to restore vitality.
This particular medicine was the most mysterious in the Association's possession, personally prepared by the ancient Linne Horsdoeuvre.
Only the Chairman could have convinced them to act.
The human world contained many magical creatures with various healing properties. Generally, their essence was best absorbed through consumption.
A hunter activated her Nen ability, manifesting a small winged angel dressed as a nurse. At the Hunter's command, the angel first consumed the medicine, then flew to Oboro and passed the liquid from mouth to mouth.
The aura around the room increased slightly, but not dramatically.
Several other Nen users also used their abilities to stabilize and heal his injuries.
"Such severe injuries. I can't believe he's still alive," one remarked in amazement.
"Oh? Don't you know him?"
Pariston, sitting nearby, feigned surprise and smiled. "This is Oboro, a newcomer whom the Chairman holds in high esteem. He might become a senior member of the association one day. With this kind of performance, he might even succeed the Chairman."
"Pariston, that's enough!"
Biscuit clenched her fist, still in its muscular form.
Her presence was intimidating.
"Did I say something wrong? I was just praising him, admiring his accomplishments, sincerely! After all, not everyone could complete this mission. Truly remarkable!" Pariston declared, his eyes narrowed in his perpetual smile.
"Don't fall for his provocations. He's not worth it."
Morel warned Biscuit.
"Listen, brat, even with the Chairman's support, you don't impress me. I disliked you from the moment we met. So don't expect any courtesy from me; and I advise you to abandon whatever plans you have. If you try to take advantage of Oboro, well, you'll probably be the one who gets hurt in the end."
Biscuit snorted coldly, turned away from Pariston and returned to her young girl form.
Her warning wasn't unfounded. The Association could have called on the personnel closest to East Gorteau, but Pariston had been at headquarters.
His presence meant that he had anticipated Oboro's failure, or at least that there would be a price to be paid that would require a rescue. He had prepared countermeasures in advance.
Such calculation and cunning
"Oh my, such concern from a senior hunter! I'm honored. This is the first time that Senior Biscuit has spoken to me so seriously, finally looking me in the eye! I was wondering how I could get closer to you."
Pariston scratched his head, seemingly oblivious to Biscuit's hostility. "I'll take your words to heart. Hehe, we're close in age, I just want to make friends with Oboro."
"..."
An uncomfortable silence fell over the hut.
With Biscuit and Morel now ignoring Pariston, they began to discuss Oboro's mission.
The other hunters exchanged glances but remained silent.
Only Pariston maintained his mask of indifference, gazing down at the distant landscape of East Gorteau from his seat by the window, the breeze ruffling his golden hair.
He watched the mountains and rivers below with an appreciative eye.
The airship traveled at maximum speed.
Several days later, they finally arrived at the headquarters of the Association.
Oboro was immediately taken to the hospital.
Upon hearing the news, the Fells family dispatched personnel to increase security around him.
Butler David and Lily also arrived and took up residence in Oboro's hospital room.
Time passed slowly, and Oboro showed no signs of waking. The only encouraging news was that his vital signs were gradually improving.
During this time, several members of the Association came to offer support and medical assistance. Netero himself made a brief appearance and exchanged a few words with Lily.
What they discussed was kept private.
A month later, the medical equipment was removed from Oboro's body, but he remained alarmingly thin, his limbs withered. He lay motionless on the bed, his eyes closed.
It was a pleasant day. The window of the private room was slightly open, letting in warm air.
Only the butler and Lily were in the room.
Outside, Mafia members in suits stood guard.
"So the dream he talked about was to become a hunter." Lily, sitting in her wheelchair, gently held one of Oboro's hands.
Though blind, she could still feel by touch. His skin felt like that of someone in their twilight years.
"Please don't worry, Miss. The master's condition has stabilized. The Association says he can recover through training once he wakes up," David, who was standing nearby, tried to comfort her.
"We went to so much trouble to find people to help him, but they proved useless."
Lily sighed.
It was her first physical contact with Oboro.
"We hired powerful Nen users and hunters at considerable cost, as well as other specialists. I don't think such an incident will happen again."
"You saw those people, didn't you?"
Lily slowly tucked Oboro's arm back under the blanket.
"Yes."
David nodded, realizing that she meant the members of the Hunters' Association.
"They exist in a different world than our syndicate. Their voices, their aura; they're different. People like that can't be swayed by mere money or fame. Even with the influence of the Dons, our Fells family would struggle to gather such powerful individuals."
The woman raised her hand, feeling the breeze. "There is very little we can do to help him."
"..."
David fell silent.
The main problem was Oboro's strength; any teammates he might want would have to meet a certain threshold, far above the common Nen users or third-rate hunters found everywhere.
"Not enough, not enough."
Lily said suddenly.
"Miss?"
David started.
"Our family has to get stronger. The Fells family is where it is because of him. Otherwise, we'd only be a middling family. Forget about becoming a great family; avoiding destruction would be lucky enough."
Lily knew her brother well. He could never have risen in the underworld through recklessness alone.
Even if they didn't oppose Oboro, they would eventually be consumed by other groups.
The end would be much worse than their current situation.
The gambling industry was huge.
Many coveted their position.
From her perspective, Oboro had actually saved her and David.
She never blamed him for killing Garu.
Compared to others, she might not consider herself particularly clever, but without the burden of sight, she could often see and think more clearly.
"Yes."
David replied.
He understood the lady's meaning.
Not enough, meaning the current status and resources of the Dons weren't enough!
The Fells needed more.
David looked at Lily, the woman he had watched grow up. The Fells family's rise in the underworld owed much to her efforts. From beginning to end, the young woman had shown no personal desire for power, making proposals only for the sake of her relatives and the Fells name.
But for the first time, the butler saw another side of her.
The drive to compete that gave birth to desire and ambition.
All because of the man lying on the bed.
Oboro felt exhausted, as if trapped in an endless dream. The dream had been completely dark, without images or content.
His mind was empty.
Yet he maintained a sense of self-consciousness throughout the dream.
His mind remained constantly tired.
It seemed he couldn't really rest.
After an indeterminate amount of time, Oboro regained consciousness; the hazy fog lifted and he became aware of his physical form once more.
His eyelids twitched before slowly opening.
Awake.
The first thing he noticed wasn't his surroundings.
But intense pain and weakness.
He could move his head, but his Nen responded sluggishly, barely flowing.
His brain signaled to stand, but his body didn't respond.
"Force, without force."
Understanding dawned.
In his mind, flashes of the fight with the Bozwa elder emerged from his last moments of consciousness. The impact of the elder's blow to his chest, being thrown through the air. Everything after that was blank.
It seemed he had been saved?
"The Covenant?" Oboro whispered hoarsely.
Suddenly, he heard soft sobbing.
Turning his head, he saw a woman crying, tears streaming down her face.
"You are awake."
The woman laughed through her tears.
"Who?" Oboro's gaze froze.
Lily, yes, it was her.
"Don't speak yet. Just rest properly first." The woman wiped away tears, her voice soft.
Oboro blinked, staring blankly at the pristine white ceiling.
Had he lost his strength?