Hunter X Hunter: Tombbound Power

Meruem was so powerful that even Neferpitou managed to heal the intense heat caused by the flower bomb. But the poison—no, not even Meruem himself could fully resist the venom of the flower bomb.

From Meruem to Shaiapouf and Neferpitou, these apex Chimera Ants could hardly endure the poison.

Poison, in this world of Hunters, has the potential to accomplish a great deal!

Ronnel was thinking along these lines as he planned his second Nen ability, focusing on a deadly status effect like poison. Similar to the blood-clotting claws or bone-melting palms found in martial arts novels, he wanted his ability to inflict not only immediate damage but a lingering, debilitating effect that would continue to erode the victim's body.

These malevolent techniques inspired Ronnel, and many ideas for developing his abilities began to surface in his mind.

The corpses of his enemies carried resentment, and now that resentment would also carry poison.

Previously, Ronnel hadn't paid much attention to the concepts of corpse poison or resentment. They were negative states, easily shrugged off. But now, as he focused on developing his second Nen, the potential for lethal, hard-to-counter poisons caught his attention.

Of course, he wasn't going to mimic the rotting corpse poison exactly. He had to integrate it into the structure of Nen in this world, carefully planning each step.

Nen mastery wasn't something that could be rushed, but Ronnel had been contemplating it since his days in the Hunter Exam.

In this way, when Yorknew City opened up to the underworld, the corpses of gang members scattered across the streets could become a powerful source of nourishment, enhancing his strength.

No doubt, the refinement of his second Nen would rely on those very corpses.

While Ronnel was deep in thought about his second Nen…

Elsewhere, the examinees had begun to find their own antiques and traded them for hotel rooms. Just like before, Gon and Killua played around in their room, Sommy and Gittarackur sat back-to-back, and Sommy's monkey, frightened by Illumi's antics, darted around the room.

Tonpa curled up near the door, holding a quilt, watching Hisoka calmly build his third pyramid of cards.

"Oh ho ho ho! Broke the record!!" Hanzo exclaimed, enjoying the sun.

In another room, Kurapika and Leorio talked about Ronnel and the Phantom Troupe. No one knew exactly what was said between them, but Kurapika no longer seemed to avoid the topic of Ronnel afterward.

The night passed quietly until just before dawn, when Ronnel, listening intently, raised his head and looked in a certain direction.

"Leaving already?"

Walking to the window, he peered down at the hotel owner and his wife, who had packed their belongings and were preparing to board the airship. Opening the window, Ronnel called out.

"Let's go. In two days, a storm is coming. Who knows how many of the remaining examinees will survive?"

The owner adjusted his glasses, preparing to board the airship. A gentle hand tapped his shoulder.

"How about taking me with you?"

The owner froze. When he turned around, he saw Ronnel smiling at him.

"...Alright," the owner replied. Given Ronnel's strength, surviving a stormy ordeal seemed manageable. Plus, his presence might prove too overwhelming for the other examinees, preventing them from demonstrating their own abilities. Since this went against the purpose of the exam, the owner didn't resist much and allowed Ronnel to join them.

Boom~

In the still night, where even the drop of a pin could be heard, the sound of the airship's engines pierced the quiet. Examinees, who had been fast asleep, woke up and rushed out of their rooms, still in their pajamas.

But the airship had already started to sail, leaving them behind.

"Damn it! I knew something was up with those two!!" Leorio cursed, glaring at the owner and his wife, who looked down from the airship, emotionless.

"They must be…" Leorio started but cut himself off mid-sentence. His eyes went wide as he recognized a familiar figure by the window of the airship.

"Ronnel?!"

The other candidates were just as shocked, staring in disbelief at Ronnel, who waved from the airship.

"Why...how is this possible?!" Leorio's mind raced.

"Could this be part of the Hunter Exam?" Kurapika speculated aloud. His eyes, focused on Ronnel, were no longer clouded with conflict, though they still held a hint of complexity.

"Part of the exam?"

"If I'm right," Kurapika continued, "this could be a two-part test—an 'upper' and 'lower' section."

"Upper and lower?" The candidates were perplexed by Kurapika's words. Hanzo thought for a moment before his eyes lit up in understanding.

"I get it now! Just like examinee 406 said, each round tests our relevant abilities. This round must be assessing our vigilance in a resting environment!"

"I bet examinee 406 noticed something off about the hotel owner and his wife. That's why he stayed alert all night and caught them trying to leave!"

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