Chapter 238: Chapter 224 : Small Condition??
Bisky, Menchi, and Buhara set out the next morning to protect a plant known as the "Herb for All-illnesses." They left "Greed Island" to negotiate.
Germain convinced the "Greed Island Management Team" to reach an agreement—essentially pushing Dwun, who already had a strong desire to change the game, to lead the other members down this path.
But, just like every other time, after planting his "seeds," Germain acted like a careless man, leaving everything behind. He handed the responsibility of the "Greed Island Major Update" to Dwun and the others.
Germain didn't really understand games. All he cared about was achieving his goal—to transform "Greed Island" into a training ground to select future team members.
Razor, like Germain, didn't join the meetings about designing new game elements or modifying the existing main and side quests.
However, his reasons were different from Germain's. While Germain simply didn't want to compete with the experts, Razor stuck to his principles as a death row convict.
"If all the death row convicts in the world were like you, things would be better," Germain said casually during a chat with Razor.
"Most death row convicts are like those bastards over there," Razor said with a squinting smile, gesturing with his thumb toward a group of "Port City: Soufrabi Pirates" members dressed in white shirts.
On the surface, he appeared to be the leader of this pirate crew. In reality, he controlled their lives and deaths, ruling over them as a tyrant king.
The pirates watched from a distance, drinking at the bar. They didn't dare to be loud, having suffered countless losses before. They could only silently swallow their bitter drinks.
Every now and then, Razor would physically smash one of the rebellious pirates—literally smash them—establishing his unquestionable authority.
Germain, however, was different. It was said that he was a newly appointed Game Master. He was young, handsome, and didn't seem intimidating.
This stereotype persisted for a while, leading some pirates to underestimate him.
Eventually, some pirates challenged Germain multiple times. Razor didn't interfere, so one day, two drunk pirates exposed their violent nature.
The situation quickly spiraled out of control.
This was the moment Germain had been waiting for. Without hesitation, he swiftly struck down the two pirates. His speed was so quick that only Razor could see clearly what had happened.
After using the two pirates to establish his authority, Germain made the others drag the bodies away and clean up the mess for him.
The remaining pirates, seeing this, realized that Germain was just as dangerous as Razor. They became much more subdued, like unruly kids who instantly behave when their parents show up.
Germain sat at a long table, illuminated by flickering candlelight. Looking out at the shimmering sea below the cliff, he said:
"Maybe one day, there will be a group of people even more troublesome than death row inmates, and you'll have to manage them."
"A group more troublesome than death row inmates?" Razor wiped the foam from the corner of his mouth, slammed his glass on the wooden table, and raised an eyebrow. "What kind of people?"
Names like "Phantom Troupe," "Chimera Ant Army," "Beyond's forces," and "Kakin Empire's factions" flashed through Germain's mind.
"I'm not sure yet. Maybe they'll all end up dead by my hand or someone else's. After all, there aren't many among them willing to cooperate with me."
"Sounds like a stubborn bunch," Razor said, his perpetually squinted eyes opening slightly.
"But if that day ever comes and they fall into my hands, I'll treat them like the strictest warden would. You can rest assured on that point."
He reached out, poured Germain a glass of beer until the foam spilled over the edge, and gave him a big smile. "But tonight, let's not talk about things that may never happen."
Razor raised his glass. "To your success in stirring up the stagnant waters of 'Greed Island,' giving Dwun, List, Eta, and Elena a real headache. Cheers!"
It seemed he wasn't as indifferent to the future of "Greed Island" as he appeared.
"Cheers," Germain clinked glasses with Razor, the crisp sound of their toast ringing out.
That night, the two outsiders drank heartily and talked with great enjoyment.
Meanwhile, Dwun and List, severely understaffed, decided to recruit Abengane, the "Nen Exorcist," into their team to help with some of the most basic tasks—essentially odd jobs.
Whenever they saw Germain, Razor, or Shizuku living leisurely, they'd cast resentful glances their way but could do nothing about it.
During the time Germain was waiting for Bisky's reply, he began to keep tabs on the recent activities of his "acquaintances."
There are far too many people whose futures have subtly changed because of his presence.
First, there is his disciple, Kurapika.
Through several communications, Germain learned that Kurapika's journey to reclaim the "scarlet eyes of the Kurta Clan" had not gone smoothly.
However, under his repeated threats and persuasion, Kurapika managed to recover a pair of "scarlet eyes."
There are still over thirty pairs of "scarlet eyes" scattered out in the world.
Kurapika needs to plan his route carefully, preparing for a journey around the world and the long negotiations with "scarlet eye buyers."
Next are Wing and Zushi.
They arrived at "Heavens Arena" earlier than in the original timeline, and Zushi is currently challenging the tower with the goal of reaching the 200th floor.
Then there are Kite and Sheila.
They seem to be deep in the mountains or forests, as there hasn't been any news from them for a long time.
Finally, there are Hisoka, Illumi, and the "Phantom Troupe."
Since that day, when Hisoka sent a text saying Illumi might have left Chrollo and that no other "Phantom Troupe" members were by Chrollo's side, Hisoka has not contacted Germain again.
There are many possibilities—perhaps Hisoka fought Chrollo again and truly died this time, or maybe Hisoka is still alive, continuing his game of cat and mouse.
What Germain can confirm for now is that the "Phantom Troupe" has been added to the Kakin Empire's wanted list, suspected of being the most likely culprits behind the fourth prince's murder.
Disguising themselves, infiltrating, committing brutal murders, and stealing the prince's collection—these actions indeed match the "Phantom Troupe's" usual style.
As the mastermind behind this situation, Germain watches the news and newspapers analyze the "Phantom Troupe's" criminal patterns while awaiting an important reply from Bisky.
If negotiations fall apart, he will not sit idly by, even if it means facing a powerhouse like Chairman Netero or the overwhelming force of the "V5" and the "Hunter Association."
For someone like him, a "stat monster," no matter how terrifyingly high his "Physique" or "Nen Capacity" grows, it's hard to convey the moment he steps into the "champion level."
There is only one situation that can prove this.
And that is to defeat Chairman Netero in a one-on-one battle. This would establish his "champion-level strength" beyond any doubt.
Fortunately, luck was on their side.
On October 3rd, Bisky called to confirm that negotiations were basically successful, but they needed to agree to a "small condition" from Chairman Netero.
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