Hunter X Hunter: Tombbound Power

"Thanks for the reminder ticket!"

"The multiplier of the luck boost depends on the duration of playing or listening. The longer the performance, the greater the improvement in luck! If you complete it, the skies will rain good fortune upon you!"

"It might even be possible for Nen mastery to descend from the heavens and transform you into a master surpassing Netero himself~"

Though the words sounded like a joke, there was no trace of humor in Emuksu's expression. It was this seriousness that made the possibility seem disturbingly real.

Once again, Ronnel was reminded of the terrifying nature of the Sonata of Darkness. In novels, everything has logic—but in reality, logic often crumbles under the weight of phenomena like this.

A power that could grant someone luck beyond comprehension surely came with equally extreme restrictions and consequences.

"So, what's the price of this sonata?" Ronnel couldn't help but ask.

"Luck," Emuksu replied, offering an answer that caught him off guard.

After a moment of thought, Ronnel's eyes widened with sudden understanding.

"It seems you've figured it out," Emuksu said, smiling faintly. "Yes, the cost is luck itself. To balance the good fortune granted by the ability, you pay the price in misfortune."

"Bad luck," Emuksu continued, taking a drag from his cigar. "Completely opposite to good luck. Enjoy the blessing while it lasts, because misfortune comes knocking right after."

"The duration of misfortune is twice that of the good fortune you receive, and its intensity is double as well."

"For example, if you rise to become the world's greatest master for a second, then the next second, you might be struck down by a thunderstorm and die."

Ronnel couldn't suppress a shudder at the thought.

"In short, it's like borrowing luck from a ruthless loan shark," Emuksu concluded, exhaling a puff of smoke.

"No, it's worse than that," Ronnel muttered inwardly. "This Sonata of Darkness really is a last-resort weapon."

Weighing it in his mind, Ronnel realized the cost-benefit ratio didn't hold up. Freedom, health, and luck—Nen abilities demanding such prices were hardly worth using unless absolutely necessary.

For now, he resolved to leave the Sonata tucked away in his inventory, gathering dust like a forgotten relic.

"About the piano section of the Sonata—there's no relevant information available," Emuksu admitted with a shrug. "I haven't been able to locate any records about it."

"That's fine. What I've learned about the other sections is more than enough," Ronnel replied, satisfied.

He made a mental note to track down Melody and investigate the flute section's music when he had the chance.

Meanwhile, Emuksu, seemingly out of nowhere, produced a bottle of wine and two glasses. Pouring out the drinks, he pushed one toward Ronnel.

"Another round?" Ronnel asked, slightly exasperated. "We already had some last night, and I'm not keen on drinking too much…"

"It's just one cup," Emuksu said nonchalantly.

Ronnel sighed but raised his glass to humor his companion.

"Cheers to your new weapon," Emuksu said with a grin.

"Thanks," Ronnel replied, clinking glasses.

"And to that bastard Ging—may his next adventure be even more miserable than the last!" Emuksu laughed.

"Haha!"

"And to your success~"

Ronnel froze mid-drink, his smile stiffening. He looked up to find Emuksu wearing a teasing smirk, his eyes glinting with amusement.

At the same time, a "click" sounded, and Ronnel noticed a camera had captured his startled expression.

"Perfect," Emuksu said, holding up the photo that had floated down. "Another addition to my collection of reaction shots."

Ronnel sighed in relief when he realized Emuksu bore no hostility. If he intended harm, he wouldn't have helped answer questions about the Sonata of Darkness—or bothered with playful teasing.

"Sorry," Emuksu said, tucking the photo away. "I didn't mean to pry. I didn't investigate you directly, but I did look into someone named Kay Taylor… Turns out, you're connected."

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