HxH: Apex Predator

Five minutes earlier~

Pawa sat at his desk in his study, while a man of about 5'7" sat across from him on a sofa.

The man had long, emerald-green hair, with angled bangs that covered his right eye, leaving only his left visible.

Beneath the concealed bangs, a scar ran vertically from his forehead over his right eye, giving his otherwise decent face a menacing appearance.

He wore a white tank top and black sweatpants. However, the most noticeable detail was the six knives strapped to the outer sides of his thighs—three on each leg.

"Mr. Jack, it's an honor to have you travel all this way to visit the Gandhi family. Please rest assured, the Hall family's factory project will proceed on schedule. Tomorrow morning, I'll personally take you to inspect the site.

To show my hospitality, I've arranged a dinner banquet tonight, followed by a series of entertainment activities. I hope you'll enjoy your stay," Pawa said, flashing a knowing smile.

*Bang* *Bang* *Bang*

Just then, gunshots rang out from outside, followed by a hurried knock on the door.

"Boss! Someone's attacking the villa!"

"Calm down. I'm entertaining a distinguished guest here. How many attackers are there? Do you know who they're from?"

"Boss, it's just a kid. But Wayne and the boys have already subdued him. Do you want to see for yourself?"

"Go back and have Wayne interrogate him. Let me know what you find out. I have more important matters to attend to," Pawa replied dismissively. Then, turning to Jack, he said, "I apologize for the disturbance, Mr. Jack. Rest assured, I'll hand the troublemaker over to you later."

"It's no problem," Jack said with a smile. "In fact, this little incident adds a bit of excitement to what would otherwise be a dull mission."

"I'm genuinely curious about this so-called attacker. A child bold enough to single-handedly storm the Gandhi family villa? I'd like to see them for myself.

What do you say, Mr. Pawa? Care to join me?"

"Of course," Pawa replied, rising from his seat. "As the host, I must see this troublemaker with my own eyes. Besides, with you here, I doubt a mere child poses any real threat."

The two stepped outside the villa's main entrance just as Ryker, having dealt with the last of Pawa's guards, approached from the opposite direction.

A wave of blood and gore greeted Jack and Pawa as they exited the villa. The air was thick with the metallic scent of blood, and the ground was littered with severed limbs and unrecognizable body parts.

Though Pawa had seen his fair share of horrors as a crime lord, the sight still churned his stomach. Only Jack, calm and composed, seemed unfazed.

Their eyes fell on the figure responsible for the carnage: a boy, no older than ten, dressed in an unsettling outfit that concealed even his eyes. His eerie stillness and complete lack of emotion or aura made him seem more like a phantom than a child.

"Well, this has turned into more than just a pleasant surprise," Jack said, his tone laced with intrigue. "Pawa, you're lucky I'm here today. Otherwise, the Gandhi family might have ceased to exist.

Now, what price are you willing to pay to save your family's lives?"

Without hesitation, Pawa stammered, "I-I'll give you half of my wealth and half of my annual profits moving forward. Please, Mr. Jack, help me survive this ordeal!"

"Deal," Jack replied, his smile widening. Then, turning to Ryker, he said, "Well, little one, you're quite the prodigy. Ruthless and efficient. I don't care who sent you or why, but I'm offering you an opportunity.

Join me. As the Hall family's top enforcer, I can promise you wealth and power beyond your imagination. Think carefully before you refuse."

'This guy's aura is scattered, his energy flow uneven. He's likely self-taught, or perhaps a survivor who awakened his abilities under pressure. Judging by his knives, his primary combat style revolves around them.'

'If he were an Enhancer, he'd probably use a weapon with better range and power, like a sword.'

'This narrows him down to either Manipulation or Conjuration. Based on his aura and identity, Manipulation seems more likely, though I can't rule out the possibility of a Specialist.'

'I'll test him with an energy bullet. If he closes the gap to engage in close combat, I'll adjust my approach accordingly.'

"Hey, kid," Jack continued mockingly. "Cat got your tongue? Or are you just too scared to speak?"

*Whoosh!*

Before Jack could react further, a subtle shift in the air warned him of incoming danger. Acting on instinct, he dodged Ryker's energy bullet, only to hear a sickening splatter as it struck Pawa, reducing his head to a bloody mess.

Jack grimaced but quickly regained his composure. "Well, with Pawa gone, our deal is void. You've completed your mission, and I have no reason to fight you. Let's call it a day. No point in both of us walking away injured, is there?"

But Ryker wasn't interested in negotiation. Calculating their respective strengths, he launched another hidden energy bullet. Jack dodged again, realizing the fight was inevitable.

This time, he unleashed all six knives, sending them hurtling toward Ryker while maneuvering for a better position. Ryker, however, kept his distance, firing energy bullets from a range that Jack struggled to counter.

As the distance widened, Jack's control over the knives faltered. Forced to focus his energy on just two knives, he tried to close the gap, but Ryker's relentless attacks left him with no openings.

Seeing no path to victory, Jack's sole focus shifted to survival. 'How can I get out of this alive?' he thought, as the battle reached its deadly crescendo.