HxH: Apex Predator

"This kid… judging from the current situation, he's likely an Emitter."

"Based on his age and physique, no matter how talented he is, it's impossible for him to simultaneously possess both powerful nen bullets and exceptional martial arts.

That means close combat is probably his weak point. Judging by how he immediately tried to create distance at the start, my assumption is likely correct. If so, I'll just need to close the gap."

Across the battlefield, Ryker analyzed Jack's manipulation range and tactics. Confident in his assessment, he began pressuring his opponent more aggressively.

Suddenly, Jack surged forward, closing the distance in a burst of speed. The six daggers under his control formed a defensive barrier around him as he charged.

'Changing tactics? Trying to engage in close combat? Must think my martial arts are a weakness. Fine, I'll humor him. Let's see how my skills hold up in a real fight instead of just family training.'

Resolving to test himself, Ryker swiftly switched strategies. He retracted his nen aura, enveloping his entire body in a robust "Ken" technique before darting forward to meet Jack head-on.

As soon as Jack and Ryker clashed, the latter instantly realized the battle was over. The difference in the quality of their nen was too significant.

Jack, on the other hand, immediately recognized that his aura couldn't withstand Ryker's. In desperation, he channeled all his nen into a single dagger, aiming for a mutual kill.

However, the disparity in nen quality rendered Jack's attack futile. The dagger couldn't penetrate Ryker's "Ken," while Ryker's hand effortlessly pierced through Jack's chest.

The moment they passed each other, the outcome was clear. Jack's pupils dilated, and his knees buckled as he collapsed face-first onto the ground. Blood gushed from the wound in his chest, pooling beneath him.

Ryker, meanwhile, stood unharmed. His deformed hand held Jack's still-beating heart, a chilling testament to his skill.

Unbeknownst to Ryker, two figures were observing the entire scene from a concealed spot nearby. The two men, exuding an aura of absolute control and calm, were none other than Zeno and Silva.

The presence of both the current and former heads of the family at Ryker's first mission might seem excessive, but there was a reason. Silva, tasked with overseeing the mission, had brought Zeno along after the latter returned from a recent job, curious to see Ryker's progress firsthand.

At that moment, Ryker's focus was entirely on his system's point balance. Seeing the triple-digit reward for defeating Jack, he felt a mix of excitement and frustration.

'Three digits for one nen user! That's good… but at this rate, if I want to exchange for Kamui, I'll need to take out dozens like him. This is going to take forever.'

He sighed, though understanding the reasoning. Each Mangekyō Sharingan ability in the system had a different price, and Kamui was undoubtedly among the most expensive.

"Ah, I'm still on the mission. Can't let my guard down. Next time, I need to stay more focused," Ryker muttered. "Now for cleanup. Even a little extra makes a difference."

......

"How do you think he did, Silva?" Zeno asked, his gaze fixed on the battlefield.

"His growth is faster than I expected," Silva admitted. "His talent and training speed are top-notch. His power has increased significantly. However, his mindset... that's where I see a clear difference compared to Illumi.

"Setting aside laziness—after all, that's natural—there's a hidden arrogance in him. It's subtle, buried deep, but I've noticed it over the years."

"He views those around him, people and situations alike, with a certain disdain. It's not something he's fully aware of, but it's there. A latent pride that could become a problem if unchecked."

As Silva spoke, Ryker was approaching the mansion. Suddenly, three adult men burst out of the building.

With three shots of nen bullets, Ryker executed them all with precision, each shot a clean headshot.

Moments later, three women and a child emerged, screaming in terror.

"So noisy," Ryker muttered. Four more nen bullets silenced them.

Scanning the scene, he activated "En" to confirm there were no other survivors before entering the mansion.

After ensuring every target was eliminated, he returned to the scene and set everything ablaze, watching as the flames consumed the building.

"Perfect. No loose ends, no witnesses—not even dead ones. Time to go!" Ryker exclaimed, satisfied as he prepared to leave.

........

"Impressive caution," Zeno observed. "A bit rough around the edges, but his thinking is solid. For his age, you could even call him a prodigy. He's certainly suited for our line of work."

"Ruthless and cold," Silva added. "These are traits an assassin should have. But for him to exhibit them at this age, especially on his first mission... It feels too fast. I can't tell if this will be a blessing or a curse.

"The real purpose of this mission was for him to feel the weight of danger—perhaps even failure—to temper his hidden arrogance. But it seems to have backfired. I suspect he's aware we're watching him.

"Normally, after dealing with the main target, he should've retreated immediately."

"Yet he took the risk of fighting a nen user. With his cautious nature, the only reason he'd do that is if he knew we were watching, treating it as a test or training.

"Or maybe he sees enough benefit to justify the risk. If it's the latter, it might have to do with his eyes. He could've already awakened some ability or knows how to awaken one."

"Hmm, well, that's for you to handle, Silva. After all, you're the head now. Shall we go?"

........

As Ryker prepared to return to the bus stop, two figures appeared before him.

'Expected, but still surprising.'

Expected, because Ryker knew the family wouldn't let their "star prodigy" go unsupervised—at least not before Killua's birth.

Surprising, because while he expected Silva, he hadn't anticipated Zeno's presence.

'Both of them here… isn't this a bit much? Even Killua didn't get this kind of attention when he ran off during the Hunter Exam.'

Thinking it through, Ryker realized the reason: Silva didn't feel in complete control of him yet. Unlike with Killua, whom he saw as manageable, Silva might view Ryker as a potential wild card.

With Killua's birth, however, Ryker was confident the family's attention would shift, giving him the freedom he craved. All he needed was to endure these next few years.

By then, he'd have Kamui—one way or another. Until then, he'd just have to work harder, taking on missions targeting low-level nen users to rack up points.

"Come," Silva said. "Tsubone is waiting on the family airship. We'll talk more there."