Maha Speaks

"Splash..."

Outside, the water murmurs softly. After the bamboo sections are filled with water, they gently fall, making a "thud" sound before bouncing back up.

"Performance-Enhancing Liquid?"

Zeno stroked his sparse beard, his eyes thoughtful and somewhat curious.

After all, anything that even the strongest human being, referred to as a "monster," could mention must be extraordinary...

But I searched through my memory.

Zeno realized that even in his nearly sixty years as an assassin, he had never heard of this thing, and calmly shook his head.

"Never heard of it..."

"It must be some kind of new technological product?"

Just from the name, it doesn't sound like an antique...

When did that old man Netero start getting into the latest tech trends and researching new technological products?

Zeno grumbled inwardly, but said nothing.

Everyone has their own "way".

Although the Zoldyck Family is not the strongest in terms of combat power, and he is not even Netero's match, it does not mean that the "way" they adhere to is meaningless.

For the Zoldyck Family clan, honing their physical strength is always the most important thing...

Only by transforming oneself into a perfect killing form can one truly align with the "Way" of the Zoldyck Family clan.

As for the rest, they neither want nor care to possess them.

Netero's eyes narrowed, and a slight smile played on his lips; he seemed to have already guessed Zeno's thoughts.

That's true... for this shrewd old man who's lived life to the fullest.

To some extent, it is precisely because I have come into contact with so many people that I have long since developed a keen eye for understanding people's hearts.

And this... is also why Zeno is unwilling to deal with Netero.

There's always a feeling of being completely seen through by this old man, a feeling that's extremely unpleasant for an assassin. Any conversation with him could ultimately lead to falling into his trap.

"Smack!"

Netero didn't keep them in suspense any longer, placing a bottle of red potion directly on the table. The crisp sound attracted the attention of Zeno and Maha, who was quietly drinking tea nearby.

"This is the Performance-Enhancing Liquid..."

Netero said with a chuckle.

Just as Zeno was about to speak, he interrupted.

"Don't make empty promises. I don't want to see you go back on your word later..."

"Perhaps we could try it out first to see its specific effects, and then we can decide what to do next..."

Upon hearing his words, Zeno paused for a moment, then laughed.

"It seems Netero, you've already decided you want us to make a move?"

He took a deep breath and spoke slowly and hoarsely.

"That monster named Sashado, I think you Netero, have also witnessed his power. It's not that we didn't want to help, but against such a formidable enemy, adding a few more of us would be pointless..."

At this point, he narrowed his eyes, glanced at Netero quietly, and said in a calm voice.

"Besides... we're not willing to risk our lives for V5; it's utterly pointless..."

His words implied that Netero was working for V5.

Netero didn't seem to care, and simply smiled and said...

"The existence of that monster for even a day will have an impact not only on V5, but on all of humanity. And you're unwilling to address that?"

Zeno was determined not to help, and simply said calmly.

"Then we'll wait until the day when humanity is truly powerless to resist, and someone will eventually stand up to face that monster..."

At this point, he glanced at Netero and began to speak.

"Ian already stood up for us, so how is V5 planning to deal with him?"

Netero's smile faltered slightly at this, and he sighed softly before speaking.

"I won't keep you in suspense any longer. This potion... I obtained it from Ian..."

Zeno paused for a moment, then focused his gaze on the blood-red bottle on the table, a hint of interest appearing on his face.

"A magical item obtained from Ian?"

Despite sending Illumi and Milluki to Ian.

But... thank God...

Those two brats, ever since they went there, haven't given their grandfather any of the magical items they got from Ian as a token of respect.

Milluki often talks to Silva, and occasionally he'll call me too.

Listening to his grandson recount the amazing journey he had with Ian.

Even Zeno couldn't help but feel deeply moved...

At least when I was the same age as Milluki and Illumi, I didn't have such rich experiences.

It was also mentioned in the Zoldyck Family clan's ancestral precepts.

A wealth of experience is essential to laying a solid foundation for one's beliefs...

Therefore, they were very willing to Milluki and Illumi learn from Ian, and they did not believe that their growth had to be achieved through assassin missions.

After all, making money is secondary for their family.

The most important thing is whether the next generation has developed the ability to shoulder the responsibility of a family!

As for money... he and Silva can earn it themselves, so let the younger generation learn from capable people. They can figure out this deal.

The only regret is... I've only heard Milluki talk about Ian's amazing gadgets.

I've never actually seen it, so... I have no idea how wondrous it is, or what kind of magic it can present...

While Zeno was eyeing the potion with some envy, Maha, standing to the side, showed no reaction.

After all, this old-timer in the Zoldyck Family doesn't use a cell phone, so naturally he wouldn't understand the amazing sights his younger grandchildren had witnessed.

"I wonder... what kind of magical effects this item will have?"

Zeno was glad he hadn't spoken too confidently. Having often heard from Milluki, he knew... what adjectives to use to describe Ian's gadgets.

Anyway, Milluki's never-disappointed attitude, plus Netero's mysterious demeanor...

The potion in front of me must be quite potent; surely drinking it won't grant immortality...

Zeno chuckled and shook his head, banishing the ridiculous thoughts from his mind.

I've really become... a playful old man because of Milluki...

"This potion's effect lasts only a very short time, only ten minutes..."

Netero took a sip of tea, his eyes also fixed on the Performance-Enhancing Liquid, and smiled softly.

"Hmm... only ten minutes?"

Zeno was curious, but also felt it was a bit of a pity; with only ten minutes, it seemed like there wasn't much they could do.

"Yes, only for ten minutes. Just spray this potion on your body, and for those ten minutes, your physical condition will be enhanced tenfold..."

"I have personally experienced this many times..."

His words fell.

Zeno's eyes widened in surprise.

Ten... ten times!?

"Buzz!"

Even more outrageous is... Maha Zoldyck Family, who remained completely quiet to the side, as if he were in his own world!

Those frog-like eyes slowly opened, and dark Nen began to dissipate from his body. He turned to look at Netero, his voice hoarse from not having spoken for a long time.

"Really... can... increase it tenfold?"