Lost Power

Biscuit and Morel each carried Oboro and Hisoka on their backs, returned to the border of East Gorteau, and immediately notified the Association to send rescue personnel.

Beitz then took the quest item, the artifact of the ritual, which was the skull.

Biscuit was on the phone with Netero, reporting on Oboro's situation.

"There are no other survivors in the Botswa Tribe settlement... It is almost certain that this ethnic group has completely disappeared."

"Um."

"Long's condition is very dangerous. His muscles and skin are atrophying and aging... He can no longer feel any 'qi'. Only a little bit of life energy is maintaining his basic life... He's hanging on by a thread."

Biscuit on her back, ran at full speed, her voice heavy, "Based on our observation and judgment, he not only overdrawn his Nen, but also a certain amount of his life 'potential'!"

"..."

The president remained silent.

He had already seen the photos the three had just sent.

Long is very young, only twenty years old... Although his body has already matured, there is still a certain upper limit and room for growth. In other words, his flesh and blood can become stronger after being tempered!

Nianqi... is the manifestation of a person's life energy, and it has a direct connection with the flesh and blood.

Oboro must have forcibly stimulated the growth of his physical body, causing a transformation in his energy and Nen power... which led to this outcome.

To be able to borrow the 'power' of the future requires an extremely strong will and a solid 'bond' with one's own Nen power... This shows that Netero has at least achieved his goal of having Oboro undergo a baptism of death.

But the consequences... no one could have predicted.

This task was inherently fraught with uncertainty.

"Don't worry too much... He just overdrawn a little of his 'potential.' He looks terrible, but it's not beyond repair yet... I've gathered people within the Association with 'healing' abilities to form a medical team, and I've also had Pariston bring some specially formulated medicines to meet you nearby."

Netero's tone was somewhat relaxed.

Upon hearing this, Biscuit's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, was finally put at ease.

Given the chairman's experience and ability, it's almost certain that Oboro will be alright.

"What about the aftereffects..."

Normally, Biscuit would have been annoyed to hear Pariston getting involved, but she wasn't thinking about anything else now. She glanced back at the droopy head draped over her shoulder and asked again.

It's worth mentioning that Biscuit, at this point, revealed her muscular form and had already used her Nen Magical Beauty, on Oboro, but it had almost no effect. After all, her ability isn't healing-based.

It can only relieve fatigue and replenish energy...

She revealed her true form in order to save Oboro as quickly as possible...

Although the two often bicker, that's in their private lives, not at work.

Work is the most important thing.

She was the one who introduced Oboro to the Association, even though Bisky often complained about Biscuit's personality... but she felt that she also bore some responsibility for Oboro's current situation.

Oboro's life can be saved... but this state will definitely have hidden dangers.

Overdrafting... inherently carries a negative connotation.

"Judging from the scene you described, he must have been at a critical moment of life and death, overdrawing his 'potential' in order to achieve some kind of change in his Nen... I deduce that it is related to his Nen, and the time span of the overdraft is about three years... After waking up, his physical strength will deteriorate to a very low level, and for a short period of time, his personal 'ki' will be extremely weak, and he will no longer be able to sense 'Nen'..."

Upon Biscuit bit her lip.

Given Oboro's personality, can he accept this outcome?

Oboro pursues power...

The reduction in his strength is his Achilles' heel! This is not just a heavy blow... but for some people, it might even generate hatred.

Hatred towards the Association, towards the president, towards her... towards all those involved.

"His mindset has changed, and in the long run... this is a good thing. He will understand that if he doesn't even have the courage to face temporary pain... then his path will come to an end."

The old man said another thing.

Then, he hung up the phone.

Beitz, who was speeding in the middle of the three-person formation, put away his phone.

"Don't worry, the old man said that... there must be a way to help him recover."

Morel laughed.

Biscuit glanced at him but didn't say anything.

In less than a day, the three of them arrived at the border closest to their location.

During this time, Biscuit kept a close eye on Oboro's physical condition, fearing that something might happen to him.

Fortunately, despite the severity of his injuries, the last bit of 'energy' remaining in his body, like a candle flame flickering in the dark against a strong wind, never went out.

Extremely resilient.

A meadow at the foot of a barren mountain.

Biscuit and her two companions looked up at the small spaceship slowly descending. Pariston, with a big smile on his face, was standing at the hatch, waving to them below.

"Why is he here?" Morel frowned.

"Don't worry about it."

Biscuit said calmly.

A moment later, the spaceship landed, and several medical workers, including Hunter x Hunter from the Association, placed Oboro and Hisoka on stretchers, preparing to carry them. But at this moment, Hisoka suddenly woke up on the stretcher, instantly sat up, and instinctively entered battle mode, his eyes and expression quite terrifying... his aura was crazed and full of killing intent.

After taking in the surrounding situation, he relaxed his guard and realized that he had been rescued... by members of the Association.

What are you doing?

Morel's expression changed.

Hisoka pulled out the IV lines the doctor had just inserted, dragged his heavily injured body to the ground, walked to Oboro's stretcher, and gazed at her for a moment. Then, he raised an arm, walked away, and said in a light tone, "Goodbye... I'll take care of myself. Don't waste your energy on me. Please hurry and treat my captain..."

After saying that, he had already walked more than ten meters away. He turned back to look at Biscuit and the others, and raised the corners of his mouth. "When he wakes up, tell him... his performance was wonderful, and I am very satisfied."

Hisoka's words left the people present completely baffled.

"Your injury is too serious... If you don't get treatment in time, you might die!" a female doctor hurriedly advised.

They only temporarily treated some of the external wounds on the two men's bodies, but some of the internal or fatal injuries required surgery.

But Hisoka seemed to ignore what the other person said and left on his own.

"Take Oboro back first."

Biscuit gave the order.

Both she and Morel could tell that this guy named Hisoka was no ordinary person. The fact that Hisoka was still alive in that kind of destructive battlefield spoke volumes... They thought that the people Oboro brought were all rookies, but they didn't expect that there was such a powerful character among them.

Compared to Oboro's situation, Hisoka is in a better position, especially since his opponent is quite strong, so he should be fine...

Meanwhile, Pariston, with his hands in his pockets and seemingly watching a show, kept his gaze lingering on Oboro and Hisoka, a playful smile creeping onto his face...

He seems to have discovered... something interesting.

"Wow... Oboro is really amazing. He just joined the Association and the president has already entrusted him with such an important task. Even I don't have the confidence to complete such a task in such a short time... I really admire him." Pariston said with a smile.

His words were sincere.

"I applied to join Long's team, but unfortunately... I was rejected."

Pariston mentioned it again.

Biscuit gave him a cold glance and ignored him.

The older members of the association are well aware of the current situation within the Association... Besides the Specialist Division, there is also a "Anti-Netero Faction -Anti-Netero Faction," which consists of people who are very resistant to, dissatisfied with, and hostile towards President Netero.

Both she and Morel were very close to the chairman... they were considered to be pro-chairman faction members.

As for Pariston ... although he doesn't have a clear allegiance, he's definitely not one of our own in Biscuit's eyes.

The president, in other words, can cultivate and even promote Pariston... If it Biscuit, she would have kicked Pariston out long ago.

That guy who got a good deal and then complained...

Biscuit's undisguised look of disgust pleased Pariston even more.

Soon, the group boarded the spaceship, and the doctors inserted various instruments and equipment all over Long's body.

The spaceship quickly ascended and returned to the Association's headquarters.

Meanwhile, a Hunter x Hunter took out the medicine that the guild leader had mentioned from a box.

It was discovered by Gourmet Hunter and prepared using a variety of precious ingredients that help restore vitality.

This particular drug was personally prepared by Linne Horsdoeuvre, the most mysterious and elderly member of the Association.

For her to take action, it must be the chairman who has to step in.

The human continent is home to many amazing creatures... endowed with various healing properties, and generally speaking, dietary supplements are the best.

A Hunter x Hunter used his Nen, and a small angel with wings appeared in the cabin... dressed as a nurse. Under the hunter's command, the angel first drank the nutritional medicine clean, then flew to Oboro's front and put the liquid into the patient's mouth mouth to mouth.

The vitality of the lingering energy has increased slightly, but not significantly.

The other Nen user also used their abilities to slow down or heal their injuries...

"He was so badly injured... It's incredible that he's still alive."

One of them gasped.

"Oh? You don't know him?"

Pariston, sitting to the side, showed a surprised expression and smiled, "His name is Oboro, a newcomer that the president values highly... He might become a high-ranking member of the Association in the future. With this kind of performance, he might even be able to replace the president..."

"Pariston, that's enough!"

Biscuit clenched her fist; she hadn't yet reverted to her loli-like form.

His physique is very intimidating.

"Did I mislead you? I was praising him, and I also admired him... it was from the bottom of my heart. After all, not everyone can do this mission... he's really amazing!" Pariston explained, his eyes crinkling with a smile.

"Don't fall into his trap; he's not worth it."

Morel Biscuit.

"Kid... Even if the president is backing you up, you still don't meet my standards... From the first moment I saw you, I disliked you. So don't expect me to be nice to you... Also, I advise you to put away those dirty and despicable thoughts. If you really have designs on Oboro... be careful, because in the end, you're the one who might get hurt."

Biscuit snorted coldly, turned her head away, stopped communicating with Pariston, and reverted to her loli-like appearance.

Why did she say that? The Association could call on the people closest to East Gorteau to come over... but Pariston was at headquarters before.

His presence indicates that... he anticipated from the beginning that Oboro would fail, or suffer a certain cost, and require rescue, so he prepared contingency plans in advance! This person's intellect and shrewdness...

"Oh... this is the care a senior shows to a junior... I'm truly honored. After all, this is the first time Biscuit- senpai has spoken to me so seriously, finally taking me seriously! I've been struggling with how to get closer to you all this time..."

Pariston scratched his head, seemingly oblivious to Biscuit's repulsion, and said cheerfully, "I will keep your words in mind... Hehe, we are about the same age, I just want to make friends with Oboro."

"..."

The atmosphere in the cabin was somewhat awkward.

Since Biscuit and Morel ignored Pariston's intentions, they began to discuss Oboro's mission.

The other Hunter x Hunter exchanged glances and remained silent.

Only Pariston remained unmoved, sitting high in the air, a gentle breeze flowing in through the window ruffling his blond hair.

He gazed down at the distant land, at the mountains and rivers of East Gorteau, with an appreciative eye...

The spacecraft is traveling at full speed.

A few days later, they finally returned to the Association headquarters.

Long was also taken to the hospital immediately.

Upon hearing the news, the Fills Family arrived and immediately dispatched personnel to strengthen protection for Oboro.

David butler and Fills Lily also came... to stay in Oboro's hospital room.

Time passed slowly, but Oboro showed no signs of waking up. The only good news was that the data from all the instruments were improving.

During this time, the Association also sent people to visit and provide medical treatment. Netero also showed up, but did not stay long... He did have a brief exchange with Fills Lily.

What the two discussed remains unknown to outsiders.

A month later, the tubes were removed from Long's body, but she still looked very thin and her limbs were withered... She lay quietly on the bed with her eyes closed.

The weather was nice today, and the window of the private ward was slightly ajar, letting in a little warm air.

Only the butler and Lily were in the room...

Outside the door stood a large group of Mafia in suits.

"So... his dream was to become Hunter x Hunter." Fills Lily, in her wheelchair, held Oboro's hand and whispered.

She couldn't see, but she could still feel touch. Her skin felt no different from that of an elderly person in their twilight years.

"Don't worry, Miss. The head of the family is in stable condition. The Association has also said that he can recover through training after waking up," David, who was standing to the side, comforted her.

"We went to so much trouble to find help for him, but it was completely ineffective..."

Lily sighed.

This was the first time she had physical contact with Oboro...

"We have already spent a lot of money to hire powerful Nen and Hunter x Hunter, as well as some professionals in the field. We believe that this kind of thing will not happen again."

"You saw those people, didn't you?"

Lily gently placed Oboro's arm back into the bedding.

"Um."

David nodded, understanding that the young lady was referring to the Hunter Association.

"They are from a completely different world from our gang... Their voices, their scents, are all very distinctive. People like them are hard to be tempted by worldly money or fame... Even with the status of the Ten Dons, our Fills Family would probably find it difficult to gather such a powerful group of people."

The woman raised her hand, feeling the gentle breeze. "There's so little we can do to help him..."

"..."

David choked up.

The main reason is that Oboro is very strong. The teammates he wants, even if they are not as good as him, should at least be at a certain baseline... rather than ordinary Nen user or third-rate Hunter x Hunter who are easy to find.

"Not enough... not nearly enough..."

Lily suddenly said.

"Um?"

David was taken aback.

"Our family's power must be strengthened... The Fills Family is what it is today because of him. Otherwise... as a mid-sized power, let alone becoming a major family, we would be lucky to survive."

Fills Lily knew her brother all too well... In the underworld, brute force alone would never get you anywhere.

Even if they don't provoke Oboro... they will be swallowed up by other groups sooner or later.

The consequences will be far worse than they are now...

The gambling industry is a huge pie.

Many people are envious.

Putting yourself in her shoes, Oboro actually saved her and David.

She never hated him for killing Fills Garu.

Compared to others, she doesn't think she's particularly smart; it's just that without a pair of 'eyes,' she sees and thinks more clearly.

"Yes."

David agreed.

He sensed the young lady's feelings...

Not enough... I mean, the current status and resources of the Ten Dons are not enough!

The Fills Family wants more...

David looked at Fills Lily, the woman he had watched grow up... The Fills Family's ability to establish itself in the underworld owed much to her. From beginning to end, the young lady had no ambition for power; her advice was solely out of kinship and because of the Fills surname.

But for the first time, the old man saw a completely unfamiliar side of the young lady.

A competitive spirit... gave rise to desires and ambitions.

It all started because of the man lying in bed...

Long was very tired... He felt like he had a very long dream, a dream that was pitch black and had no content or images.

I can't remember anything...

However, in his dream, he could sense the existence of 'self-awareness'.

My mind was constantly in a state of exhaustion.

It's like I can't sleep soundly...

After an unknown amount of time, Oboro regained consciousness... the blurry illusion and haze faded away, and she regained awareness of her real limbs.

His eyelids twitched for a moment before he opened his eyes.

Woke up.

What I noticed first wasn't the scenery in my field of vision...

Instead, it was excruciating pain and Exhaust ...

His head could move, but the speed and strength of his mental transmission were quite slow and weak.

His brain sent a signal to get up... but his body gave no 'response' whatsoever.

"Power... I've lost my power..."

In a daze, I vaguely understood.

In his mind, the scene of fighting the old man from the Botswa Tribe when he was still conscious began to flash. He seemed to have been One-Punch Man through the chest cavity by the old man and then thrown away... He couldn't remember what happened after that.

Now it seems... I've been saved? "The Association?" Oboro murmured softly.

Suddenly, he heard a sobbing and crying sound.

He turned his neck and saw a woman crying, tears streaming down her face...

"You... are awake."

The woman was laughing, and she was crying at the same time.

Who is she? Long's eyes froze.

Fills Lily ... that's right, it's her.

"No need to answer me, just get some rest."

The woman wiped away her tears and gently comforted her.

Long blinked and stared blankly at the snow-white ceiling.

Strength...

Have I... lost my power?