Terrorist X's Nth Journey

Zeno received a bounty from the Metropolitan Police Department to head to the neighboring Minbo Republic and deal with a terrorist known as the "Jester."

Tsubone was responsible for driving him to the airport and managing Zeno's daily needs.

At 4:30 AM, Roy finished his shower and sat at the dining table. As he chewed on a beef burger, he listened to Gotoh report the day's itinerary, specifically noting that he had requested the meat be cooked well-done.

"The medium-rare one has already been disposed of, Young Master, please rest assured," Gotoh continued his report. "I had someone book the tickets the day before yesterday. After we visit Dr. Bennett at the Provincial Hospital in the city today, we can board the airship and head straight to the Heavens Arena."

"Tell me about that 'Jester'," Roy interrupted Gotoh. He suddenly recalled someone who was quite skilled at growing apples and also dressed like a "jester," though his nose wasn't red.

"He killed everyone on a ship!"

"What kind of ship?"

"A pirate ship at an amusement park..." Gotoh adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and said in a deep voice, "According to information provided by the Minbo Republic Metropolitan Police Department, nearly two hundred people died because of him. This news even made it onto television; Young Master only needs to look it up online to see it."

If so many people died and it didn't make the news, Roy could only say... the upper echelons of the Minbo Republic were darker than crows.

"Anything else?"

"Besides us, the Hunter Association is also monitoring this matter."

"Not surprising," Roy washed down the last bite of his burger with a gulp of milk, pulled out a tissue, and wiped his mouth in a leisurely manner. "Terrorists should be dealt with by terrorists. If the police department is willing to pay, they can naturally hire others."

The Hunter Association was also a notoriously violent department; the anti-terrorism organization led by the three-star Terrorist Hunter Botobai wasn't just for show... but these things had nothing to do with them.

"Pack up, let's go..." Finishing the last of his milk, Roy stood up.

He had left all his daily necessities, including tickets and hotel arrangements, to Gotoh, allowing himself to remain carefree. He picked up the Snow Walk resting on the sword rack and headed out.

"Young Master, airport security does not allow controlled blades," Gotoh reminded him in time, turning to hand Roy a wooden cane he had prepared in advance.

Roy looked at him suspiciously, reached out, and drew a cane sword.

Gotoh quickly explained, "Young Master, do not underestimate this cane. It is crafted entirely from Ironwood; its hardness is no less than refined steel, and it is not on the list of airport-restricted items."

Is this what they call "for every policy, there is a countermeasure"?

Roy brandished the cane sword; it was actually slightly heavier than Snow Walk. The blade was etched with black flame patterns, making it a decent temporary substitute.

"Hum—"

The cane sword returned to its sheath, transforming back into an ordinary-looking cane in Roy's grip.

The young man, accompanied by Gotoh and carrying two suitcases, walked through the quiet corridor to the main gate of the castle, where he stopped upon seeing someone.

Luke stood with his hands folded over his abdomen, appearing to have waited for a long time. Seeing Roy, he bowed slightly: "The Master said that training must not be neglected even when away. Whatever the Young Master misses in the coming days, he will have to make up for upon his return."

"How do I make up for it?"

"Double."

"Oh."

Roy stepped past Luke. Luke bowed even lower, stealing a glance at him from the corner of his eye. The young man exited the main gate and turned to look back at the second floor...

In front of the massive floor-to-ceiling window of the second-floor bedroom, a tall man stood shirtless, his silver hair cascading down his back. He swirled a glass of red wine, quietly watching him...

Behind him, a slender hand emerged, tracing a path down his chest. The man's body stiffened visibly, and the wine in his glass stopped swirling...

"Pfft..."

Busy... everyone is busy... it's good to be busy...

"Gotoh, let's go." Withdrawing his gaze, Roy turned and left, not taking a single cloud with him.

Gotoh followed quickly. Passing through the garden, he saw a head resting under a parasol, sleeping peacefully...

Suddenly, the head spoke...

"Two minutes and fifteen seconds, I have also passed." Illumi opened his eyes.

"Congratulations." Roy didn't look back, leaving him with a silhouette that didn't seem particularly tall, his pace never faltering.

Gotoh trailed behind, a suitcase in each hand, and nodded at Illumi... The master and servant walked one after the other, soon disappearing into Kukuroo Mountain...

The entire Kukuroo Mountain was the Zoldyck family's territory; only the sun in the sky and the light blocked by the parasol did not belong to the Zoldycks.

Illumi watched Roy depart. He could see it clearly: his aura was that same "cold gray" that was "aloof, neither caring nor uncaring, always maintaining a certain sense of detachment"...

"Next time... when you return, I will definitely not be knocked unconscious again..."

Roy's figure vanished, and Illumi simply closed his eyes again.

In a dim little room just a wall away, the old man was taking a nap, muttering to himself: "Gonna be eating crap for a few more days..."

He turned over and let out a fart...

Lazy people have frequent bowel movements; once a person reaches a certain age, it seems they can't even control their sphincters...

About ten minutes later, Zee returned from the restroom and found Roy standing with Gotoh in front of the Testing Gate. He hurried over, flashing his massive biceps.

"Don't worry, Young Master, let me open the gate for you."

"No need." Roy tossed the cane sword to Gotoh, rolled up his sleeves, and stepped forward. He pressed both palms against the Testing Gate and pushed with all his might... One leaf... two leaves... three leaves...

The Testing Gate swung wide open, pushed through three layers, while the fourth layer trembled slightly, remaining sealed tight...

Four leaves, thirty-two tons of absolute force, was equivalent to seventy adult men... corresponding to his physique, that was seventy points of constitution... a long road ahead...

Roy sensibly gave up.

Neither discouraged nor dejected, having long expected this, he exhaled lightly, took his cane from Gotoh, and walked straight out.

A black sedan was already parked in front of the gate, while a red sightseeing bus sat a hundred meters away from the Zoldyck security perimeter.

A crowd of people was gathered in front of the sightseeing bus, aiming their "long guns and short cannons" at the Testing Gate and snapping photos incessantly.

Suddenly seeing the gate pushed open and a handsome youth walk out, followed by a tall butler carrying luggage, everyone was stunned!

Someone shouted, "That's the eldest young master of the Zoldyck family!"

A sudden burst of bright flashes erupted, so intense that Roy couldn't even keep his eyes open.

"Gotoh, did you pick a bad time for this?"

"Apologies, Young Master." Gotoh quickly signaled the driver to open the door, let Roy slide in, then opened the trunk to stow the luggage before climbing in himself.

"They are merely a group of vulgar people infatuated with your appearance, Young Master..."

"If you are displeased, I shall go and kill them all right now!"

"Don't go around talking about killing at every turn..." Roy spread his arms and leaned back against the soft seat, saying lazily, "Forget it, it's not the first time..."

"Just pick out a few of those who posted my photos online to sell and teach them a proper lesson..."

"Understood." A cold glint flashed in Gotoh's eyes.

The young master was kind-hearted and would not lower himself to their level.

But those detestable people actually dared to post him online, selling them for a mere ten thousand Jeni—so cheap... it was practically an insult to him, Gotoh; they must be taught a lesson!