The Phantom Troupe's retreat · At the foot of the World Tree

In the mist, Pakunoda helped Chrollo up. His face was as pale as paper, blood kept seeping from the wound in his chest, and the damage to his mind made even standing difficult. He looked at Lin Ye, his eyes holding no anger, only profound wariness. He finally admitted that he had lost. Schemes, ambushes, illusions, a coordinated assault-he had exhausted every means at his disposal, yet he still could not defeat Lin Ye. Instead, he had suffered grievous injuries, and the Phantom Troupe had taken heavy losses. Lin Ye's will and the bonds he shared with his companions were a power Chrollo could never understand, let alone overcome. "Boss, what do we do now?" Feitan asked quietly. The viciousness in his voice was gone, leaving only panic. Chrollo took a deep breath, suppressed the pain within him, and spoke slowly, his voice weak but firm. "Retreat." "Retreat?" Phinks's face filled with resentment. "We're just going to let them go? Give up the World Tree Sap and Lin Ye's Nen Ability?" "As long as we survive, we can try again." Chrollo shook his head. "We're no longer a match for Lin Ye. If we keep fighting, we'll all be wiped out. Our journey through the Dark Continent is far from over. We'll have other chances." He knew perfectly well that although Lin Ye had exhausted his strength, his companions had regained consciousness, and the Exploration Team remained intact. Every member of the Phantom Troupe, however, was wounded, and Chrollo himself had suffered devastating mental damage. They were in no condition to fight again. "Machi, cover us with your Nen Threads. Shalnark, bring up the rear. Everyone, leave the Life Mist Zone immediately," Chrollo ordered in a low voice. "Understood!" The Phantom Troupe members hesitated no longer and immediately carried out