The airship's massive propellers tore through the clouds.
The Republic of Padokea's cold wind poured in through the cabin door.
Luo Ye let out an enormous yawn.
He wore that gaudy Hawaiian shirt.
A pair of worn-out cloth shoes covered his feet.
His outfit looked completely out of place before the sinister, terrifying stronghold of the Assassin Family.
"We're here."
Killua stood beside the cabin door.
He looked down at the endless primeval forest and towering volcano.
His palms were slick with sweat.
Nothing good ever happened when he returned to this hellhole.
The airship landed in a vast clearing within the Republic of Padokea.
The hundred-meter-tall Gate of the Underworld loomed like a silent beast from ancient times.
It firmly blocked the only route into the mountains.
Luo Ye walked down the gangway.
His footsteps crunched against the ground.
Shizuku followed behind, holding Blinky.
"New employee."
Luo Ye tossed out a casual question.
"Is that indebted family member in the hospital room still alive?"
Shizuku adjusted the black-rimmed glasses on her nose.
She pressed her ear against Blinky's round belly and listened.
"Boss."
"The equipment is still beeping."
"He's not dead."
Luo Ye nodded in satisfaction.
"Good."
"That brat owes me tens of billions in bad debt."
"He has to survive in one piece so he can work it off."
The door to the security booth swung open.
Zebro walked out carrying a large tea mug.
The instant he saw Killua,
his hand trembled.
The mug fell straight to the ground and shattered.
"Young Master Killua."
The old man hurried over.
"Why have you come back at a time like this?"
"The whole household is in chaos."
Zebro lowered his voice.
He shielded his mouth with one hand.
"The eldest young master issued an absolute order."
"The entire estate