Chapter 42: The Phantom Troupe Stir
The trio quickly adjusted their strategy. They stopped relying solely on "Aura strength" and began studying basic knowledge of artifact styles and craftsmanship, integrating their online research for a comprehensive appraisal.
Their funds grew steadily amidst the market's turbulence.
By the evening of August 31st, they counted their spoils: a stunning three billion Jenny.
Three billion Jenny—for almost anyone else, this was enough wealth to last a lifetime. The three boys were satisfied with their results.
"Three billion... it sounds like a lot," Killua said, lounging on the hotel room sofa, staring at the ceiling. "But it's not even enough to cover the opening bid for Greed Island, let alone the final price."
Kyle looked at the money in his account and grinned. "Should we just split it?"
"No way!" Gon instantly shot back, full of confidence. "The auction lasts ten days. We can use that time to earn more! These last few days, our teamwork has gotten so good. We can still make a lot more."
Kyle nodded. "Gon's right. Okay, let's wait until tomorrow when Leorio gets here. He's got a lot of good ideas. We'll figure out a way."
"Leorio... he's actually pretty reliable," Killua said, smiling at the thought of their friend.
September 1st. Yorknew City Train Station.
The station was packed. Kyle, Gon, and Killua waited at the arrival gate.
Soon, a familiar figure appeared: tall, wearing an ill-fitting black suit, clutching a worn briefcase. He looked travel-weary, but his eyes were bright and full of energy.
"Leorio! Over here!" Gon shouted, jumping and waving his arms wildly.
Leorio saw them, his face lighting up. "Gon! Killua! Kyle! It's great to see you!"
The four friends were overjoyed to be reunited. They found a quiet coffee shop and shared their stories. When Leorio heard Kyle's description of the other world and the invitation to join them, his eyes lit up with longing.
"The other world... that's amazing!" he said excitedly. But his expression quickly fell. "But... I have to take my medical school entrance exam first. Once I pass and become a Nen user, I'll definitely come find you. We'll explore the seas together!"
Kyle understood. His dream was to become a doctor—a role every crew needs.
"Don't worry about it, Leorio. Your dream is just as important. When you get into medical school and master Nen, our doors are always open."
Leorio nodded gratefully, then steered the conversation back to reality. "But Kyle, that Greed Island game is so expensive. Three billion won't even get you a seat at the table."
"Money isn't the issue," Kyle said, taking a sip of coffee. "Or rather, it's not the only issue. I have a way to get the game, even without the auction. But right now, we have a more urgent goal."
He lowered his voice to a whisper. "We need to deal with Kurapika's enemies—the Phantom Troupe."
Kyle knew the timeline. Tonight, the world's biggest auction would become the stage for a bloody massacre orchestrated by the Troupe. All the attendees would be slaughtered. Kurapika would use the chaos to capture Uvogin, the Troupe's Enhancer, setting up their fatal duel.
Kyle had no intention of stopping the fight. He was waiting for a more crucial moment: when the leader, Chrollo Lucilfer, would be alone later in the operation. That would be the best chance to capture him. And the only person who could do it was the one fueled by blood debt and a specialized Nen Hatsu: Kurapika.
"Kyle," Killua asked, placing his cup down, his eyes serious. "Setting aside the plan, what are our chances if we fight the Phantom Troupe head-on right now?"
Kyle gave a cold, blunt answer. "In a straight-up, no-tricks conflict? Zero. Their combat experience, their Nen abilities, and their raw power are all vastly superior to ours right now."
He saw Killua and Gon tense up.
"However," he continued, a calculating glint in his eye, "if we use the intelligence advantage, the environment, and specific tactics... our odds jump to over fifty percent."
"And if I'm right, Kurapika has already resorted to the most extreme method of power growth: Vows and Limitations."
"Vows and Limitations?" Killua gasped. He knew how deep Kurapika's hatred for the Troupe ran. The power gained from a vow based on that kind of rage would be unimaginable.
"Exactly," Kyle confirmed. "His power will be terrifyingly effective against the Troupe, but the cost will be immense."
"And... Kurapika is too kind. I worry that his inherent nature will make him hesitate at a critical moment."
Kyle looked at his friends, his voice firm. "So, I plan to use my own methods to... assist him when necessary, and remove that hesitation. The hunt has begun."
Outside the window, the neon lights of Yorknew glowed like cold, predatory eyes. The hidden war of the auction, revenge, and rescue was about to begin.
As night fell and the slaughter began at the auction hall, Kyle's group remained several hundred meters away in a grand hotel, watching.
A thermal air balloon drifted past their window. Sitting atop it was Uvogin, talking into his phone—a conversation with Chrollo.