026 (Vol 4) HxH: Tombbound Power

Still in that quiet room.

King Nasubi sat comfortably in a plush chair, gazing at the massive screen before him, a faint smile on his face.

Playing on the screen were highlights of his achievements since ascending the throne—his most cherished memories.

It was his hand that guided the Kakin Empire step by step into the ranks of the world's leading powers.

This was his greatest source of pride. Whenever he was alone, he would revisit these past triumphs, as if savoring a vintage wine. The older it got, the more potent its flavor.

And now, his most recent journey to the so-called Dark Continent, with the New Continent being opened to the world, he felt he had become something greater than a sovereign of gold and jewels.

He had become a man of the people—of the world. The kind of man whose name would be carved into history, immortal.

Someday, this screen of his life's accomplishments would need updating once again.

Nasubi was always moved by the road he had walked. Each time he watched these moments, a warm satisfaction welled up inside him.

Like pouring an aged wine... the older it was, the more intoxicating.

And speaking of wine...

He reached out for the goblet on the table beside him and gently swirled the liquid within.

A faint pinkish-purple glow shimmered through the crystal glass—an exquisite wine brewed from rare violet jade grapes.

He raised it to his lips, ready to enjoy the first sip—

"Hmm?"

His brow lifted slightly. Without looking away from the screen, he slowly lowered the glass again.

Most of his attention had already shifted... to the presence behind him.

"I didn't expect this, hui~," he murmured to himself. "Besides Beyond, someone like you is also on the Black Whale."

He lightly tapped the armrest with the back of his hand, and the chair began to rotate slowly until he was facing the figure standing behind him.

A man in a black trench coat came into view.

"Oh?" the man chuckled. "You sensed me that easily?"

"As a king, reading people is a basic skill," Nasubi replied calmly. "How else would I have chosen Beyond as an ally?"

His gaze sharpened as he studied the figure. "This isn't your real face, is it?"

"Indeed~."

The man raised a hand to his face and wiped away the illusion like peeling off a mask.

What emerged was a young man—handsome, composed, and unnervingly familiar.

"It's been a long time since I've used my real appearance~"

"You…"

Nasubi's eyelid twitched ever so slightly.

This face was deeply etched into his memory.

More than six months ago, at Heavens Arena. The man said to rival Netero in his youth—who ultimately died by this young man's hand.

Later, it was said he alone dealt with the Chimera Ant King when even Netero had failed.

Twice crowned Battle Olympia champion.

A living legend in the world of combat.

Now rumored to be the strongest man alive.

Ronnel.

Nasubi said nothing at first. Ronnel, now freed from his Morgan disguise, gave him a casual smile.

"So I really have that many titles? I would've forgotten if you hadn't brought them up~"

What am I thinking?!

On the surface, Nasubi remained calm. But inwardly, his alertness skyrocketed. His mind raced.

Ronnel's smile deepened slightly.

He hadn't walked into this room normally—he'd slipped through the tiniest gaps using Beelzebub' clone ability combined with Body Reconstruction, reforming himself within the room.

A particle clone now hovered silently nearby, ready to be activated at any moment.

One move, and Ronnel could end it all in an instant.

At the same time, he could use Psychometry to extract any information he wanted—effortlessly.

"I didn't expect to meet Ronnel here~," Nasubi finally said, his tone light. He didn't comment on Ronnel's earlier words—he was too experienced to ask needless questions.

He didn't ask how Ronnel got here.

It was obviously some kind of Nen ability. Even if he asked, Ronnel wouldn't answer.

The real issue wasn't how he came—but why.

"I heard Beyond sought you out," Nasubi said. "He invited you to join his team and gave you all kinds of special privileges. So… did you come here today to talk about him?"

He already knew the answer was no.

If Ronnel had wanted to find Beyond, it would've been simple.

And from what Nasubi knew of the agreement between them, Ronnel had no intention of helping Beyond if things went south.

This visit clearly had nothing to do with Beyond.

Which meant he was here... for Nasubi.

"Beyond? We talked briefly, that's all. I'm not too invested in him~."

Ronnel smiled, then casually pulled out a chair and sat across from the king as though they were simply old acquaintances.

"I came here to see you, the King of Kakin."

"Me?"

"Yes. There are two things in particular."

Nasubi's expression hardened. His instincts screamed at him. But he forced himself to stay composed. He was beginning to guess what Ronnel might be after.

"I wonder what you want to discuss?"

His tone was now grave, all pretense gone.

"The first matter involves the Book of Tyson—written by Sixth Prince Tyson."

As Ronnel spoke, he snapped his fingers.

A thick book, like an oversized dictionary, appeared in his hand.

"I'm very interested in the scriptures she wrote. I was hoping His Majesty might help shed some light on them."

"Book of Tyson? Scriptures?"

Nasubi's eyes narrowed at the Nen-created book. But once he saw the actual contents, his confusion only grew.

Ronnel opened it, revealing slogans and verses written in ancient Huxia script.

Nasubi's eyes widened in surprise.

...