024 (Vol 4) HxH: Tombbound Power

Ronnel used the clearance rewards he'd earned from upgrading the game to lift the restriction on converting encyclopedia points.

With that, he gained a new, unrestricted type of Nen—a rather gratifying development.

In addition, Ronnel extended branch abilities from [Ability Encyclopedia], similar to how Chrollo developed the [Double Face].

This was his response to the dangerous and unpredictable environments—and negative status effects—he might face on the Dark Continent.

Beyond enhancing abilities, encyclopedia points could also be used to counteract environmental hazards and negative states.

By consuming a specific number of encyclopedia points, he could negate harmful effects caused by the surroundings or status ailments.

The consumption rate was proportional—greater danger or damage demanded more points.

That about covers the new ability's main functions.

There were, of course, minor details to consider—such as capacity limitations.

Take the Ant King's Nen ability for example. As long as he consumed the flesh and blood of a Nen user, he could acquire their Nen.

The key restriction was that he had to physically absorb their flesh and blood. If that condition were lifted, the ability would become terrifyingly efficient—allowing direct acquisition of abilities without physical contact.

According to [Ability Encyclopedia], removing such a restriction was theoretically possible, but it would consume an astronomical amount of encyclopedia points.

In fact, Ronnel estimated that even if he absorbed and converted every known Nen ability across the six continents, it still wouldn't be enough to pay the cost.

These sorts of objective restrictions were designed for balance. Removing them always came at an exorbitant cost.

Still, these were technicalities—important, but not worth diving into too deeply here.

...

After successfully cultivating his new Nen, Ronnel allowed himself a faint smile.

With this ability in hand, he truly felt untouchable. He was fully prepared—and confident—for the journey ahead to the Dark Continent.

After mastering [Ability Encyclopedia], Ronnel immediately began testing it out.

The first step was converting every Nen ability he had collected since his debut into encyclopedia points.

Now that he had removed the restrictions, he no longer had to worry about acquired Nen disappearing when converted.

Then came [Double], which manifests a clone with identical strength.

Originally, the limitation was clear: only one clone could be created, and it couldn't be precisely controlled. When operating the main body, the clone could only perform basic movements. When focusing on the clone, the main body would become sluggish.

After Ronnel used the encyclopedia to erase the "lack of precise control" restriction, everything changed.

Suddenly, the sluggishness vanished. Both bodies could act independently and fluidly, perfectly synchronized under Ronnel's will.

Now, in battle, it would be like facing two Ronnels working in flawless tandem. Their coordination was instinctive—their shared intent unbreakable.

The result? His combat power skyrocketed.

Just the refinement of [Double] alone provided an enormous leap in strength. It demonstrated just how powerful encyclopedia points could be when applied correctly.

Ronnel soon retreated once again, immersed in the study of other Nen abilities—their effects, limitations, and hidden potential.

...

Meanwhile, Nasubi finally began to notice something odd about the dynamics among the princes.

Despite the deaths of Halkenburg and Benjamin, Luzurus didn't launch the expected assault on the remaining lower-ranking princes.

Instead, he holed up in a small building with one of his guards, researching drug detox treatments.

With Benjamin gone, the Kakin Empire's stranglehold over the blockade industry was collapsing. There was no one left to keep it running.

For Nasubi, it was the perfect opportunity to strike—and end that filthy business once and for all.

He would return soon. And when he did, he would destroy it completely.

Luzurus's resolve burned fiercely, and the atmosphere around Nasubi subtly shifted...

...

"Your Majesty, the Seventh Prince truly is focused on addiction treatment research. He shows no signs of participating in the succession war."

In a calm, elegant chamber, three sticks of smokeless incense burned steadily in an ornate censer, filling the air with a faint, soothing scent.

Nasubi reclined on a plush sofa, his expression unreadable as he listened to Nugui's report.

"What of the others?" he asked, gently stroking the chair's armrest.

"The Tenth and Eleventh Princes are often seen playing together," Nugui replied. "The Twelfth Prince remains in his room, knitting sweaters. The Thirteenth and Fourteenth show no change."

He paused slightly before continuing.

"It seems they believe that with the First Prince dead, the Seventh won't make a move against them. They act as if the succession war has effectively ended, and they no longer feel any danger."

Nasubi let out a soft, amused laugh.

"Oh ho ho~ So young Kacho and the others have started to think for themselves. Their minds have matured more than expected. As expected of my children~ Hui."

He tapped his fingers together, eyes gleaming.

"I wouldn't be surprised if they'd already reached a tacit agreement with Luzurus. Even Halkenburg and Benjamin may have been deceived. How amusing~"

"But they're celebrating far too soon. To show such obvious emotion before the war is over... do they really think everything is settled? That they're safe?"

He leaned forward, voice dropping.

"Looks like it's time I reminded them—laughter now is meaningless. Only those who laugh at the end are true victors. This war isn't over. Not yet. Heh... their smiles are premature, H gray~"

Nugui stood silent and tense at his side, not daring to interrupt as Nasubi muttered on.

...

"By the way~" Nasubi said suddenly, shifting topics, "what's the status of the Fourteenth Prince? What's going on there?"