Chapter 37: Unknowning A Mystery
Gon and Killua felt the familiar pull of the "Accompany" card as they were transported to their destination. Expecting to meet Ging, they were surprised when they landed in the middle of a dense forest instead. Before they could get their bearings, they found themselves face to face with a bizarre creature—a six-foot-tall sheep that was crying incessantly.
The sheep's wails turned into a deafening roar as it went berserk, its mating ritual interrupted by their sudden arrival. The creature charged at them with surprising speed and fury, its cries echoing through the forest.
"Watch out, Gon!" Killua shouted, leaping to the side.
Gon, reacting quickly, dodged the rampaging sheep, but its sheer size and power were overwhelming. Just as the situation seemed dire, a figure emerged from the trees, moving with practiced precision.
"Get out of the way, you idiots!" Kite shouted, frustration evident in his voice. He swiftly summoned his Crazy Slots, the roulette spinning until it stopped on the number three, producing a massive mace.
Kite swung the mace with formidable strength, knocking out the weeping sheep in a single, powerful blow. The creature collapsed to the ground, unconscious, its cries silenced.
Before Gon and Killua could thank him, Kite turned his attention to them, his expression a mix of anger and exasperation. "Do you have any idea how much trouble you just caused? Interrupting a creature's mating ritual? Are you trying to get yourselves killed?"
Gon scratched his head sheepishly. "Sorry, we didn't mean to—"
Kite didn't let him finish. With a swift motion, he sent both Gon and Killua flying, the force of his attack leaving them stunned.
"Ouch... that hurt," Killua muttered as he picked himself up from the ground, rubbing his sore side.
Gon, equally dazed, looked at Kite with wide eyes. "Kite, it's you! What are you doing here?"
Kite crossed his arms, glaring at them. "I should be asking you that. What are you doing here, interrupting my hunt for the weeping sheep? And why did you come to find me instead of Ging?"
"We were trying to find Ging," Gon explained, still rubbing his head. "The the greed island game led us here. We didn't know you'd be here."
Kite's expression softened slightly as he sighed. "Typical of Ging to leave such vague clues. Well, you're here now. You might as well make yourselves useful. There's a lot you can learn about Nen beasts and the creatures in this forest."
Gon and Killua exchanged glances, excitement building despite the rocky start. "We'd love to help," Gon said eagerly. "And learn from you."
Kite nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Fine, but no more interruptions. Follow my lead and maybe, just maybe, you won't get yourselves killed."
As they set off deeper into the forest, Gon and Killua couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation. Despite the rough beginning, they knew that under Kite's guidance, they were in for an adventure that would test their skills and deepen their understanding of the world of Nen.
After a long day of hunting and training, they settled down for dinner. Kite began sharing stories of his life with Ging, captivating Gon and Killua with tales of adventure and danger. Gon listened in awe as Kite revealed that Ging was a Double-Star Hunter who could qualify to become a Triple-Star Hunter. He also told Gon that he had finally managed to find Ging, but that Ging had specifically requested using "Accompany" instead of "Magnetic Force" to ensure Gon met Kite first. Ging wanted to make sure that if they ever met, it would be under the right circumstances, with just the two of them.
Gon and Killua were mesmerized by Kite's stories and the revelations about Ging. They realized that their journey was just beginning and that they had much to learn and many adventures ahead.
After meeting Kite, Gon and Killua's understanding of magical beasts grew immensely. They spent the next month training and going on missions with Kite and his colleagues, immersing themselves in the world of exotic creatures and dangerous encounters. They learned not only how to track and handle magical beasts but also the intricate balance of the ecosystems they inhabited.
Kite's team, a group of seasoned Hunters, welcomed Gon and Killua into their fold. The team included:
Spinner Clow: A beast hunter known for his calm demeanor and sharp intellect. He specialized in tracking and identifying rare species.Stick Dinner: A gruff but kind-hearted hunter with exceptional combat skills and a deep understanding of predator-prey dynamics.Lin Koshi: A field medic and biological expert, adept at healing injuries and understanding the biological makeup of magical beasts.
Together, they embarked on various missions, tracking elusive creatures, protecting endangered species, and studying the unique traits of magical beasts. Gon and Killua soaked up knowledge like sponges, their admiration for Kite and his team growing with each passing day.
After a month of rigorous training and enlightening experiences, Kite gathered the group for a meeting. He explained that his primary mission was to conduct a biological survey, which included investigating reports of unusual creature sightings and behaviors. The urgency of his mission became clear when Kite revealed a disturbing find: a Chimera Ant leg discovered on the Balsa Islands.
The group examined the leg, its size and structure indicating that it belonged to an exceptionally large specimen. Judging by the size of the leg, Killua deduced that the Ant must be over 2 meters long and capable of consuming a human whole.
"This is bad news," Kite said gravely. "If a Chimera Ant of this size is loose, it poses a significant threat to any nearby human settlements. We need to locate the Queen and stop her before she can reproduce and spread."
The group then set out to survey a shore, hoping to find any trace of the Chimera Ant Queen. Despite their efforts, they found no immediate signs of the Queen herself, but the ominous presence of such a creature weighed heavily on them.
Gon, with his characteristic determination, clenched his fists. "We'll find her, Kite. We have to stop her before she can hurt anyone."
Killua nodded in agreement, his eyes steely with resolve. "Yeah, we can't let something like this go unchecked."
Kite smiled at their enthusiasm, though the gravity of the situation remained. "I appreciate your resolve. This won't be an easy task, but with your help, we stand a better chance. Stay sharp and ready."
As they continued their search, the group's bond grew stronger. Gon and Killua's experiences with Kite and his team not only made them more knowledgeable and skilled but also prepared them for the challenges that lay ahead in their journey as Hunters. The looming threat of the Chimera Ants was just the beginning of a new and perilous adventure.
Returning to Yorknew City, the group gathered around a large map to strategize their next move. Kite, Gon, Killua, and the rest of the team scrutinized the map, marking potential locations where the Chimera Ant Queen could be hiding. Their analysis led them to a troubling conclusion: the Queen might be located in NGL, the neo-luddite nation.
"We have to be sure," Kite said, his voice tense with urgency. "NGL is a unique and difficult place to navigate, especially given their anti-technology stance."
Gon and Killua nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. Kite continued, explaining the Chimera Ants' unique way of reproduction, known as phagogenesis.
"Chimera Ants reproduce by devouring organisms and incorporating the characteristics of those organisms into their offspring," Kite explained. "This means that if the Queen has been consuming humans, her offspring will inherit human traits and possibly even Nen abilities."
Killua's eyes widened in horror. "So, the more she eats, the more dangerous her offspring become?"
Kite nodded grimly. "Exactly. The consequences of a Chimera Ant infestation in NGL could be catastrophic. The Queen's offspring could potentially overrun the entire nation, and if they start spreading, it could lead to an uncontrollable outbreak."
Spinner Clow, one of Kite's colleagues, leaned in, pointing at various points on the map. "We need to be strategic about this. NGL's strict anti-technology laws will make it difficult to use our usual tracking methods. We'll have to rely on traditional tracking skills and be extremely cautious."
Stick Dinner, the combat expert, crossed his arms thoughtfully. "We'll also need to be prepared for combat at any moment. If we encounter any of the Queen's offspring, they'll likely be aggressive and dangerous."
Gon clenched his fists, determination burning in his eyes. "We can't let this happen. We have to find the Queen and stop her before it's too late."
Kite placed a reassuring hand on Gon's shoulder. "We will, Gon. But we have to be smart about this. NGL is a closed-off nation, and getting in won't be easy. We'll need to find a way to blend in and avoid drawing attention to ourselves."
Killua, ever the strategist, added, "We should also gather as much information as we can from locals. They might have seen or heard something that could help us pinpoint the Queen's location."
The group spent the next few hours finalizing their plan, ensuring they had all the supplies and information they needed for the journey. Kite's deep knowledge of the Chimera Ants and the terrain of NGL was invaluable, providing them with insights that would be crucial for their mission.
As they prepared to set off, Kite addressed the group once more. "This won't be an easy task, but I believe in each and every one of you. Stick together, stay vigilant, and remember the stakes. We're not just hunting a beast; we're preventing a potential disaster."
With that, the team began their journey towards NGL, the weight of their mission heavy on their shoulders.
In the south of the Balsa Islands on the Yorbian Continent, an injured Chimera Ant Queen washed ashore. Seeking refuge, she found temporary shelter and caught some fish to eat, helping her recover enough to prepare for the birth of a King. The Queen continued to hunt for more wildlife to feed herself, gradually regaining her strength. Soon, she gave birth to her first soldier ants, ordering them to help her gather food to further sustain her recovery and growth.
One crab-like soldier ant ventured out and came across Kurt and Reina, two children from a nearby village. The soldier captured them and brought them back to the Queen, who found the humans to be particularly delicious and nutritious. Realizing the value of human prey, she commanded her soldiers to hunt more humans. Shortly after, the Queen gave birth to Colt, a humanoid ant with a more advanced form compared to the initial soldiers.
As the soldier ant army expanded, they relentlessly hunted humans, and the colony moved inland into a rock formation. This new location allowed the colony to grow faster than ever, raising alarm in the region. The rapid expansion and the increasing number of human casualties drew the attention of several Hunters.
Among them were Pokkle, Ponzu, Balda, and Dice, also known as Glass. Pokkle, a Hunter specializing in Fantastic Beasts, had encountered the Chimera Ants before and recognized the threat they posed. The group decided to enter the NGL (Neo-Green Life) Autonomous Region to investigate the Chimera Ants further.
NGL, known for its strict neo-luddite policies that banned modern technology, presented a unique challenge. The group had to navigate the region's natural terrain and use traditional tracking methods to avoid detection and gather information on the Chimera Ants.
Pokkle, with his vast knowledge of fantastic beasts, led the investigation, while Ponzu, with her ability to control bees, provided valuable reconnaissance. Balda, a skilled tracker, assisted in following the trail of the Chimera Ants, and Dice, a Hunter with the unique Nen ability of Beast Taming, helped manage any captured wildlife and added an extra layer of expertise in handling dangerous creatures.
As they delved deeper into NGL, the team discovered the extent of the Chimera Ant infestation. The Queen's offspring, now numbering in the hundreds, were hunting humans with alarming efficiency. The rock formation that housed the colony had become a fortress, teeming with soldier ants and newly born humanoid ants.
The team knew they had to act quickly to contain the threat before it could spread further. Their mission was clear: locate the Queen, assess the full scope of the infestation, and develop a plan to eliminate the threat. The survival of countless lives depended on their success in this dangerous and challenging endeavor.
As Pokkle, Ponzu, Balda, and Dice ventured deeper into NGL, they were on high alert, knowing the dangers that lay ahead. The Chimera Ants were a formidable threat, and they had already encountered signs of their presence. However, they were unprepared for the ambush by Zazan's squad.
Zazan, a humanoid Chimera Ant with fuchsia hair, golden eyes, and a scorpion-like tail, led her squad with a ruthless efficiency. Her appearance was both intimidating and striking, with her purplish skin and revealing outfit. Her squad, equally formidable, surrounded the Hunters, cutting off any means of escape.
Dice, also known as Glass, was a skilled Hunter with a unique Nen ability called "Beast Taming." She could summon and control powerful beasts to aid her in battle. She summoned her most powerful beast, a massive bear-like creature with sharp claws and fangs.
"Stay close," Dice instructed the others. "I'll handle Zazan. You focus on the soldiers."
Zazan sneered, her golden eyes gleaming with anticipation. "You think you can defeat me, human? You're in for a rude awakening."
Dice commanded his beast to charge at Zazan. The ground shook as the massive creature lunged at her, its claws aimed at her torso. Zazan, however, was swift and agile. She dodged the beast's attack with ease, her tail lashing out like a whip.
The tail struck the beast, but Dice had anticipated this. Shee used his Nen ability to enhance the beast's durability, absorbing the impact. The beast retaliated, swiping at Zazan with its massive claws.
Zazan leaped back, avoiding the attack. She then unleashed a flurry of strikes with her tail, each one precise and deadly. Dice's beast struggled to keep up, its movements becoming sluggish under the relentless assault.
Seeing his beast in trouble, Dice activated the second part of his ability, summoning a pack of wolf-like creatures to flank Zazan. The wolves darted in from all sides, their fangs bared and ready to strike.
Zazan laughed, a cold, menacing sound. "Is this all you've got?"
With a swift motion, she grabbed one of the wolves by the neck and hurled it at Dice. The impact sent Dice crashing to the ground, winded and vulnerable. Zazan's tail then pierced through the chest of another wolf, killing it instantly.
Dice struggled to his feet, his vision blurred from the impact. She watched as Zazan decimated her summoned beasts with ease. His only hope was to use his Nen ability to its fullest potential.
Gathering his remaining strength, Dice summoned a colossal eagle with razor-sharp talons. The eagle soared above Zazan, diving down with incredible speed. Zazan, sensing the threat, tried to dodge, but the eagle was too fast.
The eagle's talons dug into Zazan's shoulder, causing her to scream in pain. Dice saw his opportunity and ordered the eagle to lift Zazan into the air. The eagle complied, its powerful wings beating furiously as it ascended.
Zazan, however, was not done. With fierce determination, she used her tail to stab the eagle repeatedly. The eagle screeched in agony, but it held on, determined to obey its master's command.
Dice knew she had only one chance. She summoned all his remaining Nen and directed it into a final, desperate attack. The eagle, sensing Dice's intent, began to glow with a bright, intense light.
With a final, ear-piercing screech, the eagle released a blast of energy, sending Zazan hurtling to the ground. The impact created a massive crater, dust and debris filling the air.
Dice collapsed to her knees, exhausted and drained. She watched as the dust settled, revealing Zazan lying motionless in the crater. She had done it. she had defeated one of the Chimera Ant's most powerful soldiers.
But as he tried to catch his breath, she noticed movement. Zazan, battered and bleeding, slowly rose to her feet. Her golden eyes burned with a fierce, unyielding hatred.
"You... will pay for this," she hissed, her voice filled with venom.
Dice, realizing she had no more strength left, could only watch in horror as Zazan advanced on him, her tail poised for a killing blow. Just as she was about to strike, a volley of arrows rained down on her, forcing her to retreat.
Ponzu, using her bees to distract the remaining soldiers, and Pokkle, with his bow at the ready, had come to Dice's aid. Balda, with his brute strength, charged at Zazan, buying them precious seconds.
"Retreat!" Pokkle shouted. "We need to get out of here and warn the Hunter Association!"
The group, battered but determined, made their escape, with Zazan's furious screams echoing behind them. They had survived the encounter, but the threat of the Chimera Ants loomed larger than ever.
Pokkle and his group, including Ponzu, Balda, and Dice, were deep into their mission to investigate the growing threat of the Chimera Ants. The air was thick with tension, the eerie silence of the forest broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves and distant animal calls. Every step they took was filled with caution, knowing that danger could emerge from any shadow.
Having just managed to send a desperate message to the nearest Nen user about the Chimera Ant threat, they were on high alert. Their nerves were taut, and every sound seemed amplified in the oppressive quiet of the forest. As they paused to catch their breath and reassess their position, a sudden, chilling presence made itself known.
Hiboa, the new squadron leader, stepped from the shadows with an unnerving grace, his eyes gleaming with a predatory hunger. He was a monstrous fusion of echidna and jerboa, his body covered in thick, spiny quills and his powerful legs ready to spring at a moment's notice. The sight of him sent a jolt of fear through the group, and they instinctively readied themselves for a fight.
But Hiboa was faster. With a swift, fluid motion, he flicked his arms, unleashing a barrage of paralyzing quills. The deadly projectiles hit Pokkle, Ponzu, Balda, and Dice before they could even react. The venom acted almost instantaneously, causing their muscles to lock up, rendering them immobile. Terror filled their eyes as they realized they were helpless against this formidable foe.
Hiboa approached them with a menacing calm, his breath hot and ragged. He leaned in close to Pokkle, his voice a sinister whisper. "You will be valuable to the Queen," he hissed, his tone dripping with malice. The paralyzed hunters could do nothing but watch in horror as Hiboa's powerful arms lifted them one by one, throwing them over his shoulders with effortless strength.
As Hiboa began his journey back to the colony's new nest within the rock formation, the helplessness of their situation sank in. Pokkle and his team had risked everything to send out their warning, and now they were being carried off to an uncertain and likely grim fate. The dense forest swallowed them up, leaving behind only the faint echo of their captured cries.
The Chimera Ants, under the Queen's relentless drive, continued to expand their territory, their numbers swelling with each passing day. Hiboa's capture of Pokkle's group marked another victory for the Ants, a grim testament to their growing strength and cunning. The message Pokkle's group had managed to send before their capture now stood as the last beacon of hope. The hunters receiving it would need to act swiftly and decisively to thwart the Chimera Ant infestation before it spread further and became an unstoppable scourge.
Unbeknownst to Hiboa and the Ants, the hunters were already mobilizing. Kite, Gon, and Killua, having received the distress signal, were moving with purpose and determination. The battle against the Chimera Ants was escalating, and every second counted. The fate of Pokkle's group, and possibly the entire region, hung in the balance as the hunters prepared for a confrontation that would test their limits and resolve.
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
-- Power
stone