Bab 304: Chapter 304 Parasite And Host

A moment ago.

The second shadow clone, responsible for keeping watch and providing visibility in the surrounding area, was under Moses's control and kept a close eye on Shalnark as he retrieved the antenna and the pure gold crown.

During the previous battle, Moses hadn't deployed this 'dark piece'. On one hand, it is to ensure more vision, and on the other hand, he wanted to save it to deal with Shalnark at the right moment.

Just now…

After eliminating Lion, the most threatening opponent in the scene, Moses stood still, pondering, allowing Shalnark to retrieve the antenna and the pure gold crown.

This seemingly odd behavior was indeed due to not receiving any reward from Perception, but it's also because he wants to create an illusion that 'I am here'.

Then, seeing through the shadow clone's vision that Shalnark was surrounded by countless armors and head-holding hunma, Moses immediately devised a strategy to trap Shalnark.

First, he had the shadow clone switch to a two-dimensional state, then used In to eliminate the shadow's Aura and let it hide inside an armor that had been enhanced several times.

After completing this preparation, all that was left was to wait for the right moment to use [Shadow Shifting].

And this opportunity quickly arrived.

When Shalnark shattered the armor housing the shadow and turned to face another armor, the scattered armor revealed the shadow, providing Moses the perfect springboard to teleport and launch a surprise attack on Shalnark's back.

This is 'hunting'.

Making the targeted 'prey' step into the carefully prepared trap step by step as you calculated.

Moses had always been like this.

The trap he set for Shalnark by having the shadow hide inside the armor showcased the most versatile aspect of Nen.

In this world, many times, the most terrifying thing is not the type of Nen Ability, but how to use it to the greatest value.

Regardless of the means or the deceit…

Sufficient preparation means being able to toy with the enemy at the palm of your hand, or even toy with him to death.

Hisoka in the original work is a bloody example of this. He generously gave Chrollo ample preparation time, and then tragically fell into Chrollo's carefully calculated trap and was played to death.

Moses prepared this trap for Shalnark not because he found Shalnark particularly difficult to deal with.

It's actually quite the opposite.

Putting aside the prerequisite of knowing the ins and outs of Shalnark's Nen Ability, Moses's shadow clone can be said to be the worst nightmare for Manipulation-type Abilities seeking a one-hit kill.

The reason Illumi was brutally ravaged by Moses twice was largely due to the restraining nature of their abilities.

Currently, Moses can use the shadow clone tactics to easily deal with Shalnark who have no controllable puppets, but he could also use a well-devised strategy to deal with Shalnark with minimal effort.

Regrettably--

Just as he was about to execute his strategy, a sudden surge of powerful Aura locked onto him and Menchi.

In that instant, Moses reflexively protected Menchi and readied himself.

At the same time…

The shadow clone, which was controlled at half its strength in his mind, ambushed Shalnark with its maximum power.

Judging from the shared vision transmitted back, even if that attack failed to kill Shalnark, it would at least seriously injure him or even cause him to fall unconscious.

If he did pass out, falling into the surrounding horde of armors and statues would be a death sentence.

Momentarily shifting his attention from Shalnark, Moses looked with shock at the creature stepping out of the temple. He had wings on his back, was pale and naked, and had no hair. He was suspected to be a magical beast.

Since arriving in this area, it had been about ten minutes.

Throughout this time, Moses did not sense that there was such an unknown existence with such a powerful Aura inside the temple.

Originally, he intended to enter the temple to find Tonpa.

But now, it seems--

Considering the powerful non-human entity, it's highly likely that Tonpa, who ran into the temple, has met his end.

Moses couldn't imagine such a formidable creature would be so kind as to let go of Tonpa, who broke into the temple.

"Master, is that a magical beast..."

Menchi asked, her voice tinged with nervousness as she watched Mammon emerge from the temple.

This unfamiliar entity exuded the strongest aura Menchi had ever encountered since mastering Nen. It directly refreshed her understanding and concept of Manifested Aura.

"I am not sure as well."

Moses replied, unable to answer Menchi's question.

If there is one thing he knows the least about in the Hunter x Hunter World, the rarely appearing magical beast is one of them.

But what they should be concerned about now is not the identity of the creature in front of them, but why such a powerful being existed in this ancient, long-forgotten ruin.

'Could it be that this entity had been sealed here since the ruins were first created?'

'If that's the case, how many years had it been alive?'

'Hundreds of years?'

'Thousands of years?'

Moses looked solemn because of this speculation. He did not act rashly, but took a maximum defensive posture.

'The astonishing vitality emanating from this being… was it an indicator of its belonging to the magical beast, or was it a different method of controlling vitality?'

The only thing that can be confirmed is that the Aura exuded by this unidentified life form in front of them is indeed powerful and overwhelming.

Mammon, upon stepping out of the temple, cast his pure black, eyebrow-less eyes over Moses and Menchi standing at the bottom of the temple steps. His pale face showed a slight movement.

"It turns out you are the 'key' that opened this place."

Mammon spoke, his eyes holding a peculiar gleam as if recognizing something special about Moses.

The language he spoke was the common language of the Six Continents.

Moses and Menchi were stunned. They had never expected that this unknown creature in front of them could understand the common language of the Six Continents.

'Key…'

Moses's expression remained unchanged, but inside, he felt a ripple of surprise.

These words were obviously directed at him.

It also means that the unknown life form in front of him knew that he was the one who accidentally opened the 'passage'.

Cautiously, Moses did not respond, but just looked at Mammon vigilantly.

So far, he hasn't felt any hostility from Mammon, which can be considered good news.

Seeing that Moses remained silent, Mammon did not say anything more. Instead, he slowly raised his right hand, which had long, black nails, towards his right eye.

Then…

Under the gradually surprised gazes of Moses and Menchi, Mammon directly dug out his pure black, obsidian-like eye.

"This is a thank you gift from me. If you ever think about 'returning', it might be of some help to you."

Mammon said cryptically, and then placed the black eyeball he dug out on the broken stone pillar beside him.

From start to finish, Moses did not respond to Mammon's words, but his heart was filled with indescribable surprise.

He had an inkling that this unidentified life form might see something unique about him.

'Were those words addressing my identity as a transmigrator, or my body that had been tainted by Post-Mortem Nen, or perhaps, it was the perception of unknown origin?'

"What do you mean by 'return'?"

In order to sort out the doubts in his mind, Moses couldn't help but ask.

Upon hearing this, Mammon looked at Moses with a hint of surprise in his eyes. Then, as if understanding something, he curved his long, sharp nails around his slightly rounded chin.

'It turns out to be a relationship between a parasite and its host...'