Uvogin looked at the fancy hotel as he grinned.
"...It should be here, right?"
Feeling the itch of vengeance, he wasted no time and entered the building.
Shalnark was a pro-hunter with access to the Hunter Association's extensive information network.
This had facilitated their tracking of the chain user's location.
The chain user had been hired by the Nostrade Family, whose information was easily accessible through the Hunter Association's website.
And obviously, the Nostrade Family's dealings were meticulously documented within their archives.
That also included which property they would most likely stay in.
The Ten Dons wielded such immense influence that even a smaller family like the Nostrade wouldn't fret much about their location being known.
After all, nobody from the underworld would dare to target them except their own people.
Tap... tap... tap...
The sound of Uvogin's footsteps echoed through the empty hotel as he ascended the stairs.
"Hmm?"
Finally, he reached the lobby and continued onward until he spotted Kurapika standing in the center.
Scanning the vacant lobby, Uvogin shifted his gaze to Kurapika and spoke, "Seems like you're alone. You're more daring than I thought. I'm actually impressed..."
"..."
The tension in the air was thick as Kurapika faced off against Uvogin, his emotions seething beneath a veneer of calm.
Every fiber of his being urged him to lash out at the imposing figure before him, but he fought to rein in his anger.
A while ago...
Upon receiving Melody's urgent message about Uvogin's escape, Kurapika swiftly returned to the said address in the message and took on the role as the leader of the Nostrade family's bodyguards since Dalzollene was dead.
Understanding the possibility that the Phantom Troupe likely had access to pro hunter resources, Kurapika knew they could easily track down their hotel.
"But this was perfect; I can kill him earlier than I was planning to..."
While Uvogin's sudden appearance caught him off guard, he saw it as a stroke of luck.
He no longer needed to expend energy tracking down Uvogin.
And the enemy had unwittingly walked right into his trap.
With Uvogin's arrival, Kurapika now had the opportunity to confront him and exact his revenge sooner than anticipated.
This turn of events played perfectly into Kurapika's plans, eliminating the need for elaborate schemes to draw out his target.
Recognizing the unexpected opportunity, Kurapika made a bold choice.
He instructed his team to leave him and handle matters at the hotel alone.
"..."
Facing Uvogin, Kurapika's eyes gleamed with anticipation as Uvogin had indeed come knocking on the door as he had expected.
Killing intent flared in Kurapika's pupils as Uvogin slowly said, "So, where do you want to die?"
"I'll entertain your dying wish this time..." Uvogin continued, the atmosphere growing noticeably heavier.
"I don't want to involve anyone else, so I'd prefer a desolate wasteland where no one is nearby..."
Kurapika responded calmly, though inwardly, he was in turmoil.
Uvogin raised his eyebrows slightly and chuckled, "Sure, lead the way..."
"..."
Kurapika remained silent, and without further words, both of their figures swiftly disappeared into the dark night.
Buzz... buzz... buzz...
On top of the towering skyscraper, its lights illuminating the sprawling cityscape that stretched to the distant horizon, two figures stood calmly while overlooking the urban expanse.
Its sleek glass facade reflecting the city's glow.
"It's me..."
A bulky man with a towering frame answered the phone, his gaze still fixed on the city below.
A voice emanated from the other end, "We would like to offer an additional commission for both of you."
"..."
Silva turned to look at Zeno, who nodded before asking, "Who's the target this time?"
"The leader of the Phantom Troupe, Chrollo Lucifer."
Despite the calmness on the other end, the tone seemed noticeably colder.
On the side, Zeno fell into deep thought, contemplating the implications of the additional commission.
"I see..."
Silva did care about the details, but for now, he would let it flow, knowing this mission would bring a considerable amount of money into their family's bank account.
He nodded, "...but it'll be costly as well."
"...How much?"
Both he and Zeno smiled at the question.
Meanwhile, back with Kurapika and Uvogin, they had finally arrived at a desolate wasteland several kilometers away from the city.
The moonlight bathed the landscape, casting eerie shadows and illuminating their figures as they stood face to face.
The ground was cracked and barren, with scattered rocks and patches of dried vegetation adding to the desolate atmosphere.
"I'm still quite confused though, who are you?"
Uvogin asked, studying Kurapika intently.
"..."
Kurapika calmly met his gaze as Uvogin finishing yet another can of beer before tossing it to the ground.
Uvogin recalled Kurapika's chain, sensing it was far from ordinary, "I could feel there was something special behind your Nen. What is it?"
"...I'll answer that later, but..." Kurapika spoke slowly, removing his clan's robe.
He fixed Uvogin with a serious gaze, "...Do you remember the people you've killed before?"
"Hmm... I can remember some, but only those who made quite an impression. You're certainly making an impression, so you should be honored. I'll remember you after killing you painfully..."
Uvogin chuckled in response.
"I see..."
Kurapika's voice crackled with emotion as his eyes suddenly flared Scarlet, causing Uvogin to widen his eyes in surprise.
"Now, I remember those eyes. Our Leader quite likes them somehow..."
Uvogin spoke slowly. He then burst into laughter, "Hahaha, so you're a survivor, huh?"
A surge of Nen enveloped Uvogin's body as he shifted into a defensive stance, a fiery red aura blazing around him.
He grinned menacingly, "Fools like you are the reason I never get bored of killing people!"
"..."
Intense pressure suddenly enveloped the surrounding area, Kurapika feeling it keenly through his skin as he channeled his Nen into his body.
"Hahaha!"
Uvogin's laughter echoed as he charged towards Kurapika, his fist aimed like a hammer.
However...
BOOM!
Kurapika swiftly evaded, leaping to safety just as Uvogin's blow crashed into the ground, erupting in a deafening explosion.
A thick cloud of smoke billowed, obscuring their surroundings.
Kurapika emerged from the haze.
With a deft swing of his chain, he lashed out at Uvogin, but the massive brute evaded with surprising agility.
BOOM!
The force of his movements creating yet another deep crater in the ground.
"..."
Both of them locked eyes from a certain distance before disappearing, another resounding clash echoing across the wasteland.
---
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