Chapter 175: The Phantom Troupe's Ambition
Swish!
In perfect unison.
Led by Chrollo, all members of the Phantom Troupe stood up simultaneously.
"We're looking for a hunter named Mord. This is our top priority!" Chrollo declared.
Compared to their great vendetta against the Phantom Troupe, things like pride and dignity could all be cast aside.
The bearded executive of the Cha-R family said: "We can help you check the royal army's passenger list, but don't get your hopes up too high since there are many irregular passengers like us! However, if he's a hunter, he most likely boarded through official channels."
"You can investigate freely on this level, but accessing the 3rd and 4th levels requires admission tickets. The entry points are superficially controlled by the royal army, but actual control lies with the underworld." The bearded man looked at Chrollo and extended an olive branch. "If you join the Cha-R family, you can enter for free!"
Chrollo smiled.
"You're quite enthusiastic, but we're not interested. Also, let's hear your conditions."
The bearded man looked at Chrollo and said: "I've already stated the condition—just leave this place. If there must be conflict, let it be with others."
Regarding dangerous groups like the Phantom Troupe, the Cha-R family simply wanted them to leave quickly.
"Is that so." Chrollo nodded lightly with a faint smile. "Coincidentally, we were about to leave anyway. Very well."
As they passed each other, Chrollo stopped.
"By the way, could you tell me how to get to the first level?"
The moment these words were spoken, the atmosphere immediately became extremely tense.
The bearded man coldly stared at Chrollo and said: "Don't push your luck. Disappear before I change my mind!"
Chrollo merely smiled and directly led his members away.
"Sun-bin, do you think this will turn out badly?" Watching the retreating figures of the Phantom Troupe members, the bearded man asked a companion beside him.
The young executive named Sun-bin sighed, looking somewhat troubled.
"They're a group completely without fear, like untamable wild fire dragons. If they want to go somewhere, they won't hesitate even if it's the first level."
"What's more troublesome is they have no intention of concealing their Nen abilities. Since Nen itself is highly threatening, holders generally maintain balance beyond internal and external positions, like building blocks. If they really go to the first level, everything will likely collapse completely!"
Sun-bin clearly considered more deeply—the delicate balance currently maintained on the first level due to the royal Succession Contest would certainly be completely broken by the Phantom Troupe's intervention.
The bearded man remained silent for a moment before speaking: "Then we must stop them. Report this to the leader."
...
"He's shown his hand." Feitan, walking behind Chrollo, suddenly spoke up. "When the topic shifted to the upper levels, their eyes changed. There must be incredible treasures there."
This was a thief's unique intuition.
"Mm." Chrollo had noticed it too, giving a slight nod. "We'll deal with that later. Our current priority is Mord."
Chrollo, leading the group, suddenly stopped and turned to face his troupe members, speaking solemnly: "Since the target is confirmed, our next task is to locate him."
"According to Hisoka's intelligence, Mord possesses two abilities, both activated through his sword. The first transforms his blade into a meteor hammer—while destructive, it's manageable with caution. His truly troublesome ability is the second: lightning manipulation."
Chrollo paused, several figures flashing through his mind.
"Nobunaga, Uvogin and the others died to this ability. Based on what Pakunoda and Kortopi witnessed firsthand, he can use lightning to enhance his speed and destructive power."
"Of course, that's not the most frightening part. His most devastating technique is summoning heavenly thunder. Everyone here except our newest member Kalluto has experienced the terror of this move."
"However, we're currently inside this massive ship—theoretically, this should limit that particular technique. Though this remains speculation. Moreover, his base combat prowess is formidable. Back in Yorknew, Bonolenov fell to him in one-on-one combat. Machi was the last to see him—according to her report, Hisoka who had miraculously revived was instantly killed by him."
Chrollo reached up and removed the white bandage from his forehead, revealing the inverted cross tattoo beneath.
"I'm telling you all this to emphasize how powerful our enemy is. If we want to succeed, we must be prepared to risk our lives."
At Chrollo's words, solemn expressions appeared on all the troupe members' faces.
Chrollo's gaze swept over each of them, satisfied with their reaction.
He smiled faintly.
"I'd planned a gathering, but there's no cake, no specially ordered centerpiece."
Chrollo tightened his grip on the removed white bandage.
"After we succeed, we'll hold that banquet—we'll all dine together at that table!"
"Now go bring me Mord's head!"
...
Meanwhile, on the first level, Mord inexplicably sneezed. Rubbing his nose, he wondered if he was catching a cold.
Impossible?
With his current physical condition, he should be immune to all common illnesses.
He would never have imagined that a group of people were currently plotting to take his head. Though even if he knew, he'd likely just laugh it off.
He was no longer that boy who just left Meteor City.
Elsewhere.
Prince Benjamin had finally begun his move, openly stationing his private troops among the lower-ranked princes.
Upon learning of Benjamin's intentions,
The various princes reacted in completely different ways.
Already at odds with Benjamin, Second Prince Camilla completely ignored this regulation and angrily commanded her subordinates, "Under no circumstances are they to appear within my line of sight. If they dare set foot in the hall, kill them! Understood?"
"Yes, Your Highness!"
The Fourth Prince reacted similarly to the Second Prince.
"Your Highness, what are your thoughts on the First Prince's recent move? Although as the son of the First Queen you could use that as grounds to disregard his demand, still..." The Fourth Prince's steward analyzed how to respond to Benjamin's actions.
But the Fourth Prince cut him off directly, "Reply with 'fool' and tell them to get lost. I'm currently focused on learning Nen and have no time to waste on these people."