Hunter: I became stronger even after I died.

Chapter 285 Ha, ha ha ha!

Illumi keeps turning the examinees into needle people.

Because the candidates' lines were fragmented, he only targeted those in the vicinity.

In order to increase the number of people receiving the needles as much as possible, some examinees were even rescued from the mouths of rare and exotic beasts before the needles were inserted into their heads.

Having gathered about 30 Needle People, Illumi led them into the thick fog.

At this moment, obtaining a hunter's license has become less important.

Hisoka's behavior and the sudden surge of intense killing intent became Illumi's top priority.

In order to get back to Killua and Kalmod's vicinity as soon as possible, Illumi decided to eliminate the source of that murderous intent as quickly as possible.

He led the needle-wielder through the damp mist and into a grove of trees.

Thick fog enveloped the surroundings, and vines, like hanging snakes, meandered down from the crooked tree trunks.

In the mist, the outlines of trees and bushes were faintly visible, and the mud underfoot was soft and sticky, making a sticky sound with every step.

Illumi's gaze swept quickly across the surroundings, manipulating the Needle Man to spread outwards like a radar.

After expanding the perimeter, he exchanged clothes with one of the needle-wielders and then silently disappeared into the dense bushes.

With the Zoldyck family's expertise in stealth, he was confident that he would not be discovered.

Furthermore, the substitute needle-like figure used to confuse unknown enemies, through the effect of the Nen needle, basically possesses a manifest aura similar to that of the original body.

The operating principle is to use the needle as a medium to directly infuse the separated manifested energy into the person receiving the needle.

Illumi was unsure of the enemy's identity, but after using the Needleman, he simply revealed his true form.

Therefore, the needle-man he was using as a stand-in had the exact same appearance as him and a similar build.

more importantly--

Those numerous needles concealed by clothing can greatly enhance the physical strength of the person being needled by inserting them into acupoints during battle.

In this way, it can be called a flawless "stand-in".

As for the cost of physical enhancement, it's nothing more than losing one Needleman.

"Ready."

In the dense bushes, Illumi manipulated his Stand, Needleman, to freely display his power.

For the past year or so, he recuperated at home and did not take on any commissions even after his limbs recovered.

Because he is thinking, reflecting, and becoming stronger.

He pondered how to counter Moro's abilities, and based on the information he had about those abilities, he simulated countless hypothetical battles in his mind.

When thinking yields results, it becomes a day-to-day, targeted practice.

After nearly a year of arduous training, his strength has improved further, his ability system has undergone some adjustments and changes, and even his combat thinking has undergone a fundamental transformation.

All these changes were made in order to kill Moro.

Recently, Illumi started taking on missions, using real combat to test his training results while carrying out assassinations.

Including the unidentified enemy they are currently facing, Illumi sees it as an opportunity to test the results of his training.

In thick fog.

Perhaps it was the manifest energy released by the substitute needle person that caused the surrounding wetland creatures to fall silent, either moving away from this dangerous area or trying their best to conceal their tracks.

Meanwhile, the scattered needle-like figures act like fixed-point radars, monitoring every peek and sound in every area.

Time passes slowly.

A few minutes later.

The white fog that filled the air seemed to be fading.

Just then, Moro made his move, directly destroying one of the needlemen on guard duty.

As the Needleman fell, Illumi immediately confirmed Moro's location and quickly gathered the surrounding Needlemen back to his side.

Smack, smack...

The sound of footsteps crunching through the mud echoed through the forest.

Moro emerged from the damp mist.

In this kind of terrain, it's practically impossible to cover up footsteps.

A powerful aura emanated from Moro's body, and his gaze pierced through the needle-like figures in the front row, landing on Illumi.

When he saw Illumi immediately cancel the disguise ability, he was a little surprised, but he could roughly guess what Illumi was thinking.

With nearly thirty needle-wielding people already on the table, there's no need to conceal their identities anymore.

in fact--

In this respect, Moro's thoughts are similar to Illumi's.

So he has now returned to his original appearance.

Reclaiming the manifested energy that was taken over by the disguise ability is a minor matter; the important thing is to send a message to Illumi that there will be no end to this.

The moment Moro's figure appeared in the mist, the Stand Needleman's eyes slowly widened, instantly conveying Illumi's psychological state.

How could he have imagined that the source of that murderous intent was actually Moro, who had disappeared for a long time?

After a brief moment of shock, Illumi thought about how Moro had seen through his disguise.
In that instant, he thought of Kurt's life paper figure.

Perhaps Kurt secretly made his life paper figure and gave it to Moreau.

But this possibility was immediately rejected by Illumi.

Since Kurt would refuse to make Moreo's Life Paper Doll for him, it would be impossible for him to make Moreo's Life Paper Doll as well.

So how exactly did Moro do it?
The answer was quickly forgotten by Illumi.

Instead, there was a frenzied, boiling murderous intent.

That's great.

They just offered themselves up to us.

"Ha ha ha ha……!"

The substitute needle's eyes were stretched to their maximum, its face gradually contorted, and then it burst into maniacal laughter.

A thick, almost tangible aura of malice emanated from him.

The carefully planned killing move was originally intended to test and reinforce the results of the training.

But I didn't expect...

The person he wanted to kill day and night had actually stepped into the trap he had set.

This is simply an incredible surprise.

Illumi's maniacal laughter echoed through the forest, and a surging, evil aura rose into the sky, scattering the surrounding mist into chaos.

Such a strong and frenzied aura radiated far and wide at that moment.

Satsuki, who was running at the front, and all the examinees, including Hisoka, instantly felt the malevolent aura released by Illumi.

"Who is it again?"

A hint of doubt flashed in Sats's eyes.

Before this malevolent aura appeared, he had already sensed Hisoka's aura as he was wreaking havoc in the thick fog.

In other words, besides Hisoka, there was another Nen user among the examinees who was incredibly powerful and harbored terrifying malice.

Moreover, within that almost insane aura was an undisguised and intense killing intent.

Although it is unclear who this murderous intent is aimed at, it is easy to imagine that most of the examinees who are walking through the wetlands are likely to suffer.

"This year's test results are likely to be less than optimistic."

Sartz thought to himself.

Neither Hisoka, who was wreaking havoc, nor this sudden surge of insane killing intent were things he should get involved in.

Because of Illumi's aura fluctuation, Hisoka, Gon, Killua, Kalluto, and many other examinees in the wetlands were all affected.

Apart from Satsuki and Hisoka, who reacted relatively calmly, the other test takers, including Killua and Keldon, all showed signs of fear.

The only difference is that some people are so frightened that they can barely walk.

Some people experienced a rapid heartbeat but remained relatively calm.

However, Moro, who was facing Illumi's aura up close, did not show any change in expression.

"It seems... you've been suppressing it for a long time."

Moro calmly met the overwhelming killing intent that rushed towards him. The person before him was perhaps too excited, making no attempt to conceal it.

Therefore, some things can be easily deciphered from that aura.

However, this strong desire to kill the other person is the same for both of them.

Upon hearing Moro's words, the Stand Needle Man's maniacal laughter subsided, and his wide-open eyes returned to normal slightly.

"I didn't expect it to be you. Hmm, it won't waste too much time, or rather, I can't waste too much time on 'killing you,' because..."

The Stand Needle Man flipped his palm, extending his index finger with his palm facing upwards, pointing at Moro in front of him.

"Hisso has his eye on Kurt."

"..."

Moro remained calm upon hearing this.

He guessed that Hisoka's motive for targeting Kurt was to use Kurt's abilities to find him.

So there's absolutely no need to worry about Kurt's safety.

The substitute needle-man was somewhat surprised by Moro's reaction and said coldly, "I thought you would 'care' about this..."

The voice has not fallen,

The people surrounding the needles rushed towards Moro like hungry wolves.

Since words couldn't sway Moro's mindset, there was no point in continuing the nonsense.

The battle began in an instant.

As the Needle People were urging the Stand Needle People to attack Moro, each of their two fingers held four Nen needles.

He knew Moreau's weaknesses better than anyone else.

The numerous simulated battles over the past year have also allowed him to discover how to directly exploit Moro's weaknesses.

It's a pity now.

That means there weren't enough needles prepared.

Moro calmly watched the needle-wielding people rushing towards him, his aura fluctuating, ready to release his starlight at any moment.

In their previous two encounters, Illumi must have thoroughly figured out the ability to condense starlight.

They dare to launch such a hasty attack with only thirty needle-like figures under their control, which suggests they have other trump cards up their sleeves.

Since that's the case, then I'll grant your request.

"Starlight Convergence"

In the blink of an eye, the manifested aura that Moro had gathered around him suddenly shattered, transforming into countless dazzling starlight that pierced through the thinning mist, enveloping the nearby Needlemen and the more distant Illumi.

"Ok?"

The moment the starlight swept across Illumi's body, Moro's expression changed slightly.

fake?

I see……

If it were a condensation of starlight from over a year ago, one could really be fooled.

Realizing that Illumi's ability system had also been improved and refined, Moro could roughly guess that Illumi had devoted a lot of energy and effort to removing him, this thorn in his side.

Unfortunately, it's not just your abilities that have improved.

Maintaining his ability to condense starlight, Moro pushed off with his feet, actively facing the needle-wielding people who had come closer.

Instead of attacking the needle-men, he moved swiftly and quickly passed through the charging formation formed by the needle-men, heading straight for the stand-in needle-men behind him.

Given his current level of power, if Illumi and his fellow needle-wielders dared to attack him even once, they could be marked with a star by him.

Furthermore, the number of people receiving the needles is too small to burden his information reading.

Even if the number of needle-wielders were increased two or three times, with his current precision in condensing starlight, he would not be intimidated at all.

Presumably, the needle-like figure acted like a wooden stake, allowing Moro to approach the counterfeit, whose true nature had been exposed by the condensation of starlight, without any pressure.

now.

The fake Illumi suddenly flung out the eight Nen needles in his hand.

shhhhhh...

Eight needles pierced through the mist, leaving fine marks as they pointed directly at Moro.

Such a hasty needle firing is practically aiding the formation of the star.

Moro raised an eyebrow, somewhat curious about Illumi's plans. He suddenly stopped and was about to dodge the eight Nen needles that were shooting towards him.

However, just as the needle was about to hit Moro, it suddenly tumbled and bounced back in mid-air.

As the needle rebounded, a faint, hair-like white streak flashed across the misty air.

"Was a thin thread tied to the needle?"

Morrow caught sight of the white streaks that were almost blending into the mist, their marks revealed by the curves.

To conceal the existence of the thin thread, Illumi did not imbue it with Nen.

Normally, such a thin thread, without the reinforcement of its own mind, would break immediately after being stretched.

But these thin threads not only didn't break, they also pulled the needle back.

Such strength is likely due to the use of a special alloy material, and it was specially prepared for him, which is why it is so slender.

It's really painstaking.

Moro once again marveled at Illumi's meticulous preparations.

Perhaps this guy has already planned to deal with him soon after improving his abilities.

He just happened to come to us at that moment.

Just as the fake Illumi pulled the eight Nen needles back, Moro tried to start again, but the needle-wielding people behind him had already swarmed in.

Simultaneously,

The fake Illumi merely flicked the thin thread in his hand, controlling eight Nen needles to trace an arc in mid-air before shooting them towards Moro once again.

This offensive is not over yet.

The fake Illumi strode forward, closely following the eight Nen needles.

For a while,
Needleman, Nen Needle, and the fake Illumi, from different directions, wove together an inescapable net of attacks on Moro.

If it were a year or so ago...

The starlight might be forced to recede due to this intense onslaught.

If you suppress your abilities, it will be difficult to defend against attacks coming from all directions at once.

So this was indeed a premeditated attack.

Even under overt targeting, they concealed their "true identity," mentally preparing to launch a fatal attack.

"This is really interesting. It feels like looking in a mirror, except... what's reflected is the old me."

Moro lowered his eyelids, and the starlight that filled the surroundings instantly converged back onto his body.

So what if you scheme and plot?

Now, he no longer needs to aim for "being marked with a star".

Therefore, the positions of the two sides have been switched without anyone noticing.

He no longer needed to rely on tactics and preparation, while Illumi, who was superior to him in every aspect before, was now plotting against him.

With this wonderful feeling in mind—

Moro withdrew the starlight he had gathered, and simply stretched out his hands casually.

"Flying Star"

The energy mobilized at an extremely fast speed formed a huge ball of energy on both hands.

Swish!
In an instant,
The psychic energy burst forth, piercing through all the needle-wielders and the oncoming psychic needles.

The power of its emission-type attacks was clearly revealed at this moment.

Illumi's pupils contracted sharply.

The image that flashed into his eyes in that instant made him vaguely see the figure of his father.

(End of this chapter)