Hunter x Hunter: Call Me Master Inventor

In the storybook Feitan found in the junkyard, the deal with the demon was written like this.

He had even mentally prepared himself to "sell his soul," but he never expected that the price would be just... "begging"?

"Are you kidding me?"

Phinks couldn't help but ask directly:

"Just 'please' is enough? No other conditions?!"

It was so simple that it made him somewhat uneasy, even apprehensive.

He and Feitan struggled through Meteor City, experiencing more hardships and displacement than Uvogin, and were more acutely aware of the cruelty of reality.

They are truly barefoot and unafraid of those wearing shoes...

As long as they can become stronger and change their current situation, and as long as the cost is not excessive, they will never hesitate for a moment.

This is precisely why the seemingly "simple and lenient" condition proposed by von Klay, almost like a freebie, made them even more cautious.

Von Klay knew in his heart: No, this is not the same.

"Entrustment" and "request" are not strictly the same.

In developing the additional ability to stand on the shoulders of giants, he gained a deeper understanding of his transvestite inventor abilities:

When activating an ability in response to someone's "delegation" or "request," the other party's "sincerity" or "strength of willingness" is crucial.

A simple "commission" or "request" lacks a strong enough will, resulting in a high mental energy expenditure required to support the "invention".

A heartfelt and strongly desired "request" will consume significantly less mental energy.

The stronger the will, the less energy is consumed.

If we further combine this with building upon existing designs by standing on the shoulders of giants, the double effect...

He might even "invent" some more powerful gadgets that his psychic powers wouldn't be able to support!

Therefore, he made a "request" to Finks, rather than a simple "please".

The intention implied in a "request" is much stronger.

"Really... just a 'request' is enough? Nothing else?"

Once it was confirmed that there were no other additional conditions, Finks' eyes almost lit up.

If the price for acquiring this magical power is only this...

"This is an absolute steal!!!"

He roared inwardly, and couldn't help but speak up, making a "request" to von Clay.

"Please, von Clay..."

blah blah...

Before Finks could finish speaking, he felt his tattered clothes being tugged forcefully.

Finks: "Hmm?"

He looked down and saw Feitan tugging at his clothes and winking at him.

"What's wrong?"

He looked in the direction Feitan had indicated...

Uvogin crossed his arms, pretending to be completely unconcerned...

But his ears were perked up, clearly he was eavesdropping!

Eavesdropping? Phinks was taken aback at first, then realized what was going on.

Yes, he and Feitan were both so shocked and curious when they saw Bon Clay take out the magical food.

Uvogin and Machi had already been in contact with Bon Clay, so they must have known about the existence of this power much earlier.

If you put yourself in others' shoes, how could Uvogin not care if you crave it so much?

No one could remain unmoved by such a miraculous power!

But during the previous fight, Uvogin didn't use any of his skills and instead got beaten up quite a bit by me.

This shows that he knows this power exists, but he hasn't mastered it yet!

Judging from Uvogin's current performance, it doesn't seem like he can't learn it, but rather that he doesn't know how to learn it yet!

Even Bon Clay, who we'd only just met, said that power could be obtained simply by "asking," so there's no reason why Uvogin and Machi shouldn't receive the same treatment...

So it must be that idiot Uvogin, because he's too proud to ask von Clay for help, that's why he hasn't mastered this power yet!

In a flash, Phinks cleared his mind, his eyes became clear, and his gaze toward Uvogin took on a strange and undisguised mockery.

Face? Self-esteem?

How much are these things worth in Meteor City?

Only by learning and mastering the skills and enhancing one's own abilities can one truly gain real benefits!

That idiot Uvogin, guarding such a treasure as the Bon Clay, actually didn't open it for such a ridiculous reason, it's hilarious!

And Machi, not only is Uvogin stupid, but she's with them too? No wonder those two can stick together!

In this matter, Finks and Uvogin had completely different attitudes.

Considering the environment of Meteor City and the two people's different survival experiences, it is difficult to say who is right and who is wrong, but it does reflect the differences in personality and way of doing things.

This also explains why, in the original timeline, after the Phantom Troupe was formed, Uvogin was closer to Nobunaga and Machi, while Feitan and Phinks were inseparable.

Even after Chrollo was kidnapped, Feitan and Phinks' choices appeared more rational and cold-blooded.

Once he understood this, Phinks immediately changed his tune:

"Please, Mr. Von Clay, show us around your house!"

He decisively said:

"Since you've treated us to so much delicious food, we have an obligation to get you home safely!"

Upon hearing this, Machi's eye twitched almost imperceptibly, and Uvogin nearly stumbled.

Taking someone home? Do you think this is child's play?!

This is clearly because they don't want me to eavesdrop on anything about power!

What a lame excuse!

"Send me home?"

A strange look appeared on von Clay's face...

"My home is so small and run-down, it probably can't fit so many people in!"

"It's okay, it's okay!"

Phinks waved his hands repeatedly...

Our main task is to escort you home safely.

"If it's really too crowded, we can find a place to stay temporarily."

He tried his best to make his狰狞 (zhengning, meaning ferocious or hideous) face appear sincere:

"Your safe return is the most important thing."

Then, I'll privately "request" that you ask me about power!

Finks thought to himself, a grin spreading across his face.

We can't let that idiot Uvogin eavesdrop!

He glanced at Uvogin's grim face and almost wanted to hum a tune in his mind.

It's so satisfying to make Uvogin look bad!

"Alright, then you can all come along!"

Von Klay smiled and agreed.

He didn't care whether he gave it away or not.

With his awakened Nen ability and the swirling aura, ordinary residents of Meteor City could not get close to him.

But just now, Phinks said—

"Please, von Clay, show us around your home."

He said "please".

Just then, von Klay was pondering how to improve his living conditions, and this ready-made "request" came along.

Ignoring Uvogin's ugly expression and silent grumbling, von Clay took Phinks and Feitan back to his residence.

Of course, Uvogin and Machi followed along.

"Wait, what are you two doing here?!"

At the von Clay's doorstep, Phinks gave Uvogin a disgruntled sidelong glance, who was following him around like a shadow.

"For escorting, Feitan and I are enough!"

"Go find somewhere cool and stay there!"

If he weren't afraid of overshadowing the host, he would have waved them away immediately.

"Isn't this because we're worried that some people don't even know the way and might end up being led into a garbage dump?"

Uvogin retorted:

"And they might even be harboring malicious intentions and plotting something sinister."