Chapter 26

While Allen was delving into the Molten Core to hunt down minions and hone his Nen abilities, Chrollo, who had lain unconscious by the lakeside for a whole day and night, finally woke up.

He first sat up and stretched his sore and aching body, then said with a disappointed look, "So, I didn’t die? I’m still alive?"

"No, in a sense, you did die once. That guy didn’t hold back at all, beating you to within an inch of your life. But later, he did something that brought you back from the brink of death," Illumi, who had been standing by, explained.

"Oh? Was it his Nen ability?" Chrollo’s eyes, which had been devoid of life, instantly became sharp.

"I don’t know! His abilities are more varied and bizarre than anyone I’ve ever seen, making them hard to fathom. I suggest you don’t provoke him again until you understand his abilities better," Illumi said expressionlessly, giving his opinion on Allen.

"Hehe, the unknown is the most interesting, isn’t it? And that battle was incredibly satisfying! Unprecedentedly satisfying! I feel like I can become even stronger!"

As he spoke, Chrollo’s eyes sparkled with excitement, anticipation, and an intense desire.

He wasn’t discouraged by his failure; instead, it fueled his competitive spirit and his strong desire to destroy the perfect "fruit" he had cultivated.

Seeing his "best friend" with this expression, Illumi shrugged indifferently, "Do as you please! But I have to remind you that, based on the contract you made, you won’t be able to use Nen for about three months."

"No problem! It’s just three months. I’ll use this time to think of ways to deal with him," Chrollo responded confidently, stroking his chin.

"Do you need me to provide you with some additional information?" Illumi suddenly asked.

Chrollo nodded without hesitation, "Of course! Please tell me everything you know."

"First, that guy and the wolf by his side definitely have some kind of telepathic communication. They never exchanged any words, yet they could perfectly coordinate their actions from two different angles.

Second, that black-purple energy is likely not a human ability but the wolf’s. I noticed that when the wolf was on guard, its teeth and claws would unconsciously emit a similar aura, though very faint. But I, with my heightened sensitivity, could still detect it.

Third, his Nen seems to have characteristics of both Conjuration and Transmutation. Your respiratory system was damaged by an invisible Nen, which was hidden from you," Illumi calmly analyzed his observations.

It had to be said that as the eldest son of the Zoldyck family, a renowned assassin clan, he had a unique talent for gathering and analyzing information.

He quickly saw through many of the smokescreens Allen had deliberately set up to confuse and mislead.

"You mean... he and the wolf can borrow each other’s Nen abilities?!" Chrollo’s lips curled up in undisguised delight, as if he had suddenly solved a long-standing puzzle.

"Yep! Based on my observations and judgment, that’s correct. Most importantly, the wolf never attacked, only remained vigilant against me, so it’s unknown if it has any other abilities. Also, the Nen beast by his side is quite unusual and might have hidden abilities we don’t know about. In short, he’s a tough opponent and is growing at an alarming rate," Illumi concluded seriously.

"I understand this better than you. Besides the abilities you mentioned, Allen has a Enhancement-type Nen. In the third exam, the Trap Tower, he broke my defense with just one punch, which neither Conjuration nor Transmutation could achieve," Chrollo added meaningfully.

"In that case, he and the wolf together might have mastered more than five types of Nen—Enhancement, Conjuration, Transmutation, Emission, and Specialization—and can use them interchangeably? Is that really possible?" Illumi questioned.

Given the limited time and energy of a person, he found it hard to imagine how a 14-15 year old boy could develop his Nen to such a terrifying level in just a year.

"Nen is a manifestation of the mind and will! It can also be strengthened and elevated through intense realization and emotion. Whatever Allen did to make such a rapid improvement, he is the fruit I nurtured and must be destroyed by my own hands," Chrollo said with a determined tone, clenching his fists tightly.

"Good luck! Now, I’m going to hunt for the target number plates. Do you want me to bring yours back too?" Illumi stood up and asked.

"No, thank you, but it’s not necessary. Although I can’t use Nen for now, dealing with a few examinees is no problem," Chrollo refused without hesitation.

...

Meanwhile, on the Hunter Association’s airship circling above the island, Chairman Netero and several examiners had just finished watching the recording of Allen and Chrollo’s battle and fell into a brief silence.

After about two or three minutes, Chairman Netero broke the silence with a smile, "What do you think of these two?"

"I think they’re both too dangerous! Whether it’s Chrollo or this boy named Allen. Especially that ominous black-purple energy, it’s so evil it makes me shudder," Keno spoke up first.

"Agreed! That energy is indeed dangerous, as if it corrodes life and matter from the inside, and it’s unclear if it can be defended against normally," Satotsu added.

As the examiner for the first exam, he had the longest contact with Allen and Chrollo and understood them better than the other examiners.

Every time he recalled the tense battle in the underground tunnel, he felt a chill.

"My view is different! Chrollo may be a dangerous individual, but Allen is not. His actions are more rational, and he doesn’t exude much killing intent. If he passes the exam and becomes a Hunter, he will likely make a name for himself in some field," Leorio, the examiner for the third exam, offered a different opinion.

As a bounty hunter, he could easily perceive a person’s hidden mental state.

Chrollo was a typical case of personality disorder, manic, and pathological, easily entering a berserk state due to emotional fluctuations.

Allen, on the other hand, remained rational throughout, even in battle.

"I agree with Leorio! A boy who can train his animal companion to use Nen and has excellent culinary skills must be passionate about life and adventure, not someone who would fall into darkness," Buhara, who didn’t side with his friend Keno this time, said.

"Ohohoho! Two against two, it seems that the 105th examinee has caused a polarized impression among you. But there’s one point that seems beyond dispute: his demonstrated strength, right?" Chairman Netero glanced at the elite members of the Hunter Association.

"Yes!"

"He’s very strong!"

"He has many abilities!"

"And they are very mysterious!"

The four examiners nodded in agreement.

"In that case, I’ll have a personal talk with him after the exam."

Chairman Netero made the final decision, bringing the discussion to a close.

PS: New book, please follow and recommend, thank you very much.