Chapter 32

Shivir's feeling was not wrong.

As an Enhancer, her performance in speed was clearly superior to Kido's.

However, no matter how she attacked, she couldn't even touch a corner of Kido's clothes.

This was even the case when Ken joined in the attack.

What was going on?

Shivir, of course, knew that this might be related to Kido's ability, but she couldn't understand the principle behind it.

But Ken noticed.

It wasn't the enhanced eyesight typical of Enhancers, but rather an enhanced conceptual observational ability.

But that wasn't quite right.

Such an explanation seemed inaccurate.

Because even with enhanced observational ability, at most, one could only see the surface...

To make someone think, "Do you have precognition?" would require an insight that transcends the norm!

That's right.

It was an insight mixed with analytical and judgmental abilities.

However, Ken, who had reached a specific conclusion, was even more curious about something else.

That was—

While Kido was evading attacks, there were many opportunities for counterattacks, but she didn't take them.

Ken raised this question, not expecting an answer from Kido, but merely to convey information to his companions.

To his surprise, Kido responded.

"Caution is my answer."

Kido's expression was calm. As she spoke, she raised her right hand, which was wearing a white glove, palm up, in a gesture similar to an invitation.

This was a gesture she made unconsciously when "lecturing."

"Because of caution?"

Ken's eyes narrowed, and he quickly glanced at Cole, who was "on standby," and then at Gebur, who was "spinning the slot machine."

"Ah, I see."

He feigned a look of realization and smiled. "I don't mind satisfying your desire to 'buy time.' Under this premise, I have a question."

As he spoke,

This man, whose offensive style was particularly suited to Enhancers, actually closed his spirit holes, putting his body into a "void" state.

Without the protection of "qi," a single shot could end his life.

Ken's sudden action did not change Kido's expression, but—

It wasn't entirely without effect.

Kido's fingers, holding the "Medical Register," moved imperceptibly.

For a moment...

She wanted to cancel her ability and deliver a fatal blow to Ken.

Given the current situation, she, a non-combatant in terms of Nen, found it difficult to defeat four Nen experts.

But if she could reduce their numbers by one, there would be a chance to break the deadlock.

Ken seemed not to notice Kido's subtle movements, maintaining an elegant smile. "Of course, the question I want to raise doesn't require your answer."

"..."

Kido remained silent.

She was indeed buying time, and the other party's words and actions seemed to deliberately cater to her.

Shivir was also silent.

Out of trust in her companions, she restrained her urge to continue attacking when Kido made no move.

But as an Enhancer, it was a struggle for her to hold back.

"Caution, the dog of the Twelve Earthly Branches. Normally, seeing an enemy with unknown abilities standing by, maintaining vigilance and proceeding cautiously is a normal response. But don't forget, one of my companions is already 'using their ability.'"

Ken held his long sword horizontally, assuming an offensive stance, and said seriously,

"The 'slot machine' that has been materialized and my companion's continuous 'spinning'—anyone with a brain can see that it's a 'preparation' ability, a countdown in a Nen battle. But you didn't try to interfere, so..."

Abundant Nen returned to Ken.

As he spoke, he opened his spirit holes, allowing Nen to cover his body again.

"You're not not doing it, but you can't do it. So, returning to my initial question, why don't you counterattack? It's not that you don't counterattack, but that you can't counterattack. This is the constraint of your ability!"

Before he finished speaking, Ken took a step forward.

Bang!

The ground cracked.

Ken, enveloped in Nen, shot toward Kido like a streak of light.

In many cases, the confrontation between Nen users is more like an "information war."

Shivir, who had listened to Ken's argument, also gained a key piece of information.

The Twelve Earthly Branches in front of her seemed to have a constraint like "cannot attack."

Shivir trusted Ken's judgment and immediately burst with a powerful aura, attacking Kido from the other side.

This time,

Her attack left no room for retreat.

The combined offensive of the two experts put pressure on Kido again.

"Hmm, basically correct. Is this guy really an Enhancer..."

Kido's eyes were fixed on the attacking Ken and Shivir.

When she materialized the "Medical Register," it granted her abilities that transcended the norm, and insight was one of them.

The initial purpose of this ability was to solve various "difficult cases" more smoothly and efficiently, while also significantly reducing the probability of "misdiagnosis."

Given this purpose—

The constraint of this ability was "a doctor's benevolence."

A morally noble and benevolent doctor would never harm others.

Despite the constraint being revealed by Ken, Kido was not affected.

The reason was—

The constraint only coexisted with the ability when it was active.

Kido mobilized her Nen, easily evading Ken's attack, and responded to Shivir's Nen flow and extremely subtle limb movements.

Dodge, still dodge—

Ken's sword and Shivir's tiger fist and wheel knife, in a storm of attacks, still couldn't touch Kido.

However,

Because Shivir focused all her attention on the attack, Kido's evasion this time seemed even more dangerous than before.

In contrast, Ken did not put all his effort into the attack.

After all...

Not being able to attack and not being able to counterattack are different.

There was a slight error in what Shivir understood.

This slight error made her, who was attacking without reservation, reveal a vulnerability she hadn't shown before.

"Opportunity."

Kido's pupils contracted and dilated rapidly like a camera shutter, smoothly and effortlessly canceling the "Medical Register."

With the ability canceled, the constraint of "a doctor's benevolence" no longer existed, and she had a free hand.

Flow!

Kido quickly mobilized her Nen, using her free hand to deflect Ken's attack trajectory, then rapidly channeled Nen to her right hand and delivered a precise punch to Shivir's vulnerability.

Bang!

Shivir grunted and flew backward.

Ken's eyes changed slightly, and he wanted to take advantage of the situation to attack, but Kido had already rematerialized the "Medical Register."

"Truly worthy of the Twelve Earthly Branches..."

Outside the battle circle.

Gebur, who was "spinning the slot machine," and Cole, who seemed to be doing nothing, echoed Ken's sentiment at this moment.

"Cole, are you not 'ready' yet?"

Gebur's gaze shifted to Cole.

"It has already 'sprouted.'"

Cole replied.