Chapter 70

As usual, Jin had never even considered attending the three-day meeting of the Twelve Earthly Branches.

Today, he came to Schwadani City to get a personal autograph from the author of "Swamp Man."

Of course,

If he hadn't just learned that the signing event was being held in Schwadani City, and if his previous location hadn't been relatively close to Schwadani City, he wouldn't have made the special trip.

Since it was a spur-of-the-moment decision, he wasn't sure if he would make it in time.

Anyway, even if he didn't make it, he wouldn't let his trip be in vain. He would visit the old street and indulge in the local specialties before leaving Schwadani City.

Leaving the airport, Jin headed straight for the mall where the signing event was being held.

When he arrived at his destination, he saw staff members removing the promotional boards for "Swamp Man" at the entrance of the mall.

Not far from the entrance, a young boy with a book in his hand was standing there, watching the staff remove the promotional boards.

Clearly, the signing event for "Swamp Man" had already ended, and the boy had also missed it.

"Too late."

Jin walked straight toward the staff members who were removing the promotional boards.

"Excuse me..."

"The signing event is over, and the author Davidson has already left."

The younger staff member, without even looking at Jin, waved his hand impatiently.

He had already answered similar questions many times, which was why he was so impatient.

"Alright."

Hearing that the author of "Swamp Man," Davidson, had already left, Jin glanced regretfully at the picture on the promotional board and then turned to leave.

Since he had come all this way for nothing, he might as well go and try some of the local specialties that were only available in Schwadani City.

At least he wouldn't have made the trip for nothing.

Jin thought to himself, glancing at the young boy who was still standing at the entrance.

Another disappointed soul...

Jin suddenly stopped, feeling a sudden urge to wave and greet the boy.

"Hey, kid."

"?"

Hearing Jin's greeting, Moyu looked over and asked, puzzled, "What is it?"

"Are you a fan of 'Swamp Man' too?"

Jin walked over to Moyu and asked in a very familiar manner.

Moyu didn't recognize Jin.

This was because Jin was neither unshaven nor wearing a broken, cornerless hat.

If it were someone with a strong style like Hisoka or Bisuke, or someone with a distinctive feature like Kurolo's blue bead earring, Moyu would have recognized them immediately based on their appearance and hairstyle.

But Jin, in Moyu's eyes, was just a young man in his early twenties, far from the disheveled "wanderer uncle" in the original story.

"Yes."

Moyu replied coldly, maintaining his guard.

He didn't have paranoia, but since the man in front of him was also a Nen user, it was better to be cautious.

Jin, however, paid no attention to Moyu's coldness. With his keen observation, he could clearly sense Moyu's vigilance, but he didn't care. He smiled naturally and said,

"I'm also a fan of 'Swamp Man.' I came from far away just to get a signed copy, but I was still too late."

"..."

Moyu didn't say anything, just glancing casually at the book in Jin's hand.

Jin looked at Moyu and asked curiously, "What about you? Did you get an autograph?"

"No."

Moyu shook his head.

He had also arrived too late and had already asked the staff members, receiving the same response.

"What a pity."

Jin sighed lightly and then invited Moyu straightforwardly, "I'm planning to get something to eat. Would you like to join me? As fellow fans of 'Swamp Man,' I think we have a lot to talk about."

"Thanks, but I've already eaten."

Moyu wouldn't agree to the invitation. If it weren't for Jin's friendly attitude, he would have left long ago.

Seeing Moyu decline the invitation, Jin showed a disappointed expression but then his eyes lit up.

"It's fine. I'm not that hungry anyway, so we can chat here."

Saying this, he sat cross-legged on the ground, his gaze full of expectation as he looked at Moyu.

The age difference was irrelevant to Jin.

What's going on with this guy?

Moyu silently watched Jin sit down on the ground.

"Please, sit down."

Jin gestured invitingly with a sincere look in his eyes.

But Moyu didn't sit down immediately.

The two of them just stared at each other.

Moyu could sense that the man in front of him was serious.

He couldn't understand what kind of mindset would lead someone to invite a stranger to sit on the street and discuss a book.

This person was truly strange, but...

There was a carefree and unconventional air about his casual behavior, a disregard for others' opinions.

Moyu, who had intended to leave, found himself sitting down as if compelled by some unseen force.

Seeing Moyu sit down, Jin enthusiastically placed the book he had brought with him in front of him and smiled, "Kid, I don't know your name yet."

"..."

Moyu paused for a moment, not giving the classic response of "You should introduce yourself first," but calmly gave the name on his fake ID: "Kester."

"Kester... meaning light, that's a good name."

Jin praised the "fake name" Moyu had given without showing any reaction.

His judgment was based on a simple observation: Moyu had hesitated for a moment before giving his name.

If someone hesitates in such a situation, it's likely they are deciding whether to give their real name or a fake one.

Most people don't hesitate before giving their real name.

After deducing this fact in a split second, Jin didn't find anything wrong with the act of wearing a mask.

Because he often did the same thing.

Whether in real life or on online forums when he was trying to mess with people.

"Nick, nice to meet you."

Jin introduced himself and extended his right hand to Moyu.

Moyu politely shook Jin's hand and quickly withdrew it.

"Kester, which chapter of 'Swamp Man' do you like the most?"

"Um..."

Hearing this, Moyu thought for a moment and then replied,

"The chapter I like the most is probably the 'Spread' chapter before the final act. Author Davidson perfectly created a plot that feels like the end of the world, filled with a sense of despair that makes you feel as if you're right there in the story."

"Uh-huh."

Jin nodded in agreement as he listened.

Moyu flipped through the book in his hand and said slowly,

"But the reason I like this chapter isn't because of the overwhelming sense of despair that Author Davidson conveys through the text."

He looked down at the content of the page and continued,

"Rather, it's because in the 'Swamp Man' that begins to spread, Author Davidson uses 'humanity' as the key to unlock the last glimmer of hope. This was a big surprise to me."

"Indeed..."

Jin's eyes sparkled as he sighed, "True fans of a book will eventually share common views and opinions. Kester, can I ask you one more question?"

"Sure."

Moyu looked up at Jin.

Jin said seriously, "Since the 'Swamp Man' and the 'replaced humans' have the same appearance, memories, and even thoughts, what differences do you think still exist between them? I'd like to know your thoughts on this."

"Predation and being preyed upon."

Moyu answered Jin's question without hesitation.

Meanwhile,

In a single apartment in Schwadani City.

The leader of the Phantom Troupe, Kurolo, stood in front of a young corpse.

"To take what you want is the way of a 'thief.'"

He held a signed copy of "Swamp Man" in his hand.