HunterxHunter: I Became Stronger After Death

"The aura output of Benjamin is roughly around Level 40…"

Retreating into the forest, Moro turned and quickened his pace, putting as much distance as possible between himself and the lake.

The encounters with Nen users since his resurrection and the changes he observed in his own aura levels with each upgrade had given Moro a relatively clear understanding of "levels."

Using his own aura output as a reference, Moro estimated Benjamin's level to be around 40.

Experienced Nen practitioners typically develop their own methods for gauging an opponent's strength. Some rely on mission difficulty ratings, others on numerical evaluations, or even classifications akin to game monsters.

Despite the varied approaches, all these methods share a common foundation: experience.

What Moro lacked most was precisely that. However, thanks to the tattoo's ability to quantify his aura output, he could use his own level as a baseline for comparison.

He pegged Benjamin at Level 40. Though he couldn't be certain, it was clear Benjamin's aura output exceeded his own by a considerable margin.

Aura strength wasn't an absolute measure of a Nen user's combat ability, but it was a fundamental piece of information observable before direct confrontation.

From the moment Benjamin appeared, his composed demeanor and consistent aura output gave Moro the impression of someone calculated and untrustworthy. Wary of unnecessary complications, Moro had no intention of lingering.

However, Benjamin's unique boning knife, radiating Nen energy and effortlessly cutting through the deer antler, piqued Moro's interest.

Its sharpness, even without the use of "Enhance" techniques like Shu, demonstrated its quality.

Moro made a mental note to acquire a high-quality weapon for himself in the future, something versatile enough for similar situations.

The Forest

Moro moved deeper into the forest, stepping on damp leaves and broken branches. Occasionally, he glanced back toward the lake.

Benjamin's sudden appearance had disrupted his plans, forcing him to retreat without choosing his direction carefully.

Now that he was inside the forest, he decided to follow this path wherever it led.

After trekking for several kilometers, the trees grew denser, the visibility dimming as moonlight barely filtered through the canopy.

Moro pulled out a flashlight from his backpack and pressed forward.

The stolen supplies from the poachers had solved some immediate challenges, providing him with food, tools, and other necessities.

The wilderness of this world, filled with uncharted territories like forests, mountains, plains, and deserts, was rife with danger. Beyond the supernaturally powerful beasts, even seemingly insignificant creatures like venomous insects could deliver a silent death.

In such environments, practical survival knowledge was often more critical than raw Nen ability.

Lacking wilderness survival experience, Moro had spent most of his time managing an antique shop before his current situation. Back then, he thought the most dangerous entities were the schemers who spun lies so easily.

Here, in the dense wilds, he now feared being physically devoured.

The flashlight beam pierced the darkness but was soon swallowed by the surrounding blackness. His senses absorbed the oppressive atmosphere of dampness, stillness, and shadows.

He pressed on with heightened vigilance, periodically deploying En in bursts to scan the area. Though his En only extended to a radius of 20 meters, using it intermittently conserved his energy and allowed him to stay alert without depleting himself.

Another Lake

Finally, after what felt like hours, the trees thinned, and glimpses of moonlight appeared between the branches. Moro quickened his pace, heading toward the newfound brightness.

Emerging from the forest, he found himself by a lake, its surface shimmering under the silver moonlight.

He halted, turning off his flashlight.

"Did I just circle back?"

The sight of another lake raised his suspicions. Could he have gotten lost and returned to the same lake where he had left Benjamin?

To confirm, Moro entered Zetsu, silencing his aura entirely, and approached the lakeside cautiously.

Silver light danced on the rippling water.

Standing behind a tree, Moro scanned the area. No sign of Benjamin, the poachers' corpses, or the distinct terrain from earlier. The vegetation and layout were markedly different.

"This is a different lake."

He let out a quiet breath of relief but froze upon noticing something peculiar.

Near the lake stood a large willow tree draped with thick vines. Beneath it were seven motionless figures and a man sitting against the tree trunk.

"Those are…"

Moro's pupils contracted. He edged closer along the treeline, keeping his movements slow and silent.

As the distance shrank, he could discern faint Nen radiating from the seven figures.

"It's weak Nen… but they're not normal people."

The figures, lifeless and doll-like, gave Moro a sense of unease.

Then he noticed something that made his expression darken: none of the seven figures had shadows.

In that instant, Moro recognized the sitting figure by the tree.

"The shadow manipulator…"

It was the same man who had controlled the passengers aboard the airship.

Moro's gaze locked onto the manipulator's flowing Nen. The memory of the manipulator's actions reignited a cold killing intent within him.

An Ambush

Holding back the urge to rush in recklessly, Moro calculated his options.

Though the manipulator was seated and seemingly defenseless, Moro knew his Nen likely operated under unknown conditions and restrictions.

"Fraudulent Star."

Suppressing his aura, Moro aimed carefully before firing two small green Nen orbs backward into the forest.

A moment later, the orbs reversed direction, accelerating toward the figures near the willow tree.

The manipulator, Rokuhara, snapped open his eyes as the orbs whistled through the air. His seven puppet-like subordinates reacted instantly, moving to shield their master.

BOOM!

The green orbs exploded on impact, sending limbs and blood flying. In an instant, the seven puppets were obliterated, their remains scattered around the lakeside.

Rokuhara stood slowly, his eyes fixed on the carnage with a mix of shock and rage.

"I went through so much trouble to keep those puppets intact…"

His rage momentarily overcame him, but he quickly regained composure. His aura, initially turbulent, steadied into a controlled flow.

"You…!"

Rokuhara's gaze locked onto Moro, who stepped into view under the moonlight.

"Didn't expect a ninja."

Moro squinted, noting Rokuhara's black mask, tight suit, and katana—a combination of ninja and samurai aesthetics.

Rokuhara said nothing. With no available shadows to power his ability, he drew his blade and assumed a combat stance.

Moro smirked faintly. "No abilities? Then it's just a sword fight…"

Rokuhara lunged, but Moro unleashed a flurry of Fraudulent Stars, their green light streaking toward him.

Though Rokuhara deflected and dodged many orbs, Moro's relentless barrage left no room for retaliation.

When Rokuhara finally closed the gap, dozens of orbs hovered behind him—waiting.

"Checkmate," Moro murmured as the orbs reversed in unison, crashing into Rokuhara like a meteor shower.

Amidst the glowing impacts, Rokuhara fell to the ground, his body mangled and lifeless.

Moro walked to Rokuhara's remains, his tattoo glowing faintly.

Lv.18 → Lv.22

He smiled, feeling the surge of power. "Four levels in one go. Not bad."

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