HxH: Apex Predator

Unbeknownst to Ryker, Silva had already arrived at Heaven's Arena. While Silva observed from the shadows, Ryker focused on his next steps.

Ryker needed to test Kamui's capabilities in combat and evaluate the effects of 'Blue Hand.'

[AN: Blue Hand is a part of Twin Complete Hands ability, the other one being Red Hand, detailed explanation in ch 31]

These experiments were critical to his plans. Additionally, he aimed to gather more points by taking on more missions once he returned to Kukuroo Mountain.

Another of his objectives was to develop his own Nen ability. While he had the system as his trump card, he wanted to explore this world's unique power system.

Ryker believed that with his ingenuity and the system's deep-blue interface, crafting several unique Nen abilities wouldn't be too difficult.

He even mused whether creating a Nen beast would earn him additional points if the beast defeated opponents.

Shrugging off idle thoughts, Ryker decided to return home, secure his freedom to take missions, and find suitable test subjects to accelerate his progress.

As he exited his room, planning to take an airship back to Kukuroo Mountain, he sensed multiple eyes discreetly watching him.

At first, Ryker dismissed it, assuming these were challengers gathering intel on him after the floor master battle. But as he walked, the intensity of the scrutiny increased, and some observers began closing the distance.

'Interesting,' he thought, 'these people aren't just here for information. Could they be after me directly?'

His lips curled into a smirk. 'If that's the case, they're in for a surprise. I needed test subjects anyway. Let's see how they handle Kamui.'

Ryker altered his route, heading toward an abandoned construction site. The remote and desolate environment was ideal for what he had in mind.

After walking for about half an hour, he stopped and stood in the middle of the site.

"You've followed me long enough. How about showing yourselves?" he said calmly, though his voice carried a dangerous edge. "Don't be shy now. I'll make it worth your while."

*Whoosh!* *Whoosh!*

Six figures emerged from the shadows, loosely surrounding Ryker.

"Whoa, six monstrous fighters against little ol' me? I'm flattered—and terrified!" Ryker mocked, mimicking a tone of false fear.

Among the six, three formed a team—recognizable as the trio who'd schemed in the arena. Another two seemed like a pair of mercenaries. The last was a lone wolf, exuding an aura of overwhelming strength.

The group exchanged wary glances, clearly untrusting of one another. A tense equilibrium settled over them.

"Let me guess," Ryker said with feigned innocence, "you're all here for my floor master title? Or is there a bounty on my head I don't know about?"

The leader of the trio sneered. "Kid, hand over those red eyes of yours. Do that, and we'll let you leave alive. We'll even take care of the others for you."

Ryker's smirk grew wider as realization dawned. "Ah, so it's my eyes you're after. Makes sense. Well then…" He adjusted his sunglasses, preparing for what was to come.

"Let me show you what these eyes can do. Watch closely, everyone."

With that, Ryker activated Kamui. A swirling spatial distortion enveloped his sunglasses, pulling them into a void and revealing his crimson Mangekyō Sharingan. The intricate three-scythe design spun ominously in his eyes.

Ryker didn't hesitate. He charged toward the strongest of the six, locking eyes with the lone wolf. The man froze momentarily, caught off guard by the sudden aggression.

In that fleeting instant, Ryker extended his right hand, activating Kamui. A vortex of space appeared around the man, engulfing him completely.

The others watched in stunned silence as their comrade disappeared without a trace.

Fear rippled through the group. The remaining five reassessed their chances, doubt clouding their earlier confidence.

But Ryker wasn't about to give them time to recover. He shifted his focus to the duo. As he charged, he fired a flurry of Nen-infused bullets at the trio behind him—not to harm them, but to stall their movements.

Reaching the pair, Ryker created a near-invisible thread of reinforced Nen between his hands. With no defensive Nen protecting him, he appeared reckless, drawing the pair into striking range.

As they moved to intercept him, Ryker vanished, reappearing behind them. The thread tightened, forming a loop that ensnared both targets. A Kamui vortex opened, swallowing them whole.

Moments later, only Ryker and the trio remained. Two of the three were incapacitated, leaving the leader crawling on the ground, both legs shattered.

"Please! I was wrong! Spare me!" the leader begged, tears streaming down his face.

Ryker crouched beside him, smirking. "Don't worry. I'll fix your legs once I'm done. But first, there are a couple of rats I need to deal with."

He turned his gaze toward another direction. Two figures hidden in the shadows flinched, realizing they'd been discovered.

These two had followed the trio, intending to act as the proverbial hawks preying on mantises. But the events they'd witnessed had far exceeded their expectations.

Ryker's crimson eyes locked onto them, and they panicked, immediately turning to flee.

Ryker's body blurred as he activated Kamui once more, vanishing into the swirling void.

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