HxH: Ryomen... Satoru?

An A-class wanted criminal, someone who had killed over a hundred people and was also a Nen user, wouldn't lose in such an unremarkable underground fight ring.

Cyr watched as Kleiber Fahl won match after match. With every victory, the woman in the audience would throw a flying kiss and a sultry glance at him, followed by a teasing line:

"Well done, my darling doggie. I'll reward you after this."

At this, Kleiber Fahl would work even harder to perform impressively.

It was bizarre. Incredibly bizarre.

Kleiber, who had always targeted women, was widely believed to be an extreme mysoginist. And yet, here he was, obediently responding to a woman who kept calling him her "good dog."

Cyr stared at the woman's back for a moment before shifting his gaze.

After profiting significantly from Kleiber's wins, the woman finally gave him his "reward" when his match was over.

The big winner of the night, Kleiber, drew everyone's attention as he walked up to the woman.

She remained seated, raised her hand without hesitation, and slapped him across the face.

Her manicured nails left several bloody scratches on his cheek, and the crisp sound of the slap drew the attention of everyone in the arena.

"Well done, you stupid dog."

Her voice was arrogant, dripping with disdain.

Kleiber dropped to his knees, pleading with her in a fanatical display of submission.

"You're so pathetic…" she sneered, kicking him in the face and knocking him to the ground.

Kleiber whimpered.

"Worthless mutt," she spat, pressing her foot harder against him and stomping aggressively.

The scene was so shocking that everyone present was left utterly dumbfounded.

Wasn't this guy dominating the ring just moments ago? How did he turn into this the moment he stepped off?

Could you two please take your... interests home? Or at least to a hotel? Seriously, they'd be happy to pay for the room.

Cyr watched with interest, even pulling out his phone to record the scene.

The world of Hunters certainly had no shortage of fascinating characters and abilities.

Who would've guessed this guy was a two hundred million worth fugitive?

Cyr stood and quietly followed the pair.

The woman dragged Kleiber out of the underground arena, but they hadn't gone far when a figure appeared ahead of them.

It was someone dressed in a white hoodie with the hood up.

The woman halted in her tracks as the figure removed their hood, revealing snow-white hair and delicate features.

It was immediately apparent that this was a boy—around thirteen or fourteen years old.

But what stood out the most were the strange black markings on his face and the sky-like blue of his eyes.

This boy... He'd undoubtedly catch the interest of many collectors.

For example, things like hair, eyes, or skin.

"Now it's interview time," the white-haired, blue-eyed boy said with a bright, cheerful smile.

"A-class wanted criminal Kleiber Fahl, do you have any thoughts about becoming someone else's dog?" he asked in a mocking tone.

The woman glanced back at the man she was holding onto.

Of course, she knew his identity. From the very day this man targeted her, intending to kill her, but ended up being controlled by her ability instead, he had willingly confessed his identity to her.

Yet, she hadn't turned him in for the bounty. Why?

Because he was a useful tool, and she wasn't a bounty hunter—she was a contract hunter.

Hired by the wealthy to handle tasks, whether legal or illegal... that was her role as a contract hunter.

What's more, she wasn't even a licensed Hunter, having never acquired an official license.

In this world, there were plenty of people who called themselves Hunters without ever earning the official title, and she was one of them.

She had found herself a capable "dog," but it seemed... she might have invited trouble as well.

"None of your business," Kleiber growled. While he was submissive toward the woman, his attitude toward others was completely different. His gaze at the white-haired boy was filled with murderous intent.

"Aren't you a dog? At least act like one," the boy said, raising his brows, his voice dropping to a lower pitch.

He smirked, his lips curling upward. "For instance—"

An invisible attack hit Kleiber, so fast that he didn't even have time to react.

By the time he realized what had happened, his hands and feet were severed. Unable to maintain his balance, he fell to his knees.

Cyr casually took a few steps forward, looking down at the man from above with an expression full of amusement.

"Kneeling like a dog suits you perfectly," he remarked.

"You—" Kleiber Fahl stammered, staring at his cleanly severed, blood-soaked wrists. He didn't need to check to know that his ankles were in the same condition.

With his balance completely gone, his body swayed unsteadily, unable to stand.

The woman's eyes gleamed with anticipation and challenge.

"Kid, do you want to kiss big sister?" She playfully tapped her glossy, sparkling lips with her finger, her tone dripping with seduction.

A strong, handsome boy like this—it was enough to make her heart itch.

"You..." The white-haired boy stared at her with his sky-blue eyes for a moment before realization dawned on him.

"Oh, I see. Your ability is triggered through a kiss, isn't it?"

"If you can't kiss, then it's useless."

"Your physical strength is average, you can't fight, and your nen is mediocre. You're practically a beginner..."

"You're not a professional Hunter," he concluded lightly.

Even the way she used her ability was crude.

"Since your ability is barely interesting, I'll let you off this time," he said casually before completely ignoring her and turning his attention back to Kleiber.

He began his routine interrogation—a ritual every criminal had to go through before their death.

"Got money? How much in fake accounts? What are the passwords?"

"Want to buy your life, or die right now?"

The woman, now ignored, stood to the side, listening to the boy's questions. A sinking feeling began to grow in her chest.

Kleiber's money...

It was all in her hands.

Crap. Why does it feel like I'm in a really bad situation right now?

Could I still escape? But this boy had taken her dog's hands and feet without a sound. If she tried to turn and run...

Her end probably wouldn't be much better than Kleiber's.

Kleiber would never betray her under the influence of her ability, but her ability could still be interrupted.

Then maybe... I can try to distract him?

"Um, kid, why aren't you answering my question?" the woman asked with a smile.

As she hoped, the white-haired boy turned to look at her, but what he said next was not what she wanted to hear.

"Ah, so you've taken it," he said knowingly, his tone calm. "Hand it over willingly."

°°°

If you want to read ahead and access 20 advanced chapters, check the patreon

Link: Patreon/Moziel