A C-rank Nen user, giving it their all in a desperate counterattack, can be incredibly destructive. Surviving such an encounter is already an impressive feat.
"Did you witness the Shadow Beasts in action?"
"I heard from others that it was Master Lizard and Master Wild Dog."
A glimmer of admiration flashed in Greed's eyes.
"As expected of the Shadow Beasts. They could easily suppress even someone like Jin."
"One day, I hope to have that kind of power."
"I want to become one of the Shadow Beasts."
"By the way, Ron, didn't you say you wanted to meet Kyler's mentor?"
"Then follow me," Greed said. "I need to head to Laboratory 2 anyway. Come along, and I'll introduce you to him."
"Thank you, Senior Greed."
Waters had already pulled the car up to the manor's entrance. Greed and Ron got in.
"Ron, once we reach Laboratory 2, don't wander around. It's very dangerous inside—even I don't dare to roam freely. Stay close to me, understand?"
The car headed toward the outskirts of Orion. As it entered Ron's view, they were surrounded by dense woods.
The forest was thick, with piles of trash littered around, evoking memories of the scenes Ron had once seen in Meteor City.
The car came to a stop.
Greed and Ron exited, and Waters drove off to park nearby.
After a while, a young man approached.
"Master Greed, please follow me."
Ron and Greed followed the young man.
The ground suddenly split open, revealing a massive crevice with a staircase descending below.
The young man led the way down the stairs, with Greed and Ron close behind.
"Who would've thought Laboratory 2 was hidden underground," Ron murmured, eyeing a crystal ball ahead of them. Once they were below ground, the crystal began absorbing energy much faster.
"I wonder if there's an external network here. If so, Chii could infiltrate and gather more intel."
The armoury's network was easy to locate and access, but Chii had been unable to find anything on Laboratory 2. This either meant the network here was extremely well-hidden or was an isolated, local network with no external connections.
If it was the latter, there wasn't much Chii could do. But if it were the former, a signal sent from within would allow Chii to find and penetrate the lab's network quickly.
The atmosphere was dark and damp, with a strange, unsettling vibe. Only the sound of footsteps echoed around them.
Finally, the young man stopped.
"Master Greed, the teacher is inside."
With that, the young man opened the door.
Greed walked in, and Ron followed. The young man stayed outside, guarding the entrance.
An elderly man looked up, glancing at Greed and Ron. He smiled, but it was far from warm—instead, his smile had a hint of cruelty.
Dandins scrutinized Ron.
"So, you're a friend of Kyler's daughter?"
"What happened to Kyler was a shame," Dandins mused. "Among my students, Kyler wasn't the most gifted, but his determination was unmatched."
"If he hadn't died, he'd have had a bright future."
"Thank you for taking care of Kyler's daughter."
"As Kyler's teacher, it's only right that I show my appreciation in his absence."
Dandins pulled out an item.
"This is my latest research achievement. If you ever find yourself in mortal danger, drink this potion. It will grant you additional strength to kill your enemies and survive."
Ron looked to Greed, who nodded, prompting him to step forward.
"Thank you, Master Dandins."
Ron accepted the potion, and Dandins rose.
"Greed, let's discuss that matter in the adjoining conference room."
"Very well," Greed nodded, glancing at Ron. "Stay here and don't wander."
Dandins opened a nearby door, and he and Greed entered, leaving Ron alone in the room. He took a look around and noticed numerous hidden cameras. It was clear that his actions here would be closely monitored.
Ron hesitated, then took a seat. Nearby, a computer was already on, with nothing on the desktop but confirmed internet access.
Ron's eyes lit up. He opened the browser, typed "online games" into the search bar, and navigated to a random website, selecting a few games at random.
Meanwhile, elsewhere, Chii was monitoring that particular game site, analyzing the various IP addresses and quickly pinpointing Ron's current computer's IP.
The infiltration began. With Chii's advanced skills, no one in Laboratory 2 detected a thing.
In seconds, Chii controlled the computer, surveillance, and recording devices.
"Master Dandins, what do you think of him?"
"He's decent," Dandins said coolly. "So, you're ready for the plan?"
"Yes," Greed replied. "Before, I only admired Ron because I saw a younger version of myself in him. But now, this is my opportunity."
"A spot among the Shadow Beasts has opened up."
"I've dreamed of joining their ranks."
"This is a chance I cannot miss."
"This may be the only opportunity of my life."
"That's why I must seize it."
"I want to grow stronger."
"I want to rise above everyone!"
"So, Master Dandins, I am willing to proceed with your plan."
"As for Ron… I can only apologize. But for my chance to become a Shadow Beast, his sacrifice is worth it."
Dandins nodded in approval.
"I am more than willing. I've prepared this plan for a long time but was missing the right subject. Your offer is a welcome one."
"But, Greed, Ron may not be as simple as you think."