Lines of thought converged in Ron's mind:
The role of the Bee Queen.
Ponzu, the only survivor.
Parker's way of existing.
And the relationship between Parker and Oster.
Once all these pieces came together, they pointed to a single conclusion: Oster was very likely trying to transform himself into a nonhuman existence, much like Parker.
"So this is the correct use of parasites?"
"Parker has already completed his transformation. Right after learning Nen, he immediately reached C-rank, which shows a drastic increase in talent and potential compared to his human state."
"Oster's strength is tremendous."
"In A-rank Nen users, he's among the top. Otherwise, Nightfall wouldn't have been completely wiped out."
"In this situation, there's only one direction Oster could be aiming for."
"He wants to obtain even greater power—to step into S-rank."
"Apparently, Oster feels that his own innate potential can't reach that level."
"That's why he researched these parasites—to break his limits."
"Oster excels in many aspects already. He's an A-rank Nen user, a minister in the Saherta United Federation. He has wealth, power, status, and women. He really has nothing else to pursue, except two things:
"One, overthrowing the royal family of the Saherta United Federation and becoming king himself.
"Two, becoming an S-rank Nen user."
"The first is much harder than the second. The royal family of the Saherta United Federation shouldn't be underestimated, and Gruna is one of their protectors."
Suddenly, Ron had a thought.
"Parker's success proves Oster's research has made significant progress. If I manage to obtain the results of that research, maybe I can let Ponzu use them?"
"Could Ponzu become an S-rank Nen user?"
Ron considered the possibility.
He was confident in his own future—given his talent, the ability of 'Observer's Intent' and his various advantages as a transmigrant, he believed he could naturally reach S-rank through normal means.
However, no one else on Ron's team was close to S-rank. Sally, Nina, Shizuku, and Ruco still had a ways to go. The only one who showed potential was Misty, the little girl Ron had picked up in the Fiora Kingdom, one of the victims of Red Tron's human-trafficking ring.
Like Machi of the Phantom Troupe, Misty could see aura before she'd even learned Nen. But whereas Machi chose a support-oriented, healing path for the Troupe's sake, Ron planned the most optimal route for Misty's development.
"If Ponzu really could become S-rank, then even venturing to the Dark Continent in the future would be a lot more manageable."
"I need to keep a close watch on Oster."
At the Saherta United Federation's border, a figure in disguise prepared to leave. He glanced back at the royal city in the distance, his emotions complicated.
He had already reached the pinnacle in the Saherta United Federation, and his parasite research was practically complete. He was just one step away. If he could find that one surviving test subject, retrieve that special parasite, he could succeed. But at the very last moment, it all failed.
He had no choice but to abandon the Saherta United Federation, finding some remote place to hide and start over.
Suddenly, another figure appeared silently at his side. Oster's pupils shrank as he raised his guard instinctively.
"Oster, you've disappointed us."
The newcomer, who appeared outwardly middle-aged, looked at Oster. "Allow me to introduce myself: my name is Bild, and Salona sent me to bring you back."
Oster darted aside, putting distance between them. But the moment his feet touched the ground, Bild was already next to him again.
Either Bild was far faster than Oster, or he had some special ability.
"Don't bother struggling. It's useless."
Bild reached out to grab Oster. No matter how Oster tried to dodge, it was impossible to evade. Bild's hand landed on Oster's shoulder, and in that instant, Oster discovered he couldn't move at all. He was completely immobilized.
Oster's heart pounded.
"What's happening? What ability is this? I'm an A-rank Nen user!"
"I told you, resistance is pointless. There's a gap in rank between us. Everything you have is child's play in my eyes."
"Come on. Let's not keep Salona waiting."
With that, Bild took Oster back to the royal city of the Saherta United Federation.
Deep underground, Oster found himself imprisoned. Over a dozen Nen needles had been stuck into his body, forcing him into Zetsu and rendering his powers unusable. He was no different from a normal person.
A figure appeared before him—it was Salona.
Only then did Oster realize the man who captured him was an S-rank Nen user, precisely the kind he had always longed to become. He was one of the forces the Saherta royal family relied on to maintain their rule.
In this world, advanced technology and weapons are powerful, so Nen users aren't invincible. Something like the Rose can indeed kill an S-rank Nen user. But if both sides have the Rose, having an S-rank Nen user on your side provides a decisive advantage.
"Oster, do you know where you went wrong?"
Faced with Salona's question, Oster lowered his head.
"I'm sorry. I was wrong… Uncle."