Piyon sounded disappointed. "But if you get any updates, can you let me know? I have a pretty solid background in ancient texts—I'm sure I can help."
"Alright," Ron replied.
He hung up and continued reaching out to contacts.
Next was Wendy—but she didn't know either.
Then he called Morena.
"Ark? I think I've heard that name somewhere," Morena said thoughtfully. She paused, searching her memory. "I think… I saw it once in a library in Kakin."
"Could you check it for me?" Ron asked.
"Is it urgent?" Morena's tone sharpened.
"Okay. I'm going back to Kakin right now," she decided.
The Underworld Mafia had chosen to continue their auction rather than cancel it, so technically Morena still had business to handle in Yorknew. But in her mind, Ron's matter was more important.
She handed things off to her subordinates. They didn't have her ability and might struggle to handle any complications—but Morena didn't care.
As the current head of the Heil-Ly Family, even if something went wrong, it wouldn't affect her much. At most, the bosses above might scold her. Nothing she couldn't live with.
"I'll take care of this," Morena muttered, and immediately set off for Kakin.
Meanwhile, Ron brought Elita back to meet Nina and the others.
"This is Elita," Ron introduced.
Ponzu turned to look. She recognized Elita—she had been one of the examinees during the Hunter Exam. And a successful one, too; she'd advanced further than most.
"These are my team members," Ron continued, addressing Elita directly. "Nina, Shizuku, Ponzu, Machi, Misty." Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on novel⟡fire.net
Elita gave a polite bow. "I'm Elita. Please take care of me."
Her abilities would be useful—especially her tracking skills. Like the Good Luck Butterflies from the Hunter Exam, but an enhanced version. She could identify targets by scent alone, even if their appearance or clothing changed.
Ron then returned to Illumi.
"Cousin Illumi—any progress?" Ron asked.
"None," Illumi replied plainly. "And you?"
"A friend of mine has heard the name and is looking into it now."
Illumi's eyes brightened slightly. If they couldn't gather intel in time, this mission would become far riskier for just the two of them. They might even have to ask Maha Zoldyck to intervene. Neither Zeno nor Silva would suffice—they were both A-rank Nen users, not beyond that threshold.
In this moment, the value of Ron's network became clear.
Illumi was older, had studied Nen longer, and spent far more time operating solo in the outside world. But that solitary approach meant his information channels were much narrower.
Not everyone would sell information for money alone.
For the most powerful individuals or major factions, money meant nothing—relationships did.
Ron's network, in contrast, was extensive.
In the Fiora Kingdom, he had close ties with Wendy, and through her, he had access to most of Fiora's intelligence. He had good relationships with Dominica, Achilles, and Robert, too.
In Meteor City, Machi was now part of his team, giving him an inside line on their intelligence.
In Kakin, Morena would never hide anything from him.
In Gourmet Paradise, Ron had entered a contract relationship with Alice.
Even Menchi and Buhara counted as friends.
And within the Hunter Association, he had solid relationships with Gel and Mizaistom.
That was why it was so easy for him to get Piyon's number. And why Piyon hadn't been guarded toward him.
Illumi couldn't match this. His life had been all about "working alone."
Ron glanced at Illumi. He wondered whether Illumi would rethink his attitude toward the idea of "friends" after seeing this. At least now, he'd know that friends weren't useless.
The two waited together.
Meanwhile, the Underworld Mafia's auction proceeded as planned.
The Phantom Troupe had disguised themselves and arrived nearby.
Kurapika and his team escorted Neon into the auction hall.
Milluki brought Gon, Killua, and Leorio too.
The entire venue seemed calm and peaceful on the surface—but no one could have imagined the waves hiding beneath that calm exterior.
Chrollo, Feitan, Phinks, Pakunoda, Hooker, Nobunaga, and Franklin stood at a vantage point overlooking the hall. Only Bonolenov had stayed behind due to his severe injuries.
All of them stared downward, eyes burning with anger.
"The Underworld Mafia," Chrollo said quietly.
"This time, we're going to tear this place apart."
All their frustration and hatred had built up over this period, and they were ready to let it all explode tonight.
Hisoka slipped into a quiet corner and sent a message.
His phone buzzed in Kurapika's pocket.
Kurapika pulled it out quickly, and when he read the contents, his pupils constricted sharply.
"The Phantom Troupe is still alive?"
"They're going to attack this auction?"
"Where will they strike from?"
Kurapika scanned the crowd, searching frantically for any sign of them—but he couldn't see a thing.
Neon sat happily nearby, utterly excited for the auction to begin.
Kurapika felt torn. If he left Neon alone, the other bodyguards wouldn't be able to protect her if danger came. They simply weren't strong enough.
But if he stayed by her side, he'd lose his chance to capture a Phantom Troupe member.
Not long after, the auction formally began.
Item after rare item was brought onstage—things one could never see on the normal market.
A princess's severed arm.
Even disease samples.
And then, a Greed Island cartridge.
"It's almost time," Killua whispered.
He and Gon sat together.
Leorio sat next to Gon, Milluki next to Killua.
"Brother, are you sure you've got this?" Killua asked again, unable to hold back.
"Hmph," Milluki snorted. "I prepared 30 billion jenny for this console. If anyone outbids me, I'll eat all that money right here."