Shaiapouf flapped his colorful butterfly wings, emitting waves of scale powder.
These scales drifted with the breeze toward the gathered citizens, clearly having a hypnotic effect.
Knov observed through the telescope that after inhaling it, everyone's expressions gradually grew blank and lifeless as if their will had been drained.
And the soldiers around them, or rather, the puppets, were playing the monotonous background music.
They kept repeating the same orders, drilling those words deep into the exhausted minds of the people who were exhausted from the long journey to get there.
With the dim sky, it was the most suitable environment for hypnotic suggestion.
Even if the blood dyed the surroundings red, people would still stand there obediently until it was their turn.
All of this had been carefully arranged by the royal guards for the selection process.
"Because if someone fails the selection, they will be killed on the spot. At that point, even with the authority of the supreme leader and the military's suppression, the people would surely panic and riot out of fear and despair..."
Inside the four-level mansion, Morel took a deep drag from his pipe upon hearing this: "But with Shaiapouf's hypnotic scales... Everything changes."
"They'll line up like zombies, waiting quietly for their turn..."
He tapped his large pipe and continued: "As much as I hate to say it, this is actually advantageous for us."
"It removes the uncertainty of mass panic. Things are easier to control..."
After checking his phone, he saw that it was 6 pm, six hours until midnight.
Morel glanced around at those present: Knov, Killua, Gon, Shoot, Knuckle, and Kite.
Apart from Lan and Ging, who were acting alone, only Palm was still out of contact.
Everyone unanimously decided to start the action at 11:30.
During this period, Kite, who had not expressed any opinion, observed Killua carefully a few times and finally called him to a closed room alone.
"You are confused and hesitant."
Without too much nonsense, Kite directly pointed out his observations of Killua during this period of time.
Before Killua, who was wide-eyed, opened his mouth to say something, Kite waved his hand and interrupted: "I know. The fact that you chose to come back and face that chimera ant, Neferpitou, means you have the courage to fight."
"But that's just a cautious choice made before the real battle begins."
"If it really comes at the critical moment, just like what happened to Knov, when you encounter a terrifying and even seemingly invincible enemy, what will you do?"
"I know you may say that you are different from Knov, and you will not be defeated like him."
When Killua was about to speak, Kite continued to say: "But according to my observation and discovery of you during this period, I can see that you are too hesitant when fighting."
"Your biggest problem is that you give up too early and are too cautious when fighting. In short, you have too little confidence in yourself."
"When facing a powerful enemy, you always fight with the premise of running away, but this is not your responsibility, but the responsibility of the person who taught you how to fight."
"Habits that have been deeply rooted in your heart and body are difficult to change. If it really comes to that time..."
Kite paused, looked at Killua, who was gradually lowering his head, and said seriously: "You may also let Gon die without saving him."
Killua fell silent.
"You always speculate the enemy's highest strength and prepare for the worst. Even if you meet an equally strong opponent, you will retreat."
"Losing the will to win makes you no better than a stray dog."
Kite said this, and he also silently thought in his heart: 'You seem to have always been protected by a twisted form of love, one that binds you and keeps you away from danger.'
'That kind of restraint can't be broken by normal effort, and…'
Kite looked at Killua's forehead. Others could not see it, but he had been studying with Ging for such a long time.
He also stayed with Killua and Gon, observing them for a long time.
Kite had already figured out some of Killua's situations: 'It's mainly because he was affected by external objects.'
'I can help him get it out, but the effect is far less than if he takes the initiative to find and take it down…'
Thinking of this, Kite's body slowly released a malicious aura.
'Then let me be the villain and be the final catalyst.'
Kite raised his hand and directly summoned the Crazy Slots.
"What are you going to do?!"
Killua, who was originally silently thinking, suddenly raised his head and noticed Kite's dangerous aura and the activation of his Nen ability…
"I plan to give you the last test before the action begins."
Ignoring Killua's confusion and his urge to retreat again, Kite calmly said: "If you can't pass this, I won't allow you to team up with Gon again."
A sharp glint of bloodlust flashed in Kite's eyes: "After all, Gon is Ging's son. It's my duty to protect him!"
Compared to Rammot, who previously provoked Killua into removing the needle in his head, Kite's presence was far more terrifying and powerful.
And his bloodlust, honed as a professional hunter, was far purer than most.
That alone made him the perfect catalyst for Killua's growth.
"A test?! And not letting me team up with Gon?! Are you kidding me?!"
Killua couldn't accept this; he believed he was trustworthy and dependable.
"I'll prove it to you!!"
While grinding his teeth, Killua's eyes grew firm with determination, flames of resolve beginning to burn within him, but just then, Kite's blood lust completely enveloped him.
And at that moment…
"Run."
The voice of his brother, Illumi, echoed once more in Killua's ears.