Since Zane and the others had entered through the Testing Gate, Mike did not attack them.
Even so, Mike's emotionless gaze and the icy aura radiating from its body made Leorio and the other two gulp involuntarily.
This was especially true for Gon.
He had always been close to animals.
But this ti, he couldn't sense a single drop of emotion from Mike.
Or rather, the only thing he felt from the creature was a suffocating sense of oppression.
'I'm going to die!'
That thought flashed through Gon's mind.
His instincts were screaming that if he were targeted by the magical beast before him, his death would be certain.
Fortunately, Mike did not attack as they walked past.
This caused Gon and his companions to let out a collective sigh of relief.
'No interference? It seems my display of strength was effective after all.'
As they continued, Zane and the others encountered no further obstacles until the Zoldyck mansion finally ca into view.
Comparing this to what had happened in the original story, Zane felt quite satisfied.
This was more like it.
Hiding one's brilliance can be useful, but flexing one's muscles is often just as effective.
Different people require different approaches.
"Hm?"
Passing through the forest, the four of them stopped in front of the Zoldyck estate.
Several people were already waiting for them outside the mansion.
"Welco!"
Leading the group in front of the estate was the current head of the Zoldyck family, Silva!
Standing on either side behind him were Zeno, Kikyo, Milluki, and Kalluto.
"You're too kind!"
Zane swept his gaze over them and gave a slight nod in response.
Both groups were sizing each other up.
Kurapika and Leorio were curious to see what Killua's family was like.
Zeno and the others were assessing Killua's so-called friends.
Well... most of them seed fine, but Kikyo was clearly reluctant to be there.
As Killua's mother, she was much like Illumi, possessing a twisted desire to control her son.
If Zane hadn't pushed open all seven levels of the Testing Gate, she would have sent servants to drive them away long ago.
Both sides had their own agendas, but they maintained a facade of harmony.
Pushing open the seven-level Testing Gate had successfully earned Zane the status of an honored guest of the Zoldycks.
After a brief round of introductions led by Silva, the group entered the mansion, where a lavish banquet had been prepared for them.
During the al, Gon clearly had no appetite.
"Um... excuse , when can I see Killua?" Gon couldn't help but ask Silva, who sat at the head of the table.
"I've already sent soone. Killua should be here shortly," Silva said, pausing for a mont to gaze at Gon before speaking slowly.
"Darling..." Kikyo started, unable to keep quiet.
But before she could finish, a cold glare from Silva forced her to shut her mouth imdiately.
"Young man, I heard you recently took the Hunter Exam. I assu you t Netero there," Zeno said, wiping his mouth as he looked toward Zane.
Among everyone present, Zane was the only one he was actually interested in talking to.
"Yes, Chairman Netero is as energetic as ever. During the exam, he played a rather unique ga with , Gon, and Killua," Zane said with a smile.
"Oh? That sounds like it was quite interesting." Zeno's curiosity was piqued.
Zane gave a brief account of the events.
"That boy Killua really doesn't know his place. That old man Netero was already like that when I was a kid, yet he actually thought of attacking him."
Hearing that Killua had tried to kick Netero's leg to grab the ball, only to end up limping in pain, Zeno laughed out loud.
'Serves him right!'
'Big brother is so cute!'
The second son, Milluki, and the fifth son, Kalluto, were listening intently, different thoughts flashing through their minds.
Milluki, in particular, made no effort to hide his look of schadenfreude.
"Second Brother, what are you thinking about with that stupid grin on your face?"
Suddenly, a mocking voice called out, followed by a figure walking into the dining room.
"Killua!!!"
"Killua, you brat, what did you just say?"
Seeing the newcor, Gon and the other two stood up with looks of surprise and joy to greet him.
Milluki, anwhile, glared at him.
"Gon, Kurapika, Leorio!" Killua said, ignoring Milluki completely and greeting the three of them with a happy expression.
He then looked toward Zane, who was sitting at the table and nodding to him with a smile.
Killua smiled broadly and gave Zane a thumbs-up.
Having just co out of confinent, he had already learned the details of the situation from Gotoh.
He knew very well that the reason Zane and the others were being hosted by his family was that Zane had earned it with his own strength.
After the greetings, Killua took a seat.
He showed none of the gloom one might expect from soone who had recently been imprisoned and beaten by Milluki. Instead, he naturally began eating while laughing and chatting with his friends.
This scene drew varied reactions from the mbers of the Zoldyck family.
Silva and Zeno looked on thoughtfully.
Kikyo bit her handkerchief with a look of anger and grief.
Milluki began devouring Killua's favorite dishes as a way to vent his frustration.
Kalluto simply stared blankly.
"Patriarch Silva, to be honest, besides visiting Killua, we ca here to invite him to travel with us. I wonder what your thoughts are on the matter..."
Once the small talk concluded, Zane got down to business and turned his gaze toward Silva at the head of the table.
"Killua, what do you think?" Silva asked noncommittally, looking calmly at his son.
Noticing Gon looking at him expectantly, Killua took a deep breath and said solemnly, "I want to go!"
"Killua, stop being so stubborn!" Kikyo stood up and slamd the table, unable to contain herself.
"Kikyo, don't be rude in front of the guests," Zeno said with a slight frown.
"I'm sorry, Father!" Kikyo shuddered and quickly sat back down.
Silva gazed intensely at his son.
Facing his father's gaze, Killua did not look away. Instead, he t Silva's eyes with unwavering determination.
"I see. Then you may go out for a while," Silva said in a deep voice after a brief silence, nodding slightly.
Kikyo looked at her husband in disbelief.
He agreed?
'What on earth is Darling thinking? How could he let Killua run around outside?'
'Never mind whether it's dangerous—what if he picks up bad habits out there?'
Kikyo was anxious, but she didn't dare to interrupt again.
"Thanks, Dad!" Killua had actually been quite nervous, but when he realized his father had really agreed, his heart leaped with joy, and he quickly stood up to express his gratitude.
Silva gave a rare, slight smile.
'Killua, only once you've gone out will you truly understand what your nature is.'
'Illumi's Nen needle is, after all, just a trial.'
'Only when you realize your nature as an assassin will you beco a worthy successor to the family.'
These thoughts caused Silva to zone out for a split second, perhaps because he was reminded of his own younger self.
.......
The Zoldyck family tradition was undoubtedly one where the patriarch held absolute authority.
With Silva's permission, Zane and the others, having rested for the night, walked out of the Testing Gate with Killua the following day.
"Gon, Leorio, Kurapika, Killua, I'll be taking my leave now," Zane said, stopping to bid the four of them farewell.
Gon and the others all looked at Zane in surprise.
[ Author's Note : If you're loving the story, a power_stone, review or comnt ans the world!
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