Art is subjective. To one person, a picture may simply look good, to another, it sparks analysis—lines, patterns, balance. While the former might feel lost, the latter finds meaning.
Listening to such critiques too often, however, can get as annoying as buzzing flies. For someone like Ging, that's certainly the case.
You can't expect a wild child, raised on a forested island and thrown into the Hunter Exam at twelve, to have much artistic sensibility. Yet, despite that, Ging somehow connects with people. His relationships—unexpected as they may be—turn out surprisingly good.
It's a testament to Ging's undeniable charisma.
Ronnel was well aware of this, though it wasn't something he cared about. What intrigued him more was the artist Ging mentioned, someone capable of creating magical effects on cards.
"Let's put the Sonata of Darkness aside for now," Ronnel suggested with an air of practicality. "First, you should probably deal with those eyes. If you step outside looking like that, you'll scare people to death."
"Yeah?" Ging scratched his scruffy hair. Then, without hesitation, he stuck two fingers into his empty eye sockets.
"Yeah, not great," Ging muttered as he stroked his unkempt beard, nodding as if deep in thought. "Walking around like this would definitely hurt my image."
Your image? Ronnel thought, glancing at Ging's ragged clothes and wild demeanor. What image?
"And besides," Ging continued, "not being able to see is really inconvenient. Such a hassle."
With that, he waved dismissively.
"Anyway, we've done what we came for. Let's move on. I'll take you to meet someone very powerful."
"Oh?" Ronnel's interest piqued as a sly grin crept across his face. "How powerful?"
"How should I put this…" Ging tilted his head. "Let's just say, no matter how severe your injuries or terminal your illness, as long as you're breathing, this person can fix you up."
The vague answer sparked Ronnel's curiosity. Ging, however, was now grinning mischievously, as though remembering some inside joke.
"Well, I'll give him my eyes," Ging said nonchalantly, "but he's probably going to enjoy seeing me like this. Ahahahaha!"
Ignoring Ging's laughter, Ronnel focused on the implied ability. "Is it similar to Angel's Breath?" He mused. "Interesting. My friend Ging, always full of surprises…"
While Ronnel pondered, Ging was already on the move.
"Let's go!" he called over his shoulder.
"Got it. Lead the way, brother."
"Brother?" Ging paused, glancing back.
"Ahem, forget I said that," Ronnel waved it off.
"Hmm... Why do I feel like that's not a compliment?"
"Just your imagination."
Their banter faded into the misty canyon, the echoes of their voices drifting away. Somewhere along the way, the dense fog began to lift. A single ray of sunlight pierced through, illuminating the Braga Canyon. It was as though the shadows of the past had finally dissipated, heralding a new beginning.
After their whirlwind adventure in the canyon, Ronnel and Ging departed as quietly as they had arrived. The chaos they left behind? No longer their concern.
The airship carried them toward the Kakin Empire, where Ging's mysterious acquaintance, Emuksu, currently resided. Ronnel couldn't help but feel surprised when Ging revealed the location. Still, he took it in stride. Whatever brewing schemes surrounded the Kakin royal family were of little concern to him—for now.
His current focus was elsewhere. The ultimate goal? Board the whale-shaped vessel next summer and set off for the Dark Continent.
But there were other things to sort out before that, including the matter of the Thousand Ears Society.
At the Auction in Yorknew City, Kurapika had managed to find employment thanks to Kay Taylor's intervention. As for Ronnel, his performance during the auction earned him a glowing evaluation from Leiert. By now, he was likely a full-fledged member of the Thousand Ears Society. With its ties to the Kakin Empire, this connection might come in handy.
Onboard the airship, Ronnel flipped through his phone, which had been out of service during their time in the canyon. Now, with a signal restored, notifications flooded in.
Messages from Shalnark, Bisky lit up the screen.
Shalnark's stood out:
Early Message: "We've entered the Island of Greed and uncovered its true nature. We're testing if we can bypass the game entirely."
Midpoint Update: "Feitan and Phinks tried. The leader found a new ally to track a nemesis. Coincidentally, the nemesis is also on the island."
Final Message: "Attempts failed. The Island is GM-protected. We're clearing the game and hunting the nemesis. If you're back, let us know."
It seemed Chrollo had already sought out Hisoka for help, offering a duel as payment.
The date? December 1999. Ronnel realized he and Ging had spent far longer in Braga Canyon than anticipated.
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