"How about we set up a rotating shift to monitor him? The extra person can handle auxiliary duties for the Royal Army. According to this plan, let's make our proposal to Mizaistom Nana~"
While several of them were deep in discussion, none noticed the subtle twitch of Beyond's brow as he flipped through his book.
...
On the third tier, in the central medical bay, Cheadle Yorkshire was busy working alongside a medical Hunter.
Also on the third tier, inside the Political Ward, Kanzai sat in the presiding chair of the trial chamber, gripping what looked like a judge's gavel in one hand and a gold-plated sword in the other.
With his fearsome presence, he resembled the King of Hell himself—striking terror into the hearts of trembling criminals awaiting trial.
...
Up on the fourth tier, in the Royal Army conference room, Mizaistom Nana was coordinating with the Royal Army on how to manage rumors and lower the crime rate in the near future.
The Zodiacs were each buried in their own demanding tasks, none paying attention to the faint sound of a sailing whistle.
...
When the princes on the first tier heard the whistle, they seemed to recognize it instantly. Almost at once, each reacted differently.
It's finally begun?!
Excitement, anticipation, anxiety, confusion... A mix of voices filled the air.
With that, the battle for the throne of the Kakin Empire officially began.
...
In the detention room on the first tier, Beyond appeared to be reading, but his mind was elsewhere.
Just moments ago, a faint—almost imperceptible—voice had reached his ear, perfectly clear despite its softness.
"Enjoying your stay here, Beyond-san~?"
That voice. Instantly recognizable.
"I don't need to speak aloud. Just thinking the words is enough for you to hear them, right?"
"Indeed. It's a handy ability. You really are a perfect partner, Ronnel~"
Nestled within Beyond's ear canal, invisible to even the sharpest En, was a minuscule figure—so small it could only be described as nanoparticle-sized.
It was a clone Ronnel had released through Beelzebub, capable of bypassing countless defenses undetected. It had reached Beyond's ear and was now whispering directly to him.
Using a Nen-based technique inspired by Pakunoda, Ronnel could communicate mentally, allowing him to perceive Beyond's thoughts without a single spoken word.
Without altering his expression, Beyond replied in his mind:
"You've come to me—what for? If it's about my imprisonment, don't worry. Once we reach the so-called 'New Continent,' I'll break out. Our cooperation won't be hindered."
"I'm not too concerned personally. But your subordinates are uneasy, so I figured I'd ask on their behalf~"
Beyond chuckled silently. "What is there to worry about? Once the timing's right, I'm gone."
Ronnel's interest piqued. "And how do you plan to do that?"
"The most concise and clear way—jailbreak."
Beyond's tone was filled with calm certainty.
"The Zodiacs are strong, sure. The old man chose them personally, after all. But I'm not impressed."
"And most of them are preoccupied. Only three are assigned to keep watch over me. From what I overheard, they're working in shifts. That's hardly pressure~"
"But as we near the New Continent, they'll definitely tighten security—treating you like a major threat."
"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. I have my ways."
Ronnel could feel Beyond's unwavering confidence. There was nothing more to say.
As long as their cooperation remained intact, he didn't care how Beyond handled his side of things.
The clone dissolved into nothing, and silence returned to Beyond's ear.
...
Ronnel, having received the update from Beyond, compiled the information—his prison location and details on the succession war—and forwarded it all to Muherr and Ging.
He was certain that Muherr, Ging, and Pariston were already aboard the ship. So were other key players likely tied to Beyond's camp.
Take the Fourteenth Prince's side, for example—those three guards had once served under Pariston. It was safe to say they were still aligned with Beyond.
As for how Muherr would act upon the intel—whether he'd attempt a rescue or lie in wait—that wasn't Ronnel's concern.
After sending the message and stowing away his phone, five drops of blood emerged in his palm.
They were obtained from Kurapika, the three guards, and the Fourteenth Prince himself.
The other Queens had sent royal guards, but none of them were Nen users—just ordinary bodyguards.
Nen remained a secret to most of the world. Even many royal family members in the Kakin Empire hadn't heard of it.
As for those Queens with no royal bloodline, merely accessories to the succession process, why would they waste a rare ability user to monitor someone as insignificant as the Fourteenth Prince?
Ronnel flipped his palm, and the five drops of blood were immediately absorbed into his body.
He closed his eyes, concentrating.
As expected… parasitic telekinesis doesn't count as the Nen ability of the user. I can't absorb it.
A moment later, Ronnel opened his eyes, exhaling softly.
The Ant King's absorption technique could only steal the abilities of the individual, not abilities granted by external means—like the parasitic Nen beasts born from the ritual.
So absorbing the Fourteenth Prince's parasitic Nen wouldn't work.
Instead, he turned his attention to Kurapika and the three assistant guards—Kurton, Bill, and Sayird.
Their Nen abilities... were military-grade.
...
Whoosh!
Ronnel's thoughts were suddenly cut off. His gaze snapped to the wall beside him.
Just then, Kurapika entered, having finalized their next move, flanked by the three guards tasked with protecting the prince.
They all halted mid-step, noticing the exact spot on the wall that Ronnel was focused on.
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Fanfic is completed on patreon.com/FanficsHub (799 chapters in total)