Chapter 819
Opposite Alex and the others stood several individuals with dark faces. When they looked at Alex's group, their expressions were laced with deep-rooted arrogance—an open, unrestrained contempt, as if they were gazing at some lesser species.
"We of Tower Village are the strongest!"
"You're all garbage, just trash!"
"Once you lose, I'll strip your village of its name!"
"Your village will vanish from this world!"
The atmosphere was entirely different from the two matches that had come before. Those earlier battles, at least to Ron, had resembled honorable duels—what one might call battles between gentlemen. But now, this confrontation had turned into one of pure hostility.
Earlier, it was like warfare during the Spring and Autumn Period—where nobles of different kingdoms, often related by blood or marriage, would still hold back even in victory. No one truly sought to kill, and battles rarely involved underhanded schemes. They began with both sides lining up, announcing their generals, and engaging in turn-based combat.
Now, however, it was starting to resemble the Warring States period—a time when war was conducted with the intent to kill. No trick was off-limits. Ambushes, treachery, deception—everything was fair game.
Minpo wouldn't allow that degree of savagery due to the rules of the Grand Martial Trial, but the atmosphere made it clear: if not for those restrictions, this fight could've devolved into bloodshed long ago.
Alex narrowed his eyes.
Rondo and the others looked visibly displeased.
"My village is my treasure. Anyone who insults it—I will never forgive," Alex said calmly. "If this is what you want, then we won't back down. Let's make this a battle of life and death."
The moment Alex spoke those words, Ron felt something shift.
But the change didn't come from the people present. It was coming from below—the Nen array embedded deep in the ground beneath the arena.
"So the Grand Martial Trial has both non-lethal and lethal formats."
The leader of the opposing group let out a cold laugh.
"Then hurry up and come die."
The battle was moments away from erupting.
Compared to the earlier matches, this one was far more intense—and more destructive. That was because both sides were full-fledged Nen users.
"Rubber Pistol!"
Alex's arm shot out like a bullet.
Melissa raised her staff, summoning a small cluster of stormcloud-like electric bubbles.
Ujir retreated to the rear, a rifle materializing in his hands.
Rondo crouched slightly, his stance lowering in preparation.
Their opponents activated their abilities as well.
One figure's body began to swell and distort at a speed visible to the naked eye. His form grew massive, with teeth jagged like sawblades and a nose that stretched into a long snout. He no longer resembled a human—more like a shark.
Another figure sprouted multiple tentacle-like appendages.
A third's mouth began to warp unnaturally.
Ron's expression grew strange. These transformations struck him with a sharp sense of déjà vu.
"The Arlong Pirates?"
There was no denying it. The enemies before him bore an uncanny resemblance to the Arlong Pirates from the world of One Piece.
Riiing, riiing!
Just as Ron was observing the fight, a sudden ringtone rang out.
He took out his phone and answered.
"Ron, is this a good time?"
"Yes, Senior Mizaistrome. What's going on?"
"It's about the Hunter Association's election for the new chairman. Will you be able to participate?"
"I'm afraid not. I'm currently in Minpo dealing with something."
"I see. In that case, when you have a moment, please log in to the Hunter Association's website. You'll find the voting portal and candidate list there."
"Understood."
"By the way, Ron… you were with Chairman Netero during the Chimera Ant mission, weren't you?"
"Yes."
"Would you be willing to tell me what happened? If it's inconvenient, I understand."
"I can tell you."
Ron gave a concise summary of events.
Mizaistrome was quiet for a moment.
"A Division Commander–class Chimera Ant is equivalent to an A-rank Nen user. A Squadron Leader–class is comparable to B-rank. The Royal Guards and the Ant King would be above A-rank."
"When you reached Chairman Netero's location after the battle, you didn't see his body, only the Ant King's?"
"Correct. Then, one of the Royal Guards sacrificed themselves, transferring their life force into the King to revive him briefly… but the poison from Poor Man's Rose eventually killed him as well?"
Ron nodded.
"Yes."
"Then, Ron… do you believe Chairman Netero won?"
"In terms of achieving his objective—yes. But in a direct one-on-one fight, the Chairman didn't win. Truthfully, it wasn't even close."
"That King… was he really that powerful?"
Ron answered without hesitation.
"On the human continent, he may have been the single strongest being."
There was no room for doubt in Ron's mind.
Even Netero had been completely outmatched. And while Netero was no longer at his peak, who else could force him to that level?
Ging Freecss?
Maha Zoldyck?
Beyond?
…No. None of them.
In Ron's view, the Ant King was a failed creation—but also a successful one. He was only a failure in that he didn't serve humanity's interests. From the moment he was born, his death had already been decided.
"Ron, once you're finished in Minpo, come to the Hunter Association. There's something I'd like to speak with you about."
"Of course, Senior Mizaistrome."
"Goodbye."
"See you then."
Ron ended the call.
By then, Alex's battle was almost over.
Their opponents had been defeated.
Alex had his arm wrapped tightly around his enemy's body. No matter how much the man struggled, he couldn't break free. The grip only grew tighter—until he could no longer breathe. It was like a giant python coiling around its prey.
Rondo had already finished his match earlier. A single blade had pierced his opponent's abdomen, leaving a gaping wound. The intestines had spilled out onto the ground.
Only Ujir's fight remained unresolved.
Both he and his opponent specialized in long-range combat, and at this point, they were still darting between rocky outcrops, looking for an opening to shoot.
But Ron could already tell—Ujir's victory was inevitable. It was only a matter of time.
Ron looked away.
"Though… compared to the Straw Hat Pirates, we're still missing a Sanji."
Ujir pulled the trigger again.
This time, the bullet hit dead center—right between the eyes.
Bang!
The enemy's eyes widened in disbelief before his body collapsed.
Just then, a loud commotion erupted outside.
Several figures rushed toward the battlefield, their momentum fierce.