Zerta City, Republic of Padokea.
This city has a deep religious ambiance. Unlike other urban districts in the country, it places little emphasis on economy or technology; even much of its architecture retains an old-world look.
Walking around can give the illusion of medieval Europe; practically every few blocks, there's a church with sparse lines of people waiting outside. The locals dress simply, without chasing the latest trends, and the shops mostly deal in straightforward, everyday businesses. As for entertainment, taverns abound, but other nightlife venues are few and usually empty. Everything about the city feels peaceful and serene—like a nice place to retire.
Outside one such tavern, Xiang Nan sat with Garo and the others, watching passersby. Not far away was a public square, where a few women were feeding pigeons with their children.
"Zerta City's economy is near the bottom in the Republic of Padokea—no real development, and the state barely pays attention. It's quite remote, and the native populace has generally low education," explained Sigma from beside them.
After the death of Alyosha, Sigma filled the vacancy in Xiang Nan's ten-man team. Like Garo, Sigma was one of the base's most elite "kings of soldiers," except he was an older veteran.
"Natives?"
Xiang Nan raised an eyebrow.
"Yes. In outlying or mountainous areas of certain countries, there are indigenous peoples or hidden tribes—part of human society, but mostly cut off. They keep their own customs and lifestyles," Sigma clarified.
Xiang Nan nodded.
He knew Hunter x Hunter had diverse ethnic backgrounds, but this was his first time encountering it directly. No wonder some people on the street dressed rather oddly. Where schooling is lacking, religion easily flourishes.
In the original story, characters like Kurapika or Shalnark (from the Phantom Troupe) came from minority tribes. Undoubtedly, there were many other such groups in this large world.
"This environment also nourishes crime. The authorities mostly ignore things, so the mafia can run rampant. Plus, Zerta City is centuries old, with all sorts of entrenched powers. It might look tranquil, but it's actually lawless underneath. In just two years, they've changed mayors five times—some died by 'accident,' some were murdered. Nothing ends well," Garo said in a grim tone.
"And from an economic standpoint, big mafia families see no profit here, so only smaller gangs fight each other tooth and nail," he concluded.
"Meaning they basically tolerate crime?"
Xiang Nan inferred.
"Even if we flash our military credentials, it might not mobilize local law enforcement. The local government and mafia are probably in bed with each other."
"Likely," Sigma agreed.
"Go on," Xiang Nan said, taking a sip of juice.
"Zerta City has three mafia families: Vick, Yeschi, and Zatobi. They mainly deal in smuggling arms, selling contraband and human organs, plus some real-estate rentals, but those aren't big moneymakers. Despite the city's poor economy, the geology here is perfect for growing a plant known as 'Fantasy Grass.' It has some economic value, used in multiple fields, but the most profitable route is converting it into a highly addictive chemical.
"And since the population here is largely religious, they're easy to manipulate. That provides a natural market, letting the mafia sell all that product every harvest season—around July and August—when Zerta actually makes some money. But it's also when crime skyrockets, as the three families tear each other apart for control of Fantasy Grass. The government shrugs and looks the other way."
One of Xiang Nan's teammates explained while referencing some documents.
"Do any of them have Nen users?"
Xiang Nan asked with a hint of a smile. Nearby, a skeletal addict in religious garb was staggering around with glazed eyes—a walking hazard.
"Among the three, Vick and Zatobi are local powers with private armed forces. Yeschi is a smaller outsider family that arrived decades ago, but they've managed to hold out against the other two because their boss has a bodyguard of frightening skill—supposedly a Nen user,"
the teammate said.
"Just one?"
Xiang Nan pressed.
"That's all the intel we have. As for whether the other two families have Nen users, we can't confirm."
"Well, it can't be helped. One is better than nothing," Xiang Nan said with a light sigh, rising to his feet. "Alright—get ready. Tonight… we begin the hunt!"
"Yes, sir!" the rest answered in unison.
…
Nightfall, on the outskirts of Zerta City.
In a brightly lit manor, the Yeschi family boss—Yeschi Donny—sat in a lavish dining room enjoying dinner. Around the table were several of his family's key lieutenants, all looking worried. Recently, many of their men had been killed or injured, battered by the other two families.
"Damn, that old bastard Vick allied with that bitch—joining forces against us," one lieutenant fumed, pounding the table in frustration.
Clearly, the pair aimed to drive out the Yeschi family so they could monopolize Fantasy Grass profits. The Yeschi were always the odd ones out, having migrated here later.
"Those two must have struck some backroom deal. Their aim is probably to make us scram, then split the Fantasy Grass money," growled a long-haired man, glaring at the silent middle-aged boss at the head of the table.
"Boss, we have to fight back hard—teach these assholes a lesson!"
"Yeah, kill 'em all!"
"Right—just say the word, boss. We'll gather our boys and start a war."
"If we give up now, we'll never show our faces again."
They all spoke vehemently. Donny, the family head, massaged his temples. He was calmer than his hot-headed subordinates.
"They're both local bigshots with loads of men. Our forces are already hurting, and now the two are allied. How do you think we stand a chance?"
"…"
That shut the lieutenants up.
The long-haired man glanced at the stoic bodyguard beside Donny and let out a sly chuckle.
"Boss… Why don't we just have him kill Vick and that bitch? Problem solved, right?"
"It's pointless. Even if we took out the two rival bosses, that only fixes things short-term. We could face an even bigger backlash. Plus, our friend Kai here—he's strong, but he's just one man. He can't single-handedly reverse our current situation," Donny said, referring to the bodyguard he'd hired from "outside."
This bodyguard, wearing a black suit, looked downright bored, full of sinister energy. He was clearly disinterested in their crisis, more like he was spectating a show.
He had a burn scar on his forehead and a stitched line on his neck. His visible skin was rough.
"The Vick family also has a capable fighter. I suggest you don't make any rash moves or you'll lose more than just money," the man known as "Kai" drawled. Even though he was just a hired bodyguard, his tone dripped with mockery, showing no respect to his employer or the family's lieutenants.
"That person and I come from the same place… If I go assassinate their boss, and the enemy retaliates, with that fighter's skill, you'll all be dead by morning."
"Why, you—!" some lieutenants bristled at Kai's insolent words, but they held their tempers, wary of his power.
"Relax, we're only from the same hometown—not like we have some fond connection. As long as the pay is right, I'd kill him—or even my parents—just the same," Kai sneered. "Actually, let me offer you an idea."
He leaned in close to Donny, voice dripping with malice:
"You could get in touch with The Elder. We from Meteor City have an endless supply of disposable soldiers. We're all worthless trash, ready to be sold at a good price, and we're proud of that. Pay enough, and we'll swarm your enemies like moths to a flame."
"The Elder's very keen for your call," he added.
Donny's face went pale. The "price" for that was surely astronomical.
"Don't worry. The Elder I work for isn't the same one behind that other guy. While they know each other, it's only business—no personal ties. Life's just another commodity, y'know?"
"You'd better hurry, Boss. As it stands, your family's in a bad spot…"
"Tick-tock, tick-tock,"
Kai mimicked the sound of a clock in Donny's ear.
Donny clenched his jaw, whitening his knuckles. After about two minutes, he let out a heavy sigh, seeming deflated.
"Hand me the phone."
"Yes, Boss," Kai said, grinning.
~~~
Patreon(.)com/Bleam
— Currently You can Read 70 Chapters Ahead of Others!