The old gatekeeper, upon hearing Gon's words, looked at him curiously.
"So, Takeru, are you really planning to go in there and issue a challenge?" Seeing the fate of the two unfortunate men earlier, Kurapika asked with a furrowed brow.
"Of course. But as for you all, you can train hard right here," Takeru replied without turning his head.
Then, Takeru activated Ken, swiftly transforming it into Gyo, and slowly placed his hands on the Testing Gate...
A loud boom echoed as three consecutive doors were effortlessly pushed open by Takeru.
However, instead of entering, he released his grip with a thoughtful expression on his face, 'So, my current maximum force output with Gyo is only about the same as Killua's...'
'It seems my Strength attribute is still somewhat lacking. But if I add telekinesis and Armament Haki... I should be able to push the fourth gate. That would mean an output of 32 tons of force...'
Deciding to act on his thought, Takeru ignored the gatekeeper's astonished gaze and unleashed all his abilities, pushing against the Testing Gate once more. This time, as the doors slowly opened, the fourth gate also began to move...
Witnessing this, the gatekeeper was utterly shocked. Takeru, however, could easily maintain this state. He wasn't sure how far he was from the fifth gate, but based on his own calculations, his maximum combined force output should be around 40 tons of thrust...
After a rough test, Takeru released the doors again, letting them swing shut...
"Who... are you people?" Seeing Takeru push the fourth gate, the old gatekeeper asked with a grave expression.
"Us? I'd consider myself somewhat of a friend to Killua. As for Gon, he's Killua's good friend," Takeru answered with a smile.
"Killua-sama's friend?" The gatekeeper was taken aback.
"Gon, from now on, I'll be proceeding ahead. As for you all, work hard here. Once you successfully pass this trial, then go find Killua. I'll inform Killua that you've arrived."
"And Umaru, you stay with Gon and the others for now." Glancing at the sky, Takeru decided not to waste any more time and addressed the group.
"Wait! What are you planning to do?!" Hearing Takeru, the gatekeeper frowned deeply.
"Heheh, to invade the Zoldyck Estate, of course!" Takeru chuckled lightly, then performed a great leap into the air, landing atop the massive gate...
"Wait!" The gatekeeper tried to stop him but realized he was powerless. Although he had awakened Nen, he was a very weak Nen User...
"Roar!"
As soon as Takeru entered, the group outside heard a furious roar.
Inside, Takeru was now fully armed. His Twilight Armor manifested on his body. (T/N: Changing from Twilight Night to just Twilight.)
Takeru's purpose for coming here was singular: to evolve his equipment. This had been his plan since arriving in this world.
Initially, Takeru had considered Hisoka as his target. But later, he realized Hisoka could likely break his Twilight set twice, but achieving a third or fourth break might be difficult.
As for Netero, Takeru wasn't acquainted with him, and asking him to seriously attack Takeru wasn't realistic. After seeing Killua and thinking of the Zoldyck Family, Takeru immediately set his sights on them.
By playing the role of an invader, they would be forced to attack him, even if they didn't want to.
As for whether the Zoldycks could kill him, Takeru had hesitated at first. But after over ten days of rigorous training, his Ken was highly proficient. Combined with Armament Haki, he didn't believe they could harm him.
Even if his estimation was wrong, they certainly couldn't kill him instantly. And if the situation truly turned dire, he could simply use his psychokinesis to fly away...
Now, Takeru faced the gigantic beast, Mike. Though Mike's eyes were as cold as a killing machine's, Takeru showed no fear.
Facing its gaping maw, Takeru made no move to dodge, allowing Mike to bite down on him.
Under the crushing force of the bite, Takeru's shield, armor, and the short sword he intentionally allowed to be caught all shattered...
After shattering Takeru's equipment, Mike's teeth soon met Takeru's body. However, Mike found its teeth met with agonizing pain, unable to pierce Takeru's skin at all.
It could only spit Takeru out. As Takeru emerged from Mike's mouth, a strange light enveloped his shattered equipment. The broken shield, armor, and short sword were restored to their original state.
Seeing Takeru still alive, Mike snarled and swiped at him with a massive paw. Takeru simply raised his shield calmly. This time, the shield that had been broken once before suffered no damage from Mike's attack.
Takeru sighed softly. Still, the fact that Mike could break his Twilight Set once was quite satisfying...
Then, Takeru leapt high into the air and delivered a powerful punch to Mike's head, knocking the beast unconscious...
After dealing with Mike, Takeru landed on its body and checked the status of his Midnight set...
[Twilight Shadow: Defense +40, Additional Skill: Destructive Evolution. This equipment grows stronger with each destruction and instantly repairs itself. Bonuses remain active even when broken. (Times Broken: 1)]
[Twilight Armor: Defense +50, Additional Skill: Destructive Evolution... (Times Broken: 1)]
[Twilight Moon: Defense +30, Strength +60, Additional Skill: Destructive Evolution... (Times Broken: 1)]
Seeing the attribute bonuses had doubled, Takeru was momentarily stunned, then broke into a delighted smile.
Without further ado, he continued deeper into the estate. Moving at full speed, he soon encountered Canary, a trainee butler of the Zoldyck Family...
"Who are you? This is private property. You cannot proceed without permission. If you are here on business, please wait here," Canary said, frowning at Takeru.
Sensing the Nen emanating from Takeru and noting he seemed unharmed by Mike, Canary addressed him directly.
"My apologies. I am an intruder. Also, that guard dog has been dealt with," Takeru replied with a faint smile.
Hearing this, Canary instantly entered a state of high alert.
However, Takeru continued walking forward calmly. Seeing his actions, Canary swung her heavy staff at Takeru without hesitation. Since he declared himself an intruder, she naturally wouldn't hold back...
Bang!
The sound of impact rang out.
But to Canary's surprise, Takeru made no move to dodge her full-power strike, and the attack didn't even make him flinch.
"How unfortunate. Your attack is somewhat stronger than the dog's, but it's still not enough," Takeru said lightly, seeing her shocked expression.
Undeterred, Canary didn't retreat. Instead, she swiftly moved behind Takeru and attacked the back of his head.
Takeru still made no move to dodge. He didn't believe her attack could breach his defense...
If someone like her could break through his defense, then his trip here would have been pointless...
Another impact sound echoed as her staff connected solidly with the back of Takeru's head. But before Canary could feel any satisfaction, she was shocked to see Takeru completely ignore her and continue walking forward...
"Stop!" Seeing Takeru utterly disregard her, Canary shouted.
Tiring of her persistence, Takeru considered for a moment, then swiftly delivered a blow, knocking her unconscious.
This entire scene was observed by Kikyo Zoldyck and Kalluto Zoldyck, hidden in the bushes. However, they made no move to assist Canary.
Only after Takeru knocked Canary out did an attack resembling a rifle shot fire towards Takeru's head.
Takeru's Observation Haki naturally detected it, but he still chose not to dodge. Throughout his approach, he had been testing the limits of his own defenses.
After all, if an attack of this level could harm him, there would be no point in proceeding further.