The outskirts of Yorknew. A derelict church.
"How many years has it been since we were all together?" Nobunaga sighed, leaning against a crumbling pillar.
"Three years, two months," Feitan replied, his voice muffled by his bandana. His eyes were cold slits. "But the roster has changed."
"Number 4 and Number 8," Machi noted. "Though Number 4 is... delayed."
"Just a loser," Franklin grunted. His massive frame cast a long shadow, his elongated earlobes swaying slightly. "We should just kick him out after this job. Why does Danchou keep him?"
"Heh. I'd rather he didn't come," Feitan chuckled darkly. "I hate clowns. Honestly, I'm more interested in this Ulquiorra and Aizen. I hope I get to play with them."
Machi adjusted her threads. "If you fight them, you won't enjoy it. My hunch says they are bad news. I hate dealing with 'unknown variables.' Anyway, what is the target? Ancient books? Danchou loves reading."
"No," Feitan shook his head. "It's a game."
"A game?"
"The most dangerous, expensive game in the world. Greed Island. I want a copy too." Feitan's eyes gleaned with a gamer's greed. "But it doesn't matter what specific item Danchou wants. Because we're taking everything."
Behind them, Nobunaga and Franklin started sparring, the clash of steel and aura echoing through the ruins. They were bored. Violence was their only pastime.
Meanwhile.
Chrollo Lucilfer stood atop a pile of rubble, looking down at his Spiders.
"The objective is simple," Chrollo announced, his voice soft yet commanding absolute silence.
"We are going to empty the Underground Auction."
The Spiders froze.
"Empty it?" Uvogin blinked. "Danchou, are you serious? The Underground Auction is run by the entire global mafia community. If we do that, we declare war on every criminal organization on the planet."
"What's wrong, Uvo?" Chrollo smiled, a gentle, chilling expression. "Are you scared?"
"Scared?" Uvogin's face split into a savage grin. Drool practically dripped from his fangs. His aura exploded, shaking the dust from the rafters.
"I'm ecstatic! Danchou! Give the order!"
He couldn't hold it back. The lust for battle, for chaos, for carnage.
"Then I order you," Chrollo said, closing his book.
"Kill them all."
"YES! HAHAHAHA! DEATH TO ALL WHO STAND IN MY WAY!"
Uvogin roared, a beast unleashed. The Phantom Troupe cheered, a chorus of demons ready to feast.
Yorknew City. Five-Star Hotel.
"The basement is where you sleep... Do not descend stairs you haven't climbed... Do not fight over numbers..."
Dalzollene read the prophecy poem over the phone to Light Nostrade. Neon's prediction was ominous. It screamed of death and theft.
"Understood," Light Nostrade's voice was tense. "Proceed with extreme caution. And... about Ryker?"
"Captain Ryker has requested a site survey of the Auction House," Dalzollene reported. "He wants to familiarize himself with the layout to better protect Miss Neon."
"Grant it," Nostrade said after a pause. "But keep an eye on him. Don't let him get... creative."
"Understood, Boss."
Dalzollene hung up, wiping sweat from his brow. Keep an eye on him? That was like asking a mouse to chaperone a tiger.
"Captain," Dalzollene turned to Ryker with a forced smile. "It's approved. Let's go tour the venue."
"Good," Ryker stood up. "Kurapika, hold the fort here."
"Understood, Brother Ryker."
The Cemetery Building. Auction House.
Ryker and Dalzollene walked through the high-security venue. Thanks to the Nostrade badge, they bypassed most checkpoints.
"Captain... this way is the Vault," Dalzollene whispered nervously. "We really shouldn't..."
"Since the Vault is the most critical asset, we must inspect it," Ryker interrupted smoothly. "How can I protect what I haven't seen?"
Dalzollene wanted to cry. He remembered the "art sculpture" of his former colleague. He didn't want to become modern art. So, he led the way.
They were stopped at the final checkpoint.
"Halt. Vault access is restricted to the Ten Dons' representatives."
"Fine," Ryker shrugged. "We've seen enough."
He turned and walked away. Dalzollene exhaled, his soul returning to his body.
But he didn't see the tiny sparks of electricity that detached from Ryker's fingertips. Microscopic Thunder Clones—no larger than mosquitoes—buzzed silently into the air vents and keyholes.
Ryker smirked.
Map complete. Surveillance active.
The Spiders were coming to steal the treasure. Ryker would let them crack the safe, kill the guards, and grab the loot. Then, he would rob the robbers.
They are the ultimate scapegoats. The 'Account Balancing Sages.'
Whatever went missing? Blame the Phantom Troupe.
"Alright, team assignments," Ryker announced later, back at the staging area.
He looked at the map.
"Basho, Baise, Squala—Rear Guard." (Safe, far from the action).
"Dalzollene and the Red Shirts—Main Hall." (The danger zone).
"Myself, Kurapika, and Melody—Front Entrance and Observation Deck."
Dalzollene paled. The Main Hall was the target. Ryker was taking the Observation Deck? That was the safest spot in the building!
"Don't look so sad," Ryker patted Dalzollene's shoulder. "As a reward for calling me Captain... I promise you will survive this."
"R-Really?" Dalzollene looked up, hope in his eyes.
"Really."
Ryker didn't lie. Dalzollene was useful. A useful idiot, but useful.
Night. The Observation Deck.
The city lights of Yorknew glittered like a sea of diamonds.
Ryker stood at the railing, flanked by Kurapika and Melody.
He turned his gaze to the short, bald music hunter.
[Target: Melody]
[Traits: {Emission Talent} (Double Blue), {Hell's Ear} (Blue), {Music Hunter} (Blue), {Cursed by Dark Sonata} (Grey)]
Grey Trait?
This was new. Usually, traits were colored by rarity. Grey implied... corruption? Or perhaps a debuff.
System, if I copy a Cursed Trait, do I get cursed?
[System: Negative effects are filtered during assimilation. You are safe to consume.]
Excellent. Safe for consumption.
"Melody," Ryker said.
"Y-Yes, Captain?" Melody flinched. Being near Ryker was stressful; his heart was too quiet. It was like standing next to a black hole.
"Are you cursed?"
Melody froze. "How... how did you know?"
She sighed, touching her arm. "Yes. I wasn't always like this. I listened to a piece of music. The Dark Sonata. My friend played the flute solo... she died. I listened, and I became... this. I gained power, but I lost my body."
"Interesting," Ryker mused. "Power at the cost of form. A classic trade."
"Use your strongest attack on me," Ryker ordered.
"What?!" Melody gasped.
"Do it. I want to test your resolve."
Melody hesitated, then pulled out her flute. She played a sharp, discordant note—a sonic blast meant to incapacitate.
Fweet—!
Ryker didn't even blink. He simply tapped her forehead.
Thud.
Melody collapsed, unconscious but unharmed.
[DING! You defeated Melody.]
[DING! 10% Chance to Plunder...]
[DING! Success.]
[Acquired: {Hell's Ear} (Blue), {Dark Sonata Fragment} (Grey).]
Ryker smiled.
Let the music begin.
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