[System Notification: Trait {Hell's Ear} (Blue) pulverized. XP absorbed into {Super Five Senses} (Gold).]
[System Notification: Trait {Dark Sonata Fragment} (Grey) is a Cursed Trait.]
[Option 1: Retain. (Warning: Retention will attract the attention of an Unknown Entity).]
[Option 2: Pulverize for XP.]
[Please choose.]
The notification chimed in Ryker's mind like a dinner bell.
Retain.
Ryker didn't hesitate. A cursed trait that attracts an "Unknown Entity"? That wasn't a threat; that was a quest hook. The Dark Sonata was created by the Devil himself in HxH lore. Attracting the attention of a demon? That just meant a new farming spot might open up later.
Unknowns are just raid bosses I haven't met yet.
"C-Captain... I lost."
Melody looked up at Ryker with fear. The fight hadn't even been a fight. It was a physics lesson. Ryker moved faster than sound; her flute didn't stand a chance.
Kurapika stood frozen nearby. He hadn't even seen Ryker move. One second Ryker was standing still, the next Melody was on the floor.
"Your curse," Ryker said suddenly. "I can try to lift it. No guarantees."
Melody's eyes widened. Her small frame trembled. She had searched the world for a cure. Doctors, Nen exorcists, shamans—they all failed or scammed her. But Ryker? Ryker's heartbeat was steady. He wasn't lying.
"It doesn't matter, Captain..." Melody stammered. "If you want to study the curse, go ahead. But be careful. It destroyed my life. I don't want it to hurt you."
She was worried about him. Even now.
"Close your eyes," Ryker ordered, placing his hand on her forehead.
Melody obeyed. She had given up hope long ago, but a tiny spark ignited in her chest.
Ryker took a breath. He activated [Incantation Manifestation] (Purple).
He visualized the spell. He didn't use a Hunter x Hunter exorcism. He reached into his memory for a different anime's lore. Noragami.
"Thy name is Melody. Thy vessel is sound. I summon the purifying light to cleanse the defiled! By the Mandate of the Night God, I expel thy corruption! Begone!"
Hummm.
A six-pointed star circle appeared beneath Melody's feet. Green light flooded her body.
"It feels... warm," Melody whispered. "Like a hot spring..."
She opened her eyes and saw the green aura enveloping her. Ryker stood above her, bathed in light, looking like a descending deity.
"Melody?!" Kurapika gasped.
The transformation was instant.
The bald spots filled with luscious, silky black hair. The rodent-like teeth retracted. The hunched back straightened. The stout limbs elongated, becoming slender and graceful.
In seconds, the ugly, cursed music hunter vanished. In her place stood a stunning young woman with delicate features and an air of elegance. She was breathtaking—easily eclipsing the spoiled Neon.
"My... my body!"
Melody looked at her hands. They were white, smooth, jade-like. She touched her face. It was soft.
Tears streamed down her cheeks.
"I'm back..." she sobbed. "I'm really back..."
For years, she had lived in darkness, hiding her face, despising her reflection. Now, the nightmare was over.
"Oh? You're quite beautiful, Melody," Ryker remarked, genuinely impressed. The glow-up is real.
"Thank you... Captain... Thank you!!"
Melody was overwhelmed. She tiptoed up and planted a soft, quick kiss on Ryker's cheek. Her lips were soft, smelling faintly of cherry blossoms.
"It's only temporary," Ryker interrupted the moment. "My spell can suppress the curse for about 12 hours. When the sun rises, you'll revert. But I've set up a Nen loop in your body. Every night, the suppression will reactivate. You can be yourself from dusk till dawn."
He felt the resistance in the curse. The Devil of the Sonata was strong. Without killing the source, a permanent cure was impossible.
"That is enough! Captain, that is more than enough!" Melody cried, her eyes shining like stars. "To have half my life back... it's a miracle. I will serve you forever!"
She was the Princess of the Night now. And she was perfectly fine with that.
"Truly beautiful," Kurapika agreed, stunned.
"Alright. Stay here," Ryker said, turning to the edge of the roof. "The Auction is starting. The rats are in the walls."
He stepped off the ledge and vanished into the night.
The Auction House. Main Hall.
The elite of the underworld gathered. Mafiosos, corrupt politicians, and black-market dealers rubbed shoulders, unaware that they were walking into a slaughterhouse.
Dalzollene patrolled the perimeter, his face grim. "Captain... please protect me," he muttered, clutching his walkie-talkie. Neon's prophecy about "The basement is where you sleep" was looping in his head.
Back Door.
"Look at those Nostrade guys. Hiding in the back," a passing guard sneered. "Cowards."
"Shh," another guard whispered. "That's Baise. Don't look at her, or you'll become her slave."
Baise glared at them, but she didn't move. She felt restless. Ryker hated her ability. If I kiss them, Captain will be disgusted. She stayed put.
"Get lost before I feed you to the dogs," Squala barked, his hounds growling. The guards scrambled away.
Underground Vault.
A thin, sharp-featured man in a suit walked toward the massive vault door.
"Sir!" The guards snapped to attention.
This was Owl (Fukurō), one of the Shadow Beasts—the Ten Dons' personal execution squad. He flashed a black badge.
"Open it," Owl ordered.
"Yes sir!"
The guards opened the meter-thick alloy door.
Owl walked in. He was here on orders from the Ten Dons. Because of Neon's prophecy, the Dons had decided to move the merchandise before the auction started.
"Idiots think they can rob us?" Owl sneered. "I'll pack everything up and take it away. When the thieves get here, they'll find an empty room."
He pulled out a cloth—his Fun Fun Cloth.
Click. The vault door sealed behind him.
Owl began shrinking the treasures—gold, jewels, artifacts—wrapping them into tiny bundles with his Nen cloth.
He worked efficiently.
He didn't notice the tiny, mosquito-sized spark of electricity clinging to the back of his collar.
Ryker sat on the roof of a nearby building, his eyes closed, seeing through the "Thunder Mosquito."
Oh? The Shadow Beasts are moving the loot early?
Ryker grinned.
Perfect. They're packing it up for me. Thanks, Owl.
When the Spiders arrive, the vault will be empty. They'll panic. They'll rampage. And while they fight the Shadow Beasts... I'll take the prize.
Pre-packing service included. Five-star rating.
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