Chapter 132: Chapter 132: Apply to Join the Hiring Team!
"Anger and Jealousy are already on their way."
Lust smirked. "When they arrive, there will be four of us."
"The arrogant one rejected our invitation. It's truly irritating when someone acts so self-important."
Greed interjected, her tone sharp. "Four will suffice for now. Spread out across the city and start investigating."
Nock, standing nearby, hesitated before speaking. "Lady Lust, the Wilhelm family has plenty of people, but we lack the necessary strength. I suggest we bring in outside help."
Lust raised an eyebrow. "You think hiring outsiders is the solution?"
Nock nodded earnestly. "It could also serve as bait. If the murderer hears of this, they might send someone to infiltrate us. It's like setting a trap within a trap."
Greed's eyes gleamed with interest. "A clever idea, Nock. Make the arrangements."
"Yes, Lady Greed," Nock said, bowing slightly.
Within hours, the news of the job opportunity began circulating.
Kaizen Receives the Call
Kaizen sat by the window, his gaze distant, when his phone buzzed. Picking it up, he saw Nock's name on the screen.
"Kaizen."
"Mr. Nock," Kaizen greeted, his tone neutral.
"We're beginning to track down the murderer behind Carlisle's death. But the leads are scarce, and we need more manpower. Would you and Nina consider joining us?"
Kaizen frowned. "Is it dangerous?"
"There will definitely be risks," Nock admitted.
Kaizen sighed. "Then Nina won't be suitable. She's still in a fragile state after Carlisle's death, hasn't fully mastered Nen, and her combat ability is limited. She's not ready for something like this."
"Fair point," Nock agreed. "But what about you?"
Kaizen hesitated deliberately. "Mr. Carlisle did teach me, but my relationship with him wasn't as close as with Nina. Besides, I've been looking out for her. It's not as though I owe him a debt."
Nock's brow furrowed, but he chuckled lightly. "I understand. However, I should mention this is a paid opportunity. We're offering four million Jenny per week to start. Interested?"
Kaizen leaned back, feigning indifference. "Only four million? That's a bit low, isn't it?"
Nock chuckled. "The pay reflects ability. Show us what you've got, and your commission will rise accordingly. You won't be shortchanged."
"Where do I need to go?" Kaizen asked.
Nock gave him an address, and Kaizen ended the call with a thoughtful look.
...
Entering the Fray
The next morning, Kaizen made his preparations. He suppressed his aura to resemble that of an inexperienced Nen user, ensuring he appeared as a low-ranking contender. However, his physical prowess and base abilities were still formidable, enough to handle sudden attacks from C-class opponents.
At the specified location, Kaizen arrived at a large yard filled with mercenaries and bounty hunters. The group eyed him warily as he walked in. Most quickly lost interest, but a few assessed him with subtle curiosity.
Moments later, Nock stepped into the yard, his commanding presence silencing the chatter.
"Thank you all for coming," he began. "This mission is both dangerous and demanding, so we require a test before officially hiring anyone."
A ripple of discontent moved through the crowd, but Nock raised a hand to calm them.
"Even if you fail, you'll still receive 600,000 Jenny just for showing up today."
That seemed to ease the tension, and the murmurs died down.
Nock pointed to a door leading to another section of the compound. "You will each enter one at a time. Inside, you'll demonstrate your abilities. Those who pass will receive further instructions."
Kaizen's Test
When Kaizen's turn came, he walked through the narrow passageway to a room at the far end. Two figures awaited him inside: Lust and Greed, seated across from one another.
They glanced up as Kaizen entered. Lust gave him a faint smile, while Greed's expression was cold and scrutinizing.
"Kaizen, correct?" Lust asked, glancing at a sheet of paper.
"That's right."
"Show us your Nen ability," Greed demanded, her tone impatient.
Kaizen nodded and raised a hand. A shimmering pink aura appeared beside him, forming into the shape of a humanoid beast. Its sleek design and razor-sharp claws exuded deadly precision.
"This is my Nen beast," Kaizen explained. "It excels in close combat and is equipped with Nen-imbued explosives for ranged support. Combined, they allow me to outmaneuver most Nen users at my level."
Lust's interest deepened as she observed the creature. "Impressive," she murmured.
Greed sneered but nodded begrudgingly. "Fine. Attack the target over there."
Kaizen turned to see a straw dummy at the far end of the room. With a flick of his wrist, his beast lunged forward, striking the dummy with calculated precision. The resulting explosion tore it apart, leaving smoldering remnants on the floor.
"Acceptable," Greed said tersely. "Six million Jenny a week sound fair?"
Kaizen bowed slightly. "That works for me."
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