Chapter 12: The Testing Gate

After defeating the Chimera Ant, Killua had grown remarkably stronger. Though his power lay in speed rather than brute strength, he was anything but weak.

Being a Transmuter, not an Enhancer, meant Killua had different strengths. Still, among the entire Zoldyck household, only Maha, Zeno, Silva, and Illumi were superior to him in ability. Even Tsubone, the family's oldest and most skilled servant, was unlikely to pose a threat to him anymore. As for the rest of the house staff—none of them stood a chance.

Gotoh, another young but formidable fighter, could already push open four gates of the Testing Gate, demonstrating immense strength.

"I wonder how many gates I can push open," Kaizen thought aloud, bracing himself.

He steadied his stance, his focus sharp. Then, summoning all the power in his body, Kaizen pressed against the heavy metal doors.

"Creeeeak!"

The grinding sound of iron echoed across the courtyard as the third gate began to shift. Kaizen could feel every muscle in his arms and back straining under the weight.

Gotoh's eyes narrowed in disbelief.

Slowly but steadily, the third gate opened wider.

A figure emerged from a small shed nearby—a robust old man with a no-nonsense demeanor. This was Zebro, a long-serving caretaker who handled the manor's outer defenses.

Zebro's sharp gaze fell on Kaizen and Gotoh. Though unfamiliar with Kaizen, he immediately recognized Gotoh by his clothes and demeanor. Understanding Kaizen's importance from Gotoh's respectful stance, Zebro approached with caution.

"Good day" Zebro greeted them politely.

Gotoh gave Zebro a brief nod. Kaizen's face, flushed with exertion, glistened with sweat.

The third gate—the one requiring 16 tons of force per side—now stood fully open. Kaizen exhaled slowly as steam rose from his skin, his sweat evaporating in the crisp air. For a moment, he looked up at the manor looming beyond the gate but made no move to enter. Instead, he stepped back, allowing the massive iron doors to swing shut with a deafening "boom!"

"Master Kaizen," Gotoh said, hurrying to his side with a look of genuine astonishment. Though he had watched Kaizen train under Maha Zoldyck every day, he hadn't realized just how much he had grown.

Kaizen had gone from struggling against Sanghir, one of their toughest sparring partners, to surpassing him. In their early fights, Kaizen had to rely on a technique to turn the tide. But by their third and fourth encounters, Kaizen didn't even need to use it. He had grown far too strong.

And now, Kaizen—only nine years old—had just pushed open the third gate, a feat most adults couldn't dream of accomplishing. His strength, speed, and mastery over his aura were evolving rapidly.

"This level of power…" Gotoh whispered to himself. "It's already far beyond Sanghir."

Just a few days ago, Sanghir had been stronger, but now the gap between him and Kaizen was undeniable.

Kaizen turned his attention to Zebro.

"You're Zebro, right? Mike's cleaner?"

"Yes, Master Kaizen," Zebro confirmed with a slight bow.

Mike was the Zoldycks' first line of defense—a massive guard dog as large as a small house, known for its ferocity and loyalty. While Zebro served as the cleaner, he was also responsible for dealing with visitors at the gate. Most outsiders couldn't push open the Testing Gate, so they would turn to Zebro for another way in.

There was, of course, a small side door next to the main gate, accessible only by a key. Outsiders would often try to bribe or threaten Zebro for the key. He always handed it over without a fight—it was a part of his job. But using the key was just a trap. Anyone entering through the side door would immediately be attacked by Mike.

Kaizen gave Zebro a knowing look.

"Show me around the gate," Kaizen requested.

He had noticed something strange: the crystal ball he carried was absorbing aura from the surroundings faster than expected. Curious about the phenomenon, he wanted to stay near the gate for a bit longer before entering the manor.

"Of course, Master Kaizen," Zebro replied without hesitation. "This way, please."

Just as Zebro turned to lead Kaizen and Gotoh along the outer wall, a commotion erupted outside the gate.

"They're here!"

"I see it!"

"Boss, over here!"

A group of a dozen rough-looking men came into view, all armed and approaching fast. Their expressions were hostile, and it was clear they weren't here for a friendly visit.

Kaizen's brow furrowed, his gaze sharpening.

Gotoh immediately stepped in front of him, ready to protect.

----------------

For each review, upload +1 additional chapter

+100 chapters on patreon.com/FanficsHub