Chapter 31: The Lost City of Zal

Kai stepped out of the plane and felt the warm breeze of the Yorbian continent on his face. He looked around and saw a bustling airport, with people of different races and cultures moving about. He grabbed his backpack and headed to the exit, where he hailed a taxi.

As he got in, he glanced at his watch and realized that it was July 13th, 2023. He felt a pang of nostalgia as he remembered that it was his birthday. He was now 24 years old. He wondered how his twin brother Killua was doing, and if he still remembered him. They had been separated since they were 12 years old, when they joined the Hunter Association and took different paths. Kai and Killua became combat hunters but they took different journeys.

They had kept in touch through letters and phone calls, but they had never met again in person. Kai missed him dearly, and hoped that one day they would reunite.

He had been away for so long, fighting the chimera ants in a brutal war that lasted one year and two months. He had seen things that no one should ever see, and done things that he wished he could forget. He had lost many comrades and allies, and almost lost his life several times. They had finally managed to defeat the chimera ants and end the war, but at a great cost.

He wanted to continue exploring and return to his journey after the war with the chimera ants. That's why he decided to go to the Lost City of Zal, one of the most mysterious and fascinating places on the planet.

He told the taxi driver to take him to the nearest town, where he hoped to find a jeep and some camping equipment. He enjoyed the ride, as he saw the scenery of the Yorbian continent. He saw lush green fields, rolling hills, sparkling rivers, and colorful flowers. He also saw some exotic animals, such as zebras, giraffes, elephants, and lions. He felt a sense of wonder and excitement, as he imagined what else he would see in his adventure.

He chatted with the taxi driver, who was a friendly and talkative man. He asked him about the Yorbian continent, its people, its culture, and its history. The taxi driver told him many stories and facts, that entertained and informed him. He learned that the Yorbian continent was a diverse and vibrant place, that had many countries and regions, each with its own identity and charm.

He learned that the people of the Yorbian continent were hospitable and cheerful, that they welcomed visitors and shared their traditions. He learned that the culture of the Yorbian continent was rich and varied, that it had many languages, religions, arts, and cuisines. He learned that the history of the Yorbian continent was long and complex, that it had many events, conflicts, and achievements.

He arrived at the town, which was a small and rustic place, with wooden houses, dirt roads, and friendly people. He got off the taxi and paid the driver, who wished him good luck. He walked to the nearest shop, where he rented a jeep and some camping equipment. He loaded his backpack and his equipment into the jeep, and then asked the shopkeeper about the Lost City of Zal.

The shopkeeper's face turned pale, and he shook his head. He begged Kai to reconsider his plan, and to stay away from the Lost City of Zal. He said, "Please, young man, don't go to the Lost City of Zal. It's a place of death and despair, where no one can survive. It's a place where the gods have abandoned their children, where evil lurks in every corner.

It's a place where many brave and foolish people have gone, but none have returned alive. They have either been killed by the traps and monsters, or by the Zal Dragon itself.

The Zal Dragon is a terrible beast, that guards the city and its secret. It's a beast that can breathe fire and lightning, that can fly and swim, that can see and hear everything. It's a beast that no one can defeat, not even with the most powerful weapons and machines.

Please, young man, don't go to the Lost City of Zal. It's not worth it, whatever you're looking for. It's not worth your life."

He thanked the shopkeeper for his advice, but he ignored his warnings. He was determined to go to the Lost City of Zal, and nothing would stop him. He said, "I appreciate your concern, sir, but I have to go to the Lost City of Zal. I've read every book, every article, every rumor about it. I've spent years preparing and training for this kinds of adventure. I've faced many dangers and challenges before, and I'm not afraid of any more. I'm not afraid of the traps and monsters, or even the Zal Dragon.

I have the skills and the tools to deal with them. I have the courage and the curiosity to face them. I have the wisdom and the respect to learn from them. I have to go to the Lost City of Zal, sir. It's the only way I can fulfill my life's purpose."

He got into his jeep and drove to the edge of the jungle, where he hoped to find a trail that leads to the Lost City of Zal. He drove for about an hour, until he saw a narrow dirt road that branched off from the main road. He followed it, and soon he was surrounded by thick trees, vines, and bushes.

He felt a sense of awe and fear, as he entered the jungle. He heard strange noises, such as birds, monkeys, snakes, and insects. He also smelled a mixture of fresh and rotten smells, such as flowers, fruits, and corpses. He kept driving, following the road as it twisted and turned.

He saw some signs that indicated that he was on the right track, such as old tire tracks, broken branches, and discarded cans. He also saw some signs that warned him of the dangers ahead, such as skulls, bones, and blood stains. He ignored them and continued driving. He followed the trail for several hours, until he reached a clearing in the jungle.

He saw a large stone gate that marked the entrance to the Lost City of Zal. It was a massive structure, with two pillars that supported an arch. It was covered with carvings and symbols that depicted scenes of the ancient civilization. It was also guarded by two statues of lions that looked fierce and majestic.

He saw a sign that hung from the arch that read "Beware of the Zal Dragon". He felt a surge of adrenaline and curiosity, as he approached the gate.

He parked his jeep near the gate and got out. He took his backpack and his equipment, and then walked through the gate.

He entered the Lost City of Zal, and was amazed by the sight. He saw a vast and magnificent city, that stretched as far as his eyes could see. He saw towering pyramids that reached the sky, with steps that led to the top, where altars and chambers were located. He saw majestic temples that glittered in the sun, with domes, spires, and columns that decorated their roofs and walls.

He saw elaborate palaces that showed the wealth and power of the rulers, with courtyards, balconies, and windows that displayed their splendor and luxury. He saw intricate statues that honored the gods and heroes, with realistic and expressive features that captured their essence and personality.

He also saw bridges that spanned across rivers and canals, gardens that bloomed with flowers and trees, fountains that sprayed water and light, and markets that bustled with activity and trade. He felt a sense of wonder and admiration, as he gazed at the city.

He also felt a sense of sadness and pity, as he noticed signs of decay and destruction. He saw collapsed walls that buried people and buildings, broken pillars that supported nothing but air, cracked floors that revealed dark abysses, and overgrown vegetation that consumed everything in its path. He wondered what happened to the people who lived there, and why they left their city.

He decided to explore the city, looking for clues and artifacts that could tell him more about the ancient civilization. He walked along the streets and alleys, admiring the architecture and art of the city. He saw different styles and influences, that reflected the diversity and history of the culture. He entered some of the buildings and rooms, searching for anything of interest or value.

He found many things, such as pottery that showed the daily life and customs of the people, jewelry that showed their taste and status, coins that showed their economy and trade, weapons that showed their wars and conflicts, tools that showed their crafts and skills, books that showed their knowledge and wisdom, and paintings that showed their emotions and beliefs.

He also found some things that he didn't understand, such as machines that showed their technology and innovation, devices that showed their communication and transportation, crystals that showed their energy and power, and symbols that showed their secrets and mysteries. He collected some of the items and put them in his backpack, hoping to study them later. He also took some pictures and notes, documenting his discoveries.

He eventually found a map that showed the layout of the city and its landmarks. It was a large and detailed map, that was carved on a stone wall. It had labels and legends that explained the names and functions of the different places. It also had colors and shapes that indicated the importance and significance of the places.

He studied the map carefully, and located the center of the city. He saw that it was marked with a large circle, with a star inside it. It also had a bright red color, that indicated danger and warning and saw that it had a name: Zal Dragon. He felt a surge of curiosity and excitement, as he realized that it was his destination. He decided to go to the center of the city, where he hoped to find the Zal Dragon and its secret.

He left the map and continued his journey to the center of the city. He faced many obstacles and dangers along the way, such as booby traps that activated when he stepped on them, wild animals that attacked him when he crossed their territory, hostile natives that ambushed him when he entered their village, and rival explorers that challenged him when they saw him.

He used his skills and wits to overcome them. He dodged the arrows and spears that flew at him, fought the lions and crocodiles that bit him, escaped the warriors and hunters that chased him, and outsmarted the thieves and mercenaries that tried to rob him.

He also discovered some secrets and mysteries about the Lost City of Zal, such as its origin, culture, religion, and technology. He learned that the city was built by a civilization that came from a place called dark continent, that they had a rich and diverse culture that blended with the local cultures, that they worshipped a pantheon of gods that represented different aspects of life, and that they had a advanced technology that used crystals as a source of energy and power.

He finally reached the center of the city, where he saw a huge dome that covered a circular plaza. It was a metal structure, that shone with a silver color. It had a smooth and curved surface, that reflected the light and the surroundings. It had a large door, that opened when he approached it. He entered the dome and was stunned by what he saw.

He saw a gigantic dragon made of metal and wires, that filled the entire space. It had a long and slender body, that coiled around the plaza. It had four legs, that supported its weight. It had two wings, that spread across the dome. It had a head, that faced him. It had glowing eyes, that stared at him. It had scales, that sparkled with different colors. He realized that it was not a living creature, but a machine.

He then saw a large crystal in its chest, which emitted a bright light. It was a clear and transparent crystal, that pulsed with a rhythmic pattern. It had a shape, that resembled a heart. It had a color, that changed from red to blue to green to yellow.

He approached the dragon and tried to communicate with it. He spoke to it in different languages, hoping that it would understand him. He was surprised when it answered him in his own language, with a deep and powerful voice.

He learned that it was an artificial intelligence that was created by the ancient civilization to protect their city and their secret. It told him that it was the guardian and the keeper of the Zal Dragon, the name of the city and the crystal.

It told him that it had been waiting for someone worthy to reveal the secret to, someone who had the courage, the curiosity, and the wisdom to seek and accept the truth. It asked him if he was ready to learn the truth, if he was ready to see what no one else had seen before.

Kai answered yes and prepared himself for the revelation. He felt a mix of emotions, such as fear, excitement, and curiosity. He wondered what he would see and learn, and how it would change his life.

The dragon activated the crystal, which projected a hologram that showed the history of the Lost City of Zal. It was a three-dimensional and interactive hologram, that covered the entire dome. It had sound, color, and motion, that made it seem real and alive.

Kai watched as he learned about how the civilization rose and fell, what caused their disappearance, and what their secret was. He saw that the civilization came from the Dark Continent, a mysterious and dangerous place that was hidden from the rest of the world.

They lived in a hidden city, that was protected by a powerful barrier. They had a advanced and unique culture, that was based on magic and science. They had a special and rare object, that was the source of their magic and power. It was a crystal, that had the ability to manipulate time and space.

They used the crystal to explore the world, to travel to different places and continents and large island. They also used the crystal to protect their city, to create a barrier that shielded them from harm and danger. They lived happily for many years, until they faced a new threat.

They were attacked by someone among them who rebelled and wanted to steal their crystal and use it for evil purposes. They fought back with their weapons and machines, but they were outnumbered and outmatched. They realized that they had no choice but to use the crystal's ultimate power, to activate the Zal Dragon's final mode.

They used the crystal to create a wormhole, that transported them and their city to another place and time. They hoped to find a safe and peaceful world, where they could start over again. They left behind their hologram, which recorded their history and their secret. They also left behind their guardian, which waited for someone worthy to reveal their secret to.

The hologram ended and Kai was shocked by what he learned. He felt a range of emotions, such as awe, disbelief, and admiration. He realized that he had uncovered one of the greatest mysteries of the world, that he had solved the puzzle of the Lost City of Zal.

He thanked the dragon for sharing its knowledge with him, for showing him the truth. He expressed his respect and gratitude, for the ancient civilization and their legacy. The dragon told him that he was welcome and that he had passed its test. It said that it was impressed by his courage, curiosity, and wisdom, that it recognized him as a worthy successor.

It then gave him a choice: he could either stay in the city and become its guardian, or he could leave and share his discovery with others. It said that it would respect his decision, whatever it was.

Kai thought about his options and made his decision. He weighed the pros and cons of each choice, and considered his goals and desires. He realized that he didn't want to stay in the city and become its guardian, because he would be lonely and bored. He also realized that he didn't want to leave and share his discovery with others, because he would be exposed and hunted. He decided that he wanted to add another choice, that was to repair the dragon but make it smaller to become his companion in his adventures.

He asked the dragon if it was possible, if it could change its size and shape. The dragon said that it was possible, that it could use the crystal's power to modify itself. It said that it was willing to do it, if Kai wanted it. Kai said that he wanted it, that he wanted the dragon to be his friend and partner. He said that they could explore the world together, and learn more about its secrets.

The dragon agreed, and used the crystal's power to transform itself. It became a smaller and sleeker version of itself, that could fit in Kai's backpack. It retained its metal and wire body, its glowing eyes and scales, and its intelligence and personality. It also gained some new features, such as wings that could fly, claws that could cut, and a voice that could speak. It looked like a mini Zal Dragon, that was cute and cool at the same time.

Kai then asks the Zal dragon if there is any more valuable thing that should not be left behind or anything important or a valuable artifact here so he can bring it and use it in his journeys. He says that he wants to have something that can help him in his adventures, something that can enhance his skills and abilities. He says that he hopes that the Zal dragon will grant him his wish, and that it will reward him for his efforts.

The Zal dragon says that there is one more thing that he can take with him, something that is very valuable and important. It says that it is a device that can store and release the crystal's energy, and that it can use it to power and activate different functions.

It says that it is a ring, that can fit on his finger. It says that it will give him the ring, as a token of their friendship and trust. It says that he can use the ring to access the crystal's energy, and to use it for various purposes. It says that he can use the ring to enhance his physical and mental attributes, such as strength, speed, agility, senses, intelligence, and memory.

It says that he can use the ring for good or evil, depending on his choices. It says that he must be careful and responsible with the ring, as it is a powerful and dangerous device. It says that he must never let anyone else use or take the ring, as it could cause harm and trouble.

It says that he must keep the ring's existence and origin a secret, as it could attract enemies and threats. It says that he must always remember the Zal dragon, as it is his friend and ally.

Kai then searched the whole city to see if there were any artifacts or something useful that the people in the Zoldyck Mansion could research. He wanted to find something that could benefit his twin brother Killua, who was an assassin and a collector of rare and precious items. He wanted to find something that could improve their equipment or make it into a business.

He explored every building and room, looking for anything of interest or value. He found many things, such as machines, devices, crystals, and symbols that showed the technology and innovation of the ancient civilization. He also found some things that he didn't understand, such as books, paintings, and statues that showed their knowledge and wisdom.

He collected some of the items and put them in his backpack, hoping to study them later. He also took some pictures and notes, documenting his discoveries.

Kai then left the city and returned to the nearest town. He drove his jeep through the jungle, following the trail that he had taken before. He avoided the obstacles and dangers that he had faced before, using his skills and wits.

He also used his ring to help him, using its functions to enhance his attributes. He reached the town after a few hours, and parked his jeep near the shop where he had rented it. He got out of his jeep and walked to the shop, carrying his backpack and his equipment.

He saw the shopkeeper, who was surprised to see him. He said, "You're back! I can't believe it! You're alive! You're the first one to come back from the Lost City of Zal! How did you do it? What did you see? What did you find?"

Kai smiled and said, "It's a secret, sir. Right now, I need to return your jeep and your equipment. And I need to buy a ticket for the next flight to the Zoldyck Mansion."

The shopkeeper nodded and said, "Of course, of course. Come in, come in. I'll help you with that."

Kai entered the shop and returned the jeep and the equipment. He also bought a ticket for the next flight to the Zoldyck Mansion, which was in two days. He thanked the shopkeeper for his help, and then left the shop.

He walked to the nearest hotel, where he rented a room for two nights. He entered his room and locked the door. He put his backpack on his bed and opened it. He took out some of the items that he had collected from the city, such as books, paintings, and statues.

He wanted to check them to see if he could learn something that would help him or inspire him for his new hatsu that he would create since he had mastered his two hatsus which were dragon fist and dragon eye.

He had learned dragon fist inspired by the hatsu of his grandfather Zeno, who was a master of enhancement nen. It was a hatsu that allowed him to enhance his physical attacks with nen, creating powerful punches and kicks that could cause great damage.

He had learned dragon eye inspired by the anime he remembered, which was Naruto, their byakugan and sharingan. It was a hatsu that allowed him to use his specialization to conjure a pair of dragon eyes on his eyes, giving him enhanced vision and perception that could also see the true nature of things, such as seeing through illusions or disguises, seeing the weaknesses or vulnerabilities of his enemies, seeing the aura or nen types of other nen users, seeing the potential or possibilities of himself and others, etc.

He wanted to create a new hatsu that would combine enhancement, specialization and conjuration nen, creating something unique and powerful. He hoped that the items from the city would give him some ideas and clues. He wanted to create a hatsu that would reflect his personality and abilities, that would suit his style and goals.

He wanted to create a hatsu that would make him stronger and smarter, that would help him in his adventures and challenges.

Kai then looked at the Zal dragon and looked at its scale, which inspired him of his new hatsu. He saw that the scale was a metal and wire object, that sparkled with different colors. He saw that the scale was a part of the Zal dragon, that connected it to the crystal.

He saw that the scale was a device that could store and release the crystal's energy, that could power and activate different functions. He saw that the scale was a symbol of the Zal dragon, that represented its strength and wisdom.

He decided to use the scale as a model for his new hatsu, as a way to incorporate enhancement, specialization and conjuration nen. He decided to conjure a scale-like object on his body, that would enhance his attributes. He decided to specialize his nen type according to his emotions and situations, that would change the color and shape of his scale. He decided to name his new hatsu Dragon Scale, as a tribute to the Zal dragon and its secret.