chapter 49

Miu POV​

The forest erupted into chaos as Nightshade unleashed her Nen, the once tranquil trees twisting and contorting into monstrous shapes, their branches lashing out like venomous serpents.

A silent understanding passed between Zack, Nobara, and me. We would face this challenge head-on, relying solely on our newly awakened Nen and honed martial arts skills.

Battle Ki, Style Ki, and cursed energy would be reserved for moments of true desperation, a hidden trump card against those who sought to end our lives.

This world would only see our Nen.

We would play by its rules unless it was necessary not to.

Zack, with his enhanced strength and speed, took the lead, his movements a blur as he weaved through the grasping branches and snapping vines.

His fists and feet struck with precision and power, shattering wood and sending splinters flying.

Yet, despite his impressive display of martial prowess, he couldn't seem to land a blow on Nightshade.

She flitted through the trees like a phantom, her movements graceful and effortless, always one step ahead of his attacks.

"Impressive reflexes," Nightshade's voice echoed through the forest, a soft whisper that carried a hint of amusement. "But speed alone will not suffice."

Nobara, her straw doll materializing beside her, this time formed by Nen, launching a barrage of Nen-infused nails beside her, their tips shimmering with a variety of effects. Some crackled with electricity, others pulsed with a searing heat.

But like Zack's strikes, they failed to connect, deflected by a swirling barrier of leaves or intercepted by thick, thorny vines that sprouted from the ground like grasping claws.

"Your ingenuity is commendable, " Nightshade's voice commented, her tone almost patronizing. "But your attacks lack focus, precision."

I channeled my Nen, feeling the familiar warmth and power flow through my body. With a swift movement, I activated my Ren, amplifying my presence and pushing my aura to its limits. The forest floor trembled beneath my feet as I launched myself forward, my body a blur as I closed the distance between myself and Nightshade.

She turned to face me, her eyes hidden in the shadows of her hood, but I could sense a flicker of surprise in her aura. My fist, enhanced by my Nen, shot forward like a piston, aimed at her midsection. At the last moment, she vanished, reappearing several meters away, perched on a tree branch like a graceful bird of prey.

"Your strength is remarkable," she observed, her voice echoing through the trees. "But power without control is meaningless."

Frustration gnawed at me, but I refused to give up. We continued our assault, our attacks growing more coordinated and strategic as we tried to anticipate Nightshade's movements and exploit any openings in her defense. Yet, she remained elusive, her mastery of Nen and her control over the forest environment keeping her just out of reach, the branches and trees pulling her out of the way every time.

Zack POV​

Frustration gnawed at me as our attacks continued to miss their mark. Nightshade's mastery of Nen and her control over the forest environment made her an elusive target, her movements fluid and unpredictable. We needed a new strategy, a way to break through her defenses and gain the upper hand.

"Miu, Nobara," I called out, my voice low and urgent, "I'm going to create a diversion. Focus your attacks and be ready to strike when the opportunity arises."

With a burst of speed, I charged forward, weaving through the grasping branches and snapping vines.

I intentionally made my movements larger and more devastating, smashing large portions of the forest which grew back slower and slower, drawing Nightshade's attention and luring her into following my movements, her eyes began tracking my every step, seemingly convinced that I was the primary threat.

This was the moment we had been waiting for.

Nobara, despite her specialization in Emission and Conjuration, channeled her surprisingly potent Enhancement Nen, her aura surging around her hands and legs, she pounced forwards and as she reached out towards Nightshade.

Thick, thorny vines sprouted from the ground due to her having noticed.

Nightshade gasped in surprise when Nobara tore through the roots and thorns with no damage to herself, Nobara then grabbed her in a hold that would surely keep her immobile.

Miu seized the opportunity, her eyes gleaming with a predatory glint. Miu called out, her voice clear and confident, "Do we pass?" While carrying a massive boulder shrouded in Shu, ready to smash it into Nightshade

A voice, identical to Nightshade's, echoed through the forest, "Indeed."

But the Nightshade before us remained silent, her expression unreadable beneath the shadows of her hood.

Confusion and a sudden surge of apprehension washed over us as we realized something was amiss.

Slowly, we turned our heads to the left, our eyes widening in shock as we saw 3 more Nightshades standing mere inches away. A wicked-looking wooden dagger, its entirety dripping with a corrosive liquid, was pressed against each of our throats.

"You do, in fact, pass," each of them said, a chilling smile playing on their lips for a moment only to be hidden beneath the hooded Kimono each of them were wearing.

—

An hour passed and we were standing in front of an unassuming restaurant that served steak.

We entered, and gave the password nightshade gave to us.

"Table for three for the steak special, we'll take the back room." I said.

"How would you like those cooked?" The person behind the counter asked.

"Cooked hot, over the coals and fires that begin and end with the letter N."

He nodded, hiding shock for some reason. "Go ahead then, I think you've probably already passed this whole thing if you have that."

I don't think that was the standard password.

We entered the back room that was also an elevator.

Miu looked confused and suspicious due to her never having watched the anime and only getting the basics downloaded into her brain via Jump-Chan's food.

She twitched into a fighting stance when the room started shaking and moving downward.

Nobara burst out laughing.

With a glare, Miu called towards Nobara, "Oh come on! I wasn't expecting it to be an elevator!" she put her hands on her hips as Nobara just smirked. "Don't worry ms. I'm on a hair trigger, We'll protect you!"

Before Miu could protest further, the Elevator opened to a massive tunnel.

It was empty, meaning we were the first ones here.

A man who looked like a green bean in a suit approached and handed each of us a token.

Miu got number 1, Nobara took number 2, and I got number 3.

I suppose we've got a long wait ahead of us.

We decided to do some Nen exercises until someone else showed up.