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303 HxH: Tombbound Power
🕑 Added 2025-01-04 06:04:01 +0000 UTC"The only advantage is that the restrictions are set by myself.
"As long as it aligns with Nen's principle of equivalent exchange and applies to the item itself, I can set any price."
Ronnel nodded thoughtfully at Emuksu's explanation.
Emuksu's ability seemed to embody the essence of Nen's laws, resembling a fantastical invention device that could manifest anything as long as the limitations were met.
But why name it [An Interest That Cannot Be Lived Up To]? Wouldn't names like [Fantasy Invention], [God-Level Creation], or [Unbelievable Props] fit better?
Seeing the doubt in Ronnel's expression, Emuksu chuckled. "The reason I named my ability this way is tied to the limitations imposed by another branch of it."
"Limitations?" Ronnel raised an eyebrow but chose to listen rather than interrupt.
"For instance, the [Angel's Breath] I created has no restrictions on its use, but I have to bear the cost myself. On the other hand, items created with another branch of my ability come with restrictions that I set. The price for those restrictions? I determine it, based on what I sacrifice—my hobbies."
Emuksu smiled bitterly, leaning back in his chair. "Tell me, Ronnel—what do people live for in this world?"
Before Ronnel could respond, Emuksu continued:
"Some say it's family, love, friendship, wealth that rivals nations, or supreme power. They call these things their dreams."
He shook his head slowly, a faint smile on his lips.
"But to me, these are simply desires. Whether it's chasing money or craving sweets, it's all the same. Desires differ only in scale and difficulty."
Emuksu's tone grew reflective. "Human beings are creatures of emotion. Desires are a fundamental part of that. But people are hypocritical—they dress up desires with noble terms like 'dreams' or 'pursuits.' Personally, I don't care for such lofty ideals. What I have are small, simple hobbies."
He gestured dismissively. "When I pay a price for my abilities, I offer up those hobbies. The more I sacrifice—or the more painful the loss—the more powerful the resulting items."
Emuksu picked up his teacup, taking a sip of Anyi Black Tea before setting it down gently. His gaze softened.
"For example, this tea. To create its potent leaves, I sacrificed something dear: my love for fruit juice. For an entire year, I couldn't drink any, and even if I did, it tasted bitter and unpleasant."
He smirked, holding up the teacup. "That's why I cherish this tea—not just for its effects, but for what it represents. It's a testament to the price I paid."
Ronnel stayed silent, absorbing Emuksu's words.
"Not just the tea," Emuksu added. "[Angel's Breath], [Witch's Rejuvenation Potion], and others—they all come at a cost. Yet I treasure them, even though some were swindled away by that scoundrel, Ging."
Emuksu leaned forward, a glint of melancholy in his eyes.
"The truth is, people often don't value what they have until it's gone. That's why I named my ability [An Interest That Cannot Be Lived Up To]—to remind myself to treasure what I possess before it slips away."
Ronnel mulled over Emuksu's words, the lyrics of a familiar song echoing in his mind:
"Those who can't have it are always in turmoil, while those who are favored take it for granted."
The theme wasn't new, but it resonated deeply. Emuksu's ability wasn't just about creating miraculous items; it was a constant reminder to appreciate life's fleeting beauty.
"By the way," Emuksu asked with a faint smile, breaking the silence, "do you know what price I paid for [Angel's Breath]?"
