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181 HxH: The Strongest Assassin
🕑 Added 2024-12-14 06:03:00 +0000 UTC"Father, what kind of place is Heavens Arena?"
"Will you come with me?"
"How long am I going to be there?"
"Has my brother ever been there?"
Killua rarely asked so many questions at once. It wasn't like him, nor did it align with the way Zoldyck children were trained.
But today was different.
Silva glanced at Killua briefly, his expression unreadable.
"Heavens Arena is a sacred battleground for fighters," Silva said, his voice steady. "Warriors from across the world gather there to compete. My request is simple: climb to the 200th floor.
"Reaching it will signify that you've completed this stage of your training. Only then will you be allowed to return to Zoldyck Manor."
Silva paused before continuing.
"Understand this: I will not be by your side during this process. The battles in Heavens Arena are deadly. If you're careless, you could lose your life."
Killua's face tensed, his usual nonchalance giving way to seriousness.
"But," Silva added, "I won't interfere. Even if I were there, I wouldn't step in."
For a moment, Killua was silent, his thoughts churning. Then, his expression shifted. A flicker of excitement lit his eyes.
"I understand, Father," he said firmly.
Just then, Silva's phone buzzed. Glancing at the screen, he answered.
"Milluki, what is it?"
"Father," came Milluki's voice, "I've decided to abandon the mission involving Dandins."
"Abandon it?"
"Yes. I've poured considerable time, energy, and resources into this task, but I've yet to uncover anything useful."
"Understood."
Silva hung up without further comment.
Back at Zoldyck Manor, Milluki stared at his phone, stunned. He hadn't expected Silva to agree so easily.
He'd braced himself for scolding—after all, failing a mission could tarnish the Zoldyck family's reputation. Their title as the world's number one assassin family was a point of pride for everyone in the household, from the family itself to the stewards, guards, and even the servants.
"What just happened?" Milluki muttered.
Could it be that Silva had also investigated the target and found no leads? Or had Silva decided that some missions simply weren't worth completing?
The response challenged everything Milluki thought he knew about their family.
Killua, who had overheard part of the conversation, turned to Silva.
"Father, did you just say it's okay to abandon a mission we've already accepted? Won't people laugh at us?"
Silva's gaze sharpened.
"Killua, what do you think it means to take on an assassination mission?"
Killua hesitated before answering. "It means that once we accept a job, we complete it. No matter who the target is or how difficult it might be, we succeed. That's what it means to be the world's number one assassin family.
"There's no one we can't kill, and no mission we can't finish."
Silva shook his head.
"Wrong."
Killua frowned.
"Your understanding of the Zoldyck family, of what it means to be the world's number one assassin family, is completely off."
Silva's tone was measured but firm.
"Assassination is a business, Killua. Nothing more. And in business, it's about maximizing profit."
He continued, "Every day, we receive more job offers than we can handle. We choose carefully. The decision always comes down to cost and reward.
"If a mission turns out to be unfeasible or too risky, we drop it. It's that simple. Risking your life for a mission is foolish and unnecessary."
Killua's frown deepened. "But if we give up so easily, can we still call ourselves the number one assassin family?"
Silva looked at his son, his gaze steady.
"Do you know why our family holds that title?"
Killua shook his head.
"It's not because we wanted it. We didn't chase after the title, nor did we accept impossible missions just to prove something.
"Our reputation wasn't built on empty bravado. It came naturally, as a result of our strength.
"We focus on what matters—choosing the most rewarding jobs, preparing thoroughly, and executing with precision. If a mission proves too difficult or dangerous, we abandon it without hesitation.
"That's how your great-grandfather, your grandfather, Illumi, and I have always operated. It's the reason we've survived and thrived."
Silva's voice grew sharper.
"Once we lose our strength, no one will care about our effort or sacrifices. They'll forget our name and label us failures.
"All those lofty ideals about being the perfect assassin? They mean nothing to the world."
Killua processed his father's words, the weight of them sinking in. He fell silent, staring out the window of the airship as it carried him toward Heavens Arena.
Meanwhile, Milluki pulled out his phone, dialing Kaizen's number.
"Kaizen?"
"What's up, cousin?"
"There's something I need to tell you."
