"A strong aura of resentment... It seems like it's been festering for years," Ronnel muttered, his sharp eyes analyzing the swirling black mist floating toward him. He waved his hand dismissively, and the oppressive energy dispersed instantly.
"That's just the appetizer," he said, smirking. "Resentment and death are plentiful around here."
Ging, standing nearby, gave a knowing nod but felt a small pang of doubt deep down. Still, he chose to trust Ronnel's abilities.
"I've scouted this area before," Ging said, stepping forward. "There's a safer route ahead where we're less likely to encounter those bone demons."
"Bone demons?" Ronnel asked, rubbing his chin thoughtfully as he quickened his pace to walk alongside Ging.
This trip to Braga Canyon had Ronnel brimming with anticipation. With his ability to neutralize malevolent energy and collect it for his own purposes, he saw this as an excellent opportunity to expand his inventory—and perhaps spend extravagantly later.
As they moved through the canyon, the oppressive air of death and resentment dissipated under Ronnel's influence, melting away like frost under sunlight. Ging glanced around, visibly impressed.
"This might be the easiest expedition I've ever had," Ging admitted.
"Though I wouldn't mind skipping the part with the bone demons altogether."
Bone demons, or "gatekeepers of the undead," were skeletal creatures with icy blue flames flickering in their empty eye sockets. They attacked any living thing they encountered, their relentless aggression driven by a singular purpose: extinguishing life.
Their central bones were highly prized for use in medicinal concoctions, but harvesting them was no easy task. Bone demons were difficult to destroy due to their durability, and the life energy from a Nen user's aura only served to draw them in.
The best way to deal with them was either smashing their skulls with overwhelming force or completely suppressing one's aura through Zetsu. The latter, however, was a dangerous option in such a hostile environment.
Ging let out a low whistle. "Well, speak of the devil."
Just ahead, the two men spotted a lone bone demon. Its bleached frame stood out against the grim surroundings, its chilling aura making it clear it wasn't one to be trifled with.
"Seriously? This was supposed to be the safe route." Ging sighed, rubbing his temples. He rotated his shoulders, stepping forward. "Still, it's been a while since I had a proper fight."
He glanced at Ronnel with a grin. "You'd better keep the death energy off my back, or I'll make you regret it later."
Ronnel smirked and gave a casual wave. "You've got nothing to worry about."
Despite his teasing tone, Ronnel felt a sense of satisfaction watching Ging's confidence. For all his flaws, Ging's undeniable charisma had a way of inspiring trust. Whether it was friends like Razor, family like Gon and Mito, or now Ronnel himself, Ging seemed to leave a lasting impression on everyone.
The fight was brief but intense. With a single heavy punch, Ging shattered the bone demon's skull into fragments that scattered like snowflakes, its skeletal body collapsing into a heap.
"That felt good!" Ging exclaimed, shaking out his hand.
"Was that the Subai Style?" Ronnel asked, narrowing his eyes in recognition.
Ging shrugged. "Good eye. Picked it up during my time at Heavens Arena."
Ronnel chuckled, though a pang of envy tugged at him. Ging's ability to learn and incorporate techniques from those he fought was nothing short of extraordinary. Unlike many Nen users who relied on innate abilities, Ging's adaptability and talent came from relentless practice and natural genius.
"It's in the Freecss bloodline," Ronnel muttered to himself, recalling the stories of Don Freecss exploring the Dark Continent. "Talent, power, and eccentricity. All passed down through generations..."
As they continued deeper into the canyon, Ronnel couldn't help but think: Traveling with Ging is equal parts exhilarating and exhausting. But if nothing else, it's never dull.
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