"I remember the leader's prophecy poem mentioning something like this: 'When you set off, head east, and you'll find someone waiting for you.'"
In a quiet corner, Shalnark stood in a circle with several members of the Phantom Troupe, holding up a map.
This wasn't just any map—it was a highly detailed world map that Shalnark had acquired at great expense from the Hunter website, far superior to the publicly available versions.
"Just like Killua managed to bring in Milluki's yo-yos to handle Bomber Genthru, I managed to smuggle in this map," Shalnark explained, his tone serious.
"And during my time on Greed Island, I made a discovery that led me to get this map. After studying it, I realized something astonishing: Greed Island isn't a virtual world. It's very likely part of the real world!"
"Part of the real world?" Franklin muttered, sharing a glance with the others.
The room fell silent as they considered the implications. Game over in this world equated to death in real life. If this wasn't a game but reality, it would explain a lot.
"Do you remember what Ronnel once said?" Shalnark continued. "He mentioned that the Nen would teleport us to the actual Greed Island. It's possible he already suspected this or had more insight than we realized."
Shalnark tapped the map. "I went back outside the game, grabbed this map, and traced a route eastward from Yorknew City."
The group leaned closer, their eyes scanning the map. They followed Shalnark's finger from Yorknew City, across the Yorbian Continent, over a strait, and through several island nations.
Eventually, their attention landed on a small, unremarkable island, one that was absent from public maps and largely forgotten.
"This island," Shalnark said firmly, "is the real Greed Island."
The members of the Troupe exchanged looks, their interest clearly piqued.
"According to the leader's prophecy poem, the clue to head east fits perfectly," Shalnark added.
"If that's the case…" Franklin's exposed eye lit up with a spark of hope. "Then the cards on this island really can lift the Nen ability placed on the leader?"
Kube was the first to respond, his voice filled with anticipation.
"So, should we stick to the original plan and collect the cards?" Phinks asked, though his suggestion earned him a withering look from Feitan.
"If this island is real, why waste time completing the game? Let's just take all the cards and leave directly from the beach," Feitan replied curtly.
"That… actually makes sense," Phinks admitted, clapping his hands together. "We're thieves, after all! Our goal should be to take everything!"
He began fantasizing aloud: "If we manage to grab all 100 cards, their abilities could not only heal the leader but also massively boost our troupe's power!"
Feitan nodded in agreement, his tone revealing his own interest.
"However," Shalnark interrupted, his voice cutting through the rising excitement, "we can't forget that this game was created by Ging Freecss. Someone as meticulous as him wouldn't leave such an obvious loophole for people to exploit."
The room quieted again.
"I suspect there's a condition tied to the cards—something like, 'Only after completing the game can the cards be taken off the island.'"
Shalnark's tone was measured but firm. "I even tested this theory. I took a card to the beach and tried leaving, but there were no tools or exits available. It's almost as if Ging specifically wanted to prevent people from escaping that way."
"Then what about bringing an external force to the island?" Feitan asked.
"It's hard to say, but I doubt it would succeed," Shalnark replied after a pause.
At that moment, Franklin interjected, "Shalnark, have you asked Ronnel yet? He's been exploring ruins with Ging. He might've learned something useful."
"I tried," Shalnark said, shaking his head. "But when I called, I couldn't get through. He's likely out of signal range, deep in those ruins."
Franklin frowned but said nothing further.
"Regardless," Feitan muttered, "sitting here and doing nothing isn't our style. If no one else is willing to act, I'll go alone."
Phinks immediately stood. "I'll go with you. If that mysterious person outside tries to attack, two of us should be more than enough."
Feitan glanced at Phinks and nodded slightly, silently agreeing to the arrangement.
"Let's see if we can find a way to break through Ging's barriers," Phinks added, his tone laced with determination.
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