"No, last time, their bodies turned out to be decoys. They faked their deaths."
Kay, the puppet, explained it as best he could:
"Now, one of their companions has actually died in Yorknew City. They suspect it might be connected to someone in the assassination group, so..."
"That's why you came to me, asking to join the assassination team?" Leiert rubbed his temples in frustration.
Nearby, Paikasi, one of the bodyguards, wore an eager expression. He'd joined the assassination group previously but had failed to leave an impression. He hadn't even seen the Phantom Troupe in person before hearing news of their supposed destruction.
This left him bitterly disappointed, and now that he knew the Troupe wasn't dead and was actively causing trouble, his excitement returned, his hands itching for action.
"Hmph, if they really dare to come, let them! They won't leave alive!!"
Unexpectedly, Leiert didn't seem as excited as Paikasi about the destruction of the Shadow Beasts or the potential showdown with the Phantom Troupe.
"The last time, the Ten Dons and the assassination group forced me to fake my death. The Phantom Troupe? They're just a bunch of glorified bandits with some flashy tricks!"
"I've already secured plenty of assets from the Ten Dons. Thanks to the upcoming Auction in Yorknew City, I've established connections with some very wealthy players."
"Especially with Battera, the world's leading tycoon. I've even secured access to some of his elite bodyguards. Taking care of those Phantom Troupe thieves? It'll be child's play."
"I plan to use their heads to solidify my dominance in the underworld."
After saying this, Leiert casually picked up his phone and began making calls.
"Moshi, moshi, is that Mr. Battera? Yes, it's me... I think we should discuss some arrangements."
Once the call ended, Leiert lounged on the sofa, sipping red wine with a smug grin.
His attitude left Kay Taylor silent.
He'd already delivered the critical information—the confirmed deaths of the Ten Dons. His job was technically done, and Leiert had given him a flawless evaluation.
In short, this was no longer his problem.
"Well then, do as you wish. I'm heading out."
Seeing the overconfident expressions on both Paikasi and Leiert, Kay Taylor walked out.
The moment he stepped outside, he encountered two unexpected figures.
"Uncle Taylor, we heard everything. The Phantom Troupe is coming, right?"
At the door stood Lisa, her face pitiful, with a tearful expression. Beside her was Ross, the yellow-haired Nen user, whose uneasy smile was far from reassuring.
"I picked it up through sound waves," Lisa said. "There are five fast-moving figures heading this way. Judging by their speed, we won't stand a chance. They'll be here any moment!"
Tears welled up in her eyes as her voice wavered.
"I'm just here for a part-time job. I don't want to die like Brothers Salvatore, Uncle Taylor. Do you have any ideas?"
Ross nodded emphatically, trying to match her tone of desperation.
Kay Taylor raised an eyebrow. "Why don't you drop the act first?"
Lisa's crocodile tears vanished in an instant. Her expression hardened, catching Ross off guard.
Kay Taylor sighed. "How could someone working as a bodyguard be a simple, naive girl? Follow me. This isn't the place to talk."
The trio disappeared into another room, leaving the bodyguards of the Leiert family split into factions.
Meanwhile, several blocks away, Franklin and his group approached the hotel marked with the distinct emblem of the Leiert family.
From a distance, they noticed windows on an upper floor were wide open, silhouettes visible, as if waiting for their arrival.
"It seems they were tipped off," Feitan murmured, narrowing his eyes.
"Shalnark's information mentioned a Nen user on their side who specializes in sound waves. Likely, they caught wind of us through him," Franklin explained.
"And didn't they have someone skilled in origami?" Shalnark added thoughtfully.
"Origami, huh? If their family was part of the original assassination group, it wouldn't be surprising if they had ties to the Zoldycks," Franklin speculated.
"Good." Phinks cracked his knuckles with a malicious grin. "I've been itching to interrogate their boss."
Feitan remained silent, but the growing murderous aura around him spoke volumes.
At the back of the group, Ronnel sighed inwardly.
"Great, now even Ross is caught in the crossfire. Poor guy—three seconds of silence for him."
Without missing a beat, the group reached the hotel.
Inside, in one of the lounges, Ross sneezed loudly.
"Uncle Taylor, we can't deal with opponents like them!" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with panic.
"Then don't."
Kay Taylor's response was calm and detached.
"My job's done. If someone else wants to step up, be my guest."
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