Lines snapped into place in Kaizen's mind.
The study of parasites.
The queen's function in the hive.
Ponzu—the sole survivor.
Parker's altered physiology.
And Parker's connection to Oster.
When pieced together, these clues pointed in a clear direction.
Oster had pursued this research not for science, not for curiosity—but for transformation.
He wanted to become something beyond human.
Just like Parker.
"So this... is how parasites should really be used?"
Parker's transformation was complete. From the moment he learned Nen, he jumped straight to C-rank. Compared to his human form, his potential skyrocketed.
"And Oster... his strength is already terrifying."
"Among A-rank Nen users, he's among the best."
"Otherwise, Dark Night would never have been completely wiped out."
"So there's only one logical path left for him."
"He's chasing S-rank."
Kaizen's eyes sharpened.
"Oster must've realized he couldn't reach S-rank through normal means. Not with his current talent."
"Hence the parasite research."
"To break past his natural limits."
...
Oster had already achieved nearly everything.
He was an A-rank Nen user.
A high-ranking minister in the United States of Saherta.
He held wealth, power, prestige—even charisma.
There was very little left for him to chase.
But if there was something...
It came down to two ambitions:
First, to overthrow Saherta's royal family and become king.
Second, to break into the elusive ranks of S-rank Nen users.
The first was far more difficult.
The Saherta royal family wasn't to be underestimated—and Gruner, one of their loyal defenders, was no pushover.
Kaizen's thoughts spun faster.
"Parker's success proves Oster's research is viable."
"If I can get my hands on that data... maybe I can use it for Ponzu."
"Make her an S-rank Nen user?"
It wasn't out of the question.
Kaizen didn't need shortcuts himself. With his talent, his Observer's Will ability, and his advantages as a time traveler, he was confident he could reach S-rank the traditional way.
But within his team, none of his allies showed that level of potential yet.
Sally, Nina, Shizuku, and Siper... they were all strong, but not that strong.
The only one with a chance was Tessia.
The girl he rescued from human traffickers in the Fiora Kingdom.
She'd been a victim of the Red Trang gang.
Like Machi of the Phantom Troupe, Tessia could perceive aura before she ever learned Nen.
Unlike Machi, who had leaned into healing techniques, Kaizen had other plans for Tessia—plans aimed at raw combat strength.
"If Ponzu can really become an S-rank Nen user... then even on the Dark Continent, she'd be a major asset."
"I'll need to keep tracking Oster's movements."
...
At the border of the United States of Saherta—
A cloaked figure turned back to glance at the distant capital.
Oster's expression was unreadable.
He had reached the top in Saherta.
He had come so close with his parasite experiments.
He just needed one more piece—one surviving test subject, one final specimen.
Just a little more, and he would've broken through.
Instead, everything had fallen apart.
Now, he was in exile.
Hiding.
Starting over from scratch.
Then—
A figure materialized at his side.
Oster's pupils contracted. Instinct kicked in.
"Who's there?"
"You've disappointed us, Oster."
The voice belonged to a man who appeared to be in his forties, though his aura said otherwise.
"I'm Beard," the man said casually. "Sarona-sama sent me to bring you back."
Oster leapt away, widening the distance instantly.
But as soon as his feet hit the ground—Beard was already beside him again.
There were only two explanations.
Either Beard's speed dwarfed Oster's.
Or he possessed a special ability.
"Don't bother resisting," Beard said, calm and matter-of-fact.
He extended a hand.
Oster tried to dodge—but couldn't move.
Beard's palm landed on his shoulder.
And then—nothing.
Oster's body froze.
Completely.
His thoughts screamed in panic.
What the hell is this?
What kind of ability is this?
I'm an A-rank Nen user! How—?!
"I told you," Beard said, voice quiet but firm. "There's a gap between us."
"From where I stand, your abilities are nothing but a child's game."
"Now stop wasting time. Come back. Don't make Sarona-sama wait."
...
Royal City of Saherta.
Oster was dragged into a sealed underground chamber.
Dozens of Nen needles pierced into his body—paralyzing him, suppressing his aura completely.
He was no different from an ordinary man now.
Sarona appeared before him, stepping out of the shadows.
Only then did Oster fully understand who had sent Beard.
Sarona—an S-rank Nen user.
One of the forces that kept the Saherta royal family in power.
In this world, a royal family didn't rule just through bloodline.
It ruled through class.
And class came with privileges—economic, political, and military.
The strongest Nen users... were part of that class.
Especially those who had reached S-rank.
Technology had made the world dangerous—yes.
But even among weapons like miniature Roses, Nen users still mattered.
Because when both sides had Roses...
The one with S-rank Nen users won.
Every time.
...
"Oster," Sarona said quietly. "Do you know where you went wrong?"
Oster lowered his head.
"I'm sorry," he whispered. "I was wrong."
------------
Fanfic is completed on patreon.com/FanficsHub (1047 chapters in total)