Ordinary people cannot see Post-Mortem Nen, but they can generally sense the effects emitted by them.
Haunted houses, sinister dwellings, places plagued by ghosts...
There's always a small group of people who come into contact with places where grudges linger, subsequently experiencing inexplicable chills, the sensation of being watched from the shadows, or hearing faint, indistinct noises… these are all effects caused by Post-Mortem Nen on ordinary people.
To modern people, such intangible, invisible presences are defined as 'ghosts'.
Compared to highly aggressive, lethal Post-Mortem Nen, these weaker ones are insignificant. Places like dilapidated haunted houses aren't worth the effort for Nen Exorcists to deal with, they'd have to be truly idle to bother.
Generally speaking, Post-Mortem Nen almost always affect ordinary people, especially upon close contact.
However, the black Post-Mortem Nen emanating from that musical score had nearly engulfed Clover, yet Clover showed no signs of being affected at all, continuing to chat and laugh with his guests.
Strands of the Aura, like countless women's hands, gently caressed Clover's body.
'The Sonata of Darkness only affects those around it when played. Given this, it's highly likely that this score is the second piece of the Sonata of Darkness.'
From the moment Clover approached the display case, Law noticed that while the black Post-Mortem Nen was unsettling, it showed no signs of hostility.
Moreover, judging by the reactions of others, it didn't seem to have any physiological impact on them.
Based on this observation, Law didn't stop Clover from approaching the black Post-Mortem Nen.
In fact, he had hoped the black Post-Mortem Nen would attack Clover, bringing the appreciation event to an early end and foiling the Phantom Troupe's plans.
Afterward, he could exorcise the Post-Mortem Nen for Clover, earning his gratitude… killing two birds with one stone.
"I want to enrich this section as soon as possible. In the future, I may have to rely on all of you for this."
Clover lightly patted the display case. The newly established section only held three pitifully few antiquities. To expand it quickly, he'd have to turn to renowned collectors… after all, he had no interest in ordinary items.
Hearing Clover's words, the guests responded with polite laughter.
Clover then explained the origins of the three musical scores. As Law had guessed, the one emitting the black aura was indeed a part of the Sonata of Darkness… the piano solo version.
Law already possessed the harp solo version. If he could obtain this piano solo version, he'd have two of the four.
The remaining two solo versions were the flute solo, which would intersect with Melody who appeared in the original work, and the violin solo. So far, there had been no leads on either.
'I need to find a way to get it.'
Law stared intently at the score inside the display case. He wasn't just thinking about what might happen if all four solo versions were gathered… he also wanted to absorb the Post-Mortem Nen from the piano solo score, as well as the lingering Nen from the antiquities in the annex.
The left annex held twenty-one items with Nen, while the right annex, including the solo score, had seventeen, totaling thirty-eight.
His current average was exactly 75, and absorbing these could likely raise it by about 1%.
After the brief introduction, Clover led the group downstairs, heading toward the main attraction of the day… the central hall of the Ohara Museum.
As everyone filed down the stairs, Sharon noticed Law's unusual behavior and pondered.
The way he stared at the score was like a lustful man gazing at a naked woman… his desire was unmistakable.
However, everyone in the industry knew Clover would never part with his possessions. Trying to buy something from him was harder than climbing to the sky.
Downstairs, out of the annex, and toward the towering main hall in the center.
Compared to the two annexes, the main hall was taller and more spacious.
Upon entering, the sight that greeted them was a structure completely different from the annexes. If anything, it evoked the image of an ancient library… as if a scene from a game had been transplanted into reality.
"Welcome, everyone, to my sanctuary."
Clover spread his arms, a look of pure delight on his face.
An open floor, ringed by ascending bookshelves, lined with neatly arranged ancient tomes… at a glance, there were easily over a thousand volumes, some of them rare, priceless originals.
An unimaginable trove of knowledge, housed within a museum crafted from thousand-year-old trees.
Law gazed at the sea of books and was instantly reminded of the year Linne had confined him to a study.
He couldn't help but feel a wave of nostalgia, even the urge to hole up here and devour every last book.
"Master Clover, of all these books, how many are original copies?" asked a beautiful and sexy female reporter.
Upon hearing this, Clover snapped his fingers and smiled, "One hundred and eight. Can you imagine the significance of that number?"
To laypeople, the immense value hidden behind that number was unfathomable. Ancient original texts were fundamentally different from ordinary collectibles… their worth was incomparable.
Without waiting for the reporter's response, Clover turned to the guests, more precisely, to the pale red wooden box in Law's hand, and said, "My collection is too vast to introduce in full. Let's cut to the chase. I assume everyone has brought something remarkable today."
The guests carried their collections by hand, ready to showcase them here. If there was any intention to trade, deals could be struck on the spot.
Pakunoda discreetly observed the layout of the main hall. On the surface, none of the three museums displayed any visible security systems. Yet, a place housing so many precious artifacts would be unthinkable without high-end security measures.
To avoid drawing attention, the bald man accompanying her hadn't brought any collection items.
While Pakunoda surveyed the surroundings, Law observed her.
At that moment, Clover pointed directly at Law and said with a smile: "Mr. Law, I can't wait any longer. Please come over here."
'Law...?'
Among the crowd, Pakunoda's heart skipped a beat, but she quickly steadied herself. After all, she had already scrutinized all the guests…
'It must just be a coincidence, someone with the same name.'
Bodyguards from the Ohara Museum brought in a long table covered with a red cloth and neatly stacked white gloves.
Law stepped out from the crowd and calmly walked toward Clover.
Being the first one called up was exactly what he wanted, after all, it was a prime opportunity for promotion. Plus, he could sell these two collection pieces at a high price.
It had to be known that most of the guests here were wealthy individuals with deep pockets, and many had keen eyes for appraisal.
With so many experts present, the authenticity of the artifacts would be all but guaranteed.
When Pakunoda saw the man referred to as 'Law', which was the lecherous-looking guy with a thick beard, she relaxed.
'Just a coincidence.'
Seeing Law approached, Clover turned to the guests excitedly, "Let me introduce you all. This is Mr. Law, the founder of the Lawlin Museum and a seasoned Hunter who ventures into perilous ruins. Countless antiquities have been unearthed by his own hands."
The slightly exaggerated introduction made all eyes converge on Law like spotlights. Reactions varied… some intrigued, others skeptical.
To those who cherished ancient antiques, befriending an experienced Hunter was nothing but beneficial. However, Law's appearance and attire stood out starkly among the elite crowd, drawing some disdainful glances.
Still, among these affluent guests, a few looked at Law with genuine interest in forming a connection.
No one with half a brain would pass up the chance to befriend a highly skilled Hunter.
"What he has brought today is something beyond your imagination… Roderic's final letter, and a truth long hidden in history!"
Clover's excitement seemed genuine, but to those in the know, his effusive praise carried an ulterior motive.
Miki and Angie both knew the authenticity of the brush and final letter Law had brought was still under question. By hyping it up so dramatically in front of everyone, Clover was setting Law up for a fall if the items turned out to be fake...
Law also sensed something deliberate in Clover's overly flattering introduction, but he wasn't worried in the slightest.
At their core, collectors despised forgeries.
Upon hearing Clover's words, guests familiar with Roderic showed surprise. They had never heard of a final letter from Roderic, let alone one that revealed some hidden truth...
Under the intense scrutiny of the crowd, Law reached Clover's side, placed the wooden box on the table, and slowly opened it.