The last Scarlet Eyes were all in the possession of Kakin's fourth prince, Tserriednich.
As long as they could confirm the location where he stored the eyes, they could directly seize them without resorting to conflict.
This was the optimal solution, avoiding potential risks and preventing provocation of the colossal entity that was Kakin.
—--
Several days later.
Morrow arrived in the Kakin Empire, located on the Azian Continent.
With his Hunter License, he entered the country smoothly.
However, Kakin was an extremely strict country when it came to "biological control." Considering the potential impact Chimera might have, Morrow opted for a low-profile approach.
Unless absolutely necessary, he avoided riding Chimera, instead having it conceal its tracks while he used various transportation methods within Kakin.
After this hassle, it took Morrow several more days to reach the prearranged meeting spot deep within Kakin's interior.
He entered a simply decorated room and saw Morena and Kurapika.
Morena was still wearing that elegant, plain long dress, her smooth hair falling just above her collarbone, exuding a gentle demeanor that starkly contrasted with her identity.
Kurapika, now a team leader in the Heil-Ly Family, was dressed in a sharp black suit, appearing exceptionally composed and revealing a maturity beyond his years.
When Morrow pushed the door open, the sternness on Kurapika's face softened almost imperceptibly, and he stepped forward without hesitation.
This subtle change didn't escape Morena's notice. Seated behind the desk, a faint, almost indiscernible trace of regret flickered in her deep eyes.
Although it was due to their cooperative relationship...
During their time working together, Morena had witnessed Kurapika's calm and meticulous thinking, his swift and decisive execution, and an almost harsh self-discipline.
In her eyes, Kurapika was like an exceptionally sharp blade; precise, efficient, and incredibly easy to wield.
It could be said that Kurapika had played a crucial role in her scheme to seize the family leadership.
Thus, she admired him, even developing a strong interest.
She began testing and approaching him, intentionally or not.
Using her usual methods of winning people over, she attempted to make Kurapika someone who would truly stand by her side.
However, Kurapika remained unmoved by any of her advances, maintaining a polite yet distant attitude.
This was frustrating.
Morena had always been adept at reading people. Whether through tempting with benefits or binding with emotions, she could always find the precise opening to make others willingly serve her.
But compared to those she had previously won over, the defensive wall Kurapika displayed had not a single gap.
So, seeing this scene now, aside from regret, Morena felt unwillingness and jealousy.
However, for her, unwillingness also meant letting go.
Knowing she couldn't make Kurapika hers, no matter how strong her previous interest or how deep her desire...
In that very moment, she decisively severed that thought. Watching Kurapika walk over to greet Morrow, Morena's face revealed her signature elegant smile, the emotions in her profound eyes already untraceable.
Morrow gave Kurapika's shoulder a light pat before turning his gaze toward Morena.
Their eyes met silently in the air.
Truthfully, Morrow felt somewhat surprised.
Now that Morena had seized the position of Heil-Ly Family head, given her methods, she would inevitably purge dissidents and consolidate her power during the transition.
Afterward, she should place greater importance on her own safety, at the very least strengthening her security.
Yet for this meeting, not only had Morena brought only Kurapika, an outsider, but she hadn't deployed a single person around them.
This near-naked transparency seemed less like negligence and more like a carefully calculated statement.
As if silently extending goodwill.
Morrow could even anticipate that those fanatical supporters of Morena would certainly not easily agree to this approach.
But Morena would use her absolute authority to override their objections.
"Welcome, Lord Morrow."
Morena slowly rose, clasping her hands in front of her.
A flicker of surprise passed through Morrow's eyes, but he didn't dwell on it, cutting straight to the point: "The collection room with the eyes is inside that guy's bedroom?"
"To be precise, it's in an underground hidden chamber within the bedroom."
Morena smiled slightly, adding: "However, Tserriednich has installed a sophisticated and advanced security system at the entrance. Even disregarding how to open the hidden chamber, it's nearly impossible to retrieve them without a sound."
"Mmm."
Morrow nodded, his tone calm: "The priority isn't stealth, but avoiding direct confrontation with Tserriednich. As for opening the hidden chamber, violent means are acceptable as long as we get the eyes as quickly as possible."
"Of course."
Morena's eyes remained unruffled, her smile deepening: "In principle, as long as the 'Prince's' life isn't endangered, no matter how much commotion, the Kakin royal family won't intervene over such minor property losses. So... within the next week, there are two suitable time points for action."
"..."
Both Morrow and Kurapika silently watched Morena, waiting for her to continue.
Morena spoke unhurriedly: "This Wednesday at noon, Tserriednich will attend an art exhibition that lasts until evening and includes a banquet. But based on his usual habits, he'll likely leave early."
"The other time point is Saturday night."
She paused slightly, her tone carrying a faint trace of disdain:
"He'll routinely go to a hotel called Three Golds, waiting for his subordinates to deliver 'prey' for his amusement. He usually stays there overnight."
After speaking, she subtly observed their reactions and proposed: "I personally recommend acting on Saturday night. What do you think?"
Morrow and Kurapika quickly exchanged a glance.
If they were to act in the near future, Saturday night was undoubtedly the better choice.
After all, ample time would significantly reduce operational risks.
Morrow quickly made a decision: "Then Saturday night it is. We need the mansion's floor plan and detailed information on the guards."
"Already prepared."
Morena's execution was equally impressive.
She pulled open a desk drawer and took out a document folder. Morrow glanced at the document folder and said, "There's one more thing."
"Please go ahead."
Morena smiled and made a speaking gesture.
Morrow's voice was calm to the point of indifference: "Just in case, I need to place a mark on you."
"Alright."
Morena's expression remained unchanged, her reply crisp and straightforward.
Her reaction was too natural, as if she completely didn't care what Morrow might do to her.
Or perhaps she had already anticipated this possibility and weighed all the pros and cons before coming.
Kurapika's gaze toward Morena shifted slightly.
During their time working together, he could sense some unusual qualities about Morena.
This woman was by no means ordinary.
However, this line of thought vanished in an instant, and Kurapika's eyes soon returned to normal.
A moment later.
A Star Mark appeared on Morena's abdomen.
The position was just right, easily concealed by clothing.
With this Star Mark, Morrow could monitor Morena's life status at any time and keep the initiative firmly in his hands.
If Morena dared to act recklessly...
Morrow wouldn't hesitate out of past affection.
Because Morena knew perfectly well how important retrieving the Scarlet Eyes was.
Under these circumstances, if Morena truly committed any transgressions, it would mean she had long been prepared to face the consequences.
—--
The capital of the Kakin Empire shared the same name as the country, Kakin City.
This was the most prosperous place in the entire nation.
But it closely resembled the characteristics of the Kukan'yu Kingdom, both displaying a unique dual nature, featuring both modern urban architecture and well-preserved ancient structures.
The most eye-catching among these was undoubtedly the palace complex of King Hui Guo Rou.
This palace representing royal authority perfectly encapsulated the political system of the Kakin Empire.
Superficially, it had transitioned to a democratic system, but in reality, it still followed many feudal traditions, with ancient rules that couldn't be violated, and secretly conducted traditional rituals unknown to most.
It's worth mentioning that Beyond, who was admired and worshipped by most Kakin citizens, also resided in this palace complex at the capital's center.
Meanwhile, the fourth prince Tserriednich possessed a large territory outside the city center.
—--
Saturday night.
As usual, Tserriednich led a motorcade toward the Three Golds Hotel in the city center.
Unless something important came up, every Saturday he would enjoy the process of personally skinning humans and turning them into unique artworks in the presidential suite of the Three Golds Hotel.
—--
Simultaneously.
On the rooftop of a distant skyscraper.
Morrow, whose physique and appearance were completely altered through "Biological Mutation," and Kurapika dressed in female attire, watched from afar as the motorcade headed toward the capital.
(The cross-dressing is based on original character logic, with no other implications.)
Considering factors like traffic congestion, the journey from there to the capital would take at least an hour.
So Morrow and Kurapika weren't in a hurry to act.
The optimal timing would be confirming that Tserriednich had arrived at the Three Golds Hotel.
The night wind on the skyscraper was bitingly cold, lifting the edges of their clothing.
Morrow glanced at Kurapika's outfit.
Ladies' hat, wig, oversized sunglasses.
And exquisite makeup. Although the disguise plan was his idea, the decision to cross-dress came entirely from Kurapika himself.
According to Kurapika, the most undetectable disguise technique was a gender swap.
This theory didn't come out of thin air.
Kurapika drew inspiration from a famous modern serial murder case.
In that case, based on eyewitness testimonies, the police spent ten years pursuing a slender female suspect, yet the investigation never made substantial progress.
It wasn't until the victim count reached one hundred that the suspect appeared on a live television program, voluntarily confessed to the crimes, and removed his wig and makeup.
Only then did people realize with shock that the perpetrator was actually a man.
Morrow and Kurapika waited patiently on the rooftop for two hours before moving under cover of darkness toward Tserriednich's territory.
With the intelligence provided in advance by Morena, the infiltration proceeded smoothly.
They accurately located the surveillance room, quickly knocked out the personnel inside, and then headed straight for Tserriednich's bedroom.
However, the mansion's security personnel were densely distributed. Although they no longer had to worry about surveillance camera angles, they were bound to encounter patrol teams on the way to the bedroom.
So Morrow simply divided the tasks with Kurapika, knocking out these security personnel one by one.
Only after completely eliminating the threats did they reunite and proceed together to Tserriednich's bedroom.
In reality, Morena had withheld some information.
One key point was that the vital signs of these security personnel were linked to the security alarm system.
Additionally, not only was the entrance to the underground chamber equipped with a rigorous security system, but several extremely concealed alarm systems were also installed in multiple locations within the bedroom itself.
Thus, even though Morrow had chosen to knock out the security personnel, the moment he and Kurapika entered the bedroom, Tserriednich, far away at the Three Golds Hotel, received an alert notification on his phone.
—--
By this time, Morrow and Kurapika had already found the entrance to the underground chamber behind a massive mirror.
At this stage, all they could do was force their way in.
Morrow's Nen surged out like a tidal wave, instantly destroying the intricate security system.
Then, empowered by Nen, he shattered the heavy vault door, revealing the spiral staircase illuminated by cold white light behind it.
Morrow first scanned the area with his En before descending the stairs with Kurapika.
As they stepped off the final stair, a suffocating collection room abruptly unfolded before their eyes.
The entire underground space resembled a twisted museum, displaying hundreds of human body-related specimens.
But Kurapika's gaze was drawn as if by some invisible force, intuitively locking onto the special display wall at the deepest part of the room.
There, the entire wall had been converted into display cases, neatly arranged with numerous Scarlet Eyes and some human organs preserved in embalming fluid.
In that instant, an expression of fury surfaced on Kurapika's face, and a crimson glow seeped from the edges of his pupils.
Even through specially made contact lenses, those agitated red light particles remained clearly visible.
For right at the center of that wall, in a glass container, was the preserved head of his childhood best friend Pairo, submerged in embalming fluid.
The face in the preservative fluid remained eerily lifelike, as if it might smile and greet Kurapika at any moment.
Kurapika's eyes slowly widened to their fullest extent, his exquisitely made-up face slightly contorted by the overwhelming rage that surged abruptly within him.
He was completely unprepared.
The mental fortitude cultivated through years of training instantly crumbled the moment he laid eyes on Pairo's severed head.
—--
Meanwhile.
On the rooftop helipad of the Three Golds Hotel.
Tserriednich boarded the helicopter with a grim expression.
—--
In another location, Morena received Tserriednich's urgent directive.
A barely perceptible cold smile curled at the corner of her lips, a flash of murderous intent appearing in her eyes before swiftly vanishing into the depths of her pupils.
There was one thing that Morena remained unaware of.
The reason Morrow exercised such caution to avoid direct confrontation with Tserriednich wasn't solely due to fear of the colossal Kakin Empire.
What truly concerned him was the latent threat posed by Beyond.
That was why he had chosen the gentlest, most inconspicuous method to retrieve the Scarlet Eyes.
And Morena had no idea that the heroic figure named Beyond, who held considerable prestige in the Kakin Empire, was actually the most dangerous existence of all!