Chapter 8: Hunters Flock to the Scene
Biscuit pursed her lips and crossed her arms.
I was nearby at the time, planning to spend a fortune on the Promised Ruby but you snatched it first. So I went to the crime scene looking for clues.
After seeing the spider symbol on the wall and your mark, I went straight to the Hunter Association's website to gather information about you.
I know everything now your origins, your telepathic abilities, your career as an assassin. After that, I followed the traces you left behind… and here we are.
Germain leaned casually against the rough alley wall, hands tucked in the pockets of his black coat, looking perfectly calm.
I should have been careful enough not to leave any traces behind.
Biscuit smiled and shook her head.
The night you committed that crime and left the Phantom Troupe's emblem, you became the talk of the city both on the Hunter Association website and across the Dark Web.
There's always someone willing to sell information about where and when you were seen. Gathering those scattered clues with help from other Hunters was enough to find you.
Never underestimate a Hunter's intelligence and tracking ability. That's what we're best at.
Germain nodded in approval.
A web of Hunters, informants, and gangsters were chasing the original culprit, and eventually his movements were discovered. There was nothing he could do
the Hunter Association's website had become an excellent intelligence hub. Unfortunately, without a Hunter license, it was inaccessible.
Suddenly, a faint ringing came from Biscuit 's princess-like dress.
She raised a brow, reached into a hidden pocket, and pulled out a small phone
its surface covered with colorful animal stickers.
Biscuit unlocked the screen, stared for a moment, and then smiled faintly.
She turned the screen toward Germain.
He leaned closer. The image of the Promised Ruby glowed on the screen beneath it, an outrageous price tag, and at the bottom, one word: SOLD.
Biscuit waved the phone proudly and slipped it away.
I suspected you might've missed your chance with the Promised Ruby, so I asked a friend to track it through the black market. I ended up paying double to buy it.
Germain reflected silently.
It certainly wasn't Chrollo who put the Ruby up for auction it had likely been sold casually to an acquaintance, changing hands countless times through the night before resurfacing on the black market.
While Biscuit tracked Germain, she also had her friend trace the Ruby's path and her friend got there first.
As for double the price, it was probably compared to what the gem dealer had originally asked.
Still, as a seasoned Hunter, Biscuit wasn't short on money.
Money can't buy what one loves and for the Promised Ruby, even double the price was worth it.
Germain studied her carefully.
Now that the Promised Ruby is in your hands, I'm of no use to you, am I? Or… do you plan to turn bounty hunter?
Biscuit shook her head.
It cost me a fortune, but your bounty wouldn't cover it. From now on, I have no intention of attacking you.
Then she extended her gloved left hand toward him.
Germain blinked, puzzled.
Biscuit grinned, wiggling her fingers playfully like the tentacles of a jellyfish.
We've been in this alley for almost five minutes. If we stay longer, people might get suspicious. Take my hand
Her voice softened. A beautiful lady deserves the protection of a gentleman.
She winked mischievously.
Sensing the hidden meaning behind her words, Germain took her hand.
Together, they stepped out of the alley into the bustling street.
Biscuit stayed close, still holding his hand, smiling so brightly they looked like siblings walking together. Then she lowered her voice.
The Phantom Troupe is the worst band of thieves in history. Taking out one of them would bring fame, fortune, and status.
As a suspected new member, you've naturally become the target of hunters and assassins. You should check online sometime you'll see how much your bounty has risen in just a few hours.
I'm not the only one who's found your trail. Look around can you tell who's following you?
Germain stayed silent for a moment, then nodded.
Since I entered Cross Town, aside from you, three others have been tailing me. Their auras are nothing like ordinary people's persistent and sharp.
Biscuit looked surprised, then bumped into him playfully with her small frame, like an affectionate sister teasing her brother.
Very perceptive! I thought you'd only notice two at most… but there's a fourth.
The four form an assassination team. Two broadcast their aura openly their 'open cards.' One conceals his presence slightly his 'hidden card.' The third maintains a constant, threatening state.
The fourth stays in the shadows the real leader, the trump card in case things go wrong. If you only sense two or three, you're already caught.
Germain tightened his grip on her hand slightly and walked ahead.
Why tell me all this? We've only just met. Our worlds probably don't even overlap.
Biscuit didn't answer immediately. Instead, she pulled him toward a street stall and made him buy her a marshmallow. She nibbled at it thoughtfully.
As a Hunter, when you pursue prey, you use its traces to build an image of it its movements, its thoughts, its habits.
Before I met you, I had a rough idea of who you were. But after watching you for a while… you're nothing like I imagined.
How should I say this…? You're like a strange gemstone I found. I thought it would be a diamond but once I held it, it turned into amber. Fascinating, isn't it?
Biscuit finally released his hand. Holding her marshmallow, she tapped her phone screen and showed him a few photos.
They depicted three figures mid-attack blurred, but unmistakably Feitan, Uvogin, and Phinks of the Phantom Troupe.
This tragedy happened last night in a nearby village. According to the profile I had, you and those three were supposed to be the same kind of bloodthirsty monsters.
But you've been quiet all day eating noodles, paying normally, withdrawing cash, ignoring the stalkers. I can't figure out what went wrong.
Hunters are always driven by curiosity. You obviously have a secret. If you didn't know it yourself, you'd already be dead in the hands of those four assassins. What a pity…
She stepped back, smiled like an innocent child, waved, and raised her voice.
Big brother! My house is here thanks for walking me home. Let's play again another day!
Then she turned and skipped away.
Germain watched her disappear around the corner, knowing full well she hadn't gone far she was simply hiding somewhere with a better view to spy on him.
What a troublesome woman.
(End of Chapter)