Before Arteum completed his assignment, Conrad also allowed him to meet Anisa and Adarte.
While Reginald and Lina met with Vilian, Anisa and Adarte were tasked with understanding more about Arteum.
This also made them feel like they are part of the group and develop some kinship with the other group members.
Once the new members had gotten acquainted with the older members of the group, they would focus on completing the task assigned to them. After finishing it, they would reach a point where they would be fully accepted by the group.
"Right..."
"Now..."
At the moment, Conrad was aware that there was nothing he urgently needed to do.
Because of that, his thoughts began drifting toward other matters.
He had no desire to actively interfere with the story at this point, and it was still too early to pursue his conflict with the Hunter Association. Large-scale revenge and long-term plans tended to produce better results when combined with major events.
"If someone wants to destroy the Hunter Association, there are three targets that must be dealt with."
Conrad thought about it as he sat in a pleasant café, sipping his coffee. The atmosphere around him was peaceful and calm.
"Chairman Netero..."
The first target came to mind.
"The Zodiacs..."
The second followed shortly after.
"V5."
And then the third.
When all three were placed together, the picture became quite clear.
Trying to destroy the Hunter Association and acting toward that goal...
"It is almost the same as attacking humanity itself."
"The easiest way to accomplish it without directly harming humanity would be to eliminate the association's pillars while they are occupied dealing with major events."
Conrad took another sip of his coffee.
"Even if I do nothing, Netero will eventually die fighting the Chimera Ant King, Meruem."
"After that, the Zodiacs will gather just like they did in the original story. Ging and Pariston will eventually leave the Zodiac organization in order to join Beyond Netero's expedition."
"Under these circumstances, Leorio might not join the Zodiacs this time... and perhaps Kurapika won't either."
Naturally, Conrad had no interest in harming either of them.
In truth, there was no need for that.
Neither of them was among the association's foundations.
Their positions were largely symbolic, serving to facilitate events rather than forming a core part of the association itself.
"In short..."
"The easiest way to destroy the Hunter Association would be during the voyage aboard the Black Whale."
"While the princes are fighting for the throne."
"While the three mafia families are busy with one another."
"While the Phantom Troupe is pursuing its own objectives."
"That would be the perfect time for me to deal with the Hunter Association."
Conrad deeply disliked the system the Hunter Association had created.
He disliked its structure.
And he particularly disliked the way it deceived people through Nen.
More than destroying Hunters themselves, he wanted to destroy the association's way of thinking and rebuild it into something different.
"I'm sure it'll be entertaining."
At his current stage, there was no organization and no opponent that interested him more than the Hunter Association.
Zoldyck Estate – Main Hall
An elderly man with white hair entered through the door.
Ignoring the enormous ten-meter-tall dog-like creature standing near the corner, he continued walking forward and looked toward a tall, broad-shouldered man with long hair who resembled him greatly.
Of course, compared to the old man, he was still young.
He appeared to be somewhere in his forties.
"What are you reading, Silva?" the old man asked in a tired voice.
Silva rose from his seat.
"To be honest..."
"I'm reading a client's comments, Father."
Zeno nodded.
"A problem?"
Silva shook his head.
"No."
"There isn't a problem."
"It's just that Gotoh's interpretation of the situation differs somewhat from the client's interpretation regarding the conclusion of the mission."
Zeno thought for a moment.
"Tell me."
Silva summarized the reports given by the Zoldyck butlers who had been dispatched during the Light Upon Us mission.
After listening quietly, Zeno stroked his beard.
"I see..."
"That young man certainly has potential."
"The fact that our butlers disappeared at a critical moment and appeared to have abandoned him doesn't leave the best impression."
"But I don't see any mistake."
"The contract was fulfilled."
"The requested result was delivered."
Silva nodded.
"I agree."
"But considering his age and the fact that his strength is only beginning to develop..."
"Could this become troublesome in the future?"
Zeno thought for a moment.
"You think he might develop hostility because of this?"
Silva nodded.
"People outside the family don't always think rationally."
"We never know what emotions they'll attach to certain events."
"When he becomes stronger, he might convince himself that we failed to help him and decide to pursue revenge."
Zeno smiled.
"Yes."
"That's possible."
He then turned around.
"You're the family head."
"The decision is yours."
"But even if he seeks revenge, if we can't answer it in return, then it would mean we failed to inherit anything worthwhile as a Zoldyck family."
Silva nodded.
"I understand."
The hall fell silent once more.
"So that's how everything happened."
"If my mistake warrants removal from the mission, I'll understand."
Mizaistom spoke while looking at the elderly man seated across from him.
The old man was naturally Isaac Netero.
"Ho ho ho..."
"It's an important assignment, Mizaistom."
"Removing you wouldn't be very sensible."
Netero smiled.
"If young Conrad has noticed the situation, then he has every right to act."
"And we have every right to defend ourselves."
"If he hasn't noticed, then there is no issue."
"But if he has noticed and is simply waiting..."
Netero's smile widened slightly.
"Then perhaps it's time for you hunters to learn how not to become prey."
Mizaistom took a deep breath and smiled.
"I understand."
Netero merely continued smiling.
Those who knew him well understood exactly what that smile meant.
The conversation was over.
He could leave.
Without wasting any further time, Mizaistom stood up and exited the room.