Loki turned to leave.
"Be careful," Squala said, smiling faintly.
"Wait, Loki. Outside might…" Kurapika started, wanting to stop Loki. Squala's warning clearly indicated danger outside.
"It's fine. Don't worry," Loki said, vanishing from the room.
"Fine. I'm a Manipulation type. I infused the dogs with Nen. If anyone leaves, they'll attack," Squala said.
Boom boom boom! The villa shook; dust fell from the ceiling. Everyone was startled.
Basho's face was grim. "What was that?" she asked Squala. "Your ability?"
Squala's face was pale. He shook his head. "Even my ability couldn't do that."
"It must be…"
Everyone ran outside.
At the villa entrance, Loki walked out unharmed. Kurapika and the others rushed out behind him. Squala's dogs lay on the lawn, barely breathing.
Squala rushed to them. "Damn it! My dogs!"
"Don't worry. They won't die. But you should kill biting dogs," Loki said calmly.
He looked at a large hole in the road. Only that spot was destroyed; cracks spread from there. Loki probably knocked out the Nen-infused dogs with a Nen blast.
Kurapika's gaze grew heavier. 'I'm not the only one getting stronger. Loki's stronger than at the Zoldycks.'
Loki and Kurapika walked ahead. Basho looked at Loki. 'A kid has this power? The world is terrifying!' Loki stopped, looking at Basho.
Basho stopped. "What are you looking at?"
Loki smiled. "The 'sister' behind you. Aren't we going shopping?"
Kurapika twitched. 'Will Loki become like Leorio?'
Leaving the villa, Kurapika talked to Loki. Loki told him about Gon and Killua learning Nen. Kurapika didn't expect Loki to be their secret examiner.
Loki stopped. "Let's split up. Kurapika."
"Not together?"
Loki shook his head. "No. I'll find what the employer needs and sign the contract."
Kurapika wanted to ask Loki why he'd applied to be a bodyguard. With Loki's strength and personality, he wouldn't work a normal job. Becoming a bodyguard was important to Kurapika's plan. Loki's appearance was unexpected; he wanted to know Loki's intentions. But Loki didn't seem to want to talk. Baise kept looking at Loki.
"Be careful, Loki," Kurapika said, turning to another path.
Loki could talk to Baise now. Unlike in the original story, Baise hadn't used her ability. Others didn't know her ability; she was hiding it.
"Shall we formally introduce ourselves?" Loki asked.
"Professional Hunter, Loki, twelve years old."
'Twelve!' Baise smiled. "I'm Baise, a professional Hunter. My age is a secret!"
"Women's ages are secrets?"
"Yes!"
Loki smiled at Baise. She kept three meters away, even after Kurapika left. She was wary, but that was useless against Loki. She probably thought three meters was safe. Given their strength difference, she needed at least thirty meters. But Loki didn't plan to attack. He needed a place to talk. They headed towards the city.
They chatted normally; Baise occasionally flirted with Loki. Seeing Loki's unchanging smile, she realized he wasn't interested in her.
'Not because of lust… what does he want?' She didn't know Loki's purpose. 'But it's fine. I'll get a chance. This excellent young man will become my best pet.'
Night fell. A full moon hung high. In a city, in a nice hotel, in a dimly lit room, Loki and Baise sat at opposite ends of a long table. Fine food was before them.
Loki flicked a flame, lighting Baise's candle. The sudden flame surprised Baise.
'He transformed Nen into flames!' She'd never seen this. Loki lit his candle.
Baise's gaze grew hotter. 'A fire boy! Unexpected.' She raised her glass. "Loki's an elegant gentleman. I like candlelit dinners!"
"Good," Loki said, looking at Baise. "Ms. Baise, you're not afraid of danger?"
"Danger? I'd love that. But Loki's young; some things are forbidden!"
Loki had planned to show his power to threaten her, then hire her. But Baise's words changed his plan.
"I want to hire you."
"Hire me?" Baise was surprised. She knew he had a purpose, but this was unexpected. She'd been thinking of ways to stay near him; it was hard to control him quickly. She needed to stay near him. Loki's offer saved her effort.
Baise smiled. "Want your big sister's protection? I can't refuse. But I'm expensive!"
"Ten billion Jenny. I'll pay you two billion now; the rest after the job."
Baise was surprised. That was a lot of money for a kid. He was strong, cute, and rich. This wasn't extremely rich, but it was a lot.
Loki returned to his room, feeling strange. Things were unexpectedly smooth. Baise readily agreed, making Loki uneasy.
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