---
As order gradually returned to Meteor Street,
Kai immersed himself fully in rigorous training.
Whether it was the effect of his Nen ability, Virtual Reality, or simply his natural talent,
Kai's progress was astonishing.
Abilities such as photographic memory, three-dimensional reconstruction, and instant scene analysis—gifts that even the most exceptional prodigies might struggle to attain—came naturally to him.
Before long, there was nothing left for Zeno Zoldyck to teach.
"You just need to refine what you've learned," Zeno said curtly, then turned and left without another word.
Watching the elder's figure disappear into the distance, Kai lowered his head in a silent salute.
He understood better than anyone the significance of what he had received.
The Zoldyck family was no philanthropic organization; they were the most infamous assassins in the world.
Zeno himself was the father of Silva Zoldyck, the current head of the family — an individual whose authority could rival that of an emperor.
For someone of Zeno's stature to personally mentor him was a rare and priceless honor.
---
With his training concluded, Kai could finally address other matters that had been awaiting him.
Before he could act, a call came in from Aruba.
"Boss," Aruba said anxiously, "I really don't understand the instructions you sent..."
Kai listened patiently, then replied without anger,
"I'll come in person. Don't act until I arrive."
Although the plans seemed simple and straightforward to Kai, their execution had been disastrous.
He found himself frustrated — what was obvious to him had apparently been far too complicated for others.
After notifying his subordinates, Kai borrowed a dragon-shaped beast from the Zoldyck estate and took to the skies.
Despite not being its true master, the creature offered no resistance.
Unlike ordinary beasts, these creatures were intelligent; after a brief exchange of intent, it submitted willingly.
Fifteen hours later, Kai landed on the outskirts of Raymond City.
Hundreds of men in black suits stood in two precise columns, bowing low in welcome.
Without acknowledging their fervent stares, Kai followed Aruba directly into the villa.
"Why is there no progress?" he asked, his tone cool and sharp.
According to the latest reports, the real estate developments under his direction had barely moved — far behind schedule.
Aruba, wiping away cold sweat, hurried to explain:
"Boss, we recruited the top teachers just as you ordered. But when we raised housing prices, people refused to buy.
Even though many parents value education, they prefer pulling strings and using personal favors to secure enrollment, rather than buying property.
And regarding the loan services you proposed... they view them as no better than predatory lending."
Aruba paused, his voice trembling slightly.
The reality was simple: the locals didn't trust them.
In this world where Nen users could shape reality, it was still human nature to distrust new powers—especially when they emerged from the underworld.
Kai immediately saw the heart of the problem: credibility.
Or rather, the complete lack of it.
In his previous life, establishing an elite school district had required years of careful planning and public relations.
But here, he didn't have decades. He needed results—fast.
How do I create urgency, Kai thought, without causing full-scale panic?
He considered monopolizing educational resources through force —
but ruled it out immediately.
Provoking a nation like the Ochma Federation could unleash military retaliation, a risk far outweighing any benefit.
Then, an idea struck him.
---
The following day, the front page of the Raymond City Times delivered a bombshell:
A dragon-shaped beast had appeared near the outskirts, resulting in hundreds of casualties among local gangs.
Grainy photographs accompanied the article, fueling public fear.
Before people could fully process the news, sightings of the beast multiplied.
The creature prowled closer and closer to urban areas, tearing through forests and demolishing abandoned factories.
Gangsters — not the government — attempted to fight back with heavy weaponry.
Yet, their efforts barely scratched the beast, which tore apart entire buildings with a sweep of its tail.
Meanwhile, wild beasts of all kinds began flooding into the city's outskirts.
Without the gangs holding the line, the civilian death toll would have soared.
Fear spread like wildfire.
And at the height of the panic, the Lixiao Group — Kai's newly branded organization — launched a relentless advertising campaign:
> "Worried about your family's safety? Want to give your children the best future?
Secure your home today in Lixiao No. 1 Garden — where safety and education come together!"
Billboards dominated the skyline.
Pamphlets filled the streets.
Every radio station played the same reassuring message.
Within a week, 80% of the previously stagnant real estate was sold.
Housing prices surged to twenty or thirty times their original value.
At the same time, Kai quietly allocated 40% of the profits to bribe key officials throughout Raymond City.
Those who refused to cooperate were systematically marginalized and replaced.
Once Raymond City was secured, Kai mobilized elite squads from Meteor Street — trained Nen users who quickly overwhelmed the ordinary gang forces of neighboring cities.
Through a blend of money, intimidation, and raw force, the Lixiao Group seized control of five cities in just twenty days.
"Boss, this is incredible!" Aruba exclaimed, nearly choking on the financial reports.
Kai, sitting calmly, barely spared him a glance.
"I've already walked you through the most difficult part," he said.
"From now on, you'll have to manage on your own.
With enough money, you can hire the right people.
I expect you to handle routine problems without consulting me."
"Understood, Boss!" Aruba bowed deeply, his forehead slick with sweat.
He knew Kai wasn't issuing a threat — merely stating a fact.
"And," Kai added casually, "how's the bounty program for rare creatures progressing?"
"We've collected twenty-four so far," Aruba reported.
"They're stored safely in cold chambers."
"Good," Kai said, rising to his feet.
"Keep offering bounties. Post tasks at the Hunter Association too. No restrictions on type or quantity."
"Understood!"
Aruba bowed once more, feeling the immense weight of responsibility settle onto his shoulders.
As Kai left the room, the sun bathed him in gold.
The age of the Lixiao Group was just beginning.
And behind it all — unseen but unstoppable — was Kai.
---
🌟