Hunter: I'm Really Not a Nen Exorcist - Chapter 32

Sylvia’s intuition wasn’t mistaken.

Being an Enhancer, her speed clearly outmatched Cheadle.

Yet, no matter how she attacked, she couldn’t even touch the hem of Cheadle’s clothing.

This was even with Ken joining in the assault.

What was going on?

Sylvia knew this might be related to Cheadle’s ability, but she couldn’t grasp its principle.

However, Ken perceived it.

It wasn’t the enhanced eyesight typical of Enhancers, but an augmentation in conceptual observational power.

But that description didn’t quite capture it.

Because even if one’s observation was enhanced, it could only clarify superficial matters…

To induce a feeling in someone, a thought like “Could you have foresight abilities?”, one would need an insight that goes beyond the ordinary!

Indeed.

It was insight mixed with analytical and judgment capabilities.

Nevertheless, Ken, having reached this conclusion, was even more curious about something else.

That being—

While Cheadle dodged attacks, she clearly had many opportunities to counter, yet she chose not to seize them.

Posing this question, Ken didn’t really expect an answer from Cheadle but was rather communicating with his comrades.

Unexpectedly, Cheadle responded.

“Caution, that’s my answer.”

With a calm expression, Cheadle raised her gloved right hand, palm facing upwards, in an inviting gesture.

A motion she unconsciously made during her lectures.

“Because of caution?”

Ken squinted, swiftly glancing at Cole who was on ‘standby’, then quickly at Genbu, who was engaged in drawing lots.

“Ah, I see.”

Feigning realization, he smiled, “I don’t mind catering to your intent to stall for time. But first, I have a question.”

With that said,

The man, who particularly resonated with the combat style of Enhancers, voluntarily closed his aura nodes, putting himself in a state of ‘Zetsu’.

Without the protection of Aura, one strike could end his life.

Ken’s sudden action didn’t elicit any visible reaction from Cheadle, but—

It wasn’t entirely without effect.

Cheadle’s fingers twitched ever so slightly on ‘Diagnostic Register’.

For a split second…

She wanted to deactivate her ability and deal a fatal blow to Ken.

Given the current situation, as a non-combatant Nen user, it’s tough for her to beat four skilled Nen users.

But if one opponent was removed, it could be her breakthrough.

Ken, seemingly oblivious to Cheadle’s subtle movement, continued with a graceful smile, “Of course, the question I want to raise doesn’t require your answer.”

Cheadle remained silent.

She was indeed stalling, and the behavior of the opponent seemed to be deliberately accommodating her.

Sylvia also stayed silent.

Trusting her comrade, she resisted the urge to continue her attack on Cheadle, given her lack of movement. But for an Enhancer like her, it was quite challenging.

“Cautious Hound, typically, when facing an enemy with unknown abilities, staying alert and being cautious is the standard approach. But don’t forget, another of my comrades is already using his ability.”

Ken held his long knife horizontally, ready to attack, and seriously said:

“The manifested slot machine and my comrade’s continuous actions of drawing lots are clearly setup-type abilities. In Nen battles, it’s akin to an hourglass counting down. Yet you didn’t try to disrupt it, so…”

A surge of Nen returned to Ken.

He opened his aura nodes while speaking, allowing his aura to envelop him once again.

“You don’t refrain from acting; you can’t. That brings me back to my initial question: Why don’t you counterattack? Not that you won’t, but you can’t, right? That’s the limitation of your ability!”

Before his words could fully sink in, Ken stepped forward.

Boom!

The ground cracked.

With his body enveloped in Nen, Ken charged towards Cheadle like a streak of light.

Beyond the one-on-one confrontations of two Enhancers on an arena, the battles between Nen users often resemble a war of information.

After hearing Ken’s analysis, Sylvia also gleaned crucial information.

The individual before her, reminiscent of a mudskipper, seemed to have a limitation resembling ‘inability to attack.’

Sylvia believed Ken’s judgment and immediately unleashed a powerful aura, attacking Cheadle from another direction.

This time,

She didn’t hold back in her assault.

The direct offensive from the two experts put additional pressure on Cheadle.

“Hmm, that’s basically correct. Is this guy really an Enhancer…?”

Cheadle’s eyes were fixated on the advancing Ken and Sylvia.

When she materializes ‘Diagnostic Register,’ it grants her exceptional abilities, one of which is profound insight.

The primary intent for this ability was to resolve various complex issues smoothly and efficiently while also substantially reducing the chance of misdiagnosis.

Given this intent—

The limitation of this power became a physician’s benevolence.

Because a morally upright and compassionate doctor would never harm someone intentionally.

Even though her ability’s limitation was uncovered by Ken, Cheadle remained unaffected,

If one were to find a reason, it’s because—

Limitations can only exist when the ability is active.

Cheadle maneuvered her Nen to easily dodge Ken’s attack while simultaneously responding based on Sylvia’s aura flow and her subtle movements.

Dodging and dodging—

Neither Ken’s blade nor Sylvia’s fist could touch Cheadle despite their relentless onslaught.

However,

Since Sylvia put all her focus on the offensive, Cheadle’s evasive maneuvers seemed riskier than before.

Comparatively, Ken didn’t go all out in his attack.

All in all…

There’s a difference between not being able to initiate an attack and not being able to counterattack.

Sylvia’s understanding had a subtle discrepancy.

This minor oversight made her expose a vulnerability during her unrestrained offense.

“Opportunity.”

In that instant, Cheadle’s pupils contracted and expanded rapidly, resembling a camera’s shutter, as she swiftly deactivated ‘Diagnostic Register.’

With her ability withdrawn, the limitation naturally vanished, freeing one of her hands.

In a fluid motion,

Cheadle quickly channeled her Nen, using her freed hand to deflect Ken’s attack, then concentrated her Nen into her right hand, landing a precise punch on Sylvia’s exposed spot.

Thud!

Sylvia grunted, sent flying backward.

Ken’s expression shifted slightly, and as he tried to capitalize on this, Cheadle had already rematerialized ‘Diagnostic Register.’

“Truly worthy of being one of the Zodiacs…”

Outside the battle circle,

Genbu, who was busy drawing lots, and Cole, who seemed inactive, expressed similar sentiments as Ken at this moment.

“Cole, are you prepared yet?”

Genbu shifted his gaze to Cole.

“It’s ‘sprouting’ now.”

Cole responded.