The Palace had tasted blood.
The walls remembered.
Even the birds flying overhead felt the shift in the atmosphere, wings buffeted by a pulse of sheer dominance. Word spread across the arena—spoken softly, reverently, fearfully:
"The Mind Palace… eats assassins."
And from the edge of that fear… came a shadow wrapped in perfect calm.
Illumi Zoldyck had entered the stage.
⸻
🕷️ Zoldyck Strategy: Seed the Core
Illumi did not rush.
He knew better.
"Kaen is not a brute. He is not a weapon," he whispered to himself.
"He is an evolving structure. A living law. A threat unlike anything we've faced."
His fingers twitched, thin needles dancing like spiders.
He'd sent three more Skinwalkers into the field—each not as a fighter, but as a seed. One to observe Mora. One to observe Renzu. One to observe… Selva.
But Selva wasn't what Illumi expected.
She saw him—through dream, through bond, through aura-soul.
And her guardian beast roared like a temple bell.
⸻
🐉 Selva's Awakening: Phase 3 – Dream Paradox Ascension
The wyverns twisted. Fused.
What emerged was no longer a beast.
It was a Dreambound Empress—half-wyvern, half-woman, eyes swirling with starlight.
"I am not her summon," it whispered.
"I am her other self."
Selva collapsed briefly, overwhelmed. Then stood—her aura burning rose-gold.
"Let them try," she said.
"I no longer dream. I command the impossible."
⸻
👑 Kaen's Mind Palace Expansion: The Royal Court Forms
For the first time, Kaen created avatars of his companions—based on his understanding of their Nen, fighting spirit, and bond.
He called them:
The Court Eternal.
1. Knight of Speed – Renzu
2. Duchess of Flame – Luma
3. Seer of Storms – Mora
4. Dragon Empress – Selva
5. Twin Thorns – Tern & Yulo
These were not mere illusions.
These were mental guardians, able to think, act, and even train with Kaen inside the Palace between battles. Ghosts of living people—fueled by his understanding and respect.
"My kingdom," Kaen said, "is built not just on me—but on all I believe in."
⸻
☁️ Outside the Arena – The World Reacts
📍 Heavens Arena – Floor 251
Hisoka watches a replay of Kaen's battle, licking his lips.
"Ohhhhhh… now that's a toy worth breaking~."
📍 Meteor City
Feitan and Phinks observe Illumi's silence.
"He's nervous," Feitan mutters.
"He shouldn't be nervous."
📍 Whale Island
An old woman lights a candle and prays.
"That boy… my grandson… He's going to change the world."
⸻
💬 And then… a call came.
Via emergency Hunter Communication Relay—a message Kaen wasn't supposed to receive.
But it came anyway.
From a Blocked ID.
The voice crackled.
"Kaen. I'm Ging Freecss."
Kaen froze.
The others stared.
"I've been watching your exam. I helped design some of it. You've gone beyond what we expected. Maybe… even beyond what's safe."
He paused. Then continued.
"There's something coming. Something old.
You're not just fighting the Zoldycks or the other Hunters."
"You're about to become a variable in the next war."
Static. Then one last word:
"I'll find you after the exam.
Try not to die before then."
Click.
⸻
🔥 Ending Scene – Illumi's Challenge
Illumi Zoldyck stood at the edge of the Reflecting Zone.
He placed a single black needle into a small doll.
"I name you: Kingbreaker."
The doll twisted. Screamed. Then vanished in a blur of malicious speed.
Inside the Palace, Kaen looked up from meditation, heart suddenly aware of a presence even he couldn't yet map.
"Something… is knocking," he said softly.
He rose, placed a hand on the throne, and said to his gathered Court:
"Let them come."
"We are not legends.
We are destiny."
⸻
TO BE CONTINUED in Chapter 32 – The First of the Kingbreakers