Jack's arrival in HxH world - Chapter 17
Chapter 17: The Shadow of Illumi Zoldyck
The second day on Zevil Island dawned with a heavy mist clinging to the forest, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves. Jack woke up in his makeshift camp, his senses immediately on high alert. The previous day had been a test of survival and strategy, but now, as he activated his En skill, he felt a presence approaching—a presence that sent a chill down his spine.
The aura was unmistakable. It was cold, calculating, and filled with malice. Jack’s En skill, which extended his aura in a 10-meter radius, picked up the faint footsteps of someone moving with precision and purpose. The figure was still a distance away, but Jack’s instincts screamed at him to prepare for the worst.
When the figure finally came into view, Jack’s heart sank. It was Illumi Zoldyck, the needle-covered assassin from the Zoldyck family. His expression was blank, his eyes devoid of emotion, but his aura radiated an overwhelming sense of danger. Jack’s entire body broke out in a cold sweat as the realization hit him: ‘Is his target me?’
—
Jack’s mind raced as he tried to recall everything he knew about Illumi. The Zoldyck family was infamous for producing some of the deadliest assassins in the world, and Illumi was no exception. His Nen affinity was Manipulation, and his abilities revolved around the use of needles to control his enemies. A single needle was all it took for Illumi to turn someone into a puppet, forcing them to attack their allies or even themselves.
But Illumi’s skills went beyond Nen. As a member of the Zoldyck family, he had been trained in a variety of assassination techniques, each more deadly than the last. Jack mentally cataloged Illumi’s known abilities:
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1. Needle Manipulation (Nen Ability):
– Effect: Illumi can insert needles into his targets to control their movements and actions. The needles can also be used to alter a person’s appearance or suppress their memories.
– Weakness: The needles must physically pierce the target to take effect. Avoiding direct contact is crucial.
2. Dark Step:
– Effect: A stealth technique that allows Illumi to move silently and remain undetected, even in plain sight. This makes him an expert at ambushes and surprise attacks.
– Weakness: Relies on the element of surprise. If detected, its effectiveness diminishes.
3. Rhythm Echo:
– Effect: A technique that allows Illumi to create several afterimages to confuse his opponent by creating some kind of rhythm. This makes him nearly impossible to hit in close combat.
– Weakness: Ineffective against En.
4. Claw:
– Effect: A close-combat technique that enhances the sharpness and strength of Illumi’s nails, allowing him to tear through flesh and bone with ease.
– Weakness: Limited to close-range attacks.
5. Assassin Mode:
– Effect: A state where Illumi’s physical abilities are heightened to their peak, making him faster, stronger, and more lethal. In this mode, he becomes a relentless killing machine.
– Weakness: Drains stamina quickly and leaves him vulnerable after use.
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Jack’s mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. Fighting Illumi head-on was a daunting prospect, but running away was not an option.
Assassins like Illumi were trained to track and eliminate their targets, no matter where they hid.
The only way to survive was to confront him directly—but Jack knew he needed a plan.
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Jack retreated deeper into the forest, using his En skill to keep track of Illumi’s movements. He needed time to think, to strategize. He found a secluded spot near a rocky outcrop and began to formulate his plan.
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Step 1: Neutralize the Needles
Illumi’s most dangerous weapon was his needles. If Jack could avoid being hit by them, he could significantly reduce the threat. He decided to use his En skill to detect any incoming projectiles and dodge them. He also needs to constantly use ‘Gyo’, so he don’t turn his needles invisible.
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Step 2: Disrupt Illumi’s Rhythm
Illumi’s Rhythm Echo technique made him a formidable opponent in close combat. To counter this, Jack’s En will work. His Dash skill would allow him to move quickly and erratically, making it harder for Illumi to predict his movements.
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Step 3: Exploit Illumi’s Weaknesses
While Illumi was a master assassin, he was not invincible. His Assassin Mode drained his stamina quickly, and his reliance on stealth and manipulation made him vulnerable to direct, overwhelming force.
Jack’s Strength attribute, now at 100 (50 tons), gave him a significant advantage in raw power. If he could land a few solid hits, he might be able to wear Illumi down.
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Step 4: Use the Environment
The forest was filled with natural traps and obstacles that Jack could use to his advantage. He planned to lure Illumi into areas with dense foliage or uneven terrain, where his Dark Step technique would be less effective. Additionally, he could use the environment to create distractions or set traps.
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Step 5: Stay Calm and Focused
Illumi thrived on fear and hesitation. If Jack allowed himself to panic, he would be playing right into Illumi’s hands. Instead, he needed to remain calm and focused, using his intelligence and strategic thinking to outmaneuver the assassin.
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With his plan in place, Jack settled into a defensive position, his En skill active to monitor Illumi’s movements. He knew the assassin was closing in, but he also knew that rushing into a fight would be suicidal. Instead, he waited, his mind sharp and his body ready.
As the hours passed, Jack’s resolve only grew stronger. He knew that facing Illumi would be the greatest challenge of his life, but he also knew that he had the skills and the determination to survive. The battle was inevitable, but Jack was ready.