Silva wasn't surprised by Zeno's reaction.
Because when Vega was struck by the Nen bombardment, an incredible surge of power exploded from his body—accompanied by a suffocating, predatory pressure.
Even Zeno and Silva, battle-hardened assassins with nerves like steel, felt their hearts shudder for a split second. A primal instinct screamed inside them:
The apex predator has arrived. You're nothing but prey. Surrender and embrace annihilation.
Though they cast off the oppressive aura almost instantly, the moment of hesitation was real.
"Father, you must've sensed it too," Silva said gravely. "As I attacked him, a dragon-like shadow manifested behind him. His body changed—wings sprouted from his back, and horns grew from his head."
Zeno's expression remained calm, but his eyes sharpened. "That explains why Vega's strength has grown at such an alarming rate. If he's a creature from the Dark Continent, then strange transformations like this are nothing unusual."
"Exactly," Silva nodded. "Still, there's another possibility—what if the armor is the source of it all?"
Zeno's eyes narrowed. "You mean that armor he calls Phantom Severance?"
Silva nodded again. "Before Vega donned that armor, his power was average at best. But the moment he put it on, his strength spiked dramatically. If the armor itself is Nen-enhanced or tied to a Dark Continent entity, it could be the true threat."
Zeno frowned. If it were just the armor, then perhaps they still had a chance. If they could attack before Vega activated its full power, they might be able to kill him. But Zeno shook his head slowly.
"Silva," he said, his voice firm, "forget this mission."
His eyes gleamed with deep caution. "Have you forgotten the monster we've kept locked away?"
Silva's expression froze. He knew exactly who his father meant: Alluka, the fourth child—taboo even among the Zoldycks. The one locked in the secret room deep within the estate.
"Alluka's wish-granting ability… If Vega is anything like her—or worse, if that armor has a consciousness or ties to a being like Nanika—then killing him might unleash something even more dangerous."
Zeno's voice turned grave. "The moment we kill Vega, that dragon spirit might not die with him. It could manifest in full—an actual living creature, no longer bound to illusion or armor."
"For a threat this unknown, this… alien… we'd be fools to provoke him and risk the family's downfall."
What Zeno truly feared was simple: if they pushed too far, they might trigger another unknown, uncontrollable force—just like what happened with Alluka. He remembered well when their ancestor Zigg returned from the Dark Continent… and shortly after, Alluka's monstrous ability manifested.
"Drop it, Silva," Zeno said coldly. "Vega's threat level is V5-grade. Let the political powers deal with him. We're assassins. We don't get paid enough to flirt with extinction."
Silva was silent for a long moment. Then he nodded.
Meanwhile, at the base of Withered Mountain, every available member of the Zoldyck family had gathered.
Even Maha had appeared—a rare occasion.
Killua hadn't been summoned, as he was undergoing intense training. No one wanted to disturb his progress. Notably absent was Milluki; no one had bothered to inform him.
Behind the assembled family stood Zebro, coordinating a group of medical personnel.
Silva had just returned from the battle. He and Zeno had failed. Silva had lost his left arm. Zeno had both legs shattered. They were being flown back on wyvern transport from Nacro City to the Republic of Bartochia.
The moment the wyvern descended near the estate, Silva leapt down from the sky, carrying Zeno in his arms.
Zebro immediately rushed forward with the medics and took Zeno to the infirmary for emergency treatment. Silva received basic medical attention, but soon left to report to the family.
In the family hall, Silva sat down coldly and explained everything to Maha, Illumi, and Kikyo.
He recounted the battle, their loss, and the terrifying transformations they witnessed. He shared the conclusions he and Zeno had reached.
Maha listened silently, then nodded with rare solemnity. "You're right. This Vega… his existence is too uncertain, too dangerous. The Zoldyck family must abandon this contract."
"From now on, we stay out of his way. We're assassins, not monster slayers. Whatever he is, provoking him will only bring calamity."
Illumi nodded without a word. Even he had no interest in testing fate. If Vega could overpower Silva and Zeno, he wouldn't stand a chance.
Quietly, Illumi pulled out his phone and blacklisted the name:Vega Pengellet
Do Not Accept Contracts.
Maha glanced at Silva's missing arm, then thought of Zeno's broken legs. "Are you prepared to use her power?"
Silva nodded. He wasn't sentimental about losing a limb. But Zeno… he couldn't function without his legs. They had to act.
It was time to use Alluka.
Years of testing had taught them that Alluka's ability, if carefully managed, could heal without significant consequence—so long as the cost of the previous wish wasn't too severe.
Silva had already decided: they would use outsiders to fulfill the conditions, as they always did. The family had rules—no Zoldyck should make a wish directly.
Maha yawned, ready to return to his quarters. But before he left, he said one last thing:
"Be careful. If you don't have to use Alluka… don't. The more you push that monster, the more the family's luck runs dry."
Silva understood. Long ago, one careless wish had caused a butler's death… and nearly killed several more. Ever since, the Zoldycks had treated Alluka's ability as a last resort.
But this time, they had no choice.
Soon, Silva watched as Zebro led a group of unfamiliar civilians down a hidden corridor—toward the sealed chamber deep beneath Kukuroo Mountain.
Toward Alluka.