The Southernpiece Auction starts.

As the doorbell chimed upon entry, the teen entering the shop was greeted by an endless variety of weapons.

"In a minute…"

From knives to swords, quarterstaffs to sickles… he wasn't limiting his range. From a second glance, he noticed his style wasn't even being limited. Different cultures and multiple parts of history are all being replicated. Raphael whistled, impressed by the mere skill of the man's arsenal.

Raphael ignored the man's words, instead completely fixated on a single sickle, the metal as dark as the abyss, jewels encrusted in its metalwork, gemstones that looked like living, glass eyes. He was enamoured, especially how no matter which way he looked at it, the eyes seemed to focus only on his existence.

He was half expecting them to blink. A part of him knows it is an illusion, just not how the man managed to achieve the optical illusion. He drew his attention away from the creepy gemstone eyes, instead focusing on something else.

There was a weapon being held by a mannequin, a blade that glinted under the light. It looked incredibly sharp, something that shouldn't be on the floor while unattended. Raphael tapped the weapons on display, expecting to be met with a bladed edge, instead he found it was curved at the last second. The weapon was blunt.

"You thought I'd be dumb enough to have sharp edges out on the floor?"

"No…" The teen turned to the man, "But your ridiculously talented craftsmanship has no bounds. From the creepy eyes on the sickle to that sword that somehow, manages to look sharp…" The teen pointed to the weapon he had just tapped, "Only to be blunt. I'm a little worried you only made my weapon look sharp."

"Hah…" The man faked a short sarcastic laugh, "I make all kinds of weapons. Some for display…"

Mikkel made his way over to the counter, dropping behind it to lift a heavy-looking case. Placing the weapon case onto the countertop, the man wiped his brow for a second, his bulging muscles rippling after momentary strain.

They weren't definitely for show… he was ripped because of his work and constant lifting of heavy metals. He could probably beat a few professionals when it comes to deadlifting.

Before he could comment on the situation, the master crafter popped open the locks on the case, the lid being pulled back to reveal a weapon covered in a cloth.

"Others to cause harm…" Mikkel pushed the cloth aside for the teen.

Raphael's hands moved to touch the shaft, expecting to be met with cold metal. Instead, he found it warm to the touch, a type of coating covering what was beneath it. It was a single flowing shaft to the spearhead, just like he requested, with no bumps or grooves to get his hand or fingers caught on anything.

But Mikkel had taken it just a little step further, adding smaller intricate designs along the shaft, "Celtic, no wait…" Raphael took a second closer glance, noticing the smooth trails like vines coursing through the metalwork, "Nordic?"

"Yup, I'm not into super plan designs, so I went for something minimalistic."

"Minimalistic is the understatement of the century." The teen confirmed, his fingers running right up to the spearhead, moving his hand away at the last second. The tip looked incredibly sharp. But the vines that coursed through the shaft bled into the spearhead.

Mikkel tapped the edge, near the spearhead, "So it'll meet your demands. Not the best materials, as I was a little short on stock, but I didn't give you any of that cheap stuff either." The man ran his fingers across the shaft, "So the shaft is made from Rekril, which is good if you plan on it taking heavy impacts. While it's usually used for shields, given how you'd possibly be using it, it'll rebound hits against it, not enough to knock them on their ass, but if a basic weapon material tries to clash with it, they'll know about it."

The man removed his hand, "But it's not completely shatter or slice proof, I suggest if you're gonna use the shaft like a shield, remember to keep a strong application of Shu to the weapon."

"Understood!"

"Good, now for the spearhead. Celium is one of the best metals for the sharpest tools. Pop it in a katana, and it'll slice through other metals like a knife through warm butter. I would say give it a whirl, but you'll probably accidentally slice through something in this tightly packed shop." He covered the weapon with the cloth before locking the case back up, "The whole thing weighs about 80 kilos, give, or take. It of course comes with this hard case, just so you don't get pulled over by someone to explain why you're walking around with a deadly weapon. But… if you don't want to lug it around in the bulky case…"

Mikkel moved a couple of things around, finding the last few items he needed to give the boy. There were two more pieces, that would hopefully help the teen. One after his own, design, and the other ordered in advance since he already had the general dimensions he was going to work with.

One was an article of clothing, a type of harness that went over clothing. The second was a type of felt covering to hide what he was carrying in a public setting.

Placing the harness on the bench, the man let out a little huff, "So here's the first thing. A harness to help you carry it around, so you don't have to hold it all the time."

It was a basic design, much like how a backpack is worn, the two straps on the back go around the upper back and waist, to then wrap around the arms, giving it a better grip, "So the weapon clips in, through the clasp." He pointed towards the back of the harness, where the clasp interconnects between the two straps. Shifting the clasps, he showed it can be moved by lifting the two hooks that keep it strapped in, "the clasp can also be adjusted for different angles."

Moving them back, he gestured to the front of the harness, "As for the fit, if it's too loose or tight…"

The man pulled the two straps out through a type of clip designed to keep them hidden in the harness, "Pull these out like so…" next, he pulled them through a loop so they hung freely "Adjust the straps." He tugged on them, pretending to tighten them.

"If you want to loosen them…" Mikkel showed the teen how to extend the harness straps "Once you're done, slip them back through the loops then into the hidden clips."

Repeating the process backwards, he retightened the harness "Simple, no?"

Raphael gave a nod. The harness was simple in design, with no loose straps for anyone to grab onto and mess with. Plus, it'll suit his aesthetic without feeling out of place.

Seeing the confirmation, the man grabbed the next piece, a long length of fabric. The crafter pointed to the two strings first. There was one at the top, and the other closer to the bottom, "Two strings, not going to explain how to tie a loose knot…" The man then looked to the teen for confirmation, "Unless you don't know how to…"

"I do."

"Good. So, when you throw it over the top of the spear, be careful. It can pierce through the cloth with ease. Once on, tie the two strings. It'll be fine as it is, no need to make sure everything is tightly wrapped up. Use the fabric covering to hide the weapon. Sure, they might be able to make out the weapon easier, but at least it'll still be covered."

"Thank you, it's well designed. I actually, wasn't expecting any intricate designs…" The teen then gestured to the two extra added pieces "let alone something to cover the weapon or strap it to my body so I don't have to hold it all the time. The gesture is well appreciated."

"It's basic…" Mikkel's tone was dry, basically ignoring, or shutting down any compliments Raphael had managed to make on his craftmanship. The man's eyes glance over to the case once more, "So, I assume you'll be heading straight for the game again after this?"

"Actually, no." The teen sighed. He won't be able to test out this weapon on any of the creatures within the game. Although, they're made from Nen. Though he supposes he could see if the sharpness of the blade ignores any defences built into the creature's designs, given that Celium is one of the sharpest metals "I'll be staying in town for a day."

The teen brought his hand down onto the counter, now leaning against it, "I'm going to be attending the first day of the Southernpiece auction with a couple of my friends."

"You're welcome to borrow one of my rooms in the back if you need a place to stay. Otherwise, leave the weapon with me. I'll hold onto it until you're ready to take it off my hands."

"Thank you."

"No problems…" Mikkel flashed a smile.

"~"

Gon and Killua were standing in the lobby, waiting for Raphael. The teen was late. Killua was starting to get agitated, a little annoyed since the guy wasn't picking up his phone. Given the distance Raphael crossed from the restaurant to scaling the wall, he was incredibly fast. The guy shouldn't be late at all.

"He's only a couple of minutes late, Killua…"

Gon held a reassuring hand against his friend's shoulder, "The auction isn't supposed to start for another thirty minutes."

"If you saw what I saw, you wouldn't think he's capable of being late…" The boy let out an annoyed huff, equally annoyed at his friend for not being a little bit concerned with the situation.

Their plan to get into Greed Island hinged on Raphael exploiting whatever connection he has made, into getting them inside that game.

Zephile chuckled, "Even if he can run fast, doesn't mean he's going to run through the crowds like you two did earlier."

"Well, we weren't expecting to run into trouble." Killua fired back with a sarcastic flair, "You would run too if you saw members of the group that held you hostage a few days prior."

The boys heard a couple of cameras going off, Zephile directing the boy's attention to the fanfare, "That's who you should be looking for. The tycoon, Mr Battera."

The old man continued to walk past the cameras, ignoring them since none of them had stopped him for an interview. Zephile found out that apparently, Mr Battera was the man buying up all the copies of Greed Island.

"Actually, he's the least of your concern. It's who's working for him you need to impress." A fourth voice butted into their conversation.

Gon's expression lit up, running towards the guy. Raphael wasn't expecting that, to see a kid a few years younger than him in a suit, practically jumping into his arms. The teen braced for impact, expecting to be forced to grab the boy from barrelling him over.

Instead of being spear tackled to the ground, he was hugged the boy's grip being much stronger than he expected. Gon must be working out in secret, pumping iron like it was nothing. But that was the least of his concerns…

It was the loud voice resonating around the hallways that concern him.

"You made it!"

That voice had to have been caught on camera, during an interview with a major tycoon no less. Or at least the loud cheering that came from Gon before he practically jumped into his arms.

He caught Mr Battera's eyes glancing in his direction for a moment, none of the others seeing that the man was looking towards them. Rather than call out one of the players that was supposed to be in the game trying to complete it, he returned his attention to the interviewer.

"Sorry, I'm late…" The teen offered an apologetic gaze, his eyes moving towards Killua who merely held up his hand, offering a simple wave followed by a "Yo." Raphael smirked, "Just a yo? Not even a hug like your friend…"

"I'm not gonna run into your arms and hug you." Killua fumed, still annoyed. He was a little relieved Raphael had made it, but he wasn't about to show it. Gon mustered up more than enough enthusiasm during his hug for the both of them "You're late…"

"I'm not good with neckties…"

Killua's eyes fell to the teen's necktie, noticing it was slightly lopsided, "I see…"

"But look at you two, in your adorable suits." The teen gestured towards the boys, taking in their attire. In his opinion, it suits Killua more than it did Gon. He looked way out of place, but his first interaction with the boy probably had a hand in that.

He was wearing shorts that were so compact, he considered them almost booty shorts. Plus, all his attire was green, so a black suit was the complete opposite in terms of a colour scheme when compared to his current attire.

But for Killua… maybe the boy was so used to wearing them, he just knew how to present himself. Honestly, he considers asking Killua to help fix his bowtie.

"Huh?!" Killua flushed a deep red, unexpecting the compliment, "You're barely older than us."

"That is true…" Raphael takes note that the boy isn't showing any hints of jealousy over Gon still hugging him. So, he must have misinterpreted his friendship with Gon. He doesn't believe that they might be in a serious relationship but rather have a very close bond.

The teen offered a sly smirk after realising this piece of information, "But I'm taller, so I don't look like a kid in a suit."

"Again, barely any height difference." Killua offered a rebuttal, his head turned slightly upward, now entering a staring match with the guy.

"You're what…?" Raphael gave him a quick, glance over, "Around 150 centimetres. I have easily 15 centimetres over you." When the boy frowned, Raphael continued, "But again… you say it's hardly a difference." Next, he pointed at Gon, "But this guy, has a very tight grip on me."

Killua moved to grab onto his friend, pulling him off the other. He heard a small whine escape his friend's lips as he held him up by the collar, dangling him above the floor like he weighed nothing "Let the poor guy breathe. He promised to explain everything to us once we met."

"Oh, you're right." When he was put down, Gon turned back to Raphael, "Why were you off the radar?"

"Simple, the very reason you came here. I was in Greed Island."

"Huh?" The two's voices raised in unison, Killua continuing "What do you mean you're in Greed Island?"

"Unfortunately…" Raphael offered an apologetic smile, "I signed a contract, so I'm unable to talk about how I managed to get you such a deal. But what I can tell you, is that you'll get a chance to get in the game. But, not right this instant. So, shall we instead head inside and enjoy the auction for now?"

Gon whined about that being the only information they'll be getting about the situation, "You're not going to tell us any more about the game?"

"When you get in the game, I promise to tell you everything. After I bring you to the guy you'll meet him, get tested. Whether you pass or not, I promise to tell you what I can. But if you pass and get in the game… I plan to show you the ropes. Teach you tricks and hints on how to beat the game at its mechanics. There's plenty of stuff I've yet to explore, but from what I know, I promise to help you to the best of my ability."

Killua didn't know how to gauge the information. On one hand, Raphael was still keeping a majority of the information behind closed doors. The guy who's supposed to test them, they have no idea who he was. The test itself was just as elusive.

But the biggest issue, until they get tested, he's going to continue keeping them in the dark about things related to the game itself.

Plus, having no mentions of Ging is a cause for concern, considering that's the main reason Gon wanted in Greed Island… maybe he can prob for something about that aspect of the game, "Were there any hints of Ging in the game?"

"None whatsoever…" Raphael frowned, "Unless there's a hidden quest, I'm unaware of, Ging is nowhere on the island."

Gon looked to Killua for information, "You think my memory card will have a hidden trigger?"

"It's possible…" Raphael interjected, "The memory card holds the data of every individual. So, your save file might have something mine doesn't have. But that's a big maybe. I can't exactly double-check since that would mean I have to give up my data to confirm it… and I'm not about to do that."

Killua mulled over the words for a few moments, "So unless we get in the game, we cannot see what's on the memory card."

The teen gave a small nod, "Which means unless you can impress my boss, you have no leads to go on right now."

"Your boss…" Killua found himself smiling slyly at the new information, "I think we can do that…"

Raphael shook his head with a small smile etched into his face. He accidentally let that one loose, "Alright, shall we enjoy a bit of bidding? Once the game goes through the bidding process, the person we need to see should be free." He offered his hand to the open door, gesturing for the two boys and Zephile to head inside.

"~"

There was a series of multiple items up for sale, neither one important. What they wanted should be coming up soon, but Raphael was able to relax in his seat while waiting, barely listening to the constant bidding prices going up.

He did have a tag, but he wasn't planning on bidding on anything.

His tag was just there for him to be allowed into the halls to watch the entire thing go by.

Killua and Zephile were allowed in, only because they were Gon's entourage. It was very strict, given the limited spaces.

When a console was wheeled in, Raphael sat up, nudging Gon "Here it is… Greed Island."

Right on cue, the female announcer directed everyone's attention to the lectern, "Our next item is the legendary game, Greed Island!" An image of the console flashed up on the screen, the unplugged console still powered on, even though it wasn't exactly plugged into anything. The main reason, was because someone was still logged into the game from that specific console.

Even though there was no power coursing through it, that player will continue to remain in the game, unless he was killed… or he leaves the game voluntarily. If there's a multitap plugged in, the rules apply to everyone connected to that specific console.

It will not die… unless everyone is out of there.

Smiling brightly at everyone's reaction, the announcer called everyone's attention towards a large bulky man now entering the stand, "Shall we take a look at this game's mysterious power?" She walks away, the man bringing up his oversized mallet. With a heavy swing, he destroyed the lectern in an attempt to crush the console to pieces.

But once the dust and splinters settled, all that remained on the screen was an unmarred console, a faint glow of aura unseen to everyone, but those who can wield Nen. Even if the man could use Nen, he doubts the man would've been able to destroy it. Nobody had the power to destroy that, which was created by an infamous team of Pro Hunters, one of which… he only just recently found out was none other than Ging Freecss, himself.

Returning to the centre, the crowd was now riled up from the fact an impervious shield stood before them. To them, it was nothing more than an undestroyable object. To those who knew how to look, it was a Nen artifact… to the players… it was a world full of endless possibilities.

"As you can see, there is a mysterious power that protects the console from any damage, as long as someone is playing inside." With a click of the fingers, a name showed up on the screen, a player he had run into at one point.

Jeitsari was a reasonable player. Not the best, but he was just as skilled, if not, even better than Asta and her team.

"This man is Jeitsari." While a different man left the stand with the console, most likely replacing the lectern that was destroyed, the announcer held her hand out to the screen "He is a player who's inside the game at this moment. In fact, he's the one who signed a contract allowing us to auction it off. Jeitsari left behind the following agreement: If we cannot clear this game before the date specified in the contract, seven active players, including myself, will present seven copies of the game and console to the Southernpiece Auction, so our talented young Hunters can clear the game and fulfil our dream."

By now the console had returned, now on a different lectern. The announcer's eyes furrowed slightly after reading the contract, "Unfortunately, when we obtained these copies, two already displayed game over screens."

Raphael knew the implication of the statement. Two players died within the game. What he hadn't expected, was to hear the announcer explain the reasoning, "That means the players also died in real life. This dangerous game requires that you risk your own life! Make sure you're prepared before you bid!"

Raising her hand high, she pointed at the roof, "So let's start this bid at 900 million Jenny!"

While the bids started, Raphael spoke calmly on the matter, "So while the bids are going off, I'll explain a bit. The game is considered extremely difficult, people can die within it, like she said. But it's not just about risking your life… many things within the game would make no sense without context, but it's a world rich with information. You name it, it probably exists within the game."

"Giant humans?"

Raphael snorted at the idea, "Sure. I can't verify your question, but while it does have a bit of… realism to the situation. It's fantasy-driven, but there is a fair bit of modern-day equivalent things… Couches, clocks, vendors, markets, to name a few."

"Is it as big as a country?"

"I believe so…" Raphael thought about it, trying to gauge how big the place is from a mental standpoint, "Lots of land to explore, a couple of major cities. Different types of areas and whatnot."

"Whoa…" Gon found himself looking back at the console, trying to imagine how wonderful the place is.

Raphael's then turned to Killua, wondering why he wasn't listening at all to him explaining Greed Island, given that he expected more from him than a few vague answers. He caught Killua's expression, the boy giving a death glare to one of the people most likely bidding on the game.

The teen leaned slightly forward, seeing who his eyes were focused on. One person stood out from the crowd, an oversized large man hiding behind a chair. He was about to broach the subject, but he heard an announcer scream out wildly, "#201 doubles it again, to 24 billion!"

Raphael's head snaps in Gon's direction, glaring at him "WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU DOING?!"

Sure, they were all relieved when someone else offered a bid, but that was his boss's boss, he had just accidentally outbid, "You are totally, taking that damn, badge off before you meet my boss."

"I'm sorry… I just wanted to know what a thumbs up meant in terms of bidding."

"More than you can afford right now. You have no chance of winning, and you hiking up his cost at winning every console could be turned back not only against me but you, as well. That's if he finds out you're the one that outbid him."

"I'm sorry…" Gon whined.

The teen frowned one last time, "Try not to bid again." He turned back to Killua before the other could respond, now leaning over toward the guy who clearly, hadn't noticed his friend making a mistake. Whoever the guy was, Killua knew them well, "Who is he?"

"None of your concern…" Killua jumped in surprise at the voice, unexpecting the teen to be leaning so close to him, "just someone I happen to know."

"Know…" He snorted at the idea, "If you glare any harder at him, I'd think you're putting a curse on him."

"I might as well be doing that…" Killua leaned back into the chair, "It caught me off guard. I wasn't expecting him to be here…"

"Understandable, I'll leave you to your…" The teen offered the other a small smile, "Death glaring."

Raphael returned to continue watching the bid go on for a little bit longer, the final bid landing on 30.5 billion. It was a lot, but if the person in the stands was also bidding, at least they have a safety net to blame the exorbitant bids on.

A/N: Leave a review, it helps inspire me.