After hearing Goreinu's response, Auren decides to oblige him and demonstrate his half-stolen, slightly modified training techniques.
I guess I'd better show him what I got. It's also nothing I need to hide, so the others can watch and maybe learn.
"Alright," Auren says as he activates Ren. "This is an Emission technique I've been practicing. It's simple, but I thought it would be a good starting point."
He shapes a small ball of Aura and hurls it at the wall. The impact makes a sharp sound, though it lacks the force to leave a dent.
Wouldn't want to destroy or damage my new airship now... that was a little too close already.
"That's the basic emission part... now is the part I actually came up with myself," Auren explains.
After that, he creates four more Aura balls, spinning them around himself in a steady motion.
Goreinu's eyes widen slightly at the display.
Auren disperses the Aura, then shifts into another exercise—numbers form at the tips of his fingers, glowing faintly.
"This one is a fairly well-known Transmutation exercise," Auren states confidently, "you probably know it as well. Anyway, I'll show you my little tweak."
He then separates the Aura completely from his body, letting it float while he continues shaping it into different numbers. Finally, he begins sketching simple calculations in the air, maintaining the shapes even without direct contact.
"I modified fairly straightforward Emission and Transmutation exercises to include elements of Manipulation. Of course, the latter also needed Emission," Auren states, after having shown off both of his techniques.
"It's impressive what you came up with on your own," Goreinu admits. "You're not wasting your time on useless drills. Still, you might be making a mistake."
Really?! So I made a mistake after all? Now I'm curious.
"I already mentioned two basic approaches to Manipulation," Goreinu continues. "One is controlling your Aura and Aura constructs, which includes emitted Nen beasts. I take it you know that you can either create Nen beasts or Aura constructs with pure Emission, or actually Conjure them, which is often a little more complicated. Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages. Anyway, the other approach to manipulation is controlling real objects, matter, or people. This includes Conjured objects or Nen beasts."
Auren nods thoughtfully. "So what I've been training counts as control over Aura and things created from Aura? I mean, I didn't think about it. The Hatsu I am aiming for will require me to do these things."
"Yes," Goreinu confirms. "As I mentioned, real and conjured objects, which fall into the other category, would require a completely different type of training exercise. Most people, when they think about Manipulation, immediately imagine mind-controlling humans—and that's certainly the most fearsome and impactful form. My master specialized in that path. I, however, belong to the other type. I use Manipulation to control Nen Beasts."
The others glance at one another in confusion, but Auren and Neffi understand.
"I guess, even if I'm not manipulating humans, I still count as the same type as your master, because I am controlling real objects. I'd love to meet your master!" Neffi points out, looking curious.
"Guess I'm lucky then," Auren says. "This is exactly what I've thought of, and I'm not planning to manipulate objects or people. What I want is to use Manipulation to control my own Aura."
No need to share the exact details... especially if my plan fails in the end. I want this technique to be my joker.
"Since we're on that topic," Goreinu goes on, "do you know the different kinds of mind-control Manipulation Hatsus?"
Auren and Neffi both nod, albeit reluctantly, while the rest of the group looks completely lost.
"Coercive abilities," Auren says, thinking immediately of Shalnark. "The ones that allow you to take full control of a target."
"There are also pseudo-coercive abilities," Neffi adds. "They don't instantly give you complete control over your target, but under certain conditions, they let the user influence their target."
"Correct," Goreinu says. "And then there are solicitation-based abilities. In those cases, the target has to fulfill certain conditions, and depending on their actions, there will be certain consequences."
He pauses briefly before continuing. "There are other variations, too, but those three are the most common when we talk about mind control. Still, abilities that grant total control are rare and usually come with strict limitations. You would need to be a genius-level Nen user to create such an Hatsu."
"I see," Auren says, nodding. "Anyway, my goal is to emit Aura and then use Manipulation to control it. Do you think the two exercises I've shown are suitable for that?"
"I'd say yes, in fact, these are great approaches! Most people don't even use these exercises; they immediately try their hands at their Hatsu." Goreinu replies. "We could probably come up with some more advanced variations, but you should definitely keep practicing them. It's easy to raise the difficulty—just emit more Aura balls at once. You can also try changing your Nen calculations into actual text. Writing with Aura is a highly practical technique. Did you know it can even be used to leave hidden messages? If you can do that, you'd count among the very few who can. I haven't managed to do that myself, I am just horrible at Transmutation, and frankly, I've given up on it."
Looks like I got a new goal as well! This is what I wanted!
The days quickly pass. Auren continues teaching the twins, Jean and Joanne, as well as Eren's younger siblings, Mio and Kai.
With the help of Goreinu and Neffi, Konrad, along with Vanessa and Eren, keep improving at a rapid pace.
While Auren supports them too, he also focuses on his own growth. He trains his body, his Aura, and practices his new techniques daily—often together with Goreinu, who does his best to help.
A week passes, almost in the blink of an eye. Not only does the group make great progress, but Auren also feels genuinely at peace, surrounded by friends and people who like him. The stress he felt earlier is now completely gone, replaced with the desire to become stronger. In between training, Auren receives his mediocre compensation from Pariston, still totalling over a billion Jenny. He also wires Goreinu a full billion Jenny, exactly as promised, which makes the man almost tear up with joy.
He's rather simple. I like that kind of person... I think he'll be loyal. He's genuinely a good and honest guy. I think I can be a little more open with him as well.
Finally, during another training session, Auren receives a message from Pariston, asking him to visit if it fits into his schedule.
Not like I have a schedule in the first place... I wonder how things are progressing on his end.
"Hey, everyone, listen up for a moment," Auren calls out, waving the others over.
He looks at Neffi, Goreinu, Konrad, Vanessa, and Eren, then explains, "I mentioned this already, but I'm planning to take on a few Temp Hunter missions for Pariston. I explicitly told him not to give me anything too difficult, but with him, you never know. He doesn't think like normal or even rational people do—his goals and intentions are never clear. He's the type who would burn money if he could get a reaction out of his targets."
Auren pauses briefly before adding, "The question is whether you want to participate. Nobody is forcing you. Neffi, you'll need to come along at least once. It's about your status. We've already sent his contact the faked reports, but it's best if you appear in person—just this once."
"I'd like to give it a go!" Vanessa says eagerly. "I've never actually worked a day in my life, and now that I'm a Hunter, I at least want to try. I never thought this kind of career was even possible for me."
Eren stares at her in disbelief, while Neffi mutters, "Rich girl... looks like she really had it easy."
That's 'rich' coming from you... whose Master bought her student a high-tech cutting-edge company, that specializes in Nano fibres as a gift, huh?
"I want to meet this guy, too," Konrad adds. "You mentioned business before. It can't hurt to have someone like me along—maybe I can support you. You mentioned you plan to invest a lot of money? I can help, I am sure! I can also show off my new Hatsu!"
Auren nods. "That's true, I'd appreciate your help... but showing off your Hatsu?! I don't want you to do anything against Pariston. Trust me, it will backfire."
Konrad shakes his head and smiles, "That isn't the case!" He then conjures a pair of glasses and puts them on. "Look at me and tell a lie."
Let's test him for real... how about something that is neither true, but also not completely wrong.
"I am an Enhancer!" Auren says confidently.
Konrad massages his forehead and stares at Auren. "I... huh?! Sorry, I don't want to reveal how exactly my Hatsu works, but for some reason this isn't a lie, but I can also sense that it isn't the truth."
The others also stare at Auren in confusion.
"I'll tell you one day," he says with a smile. "Anyway, you passed the test. That ability will be very useful! However, promise me it won't affect Pariston in any way."
"Don't worry... this is perfectly safe!" Konrad replies.
As the conversation dies down, Eren finally speaks up as well. "I want to join too. I'd rather not be left out."
"Since you paid me, I'll do some work with you guys," Goreinu says. "These Temp Hunter missions pay decently, from what I've heard."
"...Thankfully, Pariston's office is big enough," Auren mutters, a little surprised that everyone wants to go with him.
After sending a reply confirming their visit, Auren and the group head back to the Hunter Association Headquarters.
Exactly an hour later, Auren steps into the familiar office—and immediately glares at Pariston's beaming smile.
Today, Pariston is dressed in a flashy orange-silver-striped suit with a gold-and-red tie. Auren can't help staring at the ridiculous outfit for a moment before approaching his desk.
"Hello, Pariston," he greets him flatly.
"Welcome, Auren. It's always such a pleasure," Pariston says, his smile shining bright.
Maybe I should've come alone... that way he might have dropped the act... maybe... I think he likes to keep it up to piss off people... just for fun.
As his eyes sweep over the group, Pariston's grin stretches even wider. "Oh, I see you brought three of our newest Hunters along! Congratulations to all three of you. Not only did you brilliantly succeed in your exam, but you also found such a talented Master. You're truly destined for success!"
-------------------------------------
A/N: Always thankful for Power Stones, Comments, and Reviews. Thank you for reading!
If you are interested, then please support me at patreon.com/FRWriter
24+ Early chapters available
Bored? Complains? Demands? Check out the Discord: https://discord.gg/puVqWsf3y9
Thank you for supporting the story with Power Stones!