With Auren's remaining issues dealt with and with a lot of tasks for the future, Auren leaves the Association for a final time, quickly returning to the airship.
Once back inside, he sees that only Eren, Konrad, and Goreinu are present, along with Killi, Ella, Mio, and Kai.
The others arrive shortly after—carrying loads of bags and packages, probably filled with enough supplies to last them a long time.
Everyone gathers in the cockpit.
"We've been here long enough. Take the course for Meteor City," Auren orders.
"Gladly!" Jolt responds as he maneuvers Auren's ship out of the hangar.
It's been a while. I'll finish my loose ends and then pick up my items in Yorknew. Afterwards, it's time to go home. I still need to fix Bunu up... he is still crippled. Poor guy. Maybe I'll buy him a present in Yorknew.
The airship, thanks to the vast amount of money Auren invested into it, speedily makes its way south toward Meteor City, passing by Yorknew.
Despite being somewhat annoyed that he can't focus entirely on his training, Auren makes sure to spend a bit of time with Killi and Ella—assuring them both that nothing bad will happen. He visits them in Killi's cabin after noticing their nervous demeanor over the last days.
"So... to make it short, I'm trying to build up a positive relationship with the people of Meteor City. You have absolutely nothing to worry about," Auren assures them. "Instead, you'll probably be treated like two princesses in the future, because I'll offer the one thing to the Elders that they can't get enough of... money. Of course, you don't have to interact with anyone."
"T—thank you!" Ella responds, while Killi grabs her hand and smiles confidently. Both of them look at him shyly, smiling softly.
Auren continues, "I'll also make sure that orphanages, like the one you were in, get a little more attention. What happened to you was terrible, but I hate to admit it, it was clearly an outlier. I still believe that the current situation can be improved."
"That would be great..." Ella says, looking a bit nervous. "I feel guilty that you treat us so well, while the others... you know."
"Their situation will also improve," Auren says confidently. "I guarantee it."
I am growing a little too soft. What the fuck am I even doing here? Am I a damn babysitter now? Frankly speaking, I'm just two years older than them. I feel like I picked up some stray cats from the street.
"Auren, are you here?!" a voice echoes through the room as the door slowly opens. Shortly after, Neffi enters.
"Do you have some time?" she asks, waving politely at the girls.
Auren nods. "We were done here... I was just explaining to them that nothing bad is gonna happen."
He follows her into her own cabin and asks, "What's up?"
"I'm in contact with my company," Neffi begins, "and it looks like production is going on... the thing you requested—it won't take much longer. When we stop in Yorknew, we can take a look at the first results."
She brightens up slightly. "I've also ordered a lot of things for myself! Special scarves, long-sleeve clothes with a lot of surprises. Can't wait to test them out!"
"Well, you certainly deserve only the best, Miss Company Owner," Auren replies.
Neffi nods, looking a bit embarrassed. "I'm quite thankful to Master..."
"If you ever need more money..." Auren says calmly, "That's the only thing I have more than enough of."
"I've got enough, don't worry about me. We earned so much in Glam Gas Land that I'm quite rich myself. Also, after the company spends a little more, the upcoming contracts with the various militaries, security forces, and mercenaries they've been in contact with will go through. In fact, I'll earn a huge sum! I can even return the money Master spent to buy the company in just a few years at this rate."
"Well, I'm glad you're having that much success. You know what? You should also take the exam next year. I'm probably involved as well, so you'll pass it without a doubt. I also heard that Netero plans to make it more about direct combat, which simplifies it even more," Auren says.
"I don't really want to bother... but it annoys me that even Vanessa is a Hunter and I am not. I guess I'll have to do it after all," Neffi states, looking frustrated.
Why does she single out Vanessa? I guess, despite getting along, she refuses to be outdone. How childish is that? As long as she takes the exam, I don't care, so this might actually be for the better.
"Anyway, I'll continue training... I've made a lot of progress, and I've grown beyond what I thought was possible in such a short time. I need to keep at it—and most importantly, not neglect any part of my training. Aura volume, basic and advanced Nen techniques, exercises that strengthen all Nen categories, physical training, sword training, claw training, knife training, hand-to-hand training, and my Hatsus. I need to train them all. That's the best way to grow stronger—and what will ultimately create a combat style with no weaknesses and almost endless utility."
"You sure like training," Neffi comments. "I'll join you! Let me show you that I'm still above you in hand-to-hand combat—as long as you don't use your claws."
Auren smirks at her. "You can try...."
Neffi smiles before she rushes to the gym, dragging Auren along. "Let's do this then!"
After spending a few days in training, the group's airship finally arrives back in Meteor City.
"I'm not quite sure the airport is safe," Jolt comments, looking worried. "This is even worse than a warzone. The spots are tight, there is trash around everywhere, I see suspicious people looking at us. Are you sure I should really land here? I'm beginning to get worried."
"So much trash... I already hate this place," Jean mutters, looking stunned.
"Fly over it," Auren orders. "Head toward the southeast. See that flat structure in the distance? It's an abandoned warehouse, right past the trash mountains. There's a small road leading straight to it from the city center. You can follow it, that's where we'll land. I've already informed the... let's call him the 'landlord' of that place."
"Roger," Jolt responds, looking relieved.
Much like when he arrived with the Troupe, Auren's airship once again lands on the roof of the building used by the Troupe as their base.
"Stay inside for now," Auren says to the others. "Let me check out the situation first."
As Auren exits the airship and walks toward the stairs leading down into the building, he spots a woman waiting for him. Her arms are crossed, and she's staring at him with clear irritation.
"Why so angry... Machi?" Auren asks. "I didn't expect you to come rushing at me and give me a kiss, but a little smile couldn't hurt."
"Shut up!" she snaps, clearly annoyed. "What do you want?"
"I just wanted to see your face. What else would I be doing here?" Auren replies without hesitation.
"..."
"The boss wants to see you. Follow me!" she barks, turning on her heel, rapidly descending the stairs.
Auren follows her. Shortly after, he arrives at the familiar part of the warehouse where he'd spent quite a bit of time before—right next to the other members' rooms.
On one of the couches in the lobby, he sees Chrollo. Close by are Uvogin, Nobunaga, Pakunoda, Shalnark, and a young Shizuku.
Auren calmly approaches and takes a seat on an empty couch.
"Glad to be back," he says, leaning back casually.
"I hear congratulations are in order?" Chrollo says calmly. "Not only did you exorcise the girls, but you also permanently got rid of the Entity? I hear you've been busy with your Hunter work as well."
"Everything you said is true. Both girls are perfectly healthy now. However... how did you know about the Entity?" Auren asks—before suddenly realizing the truth. "You know because... the ability you took disappeared?"
Chrollo nods.
"Sorry about that..." Auren says earnestly. "Wasn't really planned. Though I couldn't risk having that damn ghost come back. I can't say I'm not happy that this thing is no more."
He then looks around, his gaze stopping at Shizuku.
"A new member? Or was she simply away last time?" Auren asks, staring at her.
"She's an old acquaintance. She joined recently due to unforeseen circumstances," Chrollo explains.
"I didn't expect you to return, to be perfectly honest," he adds.
"We made a Nen oath, using that contract. Even if it's not specified in it, I don't think just leaving without a word is good enough behavior, contract or not. Before I leave, I wanted to return at least once. It didn't feel right when I left last time. Now that I think about it, I also have something I want to ask Nobunaga," Auren says, locking eyes with him.
"Why are you staring like that?" Nobunaga asks with a stern look. "Usually, I take something like that as a challenge. Do you want to challenge me?"
"Exactly," Auren responds. "I didn't get to see your sword technique the last time."
"Hahahaha," Uvogin bursts into laughter. "I don't think he respects you much, Nobunaga."
"I respect him," Auren replies honestly, "which is why I want to spar with him. If you're up for it... I also wanted to see what you're capable of, as one of the strongest Enhancers in the world."
Uvogin, who had been amused, now looks genuinely surprised—before regaining his grin and staring at Auren.
"You're on. You better not run to Chrollo crying after I beat you up. I'll hold back... just enough."
"We'll see who holds back," Auren replies, staring right back at him.
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