As Auren, Neffi, and Vanessa wander the streets of Meteor City, Auren immediately feels multiple gazes fixed on them.
"Don't get robbed," he warns them loudly. "People here are desperate, and we stand out in the worst possible way. Feel free to beat up anyone who tries something funny—but don't kill them."
To reinforce the point, he briefly flares his Aura, activating Ren.
Instantly, expressions around them shift—from curiosity and hunger to visible fear.
Everyone nearby, especially those who had been circling around them just moments ago, backs off and turns away, suddenly acting like the trio doesn't even exist.
"Hehe, I'm stealing that trick. That's insanely convenient. Does it work for traffic, too? Just imagine—Ren in a traffic jam, and poof, everyone vanishes, and I can speed off," Vanessa jokes.
"I've only ridden with you once, and I already know you drive like a lunatic," Auren replies dryly. "That move might fit your style, but I wouldn't recommend it. Sure, you're a Hunter, but using Aura to intimidate civilians will make you quite a few enemies in no time. Do it once or twice, fine. Do it regularly, and you'll draw attention. Worst case, someone labels it a 'heinous crime,' and next thing you know, your fellow Hunters are chasing you down. There's a reason Nen is supposed to be a secret."
He briefly recalls her ridiculous luxury sports car and the way she tore through traffic like the world owed her space.
As they pass through several makeshift stands and narrow shops, Neffi shakes her head, inspecting the worn-out wares. "It's all trash... most people would throw this kind of stuff away."
"Obviously," Auren says, shrugging. "These things have been thrown away. But beggars can't be choosers. The standard of living here is low, so what rich countries toss without a second thought can be a real treasure here. People develop genuine skills—either restoring the junk to near-working condition or finding some other use for it. There is a reason why some people in Meteor City are highly skilled. They are forced to their limits by the circumstances surrounding them."
He pauses briefly, scanning the chaos of stalls and junk lining the streets.
"Besides all the broken parts and old scraps, there are real treasures buried in the trash mountains. Antique goods, rare parts from classic vehicles, electronics with valuable metals inside, collector pieces... It's enough to scrape by. For most, anyway. Some even manage to find enough to make it out of here."
"It's a bleak life," Vanessa admits. "I'm really glad my family's rich."
Without another word, the group leaves the chaotic, buzzing center of Meteor City and makes their way toward the more secure district controlled directly by the Elders.
As they walk, Auren glances at Lidor's old mansion. It's still abandoned. The once-pristine garden—already rare by Meteor City standards—is now completely overgrown, creating a rare outpost for nature in the otherwise completely trash-filled city.
He just shrugs and continues on, noting that Nibana's old residence has fallen into similar disrepair.
I wonder why nobody just moves into these places. You'd think someone desperate enough would've tried. I guess the Elders inspire enough fear—or maybe just enough respect—that no one even considers it, no matter how empty or tempting the place looks.
Eventually, they arrive at the town-hall-style structure, large and imposing in design. Standing guard outside are several men with rifles slung across their chests.
As soon as they spot the group, the guards tense up—clearly startled and not pleased. They raise their weapons and quickly approach, voices sharp.
"What do you think you're doing? Fuck off!" one of them barks, eyes locked on them with suspicion.
"Let me do the honors," Vanessa says with a smug grin, activating Ren.
The guards look surprised, but not really scared. Still, the reveal of Vanessa's Nen ability has caused them to shift their attitudes, becoming more wary, but also more polite.
"So you are Nen users. What do you want? The Elders are busy," the same guard replies.
"I want to talk with the Elders," Auren says. "Tell them that Lidor's student, Auren, is here. I have a strong feeling that they'll welcome me inside."
"The Auren?" one of the other guards says. "I'll report your arrival immediately."
"It looks like you are at least somewhat famous around here," Vanessa snickers, trying to elbow Auren, only for him to dodge and bonk her again.
"You are so mean..." she says, rubbing her head. "If I end up with brain damage, I'll sue you and demand that you take care of me."
It may already be too late for that.
"Might be too late for that," Neffi mutters quietly.
Thankfully, thanks to her pain, Vanessa doesn't seem to realize what Neffi just said and ignores her comment.
The guard returns hurriedly and opens the door. "You may enter! I'll lead you to the Elders—they were discussing something and most of them are present."
Before entering, Auren turns towards Neffi and Vanessa. "This is something serious now. We are stepping in front of the Elder Assembly. If you are unable to listen calmly, wait in the lobby. If you join me, I expect you to remain calm and most importantly, keep your mouths shut. Is that clear?"
"Clear," Neffi says instantly.
"I'll just shut up..." Vanessa mutters, still rubbing her head.
"Good," Auren replies, satisfied with their responses.
Now, with serious expressions, Auren, Neffi, and Vanessa follow the guard inside.
They get led into a hallway, before they finally enter a large chamber.
Inside, Auren sees thirteen seats, some of them empty. Six at each side of a long table, with one spot at the head.
All in all, he sees exactly nine Elders. He recognizes some of them from his earlier encounters.
At the head of the table, he sees an ancient-looking man dressed in robes, looking like actual rags with countless tears, as if they've been used for a century. He is extremely old, bald, his hands and feet are merely skin and bone, and he is wearing a bandana. Most strikingly, he is wearing a mask that covers both his mouth and his nose.
Is that the Head-Elder? This is the man in charge of the Meteor City Assembly? The man with the most influence? He looks like a beggar... is he doing it on purpose so people will think he is just one of them?
He briefly looks at the other Elders, who are all clothed normally—some wearing robes, while others wear various outfits, all suitable for Meteor City. Nobody is wearing a suit, but still, the rags the Head-Elder is wearing are in stark contrast to the others.
As Auren stares back at him in confusion, the man in front of him begins to talk.
"Welcome, son," the Head-Elder says in a muffled voice. "You look rather startled. Is there anything you didn't expect?"
I have to be careful that I follow my own advice, the one I just gave to the girls.
"Yes, to be honest, but it doesn't matter. I guess it is nice to meet you, assembly members," Auren replies somewhat politely.
"I'm rather surprised to see you here," the Head-Elder says, his expression unreadable, as it's almost entirely obscured by the mask.
"Well, not like I really wanted to," Auren admits. "At least that was when I thought I was stabbed in the back by you, Elders... twice. However, as you've no doubt heard from Chrollo, the second case was nothing that actually involved you. It looks like what happened to Nibana was a real tragedy. That's why I thought I'd better show up personally... at least speaking from my side, there are no hard feelings left."
Is what I am pretending... at least for now. I'll get my chance. However, for now, let's see how the situation is developing. I can always think about consequences in the future.
"That is good to hear," another female Elder says, while nearly everyone else glares at Auren. But despite the hostile looks, nobody says a thing.
"We owe you for dealing with the Entity that controlled Nibana. A vile entity usurping her position as an Elder is troubling. That thing must have known important information about Meteor City," the Head-Elder explains, clapping his hands together.
"You did a great job, and it looks like you rescued two children and brought them home? That is commendable," the female elders says.
"I have adopted them," Auren declares, glaring at her.
"As is your right," the Head-Elder immediately clarifies.
Suddenly, Auren remembers something.
I know who that Head-Elder is... he eventually passes on his Hatsu to Chrollo, and it won't disappear, even after he dies.
"Why have you brought your 'girls' around? Don't tell me you're planning to settle down here," another Elder jokes, staring at Neffi and Vanessa, clearly not being serious.
"My student and my... sister, not my girls," Auren clarifies. "Frankly, no. I don't plan on staying long—however, I'm not against returning someday. May I ask why Lidor's and Nibana's houses are still abandoned? They're located right next to each other. It almost creates an eerie atmosphere."
"We haven't decided what to do with the mansions," an Elder says.
"Decisions such as this take a long time," the Head-Elder says, rubbing his chin.
How about I throw them a bone... as a sign of goodwill. That way, I can at least pretend that there's no more bad blood between us.
"What happened to the children Nibana took care of?" Auren continues questioning them.
"They are in another... facility. They're properly being taken care of. They even get taught every Sunday, and they're fed twice a day," one Elder explains.
How... generous.
"Not happy?" one of the Elders asks. "We have no other choice! Even that is much more than we can offer for most orphans."
"How about this," Auren begins, "Sell me both mansions. Lidor's and Nibana's."
For now, I'll tolerate them.
It's time for me to change this City, to do that, I need trust. I'll do my best to earn it... and when I finally get the opportunity I'll...
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