As Auren exits the car, his face darkens.
Is Pariston for real? Was it really okay to leave something this important in her hands? This isn't just about catching those license thieves—it's also about getting them to talk. We need to know where they stashed the stolen licenses. Maybe they've even sold some already…! We need client lists, and I want to take them for all they've got! Maybe even strike a little deal…. No, that won't be necessary if I involve the Troupe. I refuse to work for a measly 100 million per license. We might as well take everything!
"Let's get in, quickly," Laura says. "We try not to reveal our presence here to the neighbors— we act like cleaners or real estate agents to avoid drawing attention to ourselves."
As Auren walks toward the house, he notices that most of the windows are blocked by thick, dark curtains—completely concealing the interior.
Inside, after activating the lights, the house looks extremely ordinary, even bland. Absolutely nothing of value or interest is visible in the dark house.
"This looks… normal," Auren comments, a little surprised.
"We bought the house from a couple a few weeks ago," Laura explains. "It now officially belongs to Nilo Lester, one of our successful Hunter candidates from the recent exam. Thankfully, he has a long-time girlfriend. They'll be moving in tomorrow morning."
"So?" Auren asks.
"So what?" Laura replies, blinking, clearly confused.
"So what is the fucking plan?" Auren yells, "Just have that rookie Nilo or whatever extensively use his license from this cozy house? Like, 'Hey, I'm a Hunter! Come steal my license if you dare?!' and hope someone tracks or traces the license? These people we are trying to catch aren't clowns—they're smart. They've succeeded multiple times. Also, this may be the outskirts of Swardani City, but we're still in the same city as the Hunter Association HQ. Would anyone even dare to pull something like that here?"
Auren continues, "This reeks of a trap. If you're using a bait strategy like this, it has to be done in a remote area, far away from cities, with only occasional use of the license to make it believable. It has to feel like the user is isolated, vulnerable. This… this is the dumbest plan I've ever heard! I expected way more from Pariston. I told him I'd help—but I don't see this garbage plan ever working. Please tell me I am missing something, something you haven't told me!"
Laura looks stunned, her body trembling. "But… no! You're wrong!" Her voice shakes, and her eyes begin to glisten as if she's about to cry.
"What's going on here?!" a gruff voice interrupts. A grumpy-looking, bald, chubby, middle-aged man walks into the room.
"Why are you crying, you stupid woman?!" he barks.
"He… he told me our plan is flawed… and I can't even argue with him! It's true, we've failed to catch them multiple times, but we're trying our best here!" she says, tears rolling down her cheeks.
"You're quite weak mentally," Auren says, eyeing Laura. "This wasn't a personal insult. I just pointed out obvious flaws in the plan. Anyway, I'm just a kid—a kid who hates this kind of nonsense and would rather be training or collecting things. If even I can see the giant holes in your plan… this is hopeless." He then turns to the man. "And who are you?"
"Just a Temp Hunter under Pariston," the man replies. "Call me Orto. I'm working this case with this idiot. We haven't succeeded yet, but maybe things'll change with you here."
"So, Orto, maybe you're better informed…" Auren says, repeating his earlier concerns.
"What is Pariston thinking?" he finally asks.
"You… aren't wrong to point out a few flaws. I've had a few doubts myself, though I didn't analyze the plan as thoroughly as you did. Everything you said makes sense. Still, I don't really know what Pariston's thinking either. The plan is simple: lure them out with heavy license use, presenting a tasty and easy-to-deal-with target. We're letting Nilo live here, while we shadow him and wait for the license hunters to appear. Then we strike and take them out. I'm decent in a fight, but I'm nowhere near strong enough to take on multiple enemies. I assume you're my backup? I've heard you're strong."
"Strength doesn't matter. Not in a situation like this," Auren replies. "I don't see this plan working—ever. But if Pariston came up with it… does he know something we don't? Are we just board pieces, unaware of the real moves being made behind the scenes?"
I'm missing something… and so are they.
"Why didn't you bring this up with Pariston?" Auren asks. "Even if we catch them, how are we supposed to get them to talk? What's the plan there? If we grab them, their accomplices might find out about it and vanish. We're here to retrieve the licenses. Worst case, we catch a few low-ranking thugs, and the real masterminds disappear! With all the licenses and the money."
"Another good question…" Orto says, sighing. "Now that you mention it, you're right. But it's no use bringing it up."
"Why not?"
"Because Pariston would just give us his usual response," Orto mutters.
"And that is what?" Auren asks, slightly curious.
'"I'm not paying you to think, but to follow my orders without question,'" Orto says, mimicking Pariston's tone—sickly sweet, condescending.
It makes Auren's skin crawl because it's shockingly accurate.
Sounds like Pariston, alright.
Auren doesn't hesitate and sends Pariston a message:
"Your two subordinates are stupid. They just nodded along to my criticisms of this so-called plan, without any clue or answers to the dozen questions I asked them. I'm assuming there's more going on than what you told them… as for me… I'll go along with this show, but honestly, I don't see us having any success."
To Auren's surprise, Pariston replies almost immediately with a creepily friendly tone:
"Dear Auren, just wait and see! ✨ Sometimes the truth is hidden in plain sight. ✨ I trust in your instincts! ✨"
Ugh… even his texts sparkle with those little stars. This guy… Just tell me what the fuck is going on already.
Auren's mind races. There are only a few scenarios where such a hasty and shallow plan would make sense.
He could be using his subordinates as bait… maybe even dangling more licenses for thieves to snatch? Or… maybe he's secretly involved with the thieves himself … no. He would use the licenses.
There's also the possibility that he actually wants this plan to fail… but I just don't see how that would benefit him.
He types quickly on his phone, pushing for more information, his face angry and frustrated.
"I can be far more effective if you tell me what's really going on."
Pariston's reply comes within moments:
"Just do your best, Auren. I won't blame you if things go south. ✨"
Is he testing me? I can picture him now—leaning back in his chair, smiling to himself, curious to see how I'll react. Watching how this plays out like it's some game. He loves this situation.
I need to assume he is fucking around and won't contribute. If this fails, I won't work for him again… ever!
Auren closes his phone shut. "I'm stepping out for a while. I need to cool off," he mutters, leaving the house.
He slips out of the quiet neighborhood quickly, walking toward the industrial ward that Pakunoda had mentioned. Spotting a large diner, he messages her the location before heading inside.
A few minutes later, the others arrive.
"Long time no see," Shalnark greets with an easy grin, while Pakunoda remains as calm and neutral as ever. Machi, however, stares at Auren with an annoyed glare.
Auren sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. "I wouldn't bother you if it wasn't important, but I figured you owe me. Honestly, I need your head for this one, Shalnark. You're probably one of the smartest people I know, and I'm not too proud to admit I need help. I can't make sense of this situation."
Shalnark's eyes brighten. "I like solving problems. If you're stuck, then it must be an interesting one. Go ahead."
Auren pauses, then asks, "Before we dive in… why are you even helping? I can guess Machi's here because of the kids, but what about you?"
Shalnark answers easily, "Helping a good friend. And besides, we're also protecting Chrollo's investment. It's in our best interest to see that this 'Entity' is exorcised. That way, Chrollo keeps his ability intact until the end. Since you're helping with our goal, naturally, we're repaying the favour."
I see… that makes sense.
They order drinks, and then Auren's expression darkens as he explains the situation in detail, narrating the situation down to every single detail.
"I see…" Shalnark muses. "So at first, you contacted us because you wanted Pakunoda to sniff out where the licenses were hidden. With her ability, she could expose the thieves' secrets if you catch them, even point out their accomplices or potential clients. And you likely wanted me involved to control them, or perhaps to stage things so it looked like the mission succeeded—only to betray their allies afterward. I have to admit, I'm curious how you discovered my hatsu. I must have been careless if your organisation managed to dig it up. As for Machi, she's completely unnecessary for this job," he finishes with a cheerful smile, which only deepens Machi's scowl.
I didn't even consider that… Luckily, Hollow Blade's reputation as a large, secretive organisation serves as a good enough excuse for me. I can just pretend we have spies everywhere… which isn't even a lie! I should continue to use Hollow Blade when I struggle to explain things, but I need to pay more attention. This was an unnecessary slip-up.
Noticing Machi's mood souring further, Auren decides to smooth things over rather than let tension fester.
"Machi's ability is incredibly useful. Sure, she's more suited to direct combat, but that doesn't mean her presence is wasted. Honestly, I don't think raw strength will be the issue here, but having you with us makes the job a lot safer. I really am grateful you came," he says sincerely.
That instantly changes her mood. Machi lifts her chin, satisfied. "See, Paku? I am needed after all!"
"So, Shalnark…" Auren continues, leaning forward slightly. "Any idea what's really going on here? What am I missing? Why is Pariston acting like this? I thought he wanted my help, not to play games with me."
Shalnark chuckles lightly. "Your criticisms of that pathetic excuse of a plan were more than fair. Honestly, I could add another ten minutes' worth of flaws on top of the obvious ones, you pointed out."
"Your theories about what Pariston might be up to are all valid. But if I had to narrow it down, I'd say there are two main possibilities," Shalnark replies.
Auren continues to listen intently… wondering what's going on.
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