As Auren makes his way toward the Hunter Association, he takes out a card belonging to a certain pilot and begins to dial. He holds the phone next to his ear while he walks through the bustling city, enjoying the fresh morning breeze.
As soon as the call connects, a dreary, lifeless voice answers.
"Oderis speaking..."
I can barely understand this guy... what is wrong? Why is he mumbling like that?
"Jolt Oderis, right? This is Auren. I'm a hunter. I hired you a while ago. Perhaps you remember me?" Auren says in a clear tone.
"Oh, Auren! No... Floor Master Auren!" Jolt's tone shifts immediately, full of life. "I was surprised when I heard the news. How can I help you?"
"Listen carefully. I need a pilot—permanently. Are you interested? More importantly, would you be willing to relocate somewhere closer to me... that would also be... permanently?" Auren asks.
"I... maybe it's a good idea," Jolt says after a pause. "I'm in debt. I don't think I can ever repay it. I crashed my old ship, and I've got people after me. If I can bring my wife and children, I'll go anywhere, but I need to know something first. Tell me... are we safe wherever you want us to go?"
"I'm not interested in you being chased down by debt collectors. Your family will be one hundred percent safe, but they might need to sign a certain contract. Your account hasn't changed, right? I'm wiring you a billion. Use it to clear your debts and then buy me the best airship that money can buy. Medium-sized—don't go too big. Focus on comfort, utility, and speed. Make sure it has at least one room for cargo and one room where I can train. I'm trusting you on this. Keep the rest of the money for now, and we'll settle things later. Once you've bought it, head straight to Swardani City. Bring your family—they're welcome. It'll be a while before we return home, so expect to live on the airship for some time."
"Are you serious? I can't believe it. Thank you! Thank you! How is this—"
"Sorry, I'm busy. Call me once you're in Swardani City," Auren cuts him off, ending the call. As he walks, he casually wires him a billion, surprising even himself.
Being a Billionaire is great... it solves so many problems.
He then dials the number of Hollow Blade's contact in Swardani City.
The line connects, but the person doesn't say a word.
"This is Au..." Auren starts to say, but then remembers the established security protocol.
He hesitates for a second.
What was it again...? They changed it a while ago. I got a message about it...
After a few seconds, Auren perks up and speaks: "Red Spider Lily, this is Auren speaking."
"Greetings, Vice-leader Auren," a woman's voice responds instantly. "How can I help you?"
"I need to meet someone right now," Auren says. "I'm in Swardani City, and I've come into possession of a few hunter licenses. Chances are they won't be useful for long, but I want to donate them to the cause."
"Licenses? That's a hot topic here... we'll gladly take them, though we'll probably ship them somewhere safer. Carrying them around in Swardani City is dangerous," she explains.
"No problem. Do whatever you need. Just give me an address near the city center and I'll drop them off. I have somewhere to be, so if possible, make it quick. You can handle the rest with leadership. I'm only offering them because I have no need for them—these aren't the stolen ones you've heard about. I got them after a conflict with some criminal hunters."
"I see... how about the central airport? I'll pick them up myself, Vice-leader!"
Auren thinks for a moment, then replies, "Fine. I'll need about fifteen minutes to get there, but if that's too soon, I can wait."
"I'll be there in twenty minutes. The waiting room at Gate 12. We'll use sign 7," she says.
"Waiting room, Gate 12, sign 7... Got it. Hopefully, I remember. See you there," Auren says, ending the call.
Unfamiliar with the city, Auren takes slightly longer than twenty minutes to arrive. To his surprise, he finds Gate 12 currently unused. The waiting room is completely empty, aside from a single woman leaning against the glass wall near the door. She's in her early twenties, attractive and fit, with short brown hair combed to one side—her appearance reminds Auren of a professional agent.
Smart choice to pick a place like this.
Auren walks past her without saying anything and enters the waiting room.
He crosses his arms. The woman follows him inside, then speaks:
"Ready to fight."
This is so bothersome... I guess Rakshala and the Elders are putting real emphasis on security and secrecy. I should probably appreciate it, but honestly, this type of work just isn't my thing.
Auren glances at his phone, checking the information he received. "Nice to meet you. According to my documents, you're 'Agent'..."
Agent?! Really?!
"Agent Lissa." He finally states.
"Correct. It's nice to meet you, Vice-Leader. It's an honor," Lissa responds politely. "This room is perfectly safe—the cameras on this part have been disabled. I can guarantee it."
For some reason, nobody doubts my position. Even the people on the outside. Rakshala is almost like a god to them. I don't even have to do anything to earn their trust. This kind of blind faith feels too exaggerated.
Auren nods and hands her the licenses. "Do your best. Sell them, use them, whatever you want. But it might be wiser to contact Rakshala and the Elders first. Maybe Rakshala even requires a license... I hear she's busy... travelling and... investing."
Lissa nods, "Our leader is busy and has to deal with a lot of issues—these licenses could indeed come in handy. I'll run this through the proper channels," Lissa says, almost sounding eager.
"..."
"..."
"Alright then. Thank you for meeting me," Auren says, turning around.
"Um, Vice-Leader?" Lissa asks hesitantly.
"Yes?" Auren looks at her, not sure what to expect.
"How about a meal? You sent us a few messages a while ago, saying you wanted to get to know us better if you had the chance. This would be a good opportunity to meet the rest of our cell."
"Cell?" Auren mutters, confused.
I did send that mail... to everyone. I am irritated by these cult terms... they make our ... family sound a little too sinister. Whatever, I am already the vice leader of this cult, so I might as well embrace it. However, I sent that mail to hundreds of people... do I have to meet them all? Why not, though? As long as I'm here. Just... not now. I need to focus on Pariston for now.
"Sure. But not now. Tell me the Level 1 location your... 'cell' is using as a base, and I'll visit when I have time. I've got important business to handle first."
Lissa looks genuinely surprised at his favorable reply, then smiles and hands him a small note.
"I'll see you soon," Auren says, leaving the room and heading out of the airport.
He quickly makes his way toward the Hunter Association.
The moment he steps into the lobby, he heads to the same senior receptionist he met before. Before he can even speak, she beams at him and says cheerfully:
"Welcome back, Hunter Auren! Please, allow me to personally escort you to Hunter Hill."
Time to finish things with Pariston.
A few minutes later, Auren enters Pariston's office alone.
"Ah, Auren," Pariston greets him with a bright smile. "I didn't expect you back so soon! It's only been a few hours. I barely started working. Time sure does fly if you're having fun! Isn't it exciting?"
"Do you ever sleep?" Auren asks. "You look like someone who sleeps a lot, but I know for a fact you don't."
"I try to sleep on the job as much as possible. Two power naps every day keep the nasty dog doctor away. I can recommend it wholeheartedly," Pariston replies, perfectly casual.
Dog... Cheadle?
Auren, not in the mood for his usual games, pulls out the stack of licenses. He spreads them across the desk like playing cards, then stacks them again, holding them in his hand, shuffling through them.
"Incredible! You actually managed to retrieve them all? Spectacular! I'm truly impressed," Pariston says. "You are such a talented and bright young Hunter, you have my deepest admiration!"
"I'm not sure I deserve much credit," Auren says flatly, staring into his eyes.
Pariston laughs. "Why so humble, Auren? You did a fantastic job. You retrieved the licenses, eliminated the thieves, and even exposed two corrupt hunters. What a run! What a miracle! What a successful hunt!"
Auren chuckles. "Tell me... did it play out exactly the way you planned it years ago? Or did I ruin your little setup?"
"Whatever do you mean, Auren?" Pariston tilts his head.
"I'd like to think you're satisfied. You probably didn't expect me to bring helpers that competent or useful. I'm guessing you had to change things quickly without the opportunity for much preparation. All things considered, the result should be acceptable, even for your rigid standard, right?"
Pariston smiles again. "I'm not quite sure I understand what you're insinuating, Auren."
"Cut the crap. I'm not here to blame you or argue. I was just curious. In any case, I'm not someone who breaks promises. The licenses are yours. The agreed price is fine. I'd say I've more than repaid what I owe you, especially since I spent a lot of Jenny on the exorcist. Considering the Exorcist was practically bored out of her mind, this wasn't such a big request in the first place." Auren says, his voice firm.
He continues, crossing his arms, "In any case... I'm impressed. I've never met someone more scheming and manipulative than you. The way you used those thieves was flawless. You baited them, started years ago, feeding them just enough money to keep working, while making sure they held onto the licenses. Then you pulled the trigger. You knew about the two spies as well, didn't you? The most impressive part is how you used my unexpected visit to neatly tie up your little operation and make it look perfect. To be honest, even the researcher of the troupe called you a true monster. You should feel honored. You are, without a doubt, one of the most twisted and dangerous players in our little world."
Pariston's grin widens, but his eyes go cold.
Auren slides the licenses across the table toward him.
"Why give them to me? Aren't you going to expose me? Maybe tell the other Zodiacs, or even the Chairman?" Pariston asks.
"Do you think I'm stupid? What would I gain? I can't prove even a fraction of my suspicions," Auren replies before his own lips curl into a smile. "I also don't see what's in it for me...!"
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