Prepared as best as possible, Auren leaves the airship and slowly makes his way toward the Association, taking all the time in the world.
I've still got over an hour left. Might as well walk around a little.
With little else to do, he decides to enter one of the larger shopping malls in the centre of Swardani Center, just a few minutes away from the airport and association. Thanks to the constant wave of visitors and tourists, the mall stays open even late into the evening—giving Auren a chance to distract himself.
He glances around. The mall still has a fair number of shoppers moving about, but it is far from packed. The calm pleases him and allows him to focus. It allows him to enjoy the walk without bumping into people every few steps.
He passes by stores selling clothes, jewelry, and sporting goods, as well as food stalls, restaurants, and even stores selling all kinds of computers and games.
A little curious, Auren steps into one of the larger gaming stores. Inside, his attention is immediately drawn to the latest consoles on display. But his eyes settle on the Joystation—a bit old now, but still widely played by many hardcore fans.
The Joystation... that reminds me of Greed Island... I own that game, but I never actually 'played' it. I have been too busy, and back then, it would have felt like a waste of time. Without enough strength, the game is brutally hard, and it is tedious to make any progress—let alone complete it. It would take years for me to complete it without robbing other players. There are also certain events that require strong people. I guess entering it too early would be a waste of time.
Anyway, I have come a long way since then. I have made strong allies—Neffi and Goreinu—and Vanessa, Eren, and Konrad are slowly becoming skilled in their own right. Eight people can enter the game with one console... It is certainly an option. If I remember correctly, the rewards were beyond incredible. I can think of several things that can change my entire life.
I could enter the game and just target other players and forcibly take their cards. That would save me years of grinding, but some cards haven't been obtained yet, so I need to be patient. Anyway, taking cards from other players is definitely the way to go. I need to complete the game at all costs.
However, once the game is cleared, that is it. I recall it can only be completed once. No resets. I know the events that come after the game, so I wonder if I should forcefully change the story by interfering. I have knowledge of the future; it would be foolish to change it without a good reason. The question is: should I claim the rewards and alter the course of events, or let things unfold naturally, as they should?
Maybe there is a way to win without derailing everything. I need to think.
Still deep in thought, he exits the store and continues along the mall's second floor, passing a high-end shop that deals in luxury gourmet products.
As he walks past the window display, a few expensive bottles of alcohol catch his eye, making him pause.
Might as well show up with a gift... good manners will not hurt me. If I remember correctly, someone—his name escapes me—once brought a rare bottle of wine as a gesture to honour the chairman. I am guessing the old man has a taste for it.
Auren enters the store and finds himself the only customer inside. He walks straight toward the alcoholic beverage section, drawing the attention of a few employees—most of them looking half-asleep until now. Their expressions turn slightly suspicious as they watch him.
One of them, a kind-looking middle-aged woman, breaks away from the others and approaches him with a polite smile.
"Excuse me," she says gently. "I am sorry, but I am afraid you are not old enough to legally buy or consume alcohol."
"I really don't know the laws across the V5 countries," Auren replies casually. "They vary too much."
He then reaches into his pocket and flashes his license toward her.
"Fortunately, I do not need to," he adds with a grin. "Show me your most expensive bottles. I need a decent gift."
"Of course, sir..." she says, still staring at the license, her professional expression shifting slightly.
She then guides him through the store, introducing various wines and spirits, offering detailed background descriptions for each one.
"I want something really special," Auren says. "But it should not be just about the money—I want it to actually taste memorable. Price is not an issue, but I do not want to buy something only because it is expensive. Show me your most special and best-tasting bottle."
"If price is truly not a concern..." she says, leading him to the very back of the store. She reaches for a large bottle filled with a bright orange liquid. "This is a thirty-year-old fire-water from the Azian continent. It is produced in a small country called Gohei, situated between the Kakin Empire and the Federation of Ochima. It is a little pricey, though. This bottle costs 1.8 million Jenny."
Auren takes out his phone and checks the time: 9:26.
It will have to do.
"I'll take it," he replies calmly.
"Of course, it's a little too expensive, so how about—wait, you'll take it?" the saleswoman blurts out, staring at him, visibly stunned.
Auren simply nods and steps toward the register.
The woman stumbles, nearly dropping the bottle before catching herself just in time. Now pale and sweating, she moves at a painfully slow pace behind the counter and gently places the bottle into a padded wooden box.
Auren hands over his card, completes the payment, and says only a single short sentence as he turns to leave: "Thank you."
Behind him, he hears a few employees rush over to the woman.
"You'd better share that commission! I can't believe your luck!"
"Congratulations, senior!"
Now carrying a fitting present, Auren heads directly to the Association building. He quietly conjures Eternity before stepping inside.
The building remains open, though the only person present is a lone, tired-looking secretary seated behind the front desk—who does not so much as glance in his direction.
Without stopping, Auren walks to the elevator and presses the button for the top floor.
As the doors open and he steps out, the time reads exactly 9:58.
Almost late.
Exiting the elevator, he notices a staircase leading even higher. Without hesitation, he ascends and pushes open the door at the top.
A cool wind rushes past him, and the large rooftop of the Association building reveals itself under the night sky.
To his surprise, Netero is already there—standing before a small airship bearing the Hunter Association logo.
I should have guessed this wouldn't be the location for the duel.
Auren approaches the chairman slowly, noting the man's usual white-blue robe.
"Good evening," Auren says, extending the wooden box. "I brought a little gift. Might as well thank you for humoring me."
"Oh?" Netero grins, immediately taking the box and opening it. "What a fine bottle. It seems you are not short on money. I'll graciously accept it. Please, follow me."
Auren nods and follows him on board.
The airship looks old and can be described as tiny or compact—just two floors. The upper floor is half open and houses the captain's cabin, while the lower level is fully enclosed.
To Auren's surprise, someone else is already inside. He instantly recognizes the small green figure as Beans, Netero's secretary.
"Hello, Beans..." Auren says, staring at him.
"Chairman, I cannot condone this. He is still a child!" Beans protests, shaking his head. "Auren, you are still considered a rookie! Why do you want to challenge the chairman?"
"No," Auren replies plainly. "My students—Vanessa, Konrad, and Eren—are rookies. I'm from the year before."
He pauses, then adds, "Anyway, Beans, I have a question for you as well. Are you a human, or some kind of magical beast? Did you grow from a bean?"
"..."
"..."
"Hoho," Netero laughs. "Beans, just lift off. The usual place."
"Fine, Chairman, but I will stop the fight if things get out of hand," Beans snaps, clearly irritated.
How will you stop it, bean-man? You'll end up as compost if you try to stop us.
While Beans settles into the captain's chair, Auren follows Netero downstairs. They sit across from each other at a small table.
"So, Auren," Netero says, casually opening the bottle Auren brought and taking a generous gulp straight from it. "What are your goals for the future?"
"I have too many to name," Auren answers calmly. "Let's just say I want to grow stronger. That goal sits above the rest. Not just for the sake of strength itself, but because all my other goals depend on it."
"Well, I'm quite interested in seeing what you're really capable of," Netero says. "This won't take long. We're flying to a small dojo I use from time to time. It's tucked away in the middle of a small forest—we'll arrive in ten minutes. Enjoy the view."
"That will be difficult on this ship," Auren remarks. "Compared to my personal airship, which cost a billion, this one barely looks worth ten million. I'm scared we'll crash before we make it to our destination."
"You young people shouldn't have so much money!" Netero grins. "Donate it, or it'll rot your soul. Or better yet—just give it to me."
"Are you asking me to bribe you? Interesting. What do you offer in return? Can I outright buy single-star Hunter status? I mean, I deserve it anyway, but if it speeds things up, I'd be willing to toss a couple billion your way."
Netero stares at him, feigning offense. "I want to smack you. But I'll save that for later."
"..."
We'll see about that....
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