Outside the ship, Pakunoda and the others waited anxiously.
Although Chrollo had indicated there would be no problem, they still felt worried.
After all, from Franklin's brief account just now, they could basically tell that this guy named "Seventeen" … was extremely dangerous.
Not only was he a high‐ranking figure in the Republic of Padokea, but he also had connections to the Ten Dons of the underworld—his influence was sky‐high.
And his Nen ability was rather eerie.
To be able to defeat Machi meant he could definitely pose a threat to Chrollo.
Plus, from the very beginning of this mission, he had seemed to see right through their plan, and also knew they had no intention of paying any compensation.
"Ugh, let's just barge in,"
After a while, Nobunaga frowned, staring at the closed hatch.
With their strength, this Republic of Padokea army was nothing more than a formality.
"Chrollo told us not to act rashly without his order," the short, stocky Feitan reminded.
"Tch."
Nobunaga clicked his tongue in irritation.
Just then, the hatch finally opened.
Chrollo walked out with a calm face.
Alone.
"How'd it go?"
The blonde Pakunoda stepped forward, asking.
"Nothing. We just got acquainted,"
Chrollo replied with a faint smile.
"Got acquainted?"
The others glanced at one another, confused by Chrollo's remark.
Behind him, the airship slowly lifted off.
Chrollo turned his head to watch this piece of Republic of Padokea military technology, his gaze deep and pensive.
No one knew what he was thinking.
"What the hell? Just what's he up to? What did you two talk about?"
Uvogin, straightforward as ever, demanded.
"Don't mind it; let's go," but Chrollo clearly didn't intend to say more.
"Tch!"
Uvogin let out a scornful sound.
Then the group, carrying their haul from the robbery, left the barren plains.
…
Onboard the ship, Xiang Nan sat by the window, watching the figures of Chrollo's group shrink into dots on the ground below.
One hand propping his chin, he wore an amused expression.
"Not bad," he murmured.
As though praising Chrollo, or praising the Phantom Troupe.
Seeing these desperate criminals in person did indeed match his impressions.
In fact, Xiang Nan hadn't really shown his genuine contempt for the Phantom Troupe… He had spoken truthfully. Before a national war machine, the Troupe and Meteor City might be trivial "worms." But that didn't mean the Troupe had no means of resistance.
He recalled just now how Uvogin erupted with that aura of Nen… The volume of aura in Xiang Nan's eyes was somewhat unbelievable.
Even for an Enhancement‐type user, how strong must his body be to develop so much aura? It simply didn't seem human.
That overwhelming physicality and terrifying reservoir of Nen… With just Uvogin at that level, characters like Zeno or Silva Zoldyck, let alone Beyond Netero and Isaac Netero, would be even more unimaginable.
"Boss…thank you."
In the hall, four other players—led by Dylan—approached.
Dylan's injuries had somewhat stabilized, allowing him to move freely.
"No need for thanks… Once we're out of Meteor City, I'll find a place to drop you off,"
Xiang Nan responded without turning his head.
They had received notification from the system not long ago:
They all passed the mission.
Xiang Nan's level rose to 'Extinction 5,' while the others were now 'Extinction 4.'
"Boss…can I come with you?"
Dylan suddenly asked, looking hopeful.
They already knew this man in front of them, Xiang Nan, was no ordinary figure—likely a top official of the Republic of Padokea. They didn't understand how he'd accomplished it, but one thing was clear:
As players, if they followed Xiang Nan around, the resources and hidden support available to them would be enormous. This was an opportunity.
"Sorry, I'm not planning to form a team right now."
Xiang Nan declined.
"Uh…that's fine."
Dylan's eyes, inevitably, flashed disappointment.
Indeed… A man of his level wouldn't be interested in us.
After expressing their gratitude, the four excused themselves, not wanting to disturb Xiang Nan further.
The difference in both status and strength, like a massive gulf, separated them into two different worlds.
Xiang Nan had refused them because their potential was too poor. They simply couldn't be trained the way someone like Manman could.
Moreover, there was that fundamental issue: as players, their 'free will' carried unpredictable variables. Xiang Nan would rather have people under him who were more stable, instead of chasing a superficial notion of power.
His energy was limited.
He exhaled slightly and pulled out his phone, calling Manman.
"Everything's done on my end. How are things on yours?"
Once connected, Xiang Nan asked.
"It's still going…but three members have died,"
Manman, though, sounded quite happy at getting a call from him, her tone rather cheerful.
"Need me to come help?"
"Mm…no need. I think I can handle it."
She declined.
Xiang Nan could tell the girl didn't want to trouble him, so there was no need to rush over.
They chatted briefly, then he ended the call.
He also called the leader of the Zatobi Family, Mia, as well as the Republic of Padokea's military.
"I'm looking for a person…named Omokage. He's from Meteor City, once part of the Phantom Troupe, but was later replaced by someone else. A Nen user, and he has a younger sister. He looks like this, and his ability is…"
Xiang Nan gave orders.
Now that he'd had a face‐to‐face with the Troupe, he'd confirmed their formidableness.
Having only fought Machi, he could already sense how scary the Phantom Troupe was overall.
And so, he wanted to track down the original Troupe member 'Omokage', who presumably still lived. Although that person was equally unpredictable, Xiang Nan believed that, alone, he had enough confidence to bring him under control—if he could be found.
As for Meteor City… Xiang Nan would return again later.
Because, according to his plan, this place was an indispensable piece.
The Phantom Troupe…was only the beginning.
Though next time, he'd likely aim to meet with the few 'Elders' of Meteor City.
…
Meanwhile, a few Phantom Troupe members had returned to a certain church building in Meteor City.
Chrollo stood alone outside the church, gazing at the sky.
His mind still echoing Xiang Nan's words from aboard the vessel:
"Let time prove everything…"
"If it's true… I'm looking forward to it."
Chrollo murmured to himself.
~~~
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