Auren wakes up to the sound of his phone ringing.
He groggily reaches for it on his bedside table, squinting at the caller ID before answering.
"Morning, Buno. Why are you calling so early?"
"Why not? Anyway, congrats on your win. We watched it. Looked like you didn't find much of a challenge, huh? You also didn't use your Hatsu at all while you were there—except against that guy with the Taichi. Lost your cool a little, didn't you?" Buno says, voice dripping with amusement.
"…I know. I'll do better next time. So? What is it? I was planning to charter a flight to Yorknew and then visit your little town—or sect, or whatever it is. I also want that reward promised to me," Auren replies, sounding mildly annoyed.
That hag better teach me her skills!
"Hehe, I figured. But I'm actually calling to ask if you're interested in a job," Buno says, clearly amused.
"Not really. But if you're calling me, I guess it's not just a normal job?" Auren says, suspicious. "Also, don't try roping me into more tedious stuff. Things turned out okay with Neffi, but that was pure luck."
"Well, this is completely voluntary, and I lose nothing if you decline. Remember during training, I kept mentioning a certain name? 'Zoldyck.' I don't have close ties with them or anything—I only know Zeno in passing, since we're in the same trade and crossed paths a few times. I already told you how he looks down on everyone else. Honestly, I didn't expect it, but he actually contacted me. Sounds like they're planning something big... and they're asking for outside help."
"I can't say I'm thrilled. Why would the mighty Zoldyck family ask for help? Don't they have an army of butlers? The only reason I can think of is they need scapegoats, sacrifices, or people for the grunt work."
"Harsh. But your suspicion is not entirely unfounded. Still, this mission's scope is too large even for them. And to be clear—they only contacted me and my brother, as well as a few other top-ranked assassins. We've already declined. Too much going on here. But I did ask… and since I vouched for you, you're now on the list if you want in. I only want you to go to show off in front of that arrogant Zeno."
… He is so cheap and vengeful.
"Then tell me what the mission is about," Auren says. "Also… what's the reward?"
"Hehe, this one's special. What lies east of your lovely home country?"
"East from the Republic of Hass? That'd be West Gorteau, right?"
"...Further east."
"East Gorteau?"
"I think I need to brush up on geography. Hold on—checking… Okay, it's more northeast of the Republic of Hass."
"I'm honestly not too sure either. I know the Island with the Mitene Union on it is the biggest island in the area, but there are a few other large ones around. Don't know all their names though. Looks like I need to study geography too."
"You're educated enough already," Buno chuckles. "Yeah—it's the island northeast of the Republic, and both West and East Gorteau. It used to be the Republic of Tracha."
"Used to be?"
"Yes. Former Republic. The country that spans the entire island is in the middle of a long, complicated civil war. There are now three self-declared 'independent' nations—rebel factions that control their own territories. What's left of the Republic is basically a monarchy, led by a crazed tyrant: the self-proclaimed King Kolmata."
Auren's eyes narrow. "Let me guess. The Zoldycks were hired to take him out?"
"Bingo. Kolmata's pushing 70. He's old, but not old enough to die of natural causes. Everyone wants him gone, as with him in charge, the chance of peace is almost non-existent. The contract covers him and his entire family. They've also got a highly trained private army that needs to be handled. There are just too many targets—that's why the Zoldycks are looking for backup."
"I'm not interested in killing children and innocent servants," Auren says, voice suddenly cold.
"I figured you'd say that. I'll send you the full info. It's your call, brat. If you're interested, head to Kukuroo Mountain within a week. They'll arrange private air travel. The whole operation might take a few weeks—Tracha's not exactly close. Either way, visit us now or afterward, alright?"
"Fine. I'll take a look… but I can't go anywhere right now because of Neffi."
"Send her home, idiot. She can take care of herself. Don't overcomplicate things. I'll see you soon!" Buno says, then abruptly hangs up.
Zoldycks… this could be interesting.
Still deep in thought, Auren gets up, showers, and begins packing his things. He decides to leave most of his belongings behind—he won't be needing them for the road ahead.
Neffi, who seems to be doing the same, looks over at him curiously. "Is everything okay? If something's troubling you, your big sister is here to help."
"I'm considering a job offer… and it would mean my 'big sister' has to travel on her own for a while," Auren replies.
"Hmm?!"
Auren quickly explains the offer, laying out the details without sugarcoating anything.
He then pulls up the message Buno sent him.
"Payment varies depending on performance. Minimum of 200 million," Auren reads aloud.
"You don't need the money, do you?" Neffi asks. "Also, won't you get in trouble for openly assassinating someone?"
Auren shakes his head. "Buno addressed that. Apparently, Kolmata isn't even recognized as a legitimate ruler. On paper, he's a war criminal and a dictator. If I kill him, his family, or his guard, I won't get into any trouble. There might even be an official bounty on his head, and people will cheer for us."
"I see... Well, if you're interested, go ahead. I'll wait for you back home," Neffi says, though her expression looks slightly troubled. "This way, I can finally spend some time with my Master. I'll probably get the scolding of a lifetime… but I guess I deserve it."
"Let's head to the airport, then. I don't expect to be gone too long. Probably two or three weeks max—I'll meet you back at your little hideout," Auren estimates.
"It's not a hideout! It's our home and country!" Neffi snaps, clearly offended.
Silly girl.
Standing in front of his airship bound for the Dentora Region of the Republic of Padokea, Auren turns to wave goodbye. Neffi stands nearby, still waiting for her own flight.
As he turns to board, she suddenly runs up and hugs him from behind. "I really am grateful... You'd better make sure to come back soon! Or else I'll be the one hunting you down!"
"You better take good care of that spear—and my four Ben's Knives. I can't take all six with me," Auren says calmly.
"...Idiot," she mutters, hugging him even tighter.
Finally, Auren turns and returns the hug. "I'll see you soon."
As he wraps his arms around her, he feels something strange—something he hasn't felt in a long time.
Is this… what family feels like?
Neffi smiles, shy and slightly embarrassed, as Auren steps aboard the airship.
The trip isn't long—just two days. Auren uses the time wisely. He trains each day, focusing on improving his aura, though he doesn't neglect his knife technique and keeps up the daily training. Inspired by the Zoldyck connection to the assassin techniques he has learned, he also trains his Rhythm Echo and Claw technique.
Two days later, he arrives in the capital of the Dentora Region.
Despite how much time has passed since his initial arrival in Meteor City, Auren has reviewed his foreign memories countless times, even jotting down notes to avoid forgetting important details. He distinctly remembers that Kukuroo Mountain is a known tourist spot, with several guided bus tours available to those willing to pay.
I'll just take the bus. Easiest and fastest way there.
Arriving in the local capital of the Dentora Region, Auren can't help but feel let down. The city is rural, bland, and lacking anything remotely interesting.
He starts asking around at the airport, trying to find out how to book a tour to Kukuroo Mountain. Eventually, he approaches an older woman cleaning the terminal.
She looks up at him with a mildly annoyed expression.
"Another tourist, huh? Can't help but look down on you lot. Still, the money you all bring to our town is useful… so I'll tell you. Take the northern exit and walk across the big main street. You'll see the signs—can't miss them."
"Thank you," Auren replies curtly, following her directions and not engaging with her ramble.
Just a few minutes later, he spots the signs. Going with the most popular option, he sees the next bus tour starts in twenty minutes—at 1 PM.
Auren immediately books a ticket. Thankfully, the line isn't long and everything goes smoothly.
As he boards the bus, he scans the passengers. It's mostly elderly folks and a few families.
Really? These people are going to check out the Zoldyck estate? It really is just a tourist attraction.
"Welcome, everyone! Thank you so much for joining today's tour! I'm your beautiful guide…" begins an elderly woman, clearly warming up for her rehearsed routine.
Auren tunes her out and leans back in his seat, gazing out the window. Vast mountains and dense forests stretch out as sunlight pours into the bus.
The warmth and calmness lull him into a light nap.
Eventually, the bus pulls to a stop—right in front of an enormous, towering main gate. Auren immediately spots the seven-layered Testing Gates. Starting at 4 tons, every pair of doors doubles in weight..
Auren immediately stands up and walks to the front of the bus.
"No need to wait for me. Bye," he says to the guide, who looks momentarily surprised.
Outside, he activates his aura and pushes against the massive doors with all his strength.
Only four of the gates open, meaning Auren is able to open a 32-ton door.
I really need to focus more on physical strength. I noticed this weakness back at Heaven's Arena. I've been too caught up in combat technique and Nen… I can't keep neglecting the basics. Without Aura, I could maybe open the second door.
Behind him, the busload of tourists watches in stunned silence. As Auren walks forward, the huge doors slam shut behind him with a deep, echoing boom.
Almost immediately, he feels eyes on him—cold, calculating eyes.
I like dogs… but this damn monster… let's see what's waiting for me inside.
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