The small, but speedy airship maneuvers toward a small private airport on the outskirts of Yorknew City. Rakshala skillfully begins landing the airship with only minimal guidance from Rosa, who points out the general direction.
"Impressive," Auren comments, genuinely surprised that despite her limitation, Rakshala can perform complicated tasks like piloting an airship.
If she improves even a bit more, she won't need eyes at all. Her En is just that extraordinary. However, using En during combat must be an enormous burden. Can she even maintain En and Ren simultaneously? I wouldn't be surprised if she could, but it would surely consume immense Aura and concentration, leaving her vulnerable.
Rakshala doesn't respond, focused entirely on safely landing their ship.
The group exits the airship, and immediately, a sleek black limousine pulls up in front of them.
At first, Auren thinks nothing of it until two men in black suits step out. Their build and demeanor seem out of place. Their faces bear noticeable scars and tattoos, their eyes constantly scanning the surroundings. They certainly don't look like typical professional bodyguards.
Mafia members… looks like she really does have strong ties with one of the Ten Dons.
The Don responsible for the western Yorbian continent, which includes the powerful United States of Saherta, is extremely influential—especially considering Yorknew is under his direct control.
"Welcome, Treasured Seer. Please, allow us to drive you to our Boss. He is eagerly awaiting your arrival," one of the men announces respectfully, giving a slight bow.
Rakshala herself doesn't respond, but Mola quickly intervenes. "Go ahead! The Seer graciously honors your boss with her presence, but we don't have much time to waste!"
What?! Who is this 'Seer' supposed to be? Are they calling her that because of her visor? Idiots! If everyone with En abilities was called a Seer, there'd be thousands of them around. But maybe… it's related to her specific Nen ability. I'd love to find out more. I haven't asked her directly yet.
Rakshala enters the limousine first, followed closely by Auren, Rosa, and Mola.
The car swiftly takes them to their destination—a luxurious hotel that Auren immediately recognizes as catering exclusively to high-end clients. Dozens of attendants stand in formation outside the entrance. The limousine stops directly in front of the doors, and the driver quickly exits, rushing to open the door for the group.
Rakshala gracefully exits, followed by the others.
The driver promptly hands the keys over to his colleague and quickly escorts the group to an elevator. They step inside, and he presses the button for the 11th floor—the top floor—before inserting a key into a special lock.
Upon arrival, it's immediately apparent that this entire floor is not divided into separate rooms; rather, it consists of one vast, luxurious apartment.
They're guided into an extravagant living room, where several more men dressed in black lounge casually.
An older man seated in an impressively ornate chair stares intently at them as they enter.
So this is one of the Ten Dons? He certainly looks the part.
To Auren's surprise, the man quickly rises and approaches the group, attempting a kind smile that looks somewhat strained.
"Welcome, Lady Seer! I'm deeply honored by your presence. It's truly my pleasure to assist you," the man says respectfully, moving to grab Rakshala's hand.
Rakshala immediately slaps his hand away. "That won't be necessary. We're here strictly for business."
?! What is she doing?
"Oh, of course, forgive my rudeness. I'm here solely to support your endeavors! I've even arranged for my personal Shadow Beast to escort you and ensure your safety!" the Don replies awkwardly.
"That won't be necessary either. What use is your Shadow Beast when I could dispose of a fighter of his level within seconds? Should I be in danger, he'd be incapable of providing meaningful help," Rakshala responds sharply.
The Don visibly gulps, clearly acknowledging the validity of her statement. "I suppose that's true. But you wouldn't need to dirty your own hands."
Rakshala sighs lightly. "That's exactly why I've brought along a few trusted comrades."
The Don now turns his attention, for the first time, toward Rosa, Mola, and finally Auren.
The moment his gaze settles on Auren, he jumps back in shock. "You?! Demon-Claw Auren! Why is someone like you… Ah, of course, I see. Congratulations, Lady Seer! It appears you've recruited quite a powerful fighter to your cause."
Several of the Don's subordinates also tense visibly, staring warily at Auren.
"Excuse me, but how exactly do you know me?" Auren asks, genuinely puzzled.
The Don looks slightly confused. "Of course I know everything about you. You're a Floor Master, after all. We always try our best to recruit strong fighters, and once every decade, geniuses like you naturally draw our attention. We could never reach you since you suddenly disappeared—no one had any idea where you'd gone. I guess this explains it. So, you've accepted a position as a bodyguard for Lady Seer? It seems even she acknowledges you as a powerful fighter. With you around, there's definitely no reason to worry."
So that's why she didn't bother hiding my presence. Nobody would assume that I'm actually the healer! If they even know what's really going on in the first place.
"Is the room prepared for us?" Rakshala interrupts, getting straight to business.
"Yes, of course! As promised, the entire tenth floor is reserved exclusively for you. There are two luxurious apartments waiting," the Don says, smiling broadly.
"One apartment will suffice. Keep the other one empty and make sure nobody enters our floor!" Rakshala replies firmly.
"Certainly! If there's anything else you require, please let me know!" the Don eagerly offers.
Rakshala turns around without another word, and the Don's men quickly move forward to open doors for her as the group leaves the apartment.
They arrive at the tenth floor and are finally left alone.
"Why didn't we just take both apartments?" Auren asks curiously.
"One is enough for a few days," Rakshala replies casually. "Or are you embarrassed about sharing a room with a few ladies?"
"Not embarrassed… well, whatever, I guess it's safer that way," Auren replies, deciding it's better not to press the matter.
"You know, Rakshala, I've asked you a few times before but never really insisted… Who exactly are you? A Seer? Is it because of your visor?" Auren finally asks her.
Rakshala smiles slightly before explaining, "No, although most people do believe that's the case. In truth, I'm just good at reading politics and business trends—mostly thanks to my contacts. They call me Seer because my predictions are very useful for large organizations like the Mafia. Let's just say I do some consulting work for them. Oh, and thank you for protecting me, Demon-Claw Auren. I'm quite relieved to have you by my side."
"Your jokes aren't really funny," Auren remarks dryly, causing Rakshala to theatrically place a hand over her mouth, feigning outrage.
She shrugs lightly and lies down on the bed. "I have some business meetings scheduled later. You can join if you're interested, but honestly, I don't really need your help."
"In that case, I'll head out on my own. There are a few friends I'd like to meet," Auren explains.
"Just make sure you're back here in two days," Rakshala reminds him lazily from her spot on the bed.
"Don't worry, there is no way in hell that I will miss out on the big payday!" Auren says.
She's rather… strange. Sometimes she acts mysterious and serious, sometimes incredibly kind, but then she also has these childish sides.
Without thinking much about it, Auren calls Konrad and shares the hotel's address.
"Someone will pick you up in 30 minutes," Konrad responds promptly.
"I'll be back soon," Auren says, stepping outside the room.
As he waits for Konrad's contact, he notices a flashy red sports car rapidly approaching the hotel. It doesn't slow down at all, braking sharply only moments before reaching the entrance, tires screeching loudly and leaving skid marks behind.
The hotel attendants appear unsure of how to handle the situation.
"Is that a guest? We shouldn't be rude..."
"What are we supposed to do?"
"Forget it… I'm not risking my job by confronting whoever that is!"
Auren watches as a red-haired woman with long hair, fluttering in the wind, wearing skimpy hot pants, a loose-fitting top, and sunglasses steps out of the car.
Looks like she's in her late twenties… These wealthy guests are always so arrogant. Maybe she's one of the Don's lovers? Maybe a child?
To his confusion, the woman suddenly raises her hand and enthusiastically waves at him.
Don't tell me… Konrad, you absolute idiot!
Feeling slightly embarrassed at being associated with her, Auren reluctantly walks over.
"Hi there, Auren!! Wow, aren't you a real cutie? So young, too! I'm Vanessa—Vanessa Chester!" she greets cheerfully.
"...Konrad isn't married, so I suppose you're his sister?" Auren guesses cautiously.
"Yes, his older sister, despite looking younger!" she says brightly. "Hop in, let's go have some fun!"
No, you don't ….
"Just drive carefully, please," Auren requests calmly, taking his seat.
As if she's incapable of understanding his request, Vanessa immediately accelerates, nearly crashing into several other cars outside the hotel before finally leaving the premises.
Feeling fine, as he is confident in jumping out of the car at any time, Auren asks her, "So what is your role? Are you partnering with Konrad?"
"Haha, I don't work! I have secure investments and I'm set for life. I just like to enjoy my life," she explains. "However, I help out every now and then, and Konrad insisted this time, so rather than asking me, I should ask you what this is about?"
"I have a hunch," Auren says. "Surprisingly, he really loves his sister, doesn't he? That's the only way this situation makes sense."
"How do you know? Yes, he is totally in love with me, despite acting the opposite. I almost feel sorry for him. I am the reason he only dates red-haired women." She says, Auren, not quite sure how serious she is.
…
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