Vanessa's car arrives at a small industrial park. The security guard at the entrance doesn't even wait for the car to stop before opening the gates.
I guess she and her car are well-known around here.
"This little park belongs to my dad but is managed entirely by Konrad," Vanessa explains.
"I like it. Instead of a fancy, useless skyscraper downtown, you're wisely using property that's more affordable and actually practical," Auren says approvingly.
"Konrad does enjoy luxury, but he's pretty calculating, too. My dad always wanted his own little empire, so this industrial park is full of his own businesses. He owns several parks like this, but this one's by far the most expensive since real estate prices in Yorknew are absolutely insane. Honestly, I suggested we tear down this place and build apartments. We could easily make a few hundred billion Jenny with minimal investment! I don't get my family sometimes… they always want to earn more money. With just one billion you're set for life! Why do people want more?!" Vanessa rants as they pull up to one of the larger buildings.
They exit the car, and Auren thoughtfully nods. "Actually, Vanessa, I agree. Today might open your eyes even further. However, some people have loftier goals and require incredible wealth to achieve their dreams."
Vanessa pauses, looking curious. "What exactly do you mean?"
Auren smiles slightly, refusing to elaborate. "Just go on ahead."
They enter the building, and Vanessa quickly guides him to an office on the top floor.
As soon as they step inside, Konrad immediately stands up, rushing toward Auren and giving him a tight hug.
"Okay… enough already… let go," Auren complains mildly.
"So, how have you been? Back for more business?" Konrad asks with a wide, friendly grin.
"You could say that—just a little deal. By the way, I received the money. You did a great job with the company. Honestly, it almost feels like I took too much advantage of you, so let's skip the lengthy explanation. The answer is yes—if you properly take care of her and make sure nothing bad happens," Auren says clearly.
"I… wait, what? I haven't told her yet! How did you know?" Konrad asks, clearly confused.
"My education might be lacking, but I'm not stupid. You should know that by now," Auren replies calmly, crossing his arms.
"No… obviously you're not. But you're right. If it's at all possible, PLEASE help her," Konrad requests earnestly.
"I told you it's alright. I've improved considerably, and even if something goes wrong, I can forcibly close her nodes, minimizing the risk even further. I already explained to you the basics, so how about we spend the day going over the advanced techniques after awakening her?" Auren suggests.
"Yes! I've created my own Hatsu already, but I definitely want to learn more! I can only use Gyo right now," Konrad says eagerly.
"Alright, hold up. What exactly are you two talking about?" Vanessa interrupts, looking thoroughly confused.
Auren briefly activates Ren, directing it toward her.
Vanessa instantly starts trembling and freezes up, eyes wide in shock.
Auren calmly approaches Konrad's desk, picks up a sheet of note paper, strengthens it with Shu, making it sturdy and sharp like a knife, and throws it at a nearby book. The note pierces deeply into it, nearly slicing it entirely in half.
Vanessa looks stunned, glancing rapidly between the book, Auren, and her brother.
"You…! You knew about this, Konrad?!" she demands.
"Yes… ever since I took the Hunter Exam," Konrad admits sheepishly.
"And you didn't teach me?! You jerk!" she shouts, repeatedly hitting his arm.
Poor guy…
"You can learn now, but you should know the risks. If you openly spread these secrets, you'll become a target. In fact, even teaching you this casually is already somewhat risky. No amount of money or connections will protect you if you leak this information. Every single government will make your life hell, in addition to the Association. This isn't something you can take lightly—it could even kill you," Auren warns, his tone suddenly serious.
"I'll risk it!" Vanessa declares firmly.
"Good… Now strip and sit down. We'll start immediately!" Auren instructs directly.
Vanessa doesn't hesitate, immediately taking off her top skillfully and revealing she's not wearing a bra underneath.
Feeling slightly responsible for the situation, Auren quietly adds, "...Actually, perhaps you can leave that on. Your clothes are… thin enough."
"..."
"..."
"..."
With Vanessa's top back on, Auren uses Azure Restoration to open her Aura nodes. Thanks to his diligent training, the process proceeds even more smoothly. In less than five seconds, Vanessa's Aura nodes burst open, causing her Aura to gush forth from her body.
"That was fast!" Konrad notes, impressed.
"Now, Vanessa, don't panic. Listen carefully to my instructions," Auren commands firmly.
Over the next twenty minutes, Vanessa slowly learns to control her Aura, mastering a rudimentary use of Ten and beginning to gain basic control over her Aura.
Looking exhausted but still smiling brightly, Vanessa stands up and hugs Auren.
"Not again. You two really need to respect personal space," Auren says, gently pushing her away.
They are similar in some aspects.
He then calmly begins explaining the basics to her—the different Nen categories—and eventually dives into the Basic and Advanced Techniques. Once he finishes, he turns to Konrad.
"Any technique you're interested in? If it's about self-defense, then Ryu, Ken, and Ko are essential. I guess I've recently pushed my En to some pretty absurd levels. It's a unique skill with tons of potential, but not really suited for combat. Shu's self-explanatory, even you should be able to manage it easily. Finally, there's In… it's tough. Took me ages to get the hang of it, but I highly recommend it. As a Conjurer, you should be able to pick it up. I'll show you some training techniques. Learning about the advanced techniques is easy—it's actually learning to use them that's the hard part. I have some tips for you, if you are interested."
Konrad nods. "I need to learn In. Honestly, they all sound useful… En too. I've been training at least three hours daily in the gym, and I always push my Aura until it's drained."
Auren lets out a small sigh, then runs through the basic training methods for each technique. Nothing too in-depth—just enough to get them started. Of course, he keeps most of his own secrets to himself.
"Vanessa, you can learn the details from your brother. Show me your progress now and then, and I'll tell you what you can improve. Is that okay for you?" he asks.
"Yes, of course! I'm really grateful! How can I pay you back?" she asks eagerly.
"No need… though, there is something I'd appreciate. You both could help me. If you're confident and work hard, you should try to become Hunters. I'm pretty sure you won't fail this time, Konrad. I need students—just officially, on paper. Not now, but maybe in a few years. It would mean a lot to me if you became Hunters and officially state that I taught you. I'm not asking you to risk your lives. You can always stop if it gets dangerous and try again later."
"Okay!" Vanessa says confidently. "I'm pretty fit anyway! With this new power and a few months of training, I'll make it easily!"
"I'm still interested too. Alright, we'll go for it! So, Auren, what about you? What are your plans now?" Konrad asks.
"I'm meeting a friend… maybe grab something to eat with him. You can come along if you want. I taught him a little Nen, mostly to test my own progress. He's been helpful—and he found me a Ben's Knife. I think he's trustworthy. You might even want to hire him," Auren explains
"You collect those creepy things? That's why Konrad's been asking around about them everywhere!" Vanessa remarks with a smirk.
"Let's go then. I want to meet this friend. I'll gladly hire him," Konrad adds, a glint of interest in his eyes.
One phone call and a short ride to the market district of Yorknew later, Auren, Konrad, Vanessa, and Eren sit in a private room at one of the nicer restaurants in the area.
"It's nice to see you, boss," Eren says, looking slightly nervous.
"Why are you nervous?" Auren asks right away.
"My… results haven't been great… I'm sorry," Eren replies.
"Look, you can only find what's out there. You got me one—two if we count the first lead you gave me. That's already more than enough. I wanted to introduce you to my friend Konrad and his sister Vanessa. I trust them. I've already told Konrad a bit more about Nen. He can teach you and pay you, if you want a little more work."
"I'm in!" Eren says without hesitation.
Good… all loose ends tied up neatly.
After saying goodbye to Eren, Auren decides to jog back to the hotel run by the Dons—figuring he might as well get a little more familiar with Yorknew along the way.
He texts Konrad: "Make sure to tell Eren and your sister to NEVER mention you-know-what to anyone. If you find others who might be worthy, I'm open to teaching more—but only if loyalty is guaranteed."
"Understood. Thanks again!" Konrad replies right away.
Auren arrives late in the evening and carefully enters the hotel room.
"Welcome back," Rakshala says politely.
"Thanks," Auren replies. "Just handled a few things."
She nods slightly. "It's good to make connections. Ever since I left home, that's all I've done. And it's always helped me find a way forward."
Auren gives a small nod.
He steps out briefly, returns with a mattress from the other room, tosses it into a corner, and sits on it. Slipping on his visor, he activates En and starts training before going to sleep.
As he trains, he becomes hyper-aware of Rakshala's presence. Her En is mingled with his own, making him feel a little jealous about her extremely advanced technique.
I'll improve as well!
After a while, Auren falls asleep, only for a few hours, before waking up and continuing.
He spends the next day walking through Yorknew, learning more about the city, checking in briefly with Konrad, Vanessa, and Eren—and, of course, training.
Finally, the day arrives.
Time to get rich!
-------------------------------------
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