Chapter 105: Blood, Oil, Gold, and Gas!

As the group enjoys the sight of Glam Gas Land at night, the airship slowly but steadily approaches the airport and lands at the one and only airport of the city, of course, under the firm control of the Glam Clan.With Auren’s permission, Jolt chooses a secure, slightly expensive landing spot, one supervised and protected by the airport authorities—an ideal location where the vessel can remain for the duration of their trip.

Carrying a few suitcases full of their luggage, the group makes their way toward the airport exit.

On the way, despite the steep airport prices, Auren suggests they grab a bite to eat since it’s already late and the airport restaurants and joints are still open.

Taking full advantage of the countless fast-food spots, they indulge in the known classics—burgers, sandwiches, pizza—along with a few local delicacies like grilled meat skewers and other regional dishes.

Afterward, they take a few cabs to their hotel. Only minutes later, the Royal Glam Hotel comes into view: an insane architectural marvel shaped like a colossal arch. Two towers stretch high into the sky, joined by a massive structure above, like a brick stuck on top of the towers, leaving a vast open space beneath it.

What a waste of space. They could’ve built a building with nearly twice the capacity for less money. I guess it’s all about status and appearances here.

At the hotel, just as he requested, Auren is handed ten keys by the receptionist, who welcomes the group with a professional smile. He has rented out an entire section of a floor. Naturally, he avoids the extreme VIP and luxury suites, but the upper-class rooms he chose are still beautiful, spacious, and more than comfortable enough for the group.

They ride the elevator almost to the very top before stepping out onto their floor.

Since Neffi decides to share a room with Killi, who has grown rather attached to her, Auren finally has some peace of mind when he enters his own room. Standing in front of the large window, grateful for the high floor, he takes in the breathtaking view of the city.

Things will get serious again. However, I’m having a good time... This is more like I envisioned my life as a Hunter. I’ll treat this as training... when we’re done here, it’s time to get serious!

After a comfortable rest, the group gathers in one of the hotel’s grand dining halls, each enjoying a lavish breakfast.

As Auren tries the food, he is pleasantly surprised.

It’s actually really good... this is the Royal Glam Hotel indeed.

Though Joanne looks a little uneasy, uncomfortable with the sudden change in lifestyle, her twin Jean can’t stop gushing. “This is such a dream come true! The hotel is simply incredible! The rooms make me feel like an actual queen.”

Even Neffi and Vanessa occasionally chime in, agreeing with her.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourselves,” Auren says. “I’m also giving you some spending money, but don’t blow it all at once. While we’ll be out working—and enjoying a show here and there—I expect you twins to put effort into training during the mornings and afternoons. Start working on opening your Aura Nodes. You have three weeks. While I don’t think you’ll fully succeed in that time, I expect progress. Mio, Kai—that goes for you as well. You’re both close to catching up with the twins. Killi, you need to refine your Ten, and Neffi has already taught you Zetsu, right? Put some work into that, too. Don’t just lounge around and enjoy your luxurious life here—you need to find a good balance. The hotel also has multiple gyms, so I expect to see you using them daily.”

“As for us,” Auren announces with a bored expression, “we’ll hire a guide and get to know the city a little before starting our missions. The rest of you can come along for the tour—maybe we’ll book a bus.”

Everyone nods in agreement, only Jean looks a little annoyed.

Guess she wants to go shopping or go for a massage, what a silly girl. At least she is honest and knows when to shut up.

An hour later, just as planned, they rent a small bus with a local driver who knows the city well. The bus is a little old and not luxurious, but it allows the group to blend in perfectly.

The driver gives the group an extensive tour through the city that lasts a few hours, pointing out landmarks and sharing a few stories. He keeps his commentary light, never overdoing it, giving the group plenty of time to enjoy the ride itself.

At one point, the driver remarks, “If we head further south, we’ll reach the more… unpleasant parts of the city. This is where the workers live, since the rent is almost unaffordable anywhere else. Truth be told, I actually live there as well, but honestly, there’s nothing for you to see. Only shops and cheap apartments.”

Auren stands up and steps closer to the man, standing beside him as he drives. Interested in what he has to say, he asks, “Where would we find the seedier side of the town? I mean the bars for locals, places tourists avoid. The more gangs and crime around, the better. I want to see those parts too.”

The driver looks puzzled but replies, “I can take you there. It’s west of the city, right next to the part I just mentioned. We’ll be there in about ten minutes. But you need to be careful. Gangs roam those streets, and it’s not a place I’d ever recommend visiting. You are completely on your own if you wander in there. Even the Glam Clan has given up on it. Everywhere else, violence and crime are stopped immediately and punished hard. Even the slums, where our poorest live, are patrolled by officers. But that area… it’s different. It’s almost like a lawless zone.”

“We’re only driving through,” Auren assures him calmly. “We just need to know where it is.”

“I see… alright then. I’ll stick to the edges and tell you as much as I can.”

After a short while, the bus drives through the outer rim of the lawless zone, the driver doing his best to explain the streets as best as he can. The group sees armed groups, prostitutes, beggars, and armed youths walking openly through the streets. Trash is lying everywhere, many windows are broken, and there are no traffic lights, at least none that are working.

“Why would we ever go there?!” Jean asks, looking pale, with her mother nodding along.

“Auren, I’ve seen my fair bit of crime, but that part is really dangerous,” Jolt says.

“We are Hunters, Jolt,” Auren states. “It’s laughably safe, at least for us for us. I told you we are acting as Blacklist Hunters as well, and I am betting that our targets will be there.”

“Don’t worry,” Neffi says, “this is indeed nothing special.”

Surprisingly, Killi also chimes in, ”Meteor City is way worse.” Marsha, the twins, Vanessa, Konrad, and Jolt stare at her in shock, while the others smile knowingly, having experienced similar places themselves.

Finally, the bus heads back, and before long, the group is once again at their hotel.

Neffi decides to stay behind with Jolt and the others, while Auren, Goreinu, Vanessa, Konrad, and Eren finally get serious and start their work.

They rent a sturdy SUV fit for the rough terrain outside the city. Vanessa takes the driver’s seat and asks, “So, where do we start?”

“Courtesy visit to the Glam Clan,” Auren decides. “I’m sending them a message now. I doubt the clan leader will pay us much attention, but since they offer the most missions, it’s smart to introduce ourselves first. There should be at least someone there to meet us, they are desperate, after all. I’ve also informed Pariston, and he told me that the clan is a well-paying client and that he hopes we can accommodate them.”

“Not a good idea to listen to that creep,” Goreinu mutters.

Auren shrugs, “This time, he has a point. Remember what we found out, Goreinu?”

“What did you find out?” Eren asks, a little confused.

“We researched before coming here, on the official Hunter site to be specific,” Goreinu explains. “The Glam Clan can make or break our stay, so it’s best to stay on their good side. We can look at corporate missions once we’ve cleared the good ones from the clan.”

“That’s smart,” Konrad agrees. “If we worked for the corporations right away, considering they’re at odds with the Glam Clan, it’d come across as disrespectful. We’d end up having to watch our backs, or at least put up with annoyances. They wouldn’t dare do anything serious to us—we’re Hunters, after all—but it’s still better to get along with the clan.”

As they drive toward the northern part of the city, a massive mansion, surrounded by a sturdy-looking wall with armed guards placed on nearby watchtowers, comes into view in the distance. Auren quickly confirms that they’re cleared to pass through the front gate and gets confirmation, along with the request, that he needs to present his license at the guard station of the Royal Mansion.

Auren shows his license, and the SUV drives onto the private property of the Glam Clan. Up ahead, the ‘mansion’ looks more like a huge, almost unreal palace.

“How much did it cost to build that?” Eren wonders as the group stares in shock at the monstrous building.

Vanessa parks the car at the main entrance, and the group steps out.

“It’s so hot...“ Konrad complains, looking pale, the sun shining onto his sweaty skin.

“Suck it up,” Vanessa says, slapping his back.

Meanwhile, a middle-aged man in a colorful, expensive-looking robe approaches, accompanied by six armed guards.

“Welcome, Hunters! I am Jasoof of the Glam Clan,” he declares. “I’m the younger brother of the current clan head, and it would be my pleasure to discuss your stay here—and, of course, our requests.”

Auren steps forward. “That’s exactly why we’re here. I’m the leader of this little team.”

“Hunter Auren, correct?” Jasoof continues calmly. “I’ve done a little research. It only took me a few minutes to learn quite a few interesting things about you. You seem quite promising—I expect much from you. You’re different from the usual Temp Hunters we can convince the Association to send here. Now, please follow me inside. I have a few… special requests for you. If you accept, I’ll immediately make an official request through the Association. We’re having pressing issues… with Nen users.”