Chapter 172: Surprising Participants

Auren stares at the little ‘girl’ in front of him, of course, fully aware of her real identity.While my thoughts about Tserriednich are still somewhat vague… they aren’t when it comes to this girl… no, this woman.

Biscuit Krueger. A Double-Star Stone Hunter… and, in a way, she could even be considered a fellow Treasure Hunter.

She’s also a Nen Master, and a member of the Shingen-ryu School of kung fu… Netero’s school. In terms of experience and technical Nen skill, she’s probably one of the closest people to him and thus one of the most skilled in the entire world.

Her Nen abilities—especially when it comes to the basics—are truly incredible… and yet, I already know most of them. I built my own training methods with her techniques in mind.

So despite her absurd wisdom and Nen knowledge…

There is absolutely nothing I can gain from her... at least that’s what I’d say if it weren’t for her absurd Hatsu.... If I could get her to constantly use it on me... I could essentially speed up my training to a ridiculous level. This might be an opportunity.

“Are you asleep?” Biscuit asks, sounding annoyed. “Answer me already!”

“Are you dropping your little girl act entirely now?” Auren replies, calmly. “I know you simply because I am a Hunter. You’re a Double-Star Hunter—even a fellow Treasure Hunter. It’s a rather silly question to ask. How do I know your name? Any Hunter worth their salt will at least learn about the active top Hunters, especially the people in the same field as them.”

“I…” Biscuit replies, now appearing more than a little stumped, clearly not expecting this kind of seemingly logical response. “Now that you say it like that, I guess it makes perfect sense. I guess I am famous, and cute to boot! Who wouldn’t be interested in me?”

Seemingly satisfied with Auren’s response, she is now smiling wildly.

“Well…” Goreinu says, rubbing the back of his head, seemingly embarrassed. “I didn’t bother to research all that. It’s way too hard, and using the Hunter website to find out this stuff costs money. I should’ve guessed that for someone rich like you, money isn’t an issue, Auren. You’ve probably bought almost all the important knowledge from the site.”

“Not really,” Auren replies. “I just bought enough for my interests and a base set of knowledge about the strongest active Hunters. I’m not someone who’s too interested in others, but as I said, anyone seriously aiming to progress as a Hunter should know at least the leaders in their own field.”

“Are you… a fellow Stone Hunter?” Biscuit asks, suddenly looking shy, her eyes sparkling like she’s trying to charm him by force.

“No… I’m not interested in useless sparkling stones,” Auren states firmly, not even blinking.

“You! Uncultured—” Biscuit starts complaining immediately.

Auren raises his hand, cutting her off before she can build up steam. “However, I can understand your fascination with them. I’m a collector of certain items, too, and despite the world viewing my items as mostly useless and redundant, to me, they’re precious treasures. So from one Treasure Hunter to another, it’s nice to meet you. Now… will you step aside, please? I don’t want to be late for the meeting.”

“Cheeky little boy! You have it all figured out, don’t you? Feeling all smug, aren’t you? Fine! Go ahead!” she says, crossing her arms and turning away with an exaggerated huff.

“I can’t understand the old man… why is he so interested in this kid…” she mutters as Auren, Neffi, and Goreinu pass her.

“I… just heard her mutter something worrying,” Neffi notes quietly. “She seems to know you as much as you seemingly know her. Is she here to spy on you?”

“I don’t think so,” Auren says, sounding indifferent. “This might be a coincidence, or if your fears are true, it could mean that a certain old man likes to meddle in other people’s business... my business.”

This might become a problem. Hollow Blade can’t be exposed!

Speeding up their steps, the group makes its way to the dining area.

Despite his initial assumptions, the place has been completely transformed. As Auren enters, it feels less like a dining room and more like a high-class show—there’s a large stage at the front, with more than a dozen smaller tables arranged neatly before it.

Most of them are already taken. It’s close to 2 PM now, with only minutes left before the official start of the meeting.

Almost everyone is dressed for a high-class occasion. Most men wear high-quality designer suits, polished leather shoes, and expensive watches, while nearly all the women show up in colourful dresses, jewelry, fur coats, and other flashy accessories that scream money and status.

“Auren…” Goreinu says, looking worried as he scans the room. “I’ve got the feeling we don’t fit in. Our clothes are a little… well… no… I... let’s just say we’re underdressed.”

“Calm down,” Auren says with a shrug. “Our clothes cost more than most of theirs. Do you even know how much Neffi’s company charges for these high-quality nanofibre clothes and bodyarmor?”

“I… no,” Goreinu admits honestly.

“He has a point, though,” Neffi cuts in, her tone more practical than comforting. “We are looking out of place. You especially. Your shoes, gauntlets, and bracers—those stand out immediately. You’re even wearing the sturdiest body armour, while we are just wearing the clothing. Also, everything you’re wearing is black. You look like a mix between a mercenary, an assassin, and a warrior.”

She hesitates, then adds, “You don’t look bad… I think it’s cool, actually. But honestly, we, and especially you, still look out of place.”

Auren nods at her. “You might have a point. Not that it matters to me.”

“Sorry…” Neffi mutters, looking faintly guilty.

“Why are you apologizing? I’m grateful if you tell me what you are thinking. I just prefer these clothes,” Auren says, not looking bothered. “The armour might be a tad overkill, I’ll give you that. But the gauntlets, boots, and bracers? I won’t take them off… ever.”

My security is more important than whatever these people think.And I’m not taking these treasures off either.Worn around my arms, legs, and hands, they can’t be stolen. These Nen Regalias are worth more than everything inside that hall earlier. I would literally kill for them... or more. How can I not wear them? They feel like extensions of my body by now.

“Let’s just sit down,” Auren says, pointing to a large empty table near the side of the room.

As he moves, he can feel eyes tracking him. More than a few, too—curious, judgemental, cautious.

Not bothered in the least, Auren looks around, trying to look for anyone of interest. For the moment, he doesn’t recognise a single face, disappointing him slightly.

That changes quickly.

A certain ‘young girl’ appears before him again and casually slips into the seat beside him without asking.

“Yes, you may sit down,” Auren says, joking dryly.

“Thank you,” Biscuit responds smugly, as if she’s doing him a favour. “You are welcome.”

To Auren’s surprise, just as he readies himself for the event to begin, two more familiar figures enter the hall—both moving in Auren’s direction, followed by two more.

A fat, sloppily dressed young man with black hair, accompanied by a woman with a visor covering her eyes. She wears a giant classical dress, so wide and heavy-looking that it even overshadows the one Biscuit is wearing.

They’re joined by an insanely tall woman, somehow also imitating Biscuit’s look—with her signature grey twin tails, a black suit, and a posture like a solid steel pillar. Beside her is a younger woman with black hair, her size and presence completely different from that of the elderly giant.

“Auren dear, is that you?” the woman in the dress asks as she approaches.

Auren goes still for a beat. Then, clearly surprised, he recognises the four people in front of him.

Kikyo Zoldyck… Milluki. Tsubone and her granddaughter, Amane, as well.What are they doing here?

“It’s a pleasure to meet you here, Mrs Zoldyck,” Auren says carefully. “I’m afraid to ask, but… you’re not here to collect… a head?”

“Oh no, dear. We would never,” Kikyo replies, sounding almost offended. “You’re considered a good friend—you shouldn’t even joke about that.”

“Zoldyck…” Goreinu mutters under his breath, glancing at Neffi. “I’ll never question your clothes again, Neffi. Safety comes first. I might be a tad underdressed.”

“Please, sit down,” Auren says, gesturing to the open seats at his table.

As they settle in, the rest of the room pretends not to notice. People look away too quickly, sip drinks they don’t need, adjust cuffs that don’t need adjusting—anything to avoid staring.

And yet… they still stare. Just discreetly.

With his supernatural hearing, Auren catches a few whispers drifting through the noise.

“The Zoldycks… never offend them. We can’t afford to insult them. Just try to stay away from them, it’s too dangerous.”

“The newcomer knows them? What kind of monster did we invite to join this time?”

Surprisingly, two more people Auren vaguely recognises enter and sit down at the table next to his.

One of them is a young woman with pale skin, wearing a beret that partly covers her long magenta hair. She is dressed in casual clothes, a pair of pants, and a hoodie. Beside her is a young man with a big brown afro, his expression relaxed as if he belongs here, despite his equally unsuitable and casual clothes.

These two… I don’t know their names… but aren’t they the Amateur Hunters who worked with Kite?What do they want here?As far as I know, beasts aren’t allowed to be traded here… along with certain other items, like body parts. This can’t be a coincidence.

Before Auren can think further, a middle-aged man with dark skin and short white hair enters the room. He’s tall and muscular, but the way he carries himself feels calm and dignified rather than threatening. He wears a three-piece suit that even Auren has to admit suits him perfectly, embodying class and style.

With visible confidence, he walks up to the small stage and slowly looks over the visitors.

The entire room goes silent as they all stare at him.

Finally... let’s hope I can find what I am after here!