Chapter 44: Unexpected Welcome

As Auren stares at the massive, monstrous dog—a creature that looks more like a beast from a nightmare than a canine—he feels a flicker of fear and disgust rise within him. The thing is easily twice the height of a tall man and towers over the path. Its cold, lifeless eyes are watching Auren, scanning him from top to bottom.Annoyed by his own reaction, he activates Ren, releasing his aura in the dog’s direction. Just to be cautious, he also conjures Eternity. Since Eternity isn’t his own Nen ability, it doesn’t require his aura to remain summoned.

What was that monster dog’s name again? Mike, right? How do you like my aura?

Surprised, the dog abruptly halts. Its posture changes, and after a moment of hesitation, it retreats into the forest, disappearing slowly between the trees, as if confused.

These things are absurdly large. They could be used as mounts! What now? I’ll just head straight to the mansion—no need to mess around with the butlers or the lowly caretakers. Let’s stick to the road.

Following the long path, slightly winding up toward the mountain, Auren eventually spots the mansion—distant and slightly elevated, still far off.

Annoyed by the distance, he picks up his pace and starts jogging.

After five minutes or so, he reaches an old-looking fence. Standing nearby is a young, dark-skinned girl with grey eyes and thick bunches of dark purple hair. She’s dressed in a sharp, expensive-looking suit and holds a staff topped with a yellow orb.

It’s that girl... The Zoldycks really are pro-child labor, huh? I guess it’s just the norm in this world.

As Auren approaches, she calls out coldly, “Stop right there! You are trespassing on private property. Leave!”

Is she dumb?

“I’m a guest. Invited by Buno. Name’s Auren,” he replies, trying to keep his voice polite.

“I have no information about such a visitor. Leave immediately,” she answers, her tone still flat and unbothered.

“Look… girl. I’m giving you a chance to check with your employer. Do it now,” Auren says, keeping his patience.

“No need. Leave,” she repeats, unmoved.

There’s no point arguing. Either she’s being stubborn, or this is some kind of test. Doesn’t matter—she’s in my way.

Auren stops trying to talk her down and walks forward.

“I said leave! If you cross this line, I’ll remove you by force!” she warns, now raising her voice slightly. She marks a line in the dirt with her staff.

Auren steps across without hesitation.

The girl immediately swings her staff at him.

Prepared for the strike, Auren catches it in his right hand—now a claw. He grips it tightly, cracking the orb, and she struggles to pull it back, but it doesn’t budge.

Frustrated, she kicks at him. Auren easily dodges, then slaps her across the face with his left hand, sending her flying backward into a nearby tree.

“Weak,” he mutters as he walks past her.

He senses someone nearby. Turning his head, he spots a silver-haired boy lounging in a tree not far from the gate, watching him curiously.

“Hey! Can you help me out? I’m a guest, but this butler here stopped me. Mind leading me to the mansion?”

The boy jumps down with casual grace.

I remember him… of course I do. He’s going to be strong eventually, but right now, he’s not a threat. I remember a lot about people and this world, but almost nothing about my previous life. It’s complicated… Either way, Killua isn’t someone I need to fight. Honestly, I can’t afford to.

“Sure. But if you’re lying about being a guest, you might never leave again,” Killua says, completely unbothered.

“No problem,” Auren replies, walking alongside him as they head deeper into the estate.

“So, you look pretty strong. Are you here for the bounty on our heads?” Killua asks, not even looking at him.

“Kid, I already told you—I was invited. I’m a Hunter… I guess I’m also kind of an assassin? No, wait. I was trained by one. No—two.”

“A Hunter? You don’t look that old,” Killua says, giving Auren a more curious look now.

“I’m twelve. That’s the minimum age for the exam,” Auren explains.

“Well, maybe I’ll try it myself someday—if I get bored,” Killua says, sounding genuinely intrigued.

“Why not? It’s useful. I never have to worry about visas or permits or any of that annoying stuff. The license takes care of everything, which will be useful for the upcoming job.”

Killua raises an eyebrow. “Now that you mention it… Dad did talk about an annoying mission. Even Grandpa seemed a little bothered. Are you here for that?”

“Yeah, I guess I am,” Auren says, then raises his voice suddenly. “Also—hey! That damn butler girl’s been stalking us for a while now! If you try to attack me again, I won’t be as forgiving!”

The girl approaches quietly, without a word.

Killua chuckles, “You got beaten up pretty bad, Canary. But don’t feel too bad—your opponent’s a Hunter.”

“I am sorry, Master Killua,” Canary says, clearly frustrated by her decisive loss.

The group finally arrives at the mansion, where a man in a black suit stands waiting near the entrance. He has neatly combed-back black hair and wears thin glasses.

That’s Gotoh. Always looks serious and perpetually annoyed. Weird guy.

“Welcome back, Master Killua. And welcome, visitor. May I ask the reason for your visit?” the man says in a measured tone.

“Auren. Recommended by Buno. I believe I’m expected,” Auren replies.

“Of course, Sir Auren. Welcome to Kukuroo Mountain,” Gotoh says with a slight bow.

“Oh? So you weren’t lying! Your name is Auren? We’ll have to talk later—I want to know more,” Killua says, clearly intrigued by Gotoh’s recognition.

“I’ll lead you straight to the masters. They’re in the back, training. Young Master, please remain here; this conversation will be private,” Gotoh instructs.

The Zoldycks are training?

Rather than entering the mansion, Gotoh leads Auren around it, towards a large, serene garden. The garden looks well-kept with hundreds of different bushes, trees, and plants. In the distance, Auren spots a tall, muscular man with long silver-blond hair sparring against a smaller, elderly man with grey hair. Despite the stark difference in size, the larger man is clearly at a disadvantage. The older man is relentless, delivering swift, surgical strikes and stabs. His smaller hands are precise and quick, drawing blood as they pierce through his opponent’s defenses.

Zeno and Silva… Killua’s grandfather is still as sharp as ever.

As Auren and Gotoh get close, the sparring pauses. Both men turn and approach them.

“Apologies for the interruption,” Gotoh says with a slight bow. “This is Sir Auren, here for the upcoming contract.”

“Oh, you’re the one referred by the Marshmallow Brothers.”

“Pfft—Marshmallow Brothers?!” Auren bursts out, unable to hold back his amusement.

“I mean… that’s kind of a fitting nickname. I’d better not tell them what you called them. I’m Auren—nice to meet you,” he says, still smiling.

Silva stares at him, his cat-like eyes sharp and probing.

Auren meets his gaze silently, refusing to flinch.

“Not bad,” Silva says. “However, are you sure he’s qualified for what we’re planning, Dad?”

“More than sure,” Zeno replies. “Pro-Hunter. Floor Master. Supposedly a Nen genius... and a survivor, I’m told. His instructor couldn’t stop bragging. You’ll be fine, right? You know what kind of risks are involved.”

“No problem,” Auren says calmly.

Zeno continues, “We don’t know how many others are joining. We’re waiting another five days, then we move. Alongside me, my son Silva, and my eldest grandson Illumi, we’ll also have support from several butlers. It’s still stretching things thin—that’s the only reason I considered outside help. This hasn’t happened in decades.”

“Well, some jobs just need more manpower. Sometimes quantity matters more than quality,” Auren replies.

“You can treat the mansion and the mountain like home while you’re here,” Zeno says. “You’ll stay in a guest room, as you’re our guest. One of the butlers will take care of your needs.”

“Thank you, sir,” Auren replies. “I guess I’ll just train until we’re ready to leave.”

“We were just sparring,” Zeno says, eyes glinting with interest. “How about a friendly match, my young friend?”

This is my chance.

“Just sparring, right?” Auren asks seriously.

“Of course. Don’t worry. You can go all out—I’ll hold back for you,” Zeno says with a smile.

Auren sets his backpack and jacket on the ground, then stretches briefly before walking toward Zeno, who returns to the position he’d been in while sparring with Silva.

“Ready when you are,” Zeno says with a light grin. Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on NoveI-Fire.ɴet

Time to go all out!

Auren activates Ren, unleashing his full aura without restraint.

The energy surges around him—thick, heavy, and incredibly dense. It’s powerful enough to kick up a cloud of dust and debris around his feet. Mud, grass, and small stones scatter in every direction.

Zeno calmly responds in kind, matching Auren’s output with his own controlled, refined Ren.

Then Auren transforms both hands into his demonic claws. He charges, using Rhythm Echo to generate numerous afterimages of himself as he sprints forward.

Zeno remains unshaken. As Auren closes in, Zeno simply turns with a relaxed motion, instantly facing the real one.

Didn’t think that would work, but worth a shot.

Auren strikes with his claws—Zeno dodges. Auren follows up with a fluid combo, seamlessly shifting aura to each limb as he adds in kicks and more slashes and stabs.

Zeno continues smiling, easily dodging and blocking every move.

Then, Zeno counters.

He lashes out with a palm strike—Auren dodges—and counters back, stabbing once more, but Zeno is one step ahead. He grabs Auren’s left hand mid-motion.

Reacting instantly, Auren brings his right claw down like an axe, aiming for Zeno’s grip. The attack forces Zeno to release him, but the follow-up chop misses.

Zeno counters again—this time with a well-placed kick.

Auren doesn’t dodge. Instead, he shifts his aura defensively toward his abdomen.

The kick lands clean, hitting his stomach.

Auren flies backward, skidding a few meters across the ground. It hurts—but nothing serious. He rises to his feet, wiping dirt from his face.

That hurt! Still… Zeno and Silva are both honorable men. This is probably the chance I’ve been waiting for. I can go all out. Time to get serious!