Chapter 71: Homecoming—Machi’s Frustration

As the airship flies over Meteor City, Auren wonders where exactly they plan to land. The sun, though still up, is sinking fast, painting the city in a rusty, orange glow.Amid all the trash, only one rudimentary airport stands out—a place used by illegal, unlicensed pilots to hawk their airship services to the highest bidder. It's the same airport Auren used to leave Meteor City over a year ago.

However, the airship flies past it, continuing its course. As it slowly leaves the densely populated, slum-like center behind, Auren spots a large, flat structure in the distance. It resembles a massive warehouse, fenced off and surrounded by nothing but mountains of trash. No other buildings in sight.

He enjoys the cold breeze on the deck as the ship begins its slow descent.

Chrollo turns toward him. “This is one of our hideouts in Meteor City. There are rooms available; feel free to stay here, or live outside. Despite appearances, there are actually a few clean, even luxurious, hotels around. I gave you my and Shalnark’s numbers. If you need anything, just call either of us.”

Shalnark seems to be the social and reliable type. Probably a handy guy to know. I should keep that in mind and maybe get to know him a little better.

“Any room will be fine. I only need a bed and some food. I can just buy the rest,” Auren replies.

He settles into a small, slightly dusty room—basic, but relatively clean and functional. It’s on the first floor, next to countless others, most of them vacant.

Taking a quick tour of the hideout, Auren spots the various members of the Phantom Troupe lounging around.

Shalnark is in front of several computer monitors, focused on some sort of research.

He spots Machi in a large room filled with fitness equipment, various weapons, and training dummies. She is busy, hammering away at various dummies with sharp, practiced strikes.

She seems like a martial artist.

Phinks and Feitan are seated at a wooden bar, drinking casually, while Uvogin is guzzling beer across from Nobunaga and Franklin, laughing like a maniac.

Pakunoda sits on a couch drinking a glass of wine while polishing several revolvers spread out in front of her.

Kortopi and Bonolenov are lingering off to the side, looking somewhat detached—still not entirely part of the group dynamic.

Auren approaches Machi, entering the training room, figuring she’s his best bet for what he needs. “Hey, Machi, I could use a tour. I’m not familiar with this part of Meteor City. Also, I wanna buy some supplies.”

“Huh?!” She pauses mid-punch, blinking at him. “You’re asking me, of all people?! Have you lost your mind? Why me?”

Auren shrugs. “Well, since you’re in love with me, I figured I’d get a private tour and brighten your day. It’s a win-win, isn’t it?”

“FUCK OFF!!” she shrieks. Her voice echoes through the hideout as she cracks her knuckles, fury burning in her eyes. “Now!”

That didn’t go the way I expected. Weird.

“I guess I’ll ask Pakunoda, then,” Auren mutters as he turns to leave.

Just as he closes the door behind him, Machi shouts, “Wait!”

He stops and glances back, confused. “What is it?”

Gritting her teeth, Machi shouts again, “Don’t bother Paku with your annoying requests! Fine, I’ll show you around—but you better be grateful!”

“I’m deeply grateful. Thank you for your unmatched generosity, Machi. I’ll treasure this moment forever,” Auren replies, clasping his hands together like he’s praying.

“I really want to strangle you… with my bare hands. Though I’d settle for my threads, as long as I can hear your neck snap,” she grumbles, storming out ahead of him.

“I like you, too. You look cute in that traditional outfit. Those tights show off your well-trained legs. If it weren’t for your personality, you’d be the perfect girlfriend,” Auren adds casually.

Expecting her to lash out, he takes a step to the side—but instead, she just blushes slightly and ignores him.

Hey… that wasn’t supposed to happen.

As they pass through the hideout, the others take notice.

With a wicked grin, Machi extends her left hand to Auren.

“What’s this? You want to hold hands?” Auren asks, clearly confused.

“Oh?! Machi, are you actually serious now? You really like him?” Nobunaga teases her.

“I wouldn’t hold hands with her if I were you…” Feitan whispers with a smirk.

Noticing the vicious glint in Machi’s eye, Auren smirks and accepts the challenge. He takes her hand in his right, interlocking fingers with her. Despite her fit body, her fingers are not rough, but soft.

Machi’s smile turns wild as her grip tightens.

Auren doesn’t flinch. He tightens his grip too, doing his best to contend with her.

She activates her Ren—going all out.

Auren responds in kind.

Tension thickens the air as both of them release their full Aura.

Damn… she’s stronger than I thought. But she stupidly gave me her left hand. That’s gonna cost her. Fuck, my hand hurts!

Bit by bit, Auren overpowers the startled Machi. Her wrist begins to twist, and she stumbles slightly, groaning in pain.

“Fine! I got it. You win! Let go, asshole!” Machi screams, sweat dripping down her face.

Not wanting to actually hurt her, Auren slightly loosens his grip.

“He beat Machi in strength? She’s not weak,” Phinks mutters, clearly surprised.

“Impressive,” Franklin adds, downing a huge gulp of beer.

“Up for a real challenge? How about you take me on next!” Uvogin grins, already fired up.

“Let go already,” Machi hisses, shooting daggers at Auren.

“Nope. This is your punishment for trying to trick me and then losing. For the walk, we’re holding hands—it’s only fair. Now lead the way, princess,” Auren replies, barely holding back his laughter.

“Hahaha, he’s got a point,” Uvogin laughs.

Nobunaga chimes in too, “It’s a date, Machi. Be home by 10 PM or you’ll be grounded.”

Auren feels something shift in Machi—a sudden spike of killing intent—and instinctively releases her hand, taking a step back.

“Okay... I get it. Calm down. Let’s just take that walk like we planned, okay?” he says cautiously.

Machi presses forward, ignoring his words.

“Nice intuition,” Feitan comments from behind. “Another second and she would’ve gone totally ballistic.”

Without saying a word, Auren follows her out of the hideout.

They navigate quickly across the endless mounds of garbage, Machi leaping and weaving effortlessly between them, showing off her insane agility.

Why does she want to use the direct way? There are roads! Use them!

Barely able to keep up, not used to such an exercise, Auren does his best to follow her.

After about ten minutes, they finally reach the more inhabited outskirts of Meteor City.

“I wouldn’t go into the centre for shopping,” Machi explains, slowing her pace. “This area here is calmer, safer, and the prices are fair and stable.”

She leads him toward a mid-sized shop that seems to sell a bit of everything.

Inside, Auren’s surprised to find the selection quite extensive—lots of products imported from nearby countries, especially from the United States of Saherta.

He grabs a few sets of clothes, toiletries, food—mostly snacks and protein bars—and some drinks.

Carrying three massive shopping bags, Machi doesn’t head back. Instead, she stops in front of a small, plain-looking restaurant tucked between two buildings. “I recommend this place. The owners are decent, kind people. Hygiene’s fine, too—you won’t get sick.”

“You hungry?” Auren asks. “Let’s eat something while we’re here.”

“Fine, but you’re paying!” Machi replies, not missing a beat.

I own over 100 billion Jenny, with another 360 billion waiting for me… I think I can handle buying dinner.

Starving, Auren ends up ordering a variety of dishes, while Machi keeps it simple—just a salad and a grilled fish of a type Auren doesn’t recognize.

They sit down at a battered metal table just outside the tiny restaurant, the evening air surprisingly cool and quiet.

“Thanks for showing me around. I really appreciate it,” Auren says, enjoying the cool night breeze.

“Hmph. As you should…” she mutters.

“You’re stronger than I expected, though. I didn’t think you’d be on this level... It’s honestly impressive for your age,” Machi admits.

“If I were any weaker, I’d be dead by now,” Auren replies, a flicker of memory flashing across his mind—his time in Lidor’s ‘school.’

Machi glances at him, her expression shifting slightly. “I know you didn’t have it easy… no wonder you turned out to be such a brat.”

“I’m not always like that. I’m just trying to find a little enjoyment in a world that’s become way too serious. All things considered, I’m actually satisfied with how things turned out. It could’ve gone way worse. And hey, you’re fun to be around, so I’m honestly enjoying my time here,” Auren says.

“When do you plan to go through with your plan?” Machi finally asks, showing a sliver of genuine curiosity.

“Are you gonna rat me out?” Auren teases her.

“Fine… keep it to yourself!” she snaps, clearly offended.

Auren sighs. “Tonight. I’m not giving her time to adjust—or prepare something nasty for me. Think I should be cautious? I underestimated Nibana once, thought she was just some pathetic hypocrite… but I couldn’t have been more wrong.”

“She’s not a fighter, that much is certain,” Machi says. “But don’t let that fool you. She’s probably a Manipulator. The way the kids act in her mansion makes me wonder about her Hatsu. You need to be careful not to fall under its conditions. If you catch her off guard, she won’t be able to do much. But there’s a rule when dealing with people like that—don’t interact with them! Do not play their games. Don’t touch them unless you plan to kill them. Don’t speak to them. Don’t even acknowledge what they’re doing. Sometimes, all it takes is answering some harmless-sounding question, and you’re already trapped in their ability. Even gestures could be enough.”

Auren nods. “Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”

After finishing their meal, Auren hauls his bags back to the hideout, dropping them off in his room in a hurry.

He notices a new message on his phone and quickly scans through it. It’s from Konrad.

Oh! The Hunter Exam… I almost forgot!

Konrad passed! Eren and Vanessa made it too! Sure, they already know Nen, so it’s not shocking—but still, it’s great news.

He sends a quick “Congratulations” to all three and takes a moment to mentally regroup, focusing on what’s ahead.

When he checks the time, it’s already 11:30 PM.

Time to do this….