Chapter 77: Deal with the Devil

The airship, carrying the small group slowly descends toward the landing zone of the large public airport in Swardani City.Once they reach the ground, Shalnark steps forward. “Auren, we’ll head straight to an internet cafe and access the Hunter site. Paku, Machi—I think you two should check into a hotel. Preferably one close to the Association.”

Auren casts a glance at the two tied-up girls. Both look increasingly lifeless, their eyes burning with silent hatred and frustration.

Damn this ghost. I really hope we can get rid of it soon. Before it might choose to commit suicide to free itself.

“What about them?” Auren asks.

“If you can take them with you, Machi, it would be helpful for us. With your strings, it should be possible. Paku can handle the check-in, and you enter once she’s done,” Shalnark explains.

Auren nods, satisfied with the plan.

“Let’s go then,” Machi says, leaving the airship carrying the bound and gagged children with her. Pakunoda follows closely behind.

“I guess we should head out too, Auren,” Shalnark suggests.

“Okay,” Auren replies.

“Since we’re at the airport, there’s bound to be a decent cafe nearby,” Shalnark says confidently.

Just as predicted, it takes them only a few minutes to find a large internet cafe offering private booths equipped with high-end computers.

Auren approaches the bored-looking clerk, pays for a few hours, and walks toward their assigned booth.

Inside, a single computer monitor sits on a large desk. Auren sits on the lone office chair in front of it, while Shalnark grabs a folding chair from the corner and pulls it next to him.

Auren quickly opens the Hunter site, swipes his license and then looks to Shalnark expectantly.

“May I?” Shalnark asks with a polite smile.

Auren pushes himself back slightly, the chair rolling backwards. “Go ahead…” he says.

Shalnark leans in and starts typing rapidly. Since Auren used his own license to log in, he doesn’t zone out—instead, he watches carefully, as it’s his own reputation on the line.

He’s… searching for specific people. Looks like he’s contacting some Association employees and asking them to refer Nen exorcists. Smart.

After a few messages are sent out, Shalnark leans back, looking confident.

“Now we just wait.” He says, looking a little tired.

“Hmmm,” Auren murmurs. “I’ve got a few things to do.”

They switch places again. Auren raises the reward on his request about Ben’s knives by a few million, then opens new requests for other items with lingering Aura—specifically, clothing or armor pieces.

“You really like these kinds of things, don’t you?” Shalnark chuckles. “You’re a proper collector.”

“Well, everyone has their hobbies. I don’t think I’m losing too much money on this, either. It could even turn out to be a good investment. And anyway, I can afford it,” Auren replies.

“I think you’re right,” Shalnark agrees. “Those knives especially—they’re clearly underappreciated. They are not only very collectible, but they’ve got actual combat value. Those kinds of items turn out to be real treasures.”

As the two chat about Auren’s collecting habits, a notification pops up.

Auren opens it, and both of them scan the contents of the message.

“No way…” Auren mutters. “It says we’ll have to wait a few months for an appointment?”

Shalnark sighs. “That was always a possibility. I’ve run out of ideas. I even flagged it as an emergency and vaguely explained the situation, but I guess the lives of a few kids from Meteor City don’t matter much to the Association crowd.”

“I suppose… I have another idea,” Auren says slowly. “But it’ll probably cost me. I’m not sure if I want to go through with it.”

Shalnark smiles faintly. “This is really only about Machi’s pride, isn’t it? It’s your call how far you want to go.”

“I guess… asking doesn’t cost anything,” Auren mutters.

He pulls a certain card from his wallet and dials the number on it. His eyes can’t help but linger on the card—bone-colored, detailed, meticulously crafted, with elegant black ink.

Oh my god, it even has a watermark!

The phone only rings once before a cheerful, overly friendly voice answers.

“This is your favorite future Association President speaking—Pariston Hill! How can I help you today, dear friend?”

This guy…

“Hello, Mr. Hill. This is Auren Nilum speaking,” Auren says, trying to keep his tone polite.

“Oh, please, Auren, no need for formalities! What a pleasant surprise! You can call me Pariston—or just ‘Future Pres’ if you like! I must say, I’m delighted that you finally decided to call. The famous Floor Master Auren, contacting me! It’s such an honor. I still remember when I was your examiner—what a blessing! I’ll never forget it for the rest of my life,” Pariston says, his voice infuriatingly upbeat.

Is this guy for real?

Auren takes a deep breath and responds, “Pariston… please, you’re obviously mocking me. That title is worthless, and you know it. Anyway, you gave me your card back when I took the exam. It might be a little rude, but I was wondering if I could ask you something. I’ve got a situation here. A dangerous entity has possessed a couple of children. More importantly, if left alone—or if the children are killed—it will just move on to possess someone else. I need a Nen exorcist to remove it. I’ve temporarily disabled the entity’s Nen ability with the help of a proxy, so there’s no real danger right now. Despite the emergency, my request was denied. But you… You’re obviously one of the most caring and benevolent Hunters in the Association, and you’re well-connected. Would you be able to help me? Of course, I’m more than willing to pay.”

Pariston gasps, practically yelling, “What a nightmare! What a devilish ghost! Of course I’ll help you, Auren! Payment?! What do you take me for? That won’t be necessary! I always like to help out and I wouldn’t dare to charge you, my friend. Please, bring the girls to the Association right away. I’ll inform the staff immediately!”

“Really?!” Auren asks, visibly stunned by the response.

“Of course! I’ll see you very soon! I’ll get in touch with our best Nen exorcist right away!” he exclaims. “See you soon!”

“Thank you…. See you soon,” Auren says, ending the call.

“Quite an interesting person,” Shalnark comments. “I get the feeling that this man is capable of evils we, even we the Troupe, can’t even begin to imagine.”

“...You might be right,” Auren murmurs. “That was a deal with the devil. I’m sure there will be conditions—it’s not over yet. I won’t tie myself down. Worst case, we leave the moment things go south. In any case, let’s go pick up the tall girls and the small girls and get moving.”

“Haha. I’m sure they’ll appreciate your compliment, Auren,” Shalnark says with a grin.

The two of them exit the internet cafe, and Shalnark immediately calls Pakunoda, relaying the important details. Without wasting time, they head toward the Association building.

They spot several hotels located right in front of it, but before Auren can even ask where the others checked in, Machi and Pakunoda appear, carrying the two children.

“We can head inside right away,” Auren explains.

“You actually did it! Nice work, Shal,” Machi says, looking genuinely pleased.

“I’m afraid my method failed. Auren has some higher-up connections in the Association. However, you should be ready to leave if things go sideways,” Shalnark explains.

Pakunoda stares at Auren, clearly surprised by the weight of his connections.

They enter the Association building together. Most people turn their heads to look—understandable, considering they’re walking in with two bound children, looking like prisoners.

Ignoring the curious gazes, they head directly toward the large, luxurious front desk.

As they move through the main hall, Auren can’t help but admire the atmosphere. The entire lower floor is tastefully decorated—polished stone tiles resembling expensive marble, elegant paintings, fresh flowers in fine vases, and sleek, high-end furniture. Beautiful women in form-fitting uniforms bearing the Hunter logo move gracefully between desks.

Without hesitation, Auren approaches the receptionist at the center of the reception.

“Auren Nilum,” he announces. “Mr. Hill is expecting me. The situation is urgent.”

“Welcome, Hunter Auren,” the woman replies warmly. “We’ve been informed! Please follow my colleague—she’ll lead you directly to Hunter Hill.”

“Should I go alone?” Auren asks, glancing at Shalnark, Pakunoda, and Machi. “I can’t protect you… worst case scenario… you know…”

“We’ll be fine,” Shalnark says. “Let’s not waste time.”

“I owe you for this…” Machi whispers.

Pakunoda simply nods at him.

They follow the young receptionist into the elevator. Within moments, they’re ascending toward the top floors. After a short ride, the elevator opens, and she leads them down a long corridor before stopping in front of a large door.

She bows politely and walks away.

Auren knocks, and an immediate, cheerful voice responds: “Please enter!”

Without hesitation, Auren opens the door.

Pariston stands as the door swings open, flashing a wide, gleaming smile and striding forward to shake Auren’s hand with enthusiastic energy.

“Welcome, Auren! I’m so glad you made it. Truly a pleasure! You look even stronger than you did a year ago. You are clearly a prodigy.”

Then, he turns to look at Shalnark, Pakunoda, and Machi. His smile doesn’t fade for even a second, but Auren catches something behind it—a flash of darkness, of madness. It vanishes almost instantly, his expression returning to cheerful normalcy.

“Might I ask who your colleagues are?” he asks.

“Allies of my family. Friends from my… hometown,” Auren replies. “They’ve got a bit of a reputation, but I vouch for them. They won’t cause any trouble.”

“I see,” Pariston says smoothly. “Well, welcome to the Hunter Association! You all seem quite talented. I sincerely encourage you to take the Hunter Exam next year. I have no doubt you’d pass and would be able to become exceptional hunters, generously contributing to mankind’s advancement.”

“Thank you,” Shalnark replies with a courteous smile of his own. “We’re seriously considering it. If nothing major comes up, we’ll be accepting your offer and try our luck in the exam.”

“…” Machi opens her mouth to speak, but her words die as she stares at Pariston.

Pakunoda, maintaining perfect composure, says, “These are the girls affected by the entity. Auren explained the situation to you, yes?”

Pariston nods, his grin unchanging. “Yes! What a horrible ordeal! Oh my, these poor innocent girls… Yes, I can already sense the corruption and evil inside them. I’ve already contacted our Nen exorcist. However…” He hesitates for a beat, clearly for dramatic effect.

“…I must admit, I can only offer assistance under a few conditions.”

Pariston’s smile widens—almost unnaturally so—his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Here it comes…