Chapter 78: Light and Darkness

Auren crosses his arms, having already expected something like this. He glares at Pariston’s shiny golden hair and that absurdly sparkling green suit, his fists clenched a little.He knows he has me by the balls. A guy like Pariston would never let go of an opportunity like this. This is exactly why I didn’t want to call him—but I don’t have anyone else. I could’ve tried Cluck, but I really want to avoid her, especially after I took those Copperleaves and used them to whip up a cheap, rushed medicine, then dumped the whole damn company onto someone else right before her research paid off. If she ever finds out it was me… yeah, she won’t be happy.

Of course, I could’ve asked Ging… but I refuse to do that. I want to stand as his equal—not his student, not some beggar clinging to him for favors. If it were something related to the Dark Continent, fine. But this? No. I’m not lowering myself to ask for petty help. It might sound silly, but pride still counts for something. I am a Hunter, I solve my own problems!

Finally, Auren speaks. “I was expecting conditions—this doesn’t come as much of a shock.”

Pariston’s smile never falters. “You see, Auren, I would never demand something in return for helping others. That’s simply not in my character—I’m not the kind of man to be transactional or calculating. However, you must understand… when it comes to using the Association’s resources, things become a little more complicated. I’m, sadly, just a low-ranking Hunter. I can’t throw my weight around like I’d want to—I have to prove my worth, produce results, stand on my own feet. If I were to misuse our resources—say, the Association’s Nen exorcist—for my own personal desire to help a highly respectable friend such as yourself, well, I’d be questioned. My supporters might even abandon me. Nobody wants to follow a hypocrite.”

What a load of crap… he is the biggest hypocrite I have encountered. He just refuses to appear as such.

“Corruption, bias, unequal treatment—surely you understand the scrutiny I’d be under if I were to use my borrowed influence like that, all thanks to the Chairman's influences he granted us Zodiacs. And those, Auren, are precisely the kinds of problems I’ve dedicated my life to fighting against. As much as I wish I could help you without issue, I can’t just abandon my principles. If I did, others might see it as a sign of… my own moral turpitude.”

His argument actually makes sense at face value. It’s completely false and disingenuous—none of it’s true—but it gives him just enough ground to throw that bullshit at me with a straight face.

“How about a generous donation to the Association, and we pay for the exorcist?” Auren offers. “We’re not asking for a handout.”

Machi jumps in immediately. “I can transfer 250 million Jenny right now.”

Pariston raises a hand, ever so gently. “Oh my… that’s certainly a substantial amount. But considering the severity of the situation—” he pauses to glance at the two tied up girls “—nothing less than a billion Jenny per girl would suffice. Especially since we’re dealing with highly mysterious and extremely dangerous Nen curses. Possession is not something that’s easily dealt with. I have only seen something like this once before.”

Machi gasps a little in shock, her expression turning angry, looking genuinely pissed. Shalnark smiles knowingly, while Pakunoda looks visibly annoyed.

Pariston continues, “And of course, that’s only the payment. That’s just the baseline. Even then, I couldn’t possibly grant you special privileges simply because you have the means to actually pay for the services you require.”

Auren pauses, thinking.

Let’s leave the money issue aside for now. Even if Machi’s short a little, I’ll just cover it and ask her to pay me back later. She’s not the type to trick me.

But I think I know where this is going. I know exactly what Pariston’s aiming for.

“I think I understand what you’re hinting at, Pariston,” Auren says. “I’m what you’d call a selfish Hunter, right?”

Pariston responds with a knowing smile. “Oh my, I’d never say such a thing, Auren. Aren’t we all a little selfish? A Hunter needs ambition! Every Hunter needs to pursue the desire burning in their heart—so I wouldn’t even think of calling you selfish. Denying your ambitions? That would go against our sacred hunter commandments themselves! You’ve done incredibly well. I see you as a highly respectable Hunter. You’ve even taken on students, haven’t you? That’s such an important part of our mission. You’re also helping to reintegrate criminals into society—what a noble goal. I admire you, I truly do. But personally, I believe Hunters should give back to the Association as well. That way, the Association can contribute more to society. Not every Hunter is as blessed with talent as you. We need a more compassionate, cooperative system. That’s one of my core values—we help each other, even as we follow our own ambitions.”

He leans back in his chair, expression soft, waiting for a reaction.

“I don’t particularly disagree,” Auren says. “Alright, I’ll bite. Is there something I can do to help? Also, Pariston—cut the bullshit. I’m not an idiot. You don’t need to pretend I’m too stupid to see what you’re doing. Just speak freely.”

Pariston’s smile somehow grows even brighter. “What so-called ‘bullshit’ might you be referring to? I am sorry, my personality, can be a little offputting to some. I am so sorry to see that in person again and again… people glaring at me in annoyance. That makes me so sad.”

He then smiles at the still-angry Machi, who gets even angrier.

Then he chuckles. “But since you’ve so kindly offered to help… I think, with just a little contribution on your part, I can absolutely justify using our Nen exorcist to assist you in dealing with this terrible situation.”

So… what the fuck do you want then? Will he really keep up his bullshit facade?

Suddenly, the air in the room shifts. Shalnark’s eyes twitch, Pakunoda unconsciously takes half a step back, and Machi holds her breath. Pariston’s friendly smile warps into something darker—something purely evil—as a sudden wave of ice-cold Aura fills the room, crawling across Auren’s skin like a warning.

“I want a partnership,” Pariston says, his tone still disturbingly calm. “Frankly, seeing you standing here with the famous members of the Phantom Troupe, like you are hanging out with friends, has left quite the impression on me. I also know you're no servant—you stand as an equal among them. And I’ve heard… interesting rumors about your recent activities. You see, information is everything in my line of work.”

His eyes narrow.

“Killing a corrupt king. Sparring with the world’s strongest assassin. Striking impossible deals with billionaires—deals that border on miracles. And joining a rather fascinating organization, I have to admit, I barely know a thing about.”

Pariston leans forward.

“You’re someone I could use. Someone I need. I can’t solve all my problems with politics. While I’m stuck in this office building, more and more complicated—and even borderline unsolvable—problems are emerging all across the world. Problems your average Temp-Hunter couldn’t even begin to handle. I need to extend my influence. And I need someone like you.”

His voice lowers slightly.

“In return, I can offer you everything the Association has to offer. My information network is the best in the world. And, of course, I’ll pay you handsomely for your services.”

He sits back, smiling again—pleasant, helpful, friendly—as if the last few minutes hadn’t happened at all.

“I think you understand what I’m asking, don’t you?” he says.

I prefer his honest, but twisted version to his fake persona—maybe I am screwed up a little myself.

“I do,” Auren replies. “There’s no reason not to accept. Just give me the details. What kind of jobs? How much time will they take? Naturally, I’ll reserve the right to refuse certain assignments. But if the contract’s fair, I’m not opposed. What you’re really asking for is me taking a few commissions from you—and I’m interested in the workings of the Association anyway. So this actually aligns with my own goals. I even have some plans I’d like to discuss with you… maybe you can prepare a contract now?”

Pariston laughs. “Haha—oh no, Auren. Nothing formal like that. No need for details. No contracts. I trust you… more than you can imagine,” he says, his tone turning oddly wistful, almost melancholic.

“Since you promised you’d help, that’s all I needed to hear. I’ll take you at your word. After all, it’s for the good of the Association—meaning, mankind itself. I’ll contact the exorcist right away. You can use one of the basement rooms. As for the payment, please handle it yourself—you’re probably richer than I am, haha.”

“I somehow doubt that,” Auren mutters, barely restraining his irritation. “Anyway, I’m grateful. Let’s talk again after we’ve solved the problem at hand.”

King of kickbacks… I seriously doubt he’s poor. Just looking at that sparkling suit pisses me off.

“I appreciate your honesty,” Pariston says, leaning forward and lacing his fingers together. “Let’s talk later. Head down to the lobby—I’ll inform the receptionist and the exorcist.”

As Auren, Shalnark, Machi, and Pakunoda leave the office, a heavy silence hangs between them. All four look slightly stoic.

“Well… that went about as expected,” Auren comments, shrugging.

“Auren… I’m sorry,” Machi says quietly. “Maybe we should’ve backed off. He’s… hard to talk to. I couldn’t even get a full sentence in. I got the feeling that the angrier he made me, the happier he became. He is twisted!”

“Allying yourself with that man is dangerous,” Pakunoda says. “But not necessarily a mistake. Despite the obvious facade, he’s smart and influential. He couldn’t have known we were asking him for help, but he appeared as if he had been preparing for weeks for this meeting. He knew so many things, not only about you, but also us. The world may end up revolving around him soon.”

“You need to be careful, Auren,” Shalnark adds, his eyes narrowing slightly. “He reminds me of Chrollo. It’s not my story to tell, but… Chrollo was born with the potential to change the world. When he was young, he shone brighter than anyone—he could have lit up the entire world. But something happened, and it changed his perspective and outlook on life. That core inside him…. It’s still the same. Even if it’s used differently now. What I want to tell you is that—”

“You’re comparing that guy to the boss?! Are you insane?!” Machi snaps, glaring at him. Pakunoda, standing beside her, suddenly looks disturbed—staring at Shalnark with a flicker of unease.

“No,” Shalnark says calmly. “That man is the complete opposite. Chrollo has a light inside him that draws other people to him. That guy… he doesn’t have even the tiniest spark inside. There’s nothing but a bottomless vortex of darkness. One that swallows everything it touches.”

“Cut it out with those shitty analogies! Are you stupid?!” Machi yells, smacking him on the head.

Shalnark rubs his head, looking at her with exaggerated hurt.

“I appreciate the warning,” Auren says simply.

I at least hope so. I have to say, I am kinda interested in the guy… he also wants the same thing I want. He would make a powerful ally and strong supporter if I wanted to aim for the Dark Continent.