Chapter 82: Bold Moves—Eliminating One Possibility

Shalnark continues with his explanation. “First of all, leaving you in the dark is probably intentional. For some reason, he thinks you and his subordinates both need to stay uninformed. That tells me something bigger is happening behind the scenes. I’d wager this mission is important, and there must be a valid reason for his behaviour. Out of curiosity, I did some digging on Pariston, using my own stolen license, and I found out that he wants to assume control of the Association. He probably enjoys games, but I feel he really cares for the bigger ‘games’. Weakening his position to mess with you is highly unlikely.”“It’s ironic, isn’t it? You’re exactly the type of target we’re aiming for,” Machi comments dryly.

Shalnark chuckles, scratching his cheek. “Haha… you might be right. I was planning on taking the exam eventually anyway. Probably next year,” he admits, a little embarrassed.

“When you no longer need that stolen license, you can always resell it,” Pakunoda adds.

Collecting licenses… might actually be a fun hobby… no, not right now, I need to concentrate.

“Okay, so he likely has his reasons. Do you think there are people working in the shadows, and we’re just being used as bait?” Auren asks.

Both Machi and Pakunoda react, their eyes sharpening at his question.

Machi suddenly shakes her head. “No. My instincts tell me that’s not it. That smug bastard has something else planned. We’re not bait. Maybe the thieves have someone who can read thoughts like Paku, and that’s why he keeps you in the dark? The less you know, the better? I don’t think he means you harm, Auren. Honestly, I think he wants to control you. He sees your potential. It’s obvious enough that even blind people would notice.”

Blind people, huh?

Shalnark nods approvingly. “Machi… sometimes your instincts are spot-on. That was one of my thoughts too. Why are these thieves able to steal so many licenses? So many, in fact, that even Pariston personally cares about them? They have to be competent and Nen is definitely involved.”

“I just hope telling us this doesn’t create problems,” Auren mutters.

“There’s also a second possibility,” Shalnark continues. “I’ve heard the number of Temporary Hunters has been rising lately. Maybe we’ve been looking at this the wrong way, and the real targets of this little string aren’t the thieves at all, but those two dim subordinates you mentioned. You said they’ve been working on this for a while now, right? Obviously with no results. Pariston does not tolerate failure, especially for himself. If his own plan failed, he will probably look for others to pin the blame on, just for the sake of his own ego.”

“That fits…” Auren mutters.

This is how I would imagine he truly thinks. He sees himself as above others. If he fails, it isn’t because of him, but because of incompetent subordinates!

Paku, I want you to check those two immediately once we arrive. Auren can introduce us as his friends—reasons don’t matter. Once we’re inside, don’t let anyone escape until you’ve read them. If necessary, use force.”

“I don’t think that woman is a plant or a traitor. Pariston enjoys games, but not those kinds of games, especially if his reputation might take a hit,” Auren says. “Except if she is really a smart woman and just acts like a dimwit.”

Although… he is a crazed psychopath. Maybe he would find amusement in this… If I remember correctly, during the election, he didn’t care about winning, but causing maximum frustration to the other Zodiacs, especially Cheadle. No! His reputation can’t suffer. He won’t risk it all for a little bit of enjoyment.

“When is the plant moving into the house?” Shalnark finally asks.

“Tomorrow morning,” Auren replies.

“Then we’re going now. Once we arrive, block all exits. This is just a hunch, but the situation will either be manipulated from outside… or inside, I can guarantee it. To eliminate at least one possibility, we need to act immediately and decisively,” Shalnark instructs.

That guy is sharp… I thought of it too, but he knows exactly when to act strong and when to remain calm. Good thing I asked for their help. The combination of Pakunoda and Shalnark is just broken. Pakunoda can extract any information, while Shalnark can completely control his targets—whether by direct commands through his manual inputs through his phone or his automatic mode. Honestly, his antennas are basically a death sentence for anyone unlucky enough to get hit. One of the most overpowered Nen abilities I’ve ever seen.

“Let’s go then,” Auren says.

The group leaves the restaurant, Machi tossing a few crumpled bills onto the table.

“I got here on foot in about twenty minutes. If we push ourselves, we can make it in five… or should we take our time?” she asks.

“A little training doesn’t hurt,” Shalnark answers casually.

Together, they rush through the streets, moving fast enough to overtake even some cars bogged down by traffic lights and signs.

Just a few minutes later, they reach the house.

Auren lowers his voice. “Machi, take the back exit. You’re the best at intercepting and capturing people. Pakunoda, Shalnark—you’re entering with me through the front door.”

“Fine…” Machi mutters, vaulting over the fence in one smooth leap. Her presence vanishes in an instant, her Aura suppressed as she walks towards the back exit.

Nice Zetsu.

Auren, with Pakunoda and Shalnark at his side, steps up to the front door and knocks.

Auren waits only a few seconds before banging on the door again, harder this time. “Open the fuck up!” he shouts.

Laura quickly obeys and opens the door, looking utterly confused. “What’s going on?! You suddenly show up, and Orto suddenly says he has to leave because something urgent came up?!”

Orto?! So Shalnark and I really were right.

“Where is he?!” Auren yells, grabbing her by the shoulders. He shakes her, voice rising. “Spit it out already! Where is he? When did he leave?”

“The back exit! Just thirty seconds ago! What the hell is going on?!” she stammers.

Auren smiles, the same delight mirrored in Shalnark and Pakunoda’s faces. Together, they step inside casually, as if they own the place.

A few moments later, Machi appears, dragging a bound and struggling Orto behind her. arms tied to his back with invisible strings. With a brief use of Gyo, Auren sees her threads, obviously hidden by In.

“Let’s make a trade. Tie her up too, and then we’ll have ourselves a nice little conversation with our friend,” Auren orders.

“What is this?! Are you insane?! Why are you doing this to me?! Auren, you filthy brat—you traitor!” Orto yells, clearly panicked, specks of saliva hitting the floor.

Without hesitation, Auren steps forward and buries his fist in Orto’s stomach.

Then, igniting his most powerful Ren, he speaks in a calm, icy tone: “Open your mouth again without my permission, and I’ll cut off your head. But before that, I’ll sever every limb. Before that, every finger. Before that, every fingertip. And I can think of far worse things to cut away, so don’t test me. If you want to avoid a slow, excruciating death, you will stay silent.”

Orto’s whole body convulses, trembling violently as if he had been tossed naked into a freezing pit. Even Laura begins to quake under the suffocating weight of Auren’s superior Aura.

“Machi,” Auren says coldly, his eyes turning to Laura. “Take her away. Laura… if you’ve done nothing wrong, you’ll be fine.”

Pale and terrified, Laura doesn’t resist. She quietly accepts her fate as Machi drags her into one of the bedrooms.

Meanwhile, Auren and Pakunoda haul the tied Orto onto the couch. Auren grabs one of his two Ben’s Knives he has at hand—specifically Chrollo’s gift—into the air, catching it idly as though it were nothing more than a toy.

Pakunoda rests her hand against Orto’s neck, slightly pressing it and glances at Shalnark.

“Full name,” Shalnark orders.

“Orto Zerra!” he yells, looking offended.

Pakunoda immediately shakes her head. “Already lying. His name is Nicolas Duant, from the Kakin Empire. Why deny your own name and heritage? Your parents would be ashamed.”

“You… can you read… please, no! I didn’t have a choice! Trust me, I—” Nicolas pleads, but Auren silences him with another punch, inserting the knife into his bald head, just deep enough to draw blood without hurting him too much.

“I warned you,” Auren says coldly. “This is your final chance.”

Pakunoda’s brow furrows. “Oh? When I mentioned your parents, your thoughts went wild… could it be?” she murmurs, earning a knowing smile from Shalnark.

“What is your involvement with the thieves? What is your weakness they are exploiting?” Shalnark asks.

“I… I’m being blackmailed! Yes, I’m from Kakin… I was contacted about a year ago. I’ve been working as a Temp Hunter for years, sending money back home. They forced me to participate in their schemes to steal licenses…” Nicolas stammers.

Pakunoda nods, confirming his words as true.

Auren leans forward. “Then explain this—how were you able to sense danger and flee, just moments ago? Are you an En expert? I didn’t sense your Aura at all. Did you use In? Tell us about your Nen ability, now.”

“I… I’m a Conjurer. I can’t use advanced techniques aside from Gyo! This ring… the one on my finger—it’s conjured. Whenever I’m in danger, it reacts. Sometimes it tightens, sometimes it vibrates like crazy, just like it did earlier. That’s why I ran. It might sound like a lie, but it’s real. I call it Doomsayer’s Ring. It has its limits, but it’s saved my life countless times. When danger approaches, I get a warning. I can’t always tell exactly what’s coming or how to deal with it, but at least I know trouble is near.”

Pakunoda narrows her eyes. “Almost. You’re not telling the whole truth. You use it for more than just warnings from danger. It lets you sense people’s intentions and emotions—their hostility, to be clear. It’s not precise, but it gives you clues.”

“I see… quite interesting,” Shalnark remarks with a childlike smile. “A skilled Nen user indeed. Now then—what’s the thieves’ plan for stealing the license?”

“I… I can’t! My family—” Nicolas stammers, his eyes red, full of anger and fear.

“I see them now. Three siblings. Nephews. Cousins. Parents. Uncles, aunts, even grandparents. So many people relying on you. I know their names and faces now,” Pakunoda whispers coldly. “Tell me, Nicolas… have you ever heard of the Phantom Troupe?”

Nicolas’s trembling worsens, his face turning ghastly pale.

“If you’re this frightened of a few thieves… then you should know we are much worse. Your family’s lives now depend entirely on your answer. Speak,” Pakunoda demands.

“The thieves… they won’t appear,” Nicolas stammers. “The plan is to wait until we drop our guard. As soon as we think it’s over, they strike. My role was to ensure I became the only one escorting the mark, so I could pass the license along without resistance. If possible, I was to steal it myself and deliver it directly to them. I need to contact them every few days.”

Pakunoda nods grimly.

“Where are the thieves now?” Shalnark asks.

“I don’t know… all I have is a contact number.”

“Good,” Shalnark says smoothly. “Then in a few days, you’ll call them and claim you have the license.”

“I can’t! They’ll kill my fami—” Nicolas starts, but his voice cuts off as Shalnark lifts his shirt and, with precise motion, jams a needle into his stomach. He drives it in so deep only the bat-shaped head protrudes faintly from his skin.

“Thank you. That’s enough,” Shalnark says cheerfully.

The light in Nicolas’s eyes vanishes instantly. He slumps lifelessly, like a puppet with its strings cut.

Pakunoda withdraws her hand from his neck and pulls out a tissue, wiping her palm with visible disgust. “Disgusting…” she mutters.