Chapter 322: Leaving on Good Terms

The next day, after feeding the snake twice during the night, a somewhat sleepy and annoyed Auren wakes up, only for his little pet to already be licking him, urging him to feed her yet again.

Throwing her into the bathtub and watching her enjoy yet another feeding session, he sees that her back is now noticeably green, the thin brown hair-like marking now having bright green tips, not just a hint of green like previously.

“Not quite impressive... considering the amount of resources invested,” Auren can’t help but say, the snake staring at him with confusion as she plays in the tub.

Watching the snake drink and play, Auren decides to briefly call Rakshala to explain his next steps. She immediately responds, sounding amused, listening with great interest as Auren explains. “Finally, Vanessa will stay behind a little longer before joining up with us.... While I’ll head to Heaven’s Arena... I’ve thought of a long-term solution for the water demands of my pet... but I’ll put that on hold for a few months at least... anyway, that’s about it.”

“It looks like your new friend is even more troublesome than I thought, Auren,” she says, sounding amused. “So Vanessa will join you in Heaven’s Arena in a month or so?”

Why is she asking specifically about her?

“Yes... quite a lot of trouble... and yes again, Vanessa will follow along. After all, Leroute is her student. Anyway, I’m gonna hang up since you must be busy with the nego—”

“They have concluded,” Rakshala announces. “The terms are quite agreeable to our cause, and there is no penalty for breaking the contract, just a unique mechanism that signals if either party has broken it. I expect I can keep the peace for at least 18 months before I break the terms.”

That... she just said it. That sounds like a huge success. Why are the V5 leaders agreeing to this?

Maybe there are upcoming elections?

“... So you never had any intention of keeping them for longer?” Auren asks, still baffled.

“Of course not,” Rakshala says. “I won’t be altering anything regarding our development plan. It’s just that the arbitrary limit, which they can think is almost unreachable, will be reached in about 18 months, maybe. I believe they think it will take many decades; how naive they are. Using the vague definitions, I can artificially extend that limit with a little bit of effort, because the wording in the contract that I’ve signed leaves room for interpretation.”

“What’s the main condition?” Auren asks directly. “And... what limit are you talking about?”

“It’s quite simple: after 18 months, the number of Nen users we’ll have under our control will have surpassed the number specified, meaning we’ll break the terms outlined in the contract.”

That’s bad... if the contract is broken, then....

“... And then we’ll simply renegotiate. There is no penalty for breaking the contract. It will just be apparent to both sites. Nothing bad will happen, which I assume you’re worried about. These people are egotistical and naive to the core. It will be quite the surprise for them, and it will probably end in another long discussion and new terms... we’ll just play their games with half-hearted intentions until they can no longer demand anything. Overall, the negotiations were quite the success.”

“That is quite good news. Congratulations, I suppose,” Auren says.

She’s still acting peacefully because it suits her. When Hollow Blade’s position is stable and strong enough... her seemingly passive approach will change completely.

“I’ll tell you more in a couple of days; it’s so impersonal to talk over the phone, but I guess it can’t be helped. I’ve earned myself a break, and as I’ve told you, I want to spend more time with you. Anyway, have you already named your little companion?”

“...”

Auren remains silent for a brief moment before replying. “No... Neffi also asked, but I won’t even bother asking Vanessa for names... also, I feel like it’s something I should come up with myself. It’s just choosing a random name feels wrong.”

“You’re unexpectedly clumsy and cute with these mundane things,” Rakshala says, even giggling. “Just name it after a certain characteristic or trust your feelings. I believe you’ll make the right decision. Tell me once you’ve chosen a name. I’ll see you soon...”

“I will, goodbye,” Auren says, ending the call.

Soon? I just told her that I’ll be busy... sorry I don’t have time to visit the new settlement.

At breakfast, Vanessa looks a little bothered, and even Neffi has a certain sadness in her eyes.

“Vanessa, you’ll get through this,” Auren says. “You are quite a bit older, and I know... that you know better!”

“I didn’t say anything...” Vanessa says, crossing her arms.

“Good,” Auren replies. “Then there is nothing to discuss.”

“...”

“...”

“... I don’t want to stayyyyy,” she finally says, her facade breaking down, sighing exaggeratedly. 

“After this... I’ll be the strongest Nen user; this is the last time I have to suffer this much, the last time!” She mumbles, trying to convince herself.

Has this spoiled girl ever truly suffered?

“Good attitude, I doubt that will be the case, but it could serve as good motivation,” Auren replies, trying to remain calm. “Nen is about so much more  than raw Aura; you should know that already.”

“Yeah... I’m doubtful as well, but I wish you the best of luck, Vanessa,” Neffi says. “I’ll also leave soon... I’ll head to Yorknew and check out my company briefly and then visit Master at home. Though the majority of the Elders have left, she’s still in our Mountain City; that’s our home, after all.”

“If you ever need help or things get worse, call me, okay?” Auren offers gently. “I can save anyone, as you know.”

“I will... thank you, Auren,” Neffi says. “Please ask Jolt to fly over the central capital of the Dentore Region, okay? I’ll jump down and then glide towards the airport, since Heaven’s Arena is in a completely different direction.”

She then gently, with a hint of regret, takes off her Bracers and stretches them out towards Auren.

“Why are we suddenly splitting up?” Vanessa wonders, taking off her gauntlets in much the same fashion and also stretching out her hands.

“... Thank you,” Auren says, accepting his two Regalias, now back in possession of his full gear.

“This is temporary; while we all have one similar goal, we all have our own ambitions and circumstances as well. Just like Leira is still studying on the island, Eren is enjoying his life with his siblings while training, and the other two kids are with them in school, playing and studying peacefully. Jolt’s and Marsha’s twins are working hard as well, actually making a career in the organization... no, by now I should call it the government, even without my interference. Meanwhile, Goreinu, Zepile, Ura, and Oron are working hard and enjoying their lives. We don’t have to be grouped up all the time. We have our own lives, jobs, and interests, and it’s important that we all progress on our own as well. When it’s time... we’ll regroup.”

“As for you, Vanessa, you don’t even get that privilege, as I expect you to join us as soon as you’re finished with your training. You have a student whom I expect you to take care of until the end,” Auren continues, Vanessa looking quite happy with his statement.

“I’ve talked with Marsha... She worked hard yesterday and has prepared quite a few snacks for you, Vanessa. While they won’t taste great... you’ll have enough snacks for your training here. You should also take some rice with you, Neffi. As for the rest... it should be barely enough for the five newbies and me. We need more rice soon,” Auren mutters.

“I’ll ask Rakshala about the island in a couple of days. I briefly talked with her, and she seems to be done with her negotiations,” Auren finally says.

“Thank you!” Vanessa says, her eyes briefly flickering before she stares at Auren intently. “I... I really am grateful... but this is the last time I’ll thank you. After all, it’s an investment in return; I’ll become the most powerful Nen user you can imagine... I’ll destroy anything in your way!”

“You know... when she says it like that, I can’t help but doubt her, but considering her meteors, that’s actually the truth,” Neffi says, grinning. “Let’s all do our best.”

“Indeed,” Auren says, as suddenly the snake makes a small, high-pitched sound as well.

“See, even the snake agrees!” Vanessa says. “Come up with a name already, or I’ll name her.”

“Now you’ve motivated me to hurry up indeed,” Auren says, grinning. “Can’t let the poor girl suffer such a terrible fate.”

Smiling widely, Neffi stands up and clears the plates, while Vanessa sulks, looking offended.

An hour later, Auren, Neffi, Vanessa, the five rookies, and the entire Zoldyck family meet in front of the airship, Auren quite surprised that everyone has shown up.

“Who the fuck are you? Huh?!” Killua can’t help but yell, glaring at the renewed Milluki and pointing a finger at him, while Milluki confidently smiles back.

“Be kinder to your good-looking older brother. You may have been blessed with strength, while I’ve been graced with beauty and intellect; it’s best you pay me the respect I deserve,” he says, casually stroking his own hair and shaking his head in an exaggerated manner.

“Auren... did you do this?!” Killua complains. “Why? How could you?!”

“I may have been involved to a small extent,” Auren replies. “You should blame your parents, though, as they’re responsible for your brother’s appearance.”

“... Huh?” Killua wonders, not quite understanding.

“Forget it,” Auren says, waving his hand.

“Vanessa!” Milluki yells, a little bit of spit flying out of his mouth. “I... I still like you! Look, please... please get to know me a little better.”

“I really should come along with you, Auren... staying here would be bad, as I might accidentally kill him,” Vanessa states, nobody seeming to care except for Milluki, who looks heartbroken.

“Please! Give me a chance! I... I really like you! Please... maybe you... can like me back?!” Milluki begs, looking utterly pathetic while doing so.

“Fine, three conditions. If you fulfill them, I’ll do anything you ask of me.”

“Really?! Name them!” Milluki yells, extremely excited.

“Become stronger than me, become stronger than Auren...”

“Uh... okay, that will take a little time... but fair, I suppose...” Milluki mutters, sweat pouring down his face.

“And throw away your disgusting collection!” Vanessa states her last demand.

“...”

“Okay... I believe I should remain a fan and a good friend, okay? Maybe you can still model for me?” Milluki asks, his spirit declining fast.

“...”

“I’m utterly ashamed,” Silva says. “I’ve failed, and I’ll take responsibility and beat the stupidity out of him.”

“I’ll help you, my son; perhaps this is partly my fault as well,” Zeno says, agreeing, eyeing Milluki with pity and contempt.

Shrinking back, Milluki awkwardly returns to the mansion, chased by a few maids, who look more than just a little reluctant, while Maha briefly looks at Auren before glaring at Vanessa and walking away. Vanessa awkwardly sighs, having understood the clue.

Hugging Neffi and then Auren, not leaving either one a choice in the matter, she follows behind, her steps full of energy. “I’m gonna beat this guy up today... hehehehehe!”

I’m interested in how strong you’ll become... just don’t get hit in the head or your... state will become truly troublesome.