Alex, Benezia, and Menchi follow after Shalnark, stepping into the abandoned building. The inside is full of rubble and dust, looking like it has been abandoned for a very long time.
However, much to Alex's surprise, there are only two other people inside, both sitting on a small mountain of rubble.
One of them is a very small man with long gray hair covering most of his face, with only a single eye barely visible to Alex. He wears a simple light blue tunic, making him appear rather low-class.
"That's Kortopi," Shalnark explains, before waving his arm toward the other side.
Alex follows the gesture and spots a tall blonde man. He looks fit, though not particularly imposing. His eyes, however, carry a cold edge, filled with quiet mistrust. He's wearing a simple tracksuit.
"And finally, Phinks. We are the Phantom Troupe," Shalnark declares proudly.
"Well... nice to meet you," Alex says, looking a little confused. "Though I'd like to point out that a few members are missing. Or were you guys caught in an accident or something?"
"Hehe," Shalnark chuckles, rubbing the back of his head. "We were supposed to meet before September 1st. There are still a few days left. Not everyone came here as early as you. What a shame. Though, to be honest, I didn't expect you to accept my invitation in the first place."
"Me neither," Phinks adds. "I've been told by Shal that you were just a rookie, but I recognize you. Aren't you a Double-Star Hunter? I think I heard about you in connection with another job about rare animals. Obviously, you're talented and successful. I don't quite get why you'd want to work with us... there isn't even an open spot at the moment."
Kortopi also glances toward Alex, a hint of curiosity in his single visible eye.
"Hehe," Alex snickers, placing a hand on Shalnark's shoulder. "I've been told I can simply join by killing a current member... interested in handing your spot over to me, Shalnark?"
Phinks and Kortopi both show a flicker of surprise, but Shalnark bursts out laughing. "Hahahaha. Stop joking around. Though that is the case, we have an important mission ahead... surely you're jesting? We can't change our plans now, so if you want to challenge me to a death match, that will have to wait. Did you really want to fight me right now? After all we've been through during that Hunter exam? How cruel!"
"Of course not, I'm joking," Alex replies with a shrug. "Let's just deal with that mission. You mentioned something grand and dangerous. If there are casualties, a place will simply open up for me. If not, I can issue a challenge after we're done. How about that?"
Shalnark looks to be in thought before calmly replying. "Hmmm, I'm not quite sure, I'd need to discuss it with the bo—"
"Acceptable," a cold voice echoes through the hall.
Alex immediately tenses at the sound, turning to see a young man with black hair combed straight back, wearing a large dark purple coat marked with a St. Peter's cross, adorned with two small red horns. Notably, the man wears no shirt, also showing off a cross-shaped tattoo on his forehead.
That's Chrollo... damn, he is kinda creepy... and scary.
"Boss!" Shalnark calls out with a bright smile.
Even Phinks and Kortopi greet the man, addressing him as well.
"Shalnark told me about you," Chrollo Lucilfer, the leader of the Phantom Troupe, says as he steps in front of Alex. "Impressive growth... and your comrades and pet are even more impressive. Consider your offer accepted. If a spot opens up... it's yours. However, as for your comrades."
"I'm just a Gourmet Hunter!" Menchi says, waving her hand dismissively. "I'm only tagging along to support Alex... I'm not interested in joining with you..." She pauses briefly before adding, "At all! Forget it!"
"Acceptable decision. It is your choice. What about you, lady?" Chrollo asks, his gaze shifting as he studies Benezia with quiet curiosity.
"I am merely an agent. Combat... isn't my forte," Benezia states calmly.
"Why do I get the feeling that isn't quite the case... well, then it seems there are no issues. Shalnark, since your acquaintance intends to join, is qualified and has your recommendation; there is no reason not to go ahead. His comrades are also welcome to join as associates."
Princess Jewel might be interested in joining as well!
"What about your pet?" Chrollo Lucilfer asks, smiling at Jewel, which creeps Alex out a little.
"Can spiders join?" Alex wonders. "Surely... not?"
Almost thought he could hear Jewel....
"No... but how about you sell it to me? 10 billion Jenny—I can wire it to you instantly." Chrollo offers, completely serious.
"Sorry, even if you wired me a trillion, I wouldn't sell Jewel. She's not a pet... consider her a part of me. I'll defend her with my life," Alex rejects him without hesitation.
"Understandable... such a shame..." Chrollo says, not bothering to hide his disappointment. "In any case... we'll talk later. The plan will be revealed once everyone is here, as well as your role. Until then, feel free to spend the time however you wish."
"I have some business to take care of outside," Alex immediately states.
"What kind of business?" Shalnark asks curiously.
"Connected to the auction," Alex replies with a shrug. "I need some money, and I want some things... and stuff."
"The auction?" Chrollo asks, which surprises Alex.
Why is he so chatty... usually he doesn't care... ah! I get it. Better make sure it's not the Underground auction...
"Yes, the Southern Piece auction. I have some contacts... and some business to attend to," Alex clarifies.
"Go ahead... just make sure you're back before noon on August 31st. That's the deadline," Chrollo states, leaving no room for argument.
"No problem," Alex replies, already turning around. "See you soon."
[Secret Quest Offered:
Mission: Return to the hideout of the Phantom Troupe before Noon on August 31st.
Reward: —
Time Limit: 11:59 AM August 31st.
Failure: All friendly ties severed with the Phantom Troupe, Lost Reputation with Shalnark.]
[Secret Quest Accepted]
Alex, Benezia, and Menchi quickly exit the building. They silently walk north, heading toward the center of the city.
Finally, as they leave the abandoned district behind and more people begin to fill the streets, Alex lets out a long breath.
"Fuck me, I wasn't mentally prepared for that," Alex says, rubbing his forehead. "Could have gone worse, though. I'm getting better and better at lying. Sometimes I surprise even myself... sooner or later I'll be able to lie as naturally as I breathe..."
"Not quite... but you carried yourself pretty well," Menchi admits, smiling and petting his head. "Not bad, not bad!"
"Hehe, thanks!" Alex replies, not offended.
"I hope you've considered the repercussions of your choice," Benezia points out carefully, revealing a hint of disapproval. "While we have talked about the general plot, these circumstances are not quite expected."
"Of course!" Alex replies. "This approach may offer the best rewards... the risk is high, but I believe for our little hunt for that Seeker rat, it will be advantageous."
"I'm not talking about that," Benezia continues, sounding slightly disappointed. "Your mission... you know what it will involve. Slaughtering the underground auction."
"Right..." Alex says. "Of course I did. Gotta make tough choices, right?"
I did not... actually. Fuck... do I have to participate in that slaughter?
"...What was that about being a good liar?" Menchi asks, giving him a faint, knowing smile.
"Anyway, we've got things to do, right? We can worry about that later... also fuck these Mafia people... I am not above taking care of a few of them." Alex says quickly. "Any suggestions on what we should do now?"
Benezia begins to speak, looking confident as usual. "I have two items from the last world with me, the [Golden Saber] and the [Luxurious Traditional Shamshir]. I want your permission to sell them. Using your contact at the auction, though usually impossible, I might still be able to participate or even sell these items during the auction or directly to wealthy buyers. With some funds, I might be able to acquire quite a bit of loot. Since I can't participate in combat anyway, I'll focus on obtaining as many resources as possible. Aside from that, you may ask me for my advice. For that, we would usually need to obtain your human phones, which this world also possesses. Thankfully, you now have access to two perfectly functional Den Den Mushi, which are preferable. I'll keep one, and Menchi can take the other."
"Sounds like a plan," Alex says, clearly satisfied with her approach. "Menchi, any input?"
"Can I... have that phone? Not the Den Den Mushi... the phone you had with you when we entered the world?" she asks. "I want to call my Master... she might not be nearby, but maybe... she can make it here in time?"
"..."
"Of course," Alex replies, handing her the phone. "That takes precedence. Please call her. Finally... do I even dare to ask... Jewel, any input?"
Princess Jewel sugge—
"Just to clarify!" Alex interrupts her immediately. "No chicken, no fishing, no explosions."
Benezia nods, clearly satisfied with Alex's strict limitations.
... Princess Jewel has more to suggest than those three things, although these three things are universally desirable, so they would have been among Princess Jewel's first suggestions.
"Name one thing, little one," Benezia challenges her calmly.
... Princess Jewel suggests... scouring the auction, markets, and shops for precious gems for her collection!
Alex lets out a long, heavy sigh before admitting, "I should have added gems to the list... that was my mistake."
"Indeed," Benezia says, shaking her head slightly before unexpectedly chuckling. "It is clearly your oversight.... However, the little one may have accidentally suggested something worthwhile. While her ideas are childishly predictable, the markets may offer unexpected advantages. You three children can use Aura, which is a valid way to locate rarities in this world, isn't it? Since you have the time, it may be a smart idea to follow the little one's suggestion to..."
To steal jewels?!
"...to earn money and items which we can later convert into rare items or FC," Benezia continues without pause.
How boring! What a Peasant way of thinking.
"Let's get to it then..." Alex says, smiling.
However, Menchi slowly steps away, dials a number on the phone, and talks.
A lot of things are at stake... a lot of things we want to do. It has just started. These upcoming days will be quite busy. I need to give it my all!
-------------------------------------------------
A/N: Always thankful for Power Stones, Comments, and Reviews. Thank you for reading!
If you are interested, then please support me at patreon.com/FRWriter
90+ Early chapters available - I will still release on WN daily!! Thank you!
New Chapters every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday!
Bored? Complains? Demands? Check out the Discord: https://discord.gg/puVqWsf3y9
Thank you for supporting the story with Power Stones! Every bit of help is appreciated.