Chapter 25 The Appetite of Anorexic

In the span of millennia, this vast world has harbored countless nations, each nation represented a radically different civilization. They are like different vibrant flowers that bloom and compete for beauty in the long river of history. Eventually, they withered one after another in the harsh and protracted competition, turning into unknown relics and tombs buried underground.

Only those who have truly experienced the land can understand how precious these historical remnants were.

Hawk was one such person, passionate about exploring relics and tombs. For this, he even developed the ability called 'Rat Jewel', allowing him to move unhindered within these relics and tombs. Because he had visited too many unknown tombs, he was regarded by Cheadle as a tomb robber.

Hawk never retorted to this label, nor did he have the qualification to do so. After all, he had indeed visited many relics and tombs, and had indeed taken things from them. Although he took only one item each time and never damaged any relics or tombs, it couldn't be denied that he was indeed a tomb robber.

But if Cheadle was willing to let go of her biases, with her intelligence, she could surely see Hawk's character and personality from the abilities of 'Rat Jewel'.

A person who willingly set strict limitations on himself to gain the ability to move freely in relics and tombs might also be doing so out of respect for these historical places.

The concept of 'red light stop and green light go' in his Nen beast ability demonstrates that he is someone willing to follow rules and stick to principles.

This could also explain why Hawk only took one item each time he entered a relic or tomb. It's a principle he's always adhered to and never changed.

However, even if he took only one item, it shouldn't have led to such poverty.

The problem was…

While others might take regular precious treasures, Hawk always seemed to bring out ancient objects imbued with resentments. These items had intrinsic value, but with resentment attached, selling them to ordinary collectors was not much different from selling misfortune.

As for calling upon a Nen Exorcist to remove the resentment from the ancient items, putting aside whether they could find one, the ancient items and resentment had coexisted for too long and become a unified existence. In other words, attempting to remove the resentment might destroy the ancient item as well.

Even so, Hawk still enjoyed it.

Every time he painstakingly found a new relic or tomb, he would always bring out an ancient item with attached resentment as a commemoration.

From this perspective, he was indeed a diligent transporter in the world of resentment. And it's because of this behavior, that he was able to later meet Elena, who is a Nen Exorcist.

As for the fate of the ancient items he brought out, it goes without saying.

Moreover, since Moses's birth until now, Hawk hadn't raided any relics or tombs due to remorse.

It can only be said that some people have reasons for their poverty.

Cheadle and Moses were unaware of the inside story.

So Cheadle couldn't comprehend Hawk's ridiculous behavior of fetching coins from the release pond, while Moses, on the other hand, didn't care about inheriting any wealth from his father. He was just curious how a top-tier tomb robber in the world of Hunters ended up in such a situation.

As for the Nen Exorcist Cheadle hired, "Cheadle, it's only because of my respect for you that I didn't demand an upfront payment. But now, I find it hard not to question if this employer even has the means to pay me."

The Nen Exorcist with a stiff, emotionless face, directed a skeptical gaze towards Hawk.

A pile of coins from a wishing well?

What a joke.

He charged in the units of billions for his Exorcism work, especially for tasks involving Post-Mortem Nen.

It must be known that among the rare few with Exorcism abilities in the world, those who could remove Post-Mortem Nen numbered no more than ten.

If it weren't for Cheadle be the one hiring him, he swore he would never have any professional dealings with someone like Hawk, who tried to gather the payment with coins from a wishing pool.

"Mr. Eriselle."

Cheadle, with an exhausted expression, withdrew her gaze from Hawk and turned to the Nen Exorcist beside her, and earnestly said, "Please don't worry about the payment issue. We can pay the upfront fee for your exorcism work now, and we can also sign the contract on the spot."

"I have no objections."

Eriselle looked at Cheadle, a Double-Star Hunter, with a face that seemed drained and emaciated, trying to force a smile but clearly struggling.

The difficulty in managing expressions and his skeletal body might be side effects of his prolonged exorcism work.

Cheadle signaled for Eriselle to wait and then walked over to Hawk.

"The upfront fee."

"Uh, how much is the deposit again?"

"100 million."

"Oh, that's no problem. But the subsequent fee… Cheadle, can you give me an estimate?"

Hawk took out his phone and asked in a lowered voice.

Cheadle frowned slightly and replied coldly, "The fee is based on the strength of the exorcism. Given the power of the 'Libra', it wouldn't be surprising if it starts at 1 billion."

"..."

Hawk was momentarily dumbfounded.

Cheadle wasn't surprised by Hawk's reaction. She had never really expected Hawk to have the capability to pay for the exorcism fee and she was prepared to give up her entire fortune for this. However…

"The problems that can be solved with money are not problems at all. I don't harbor expectations whether Mr. Eriselle can exorcise the 'Libra' or not. But as long as he can relieve the cost imposed on you by the 'Libra', that will be enough. The premise is… if Mr. Eriselle can do it."

"..."

Hearing Cheadle's voice, Hawk's expression gradually turned serious, and he said in a deep voice, "Give me the bank account details, I'll transfer the upfront fee first."

Cheadle nodded, stated Eriselle's bank account, and then quickly wrote a contract.

Once the money was transferred, the contract was signed. The entire process was very efficient.

Moses watched from the side, staying silent.

As Cheadle had mentioned, problems that can be solved with money are not problems at all. If that thin Nen Exorcist could successfully lift the cost from Hawk, Moses certainly wouldn't use his only Nen Exorcist count on this. After all, it is a very valuable one time 'purification' ability.

"So, where's the subject I need to exorcise?"

After confirming the payment, Eriselle glanced in the direction of the main hall. He could sense the fluctuations of resentment from within, but he wasn't naive enough to believe that Cheadle had brought him here just for these weak resentments.

Cheadle looked at Hawk.

Meeting Cheadle's gaze, Hawk hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Mr. Eriselle, could you please prepare for the exorcism first?"

"..."

Eriselle had an expressionless face.

'Ignorant fellow. The most challenging part of exorcism wasn't in the preparation, but in how to 'digest'…'

However, he refrained from commenting.

"The Appetite of Anorexic."

Eriselle's body surged with overwhelming Nen. Everyone in the room watched as Eriselle's mouth visibly shrinking at a speed discernible to the naked eye…