Chapter 26

"Uvogin!!"

Machi's eyes lit up slightly as she looked in the direction of the laughter.

Under the setting sun, she saw Morin leading the group, flanked by the arm-swinging, laughing Uvogin and the equally amused Nobunaga.

"That was amazing! That old fart's face at the end—like he'd swallowed a pile of crap! Just thinking about it makes me laugh!"

Uvogin's booming voice carried all the way to them.

"When I get stronger, I'll come back and twist that old fart's head clean off!"

As he rambled on, they reached the group gathered nearby.

"Yo, Machi!"

Uvogin greeted her first, then turned to the others.

"Chrollo, Feitan, Franklin, Pakunoda," he said with a grin. "What's this? Did all of you come here to welcome me back?"

"Idiot!"

Machi rolled her eyes in exasperation, but seeing that Uvogin and Nobunaga weren't seriously injured, she relaxed slightly.

"Alright, the important thing is that you and Nobunaga made it back safely," Chrollo said with a smile, casting an extra glance at Morin in the middle of the group.

The others—Pakunoda, Franklin, and even Feitan—subtly observed Morin as well.

Rescuing Uvogin and Nobunaga in such a short time? Regardless of the details, his ability was impressive enough to catch their attention.

"Mind if I ask how you managed to pull that off?" Feitan asked, shifting his gaze between Uvogin, Nobunaga, and Morin.

"Oh, nothing much~" Morin replied with a smile. "I just tore down the Elder's building."

"Tore it down?"

Franklin and Pakunoda both reacted, and a flicker of light danced in Chrollo's eyes.

"Is that true?" Machi asked calmly.

"Of course it is!!"

Uvogin, the most enthusiastic witness, jumped in to answer.

"The whole building sank into a pit! You should've seen the old fart's face—it was so twisted I thought he might explode!"

Everyone automatically filled in the "old fart" as the Elder.

"To destroy the Elder's building and escape unscathed... all three of them arriving here safely?"

Chrollo silently raised his assessment of Morin's capabilities.

Franklin and Pakunoda looked visibly surprised, while Feitan remained silent.

Such audacious and satisfying actions, paired with the ability to retreat safely, were deeply respected in Meteor City.

Internally, everyone's impression of Morin improved slightly due to his boldness.

"The way we left was a bit harsh," Nobunaga remarked, hands tucked into his coat sleeves. "Not only did we piss off that old fart, but the other residents of Meteor City probably won't forgive us either."

"It's fine."

Chrollo smiled. "We'd already made up our minds before rescuing you."

To leave.

"Leave Meteor City?"

Uvogin's voice rose in excitement. "Perfect timing! I've been wanting to explore the outside world and have some real fights!"

His eyes sparkled with eagerness, clearly looking forward to challenging strong opponents outside of Meteor City to sharpen his skills.

"I have no objections," Nobunaga said seriously with a nod.

Given what had happened, staying in Meteor City wasn't really an option anymore.

"Alright, since no one has objections..."

Chrollo smiled lightly. "Let me share my thoughts briefly."

"I've never been to the outside world, but based on what I've learned from books, it's far more complex than Meteor City."

Chrollo's voice softened. "Nations, societies, armies, the Hunter Association—there are countless organizations weaving a complicated web across the world."

"As people from Meteor City, we have no national identification, no official status. We're unregistered outcasts."

"In such circumstances, if we continue to act by our own rules and methods..."

His gaze deepened. "It's inevitable that we'll end up standing against the entire world."

"So, individual strength alone becomes somewhat insignificant in the face of such opposition?"

Morin suddenly interjected.

"Exactly."

Chrollo looked at him and nodded.

"Individual power is limited. That's why I suggest that we form a team."

"What do you all think?"

Chrollo's voice was rich and charismatic, drawing everyone's attention.

"A group definitely has more advantages than being on your own," Franklin mused. "I agree."

"Me too," Pakunoda said without hesitation.

"As long as the group makes it easier for me to kill people~" Feitan shrugged indifferently. "I've got no problem with it."

Chrollo shifted his gaze to Machi and the others, but his focus landed specifically on Morin.

"A team, huh?"

Uvogin rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

Although he seemed inclined to agree, his eyes instinctively sought out Morin beside him.

The same was true for Nobunaga and Machi.

It was clear that all three were waiting for Morin's answer.

Advanced chapters at Patreon .com /NenMaster