A Deal With The Devil

__________ POV Narration__________

To say that Chrollo was surprised would be an understatement. His teacher had never paid much attention to him after he developed his Hatsu.

Even their meeting was strange. As Chrollo once tried to pickpocket the old scientist. He dearly paid for it. Ashton had no sympathy for anyone.

An unfortunate street urchin wouldn't get any pity when crossing him. But this time he felt more magnanimous. Not.

Ashton just realized that Chrollo had talent and caught his interest. That was the only reason the child didn't get his hands blown off.

He still kicked the child into the ground. And proceeded to drag him back up by the scruff of his neck.

He just extended his hand to the child, he smiled at him. Trying to look friendly only made him look terrifying in the child's eyes.

"Do you want to grow stronger?" Saying that Ashton extended his hand to the skinny child.

The young Chrollo accepted the deal. Just like that. The contract was signed and his soul was forfeit. For about a month or two.

The old scientist didn't even speak much to the child. He only put some effort into teaching him how to use Nen.

He was always cold on the surface. And the child didn't know how to read the strange man that had basically abducted him.

But the physical training was more than gruelling, it was inhumane to put a child through such hardships.

He was repeatedly beaten into the ground to the point of despair. Thrown in a beast infested forest with nothing but the clothes on his back and told to survive a week.

The training made up for its meagre duration with great intensity. By the end of it. Chrollo was a lot stronger than most adults.

After the month he spent training under Ashton, he developed his Hatsu 'Skill Hunter'. His ability was finetuned by the old scientist.

After a few days of exploring this new Nen ability. The scientist slowly lost interest. And sent the child back to his city.

Chrollo was left quite traumatized by the experience. But the experience strengthened him greatly, both physically and mentally. He slowly turned much colder, his actions became more calculated.

The training with Ashton was not long enough to become hardcoded into the child's mind. But his cold temperament and the lessons he thought were long-lasting.

He was very surprised when Ashton called him to give his group a mission. But he didn't think too much of it. Only hoping that the Troupe wouldn't have any more deals with the scientist.

To hear him call now was completely unexpected. No one had his number beside the members of the Troupe.

And he had complete trust in them. But it seems they ended up meeting with his old 'teacher'. He can only hope nothing bad happened to them...

"Why are you contacting me now?" Said the confused and somewhat concerned Chrollo.

"What was that kid!? Show some respect!" The members of the Troupe that weren't currently out were looking surprised at the exchange.

They didn't realize that their leader had such a deep relationship with the strange and domineering figure in front of them.

Of course, if Chrollo was to hear their thoughts, he would be crying. 'Deep relationship' sure, as if that man is capable of empathy.

"Teacher, please tell me why you have called?" He asked again, this time with a more polite tone.

"Oh yeah. I met up with some of your friends. They're all crying and wailing about you getting cursed or something."

"Yes... I did get cursed recently." 'But you still didn't tell me why you're calling me!' The last part was obviously left unsaid.

When his teacher started rambling it was better to let him. Interrupting him would be quite bad... He really disliked being interrupted.

"So I figured I should help out my 'beloved student'" The scientist's sarcasm was extremely obvious.

"I will call up some favours with a few people and get you in contact with an exorcist. Give me your location."

__________ POV Ashton__________

Now, I did say that I'll call up a few people. But I just wanted the matter to sound more complicated than it actually is. All I need to do is call one person and everything will be resolved.

But making the issue sound more complicated will make him feel like he owes me more. A simple transaction like this is enough to make someone feel indebted if played out correctly.

Chrollo's friends seemed extremely surprised at how easily their issue was solved. It went from a horrifying death to a joyous occasion quite quickly.

But now they owe me a favour. And that is never a good thing. But they are young, they probably can't understand just how much they will need to do to repay my favour.

I can't really use them against Pitou now. They aren't strong enough, at least I don't believe so.

And the Exorcist will take a while to get to Chrollo. By the time that is done the ants will already be purged from the human part of the world.

I'm sure their species is still present somewhere in the dark continent. But I doubt there are too many of them. I don't remember running into them at all during my stay there. Unless they are a calamity.

"Well, I believe our business is concluded. I'll contact you all if I ever need anything." My last sentence seemed to wake them up to the reality of the situation.

They didn't bother seeing me out. Not very polite, but I can't blame them at all. I did scare them a bit.

Although it was their fault completely.

Now I need to get back to my hotel room. I still have some things I want to do before the attack. Like taking a good look at the queen's body.

Oh, and I also need to look for another way to entertain myself during the fight.

Oh well, I hope the Royal Guards will be able to quell my boredom until the King is done with Netero. Or until Netero kills the King. Same difference.

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