Chương 29: Against the World

The two sofas landed with a heavy thump that echoed through the closed room. Uvogin, Nobunaga, and Machi were already used to Aren creating things whenever he felt like it, so they sat beside him naturally. Chrollo's group froze for a moment. This was the first time they had seen Aren's ability in person. Chrollo recovered quickly. A bright interest flashed through his eyes. He had watched the entire process. Aren had created the sofas from nothing. So this was the ability that had transformed Uvogin's base.

All the facilities that did not look like they belonged in Meteor City had probably been created the same way. Chrollo had known Aren was responsible. Now he understood how. An ability that could produce whatever the team needed at the right time, in any terrain or situation. For travel, shelter, murder, arson, and survival, it was almost too convenient.

'Aren... I have to get you.' Chrollo's eyes grew hot. Originally, he had wanted Aren partly because of Uvogin, Nobunaga, and Machi. Now Aren himself had become the irreplaceable target. Aren, meanwhile, stared back in silent confusion.

'What is wrong with him?'

'I acted this arrogantly and he still looks more excited?' The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

'Is he insane?' Aren coughed.

"Sit down. No need to be polite."

'Chrollo, don't tell me you're that kind of Chrollo.'

'This is supposed to be a proper harem story. Don't bring weird energy into it.' Chrollo blinked and returned to himself.

"Sorry, Aren. Your Nen ability is too remarkable. I lost focus for a moment." He sat across from Aren. Pakunoda, Franklin, and Feitan followed.

"Now," Aren said, "why did you want to meet me?" Chrollo became calm again.

"Aren, have you ever thought about leaving Meteor City?" Aren raised an eyebrow.

"Leaving Meteor City?"

"Yes. With your strength, I don't believe you're willing to spend your whole life trapped in this rotting place."

"True," Aren said.

"I won't stay here forever. In fact, I've been considering leaving soon." Chrollo smiled.

"As expected. A man like you would never be content here." He leaned forward slightly.

"Then you should understand Meteor City's awkward position in the outside world." He did not wait for an answer.

"No status. No identity. Not even names that matter. To the outside world, Meteor City does not exist. Its residents are people discarded by the world." Chrollo's voice remained even.

"I've spent this period with the Second Elder and learned more about the outside. It is completely different from Meteor City."

"Here, strength rules. If you dislike someone, you kill him. If you want something, you take it."

"Outside, there are countries, organizations, associations, factions, and laws written by those already in power. This can be touched, that cannot be touched. Do this, don't do that."

"If we want to survive outside, there are only two roads."

"First, obey the rules they made. Give up our nature and become slaves under someone else's order." He looked around the room. Everyone except Aren narrowed their eyes. Killing intent stirred quietly. They were born in Meteor City. If they died, they would become nourishment for Meteor City.

"We reject no one, so take nothing from us." Trying to steal their freedom and make them bow to outside rules was no different from dreaming. That was why the elders sealed the exits. Most residents of Meteor City would rather die than submit. If they caused trouble outside, Meteor City would be the one forced to pay. Chrollo continued, one word at a time.

"The other road is to become enemies of the entire world." He fell silent and watched Aren. Aren did not refute him. There was nothing to refute. For people from Meteor City, those were indeed the two roads.

"You're right," Aren said.

"Those are the only two roads."

"Then when you considered leaving, which road did you intend to take?" Chrollo asked. This time, not only Chrollo's group watched him. Uvogin, Nobunaga, and Machi did too. Aren laughed softly.

"No need to test me, Chrollo." The corner of his mouth curved.

"My choice is obvious." His smile turned wicked.

"Against the world." Uvogin, who had been holding back for half the conversation, burst into laughter.

"Hahahaha! I knew it! I knew you'd choose that, Aren!"