Chapter 310: Hidden Signal—Early Goodbye—Missed Call

Seeing Neffi approach the Trial Gate, Auren doesn’t sense any kind of true ambition or interest from her.

If she didn’t want to do it, why is she doing it? Nobody’s forcing her.

Using Ren as Vanessa did, her Aura is completely different from Vanessa’s, not only in strength, but also in type. While it is complex, deep, and serene, the explosive strength and raw power are clearly inferior. However, her Aura has other qualities that are superior, like its depth and flow, which makes a direct comparison subjective and almost impossible.

These are just differences in personality, Nen Type, and fighting style. Auras are tough to compare... after all, Aura is often more of a tool. The farther south you go on the Nen chart, the more Aura becomes a means to an end. Conversely, Enhancers, as well as Transmuters and Emitters, are more skilled at using raw Aura directly, instead of using it as fuel, to create a completely different process.

Enhancers use Aura directly to enhance something. Transmuters imitate properties, but are still using raw Aura itself, while Emitters often use Aura like Enhancers, but add a ranged element.

Doing her best and using the same method to distribute her Aura, Neffi manages to confidently open three sets of doors, seemingly not even having to try that hard.

“There, that’s enough,” she says, stepping back, causing the doors to close.

“You didn’t even really try...” Vanessa says, sounding a little disappointed.

“I agree, you could have tried a little harder,” Auren says. “You should be able to open four even right now. How about you aim for five before we leave this place? The mansion has special gyms with extreme weights that make those in the caretaker’s shack look like children’s toys. After all, that’s how the Zoldycks train.”

“I don’t want to become a muscle woman like Vanessa,” Neffi says, her face full of reluctance.

“I am not a muscle woman!” Vanessa yells back. “I’m a world-class model, do you think I’m some sort of Amazonian or something?”

“I have to agree with her,” Auren says. “Vanessa’s body is quite commendable. When we met four years ago, she was just a fit woman who did a lot of physical activities, including extreme sports and some martial arts, but look at her now. While she had a very good foundation, she’s gone even further than anyone could have predicted. She kept a perfect shape and balance, and there is nothing wrong with having some muscles. In fact, I think her body is close to perfection in that regard.”

“You...! No, Auren... you... like that kind of build?!” Neffi asks, her face going pale, completely shocked. “I’ll maybe I’ll train some more then.”

Vanessa doesn’t reply, but simply blushes, trying to hide a deep and genuine smile, and failing miserably at it.

I was talking in terms of Martial Arts and Nen use, not in terms of my personal preference... whatever. If that helps her train some more, it might be a good thing.

“Are these women stupid? Did all their brain cells go into their muscles? Is that the key to opening those doors?” Leorio wonders, earning himself two glares that make his legs wobble like jelly and cause him to stumble backwards.

Can’t help but agree with him here. Though it might have been the wrong decision to say that out loud.

With silence returning, aside from the rain dripping onto the ground, everyone stares at Auren with curious gazes.

Finally, he steps forward, activating Ren.

“Just a normal Ren?” Vanessa immediately asks. “You’re not going to use your special Aura-gathering technique to increase your output?”

“I don’t understand anything. Ren, Nen... you people should speak in the common language!” Leorio complains yet again.

With his full Ren on display, using Vanessa’s and Neffi’s approach as an example, Auren finally readies himself to try his luck. 

Vanessa is weaker than me in terms of physique... not necessarily because I’m built differently or more gifted in that department, but because I’ve trained with Azure Restoration for years... she can’t easily catch up to me, despite the effects of the rice and training like crazy.... 

While Azure Restoration made a huge difference, her Aura is still monstrous. By now, if I don’t use my overdraft, her Aura is almost comparable to mine in force. She can unleash a lot of Aura in a short time, and her total Nen quantity is also respectable.

I need to do what she did, but push with even more force from the start; that’s where she failed.

The door seems to have a complicated mechanism that initially measures the force applied to it. You can’t start slow and then go all out... you need to go all out from the very start, or you’ll get locked out like Vanessa. She easily opened six, but couldn’t get seven, because her initial force was just too weak.

Slamming into the doors with explosive force, a loud thud echoing out, Auren pushes as hard as he can, skillfully using his feet to drive his entire body forward with zero hesitation in his movements.

Feeling like he’s pushing against a mountain, Auren feels the mechanism inside the gate reach the last set, and all seven doors slowly open.

Now that I’ve gone all out... I need to keep going, or I’ll get pushed back.

Slowly but surely, Auren continues to push until he fully opens all seven sets of doors, completely clearing the so-called Trial Gates.

His arms and even his feet hurting, Auren does not leave them open for long and steps back, the doors rapidly closing again before slamming into their locks, creating an even louder sound that echoes across the entire mountain, causing the others to cover their ears in surprise.

That sound,  it’s intentional. If you open all the doors... a certain sound is created. I wonder what the intentions of the ancient Zoldycks were when this gate was built.

“... I knew it,” Vanessa says. “I’m gonna try again...! That’s not fair!”

“You’ve used up a lot of Aura. Train some more and try it before we leave; I think we created enough of a ruckus for tonight,” Auren says. “Let’s walk back.”

“Okay...” Leorio says, his eyes spinning as he still looks all the way up to the top of the doors. “You are a monster.”

“Only Dad and Grandpa can open all seven, or so I’ve heard,” Killua says. “I’ve never personally seen them do it; I’ve just been told. It’s apparently one of the requirements to become the head of the family.”

That’s a stupid requirement... one that favors Enhancers, and to a lesser degree Transmuters and Emitters.

“You’ll be able to fully open this gate as well, Killua,” Auren says. “Give it four years or so.” He then turns to Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio. “As for you, if you completely focus on your body and training, and give it a try every day, I’m fairly sure all three of you can succeed before we leave.”

“Aside from you,” Auren adds, looking at Leorio.

“Me?! Are you looking down on me?” Leorio asks, not insulted, but frustrated. “I hate being singled out... but I was confident in my strength before! Am I really that weak?”

“No,” Auren replies. “You should be able to open two sets of doors if you truly give it your all.”

“Really?!” Leorio asks, his mood shifting rapidly.

“Don’t celebrate like a child. I said if you give it your all,” Auren clarifies.

Finally, Auren, Neffi, and Vanessa leave together, separating from the four rookies and returning to the airship.

As they reach it, they see Leroute sitting outside looking at the stars, still wearing her weighted equipment.

“I was wondering where you were!” Vanessa says. “Thankfully, you didn’t see your master fail earlier.”

“How did you fail?” Neffi wonders. “Are you really this invested in growing stronger? I’d say you are pretty strong already...” she continues in a low voice. “Give it a rest, will you?”

“I don’t like this boys’ club, and I don’t like that shed very much either,” Leroute says. “This airship is my home. It’s not just the comfortable rooms and the great food... it’s the atmosphere. The sense of freedom. The shed is still ten times more comfortable than Trick Tower, but it just feels wrong to sleep there. I’ll return in the morning, but I’d like to sleep here today... and maybe a couple of other days. Don’t worry, I’ll still train with the others.”

Auren shrugs, not willing to interfere. “This isn’t really something I’m ordering you to do, so there’s no need to justify yourself. You’re an adult and can make decisions for yourself.”

Finally, each of them takes care of their own business and gets some proper rest, their time at the Zoldyck estate only just beginning.

Before going to sleep, Auren decides to speak with Marsha and asks her for a small favor.

The next morning, Leroute, just as she claimed, is gone, while Marsha lets out a loud yawn at the breakfast table.

“Why are you tired?” Neffi asks her. “Are you uncomfortable here in the Zoldyck estate? Don’t worry, we’ll protect you!”

“I’m alright, Neffi dear. I just got up a little earlier than usual. That poor Leroute girl needed a proper breakfast; she was so thin when you picked her up. I can’t let her leave without a proper meal.”

“You are spoiling her!” Vanessa complains. “She’s gonna get fat.”

“You just want to eat more rice for yourself,” Neffi mutters.

Vanessa glares at her, stands up, and puts her arms around Neffi’s neck while lowering her mouth until it is right next to her ear.

“You know, little Neffi, lately I’m hearing a lot of complaints. Do I need to teach you how to properly respect your big sister?” she asks, gently tightening her arms.

“Is this the kind of relationship you two have?” a voice suddenly asks as Menchi enters the airship. “This place is boring!”

Neffi then removes Vanessa’s head, pushing it back, seeming annoyed.

“I’m glad you’re back... nothing interesting to find here?” Auren asks.

“It’s just a damn forest! While it’s walled off, aside from a couple of mutts, I haven’t seen anything of particular interest. Auren, you promised me something exciting. I can’t hold out for a month like this,” she says. “Not knowing what’s out there.”

Auren nods. “I agree, this is a waste of your time. I also have a job I need you to do for me. I’ll call someone; she’ll introduce you to my organization... and she’ll take care of the contract. Afterwards, you’ll be sent to the frontier. I need you to do two things. One friend of mine is in charge of the scientific side of our explorations. Speaking in terms of resources, beasts, and general exploration. Her name is Leira, and I believe you’ll be able to work together properly. She also needs a bodyguard, and since you seem to know how to use your knives, you’re a good fit.”

“That sounds good! Is she at the place where you found the rice?!” Menchi asks.

“Yes indeed, on a distant island,” Auren replies. “I’ll organize transport for you, if you want. It will take a few days until you’re picked up. Are you willing to go?”

“I agree,” Menchi says, enthusiasm returning to her face.

“If you’re going there,” Neffi mutters, “I have materials on the airship. I’m going to create some special nanofiber clothes with all the top additions for you using both silk and leather. You can’t go there... dressed like that.”

“Uhm, okay, thank you!” Menchi admits, rubbing the back of her head.

“It’s a swampy region with exposed legs, stomach, and arms; you’ll suffer badly. It’s a good idea,” Auren says. “I’ll make the call now.”

Auren then tries to call Rakshala, but she is quite busy and does not pick up.

Hm?