Avenging his wrongfully slain clansmen and retrieving their eyes.
These were tasks Kurapika believed only he could accomplish.
His gaze slowly shifted away, settling into silence.
"I'll take that as your agreement."
Law turned and left.
Kurapika spun around to watch Law's retreating back, but ultimately, no words came out.
By the end of July, the training was nearing its conclusion.
Law stood on the second-floor balcony, gazing at the lush forest right before him.
Throughout this period, he had witnessed Kurapika's self-punishing training regimen.
Sometimes, just looking at Kurapika reminded him of his former self, who had also desperately strived to become stronger for his own pursuits.
This sense of familiarity was probably something even Biscuit shared.
'One more month.'
Law extinguished his cigarette butt, his eyes thoughtful.
He couldn't be 100% certain the Troupe would come for the September 1st Yorknew City Auction.
Because the Troupe's plan to raid the auction had been decided before Machi and the others left the group.
If circumstances changed, the Troupe might alter their plans, especially considering the risk of their intel being leaked.
In other words, waiting for them in Yorknew City didn't guarantee success.
"There is a way to confirm it," Law murmured to himself.
With money, you could buy information.
But some intel couldn't be bought, like the Troupe's whereabouts.
The Phantom Troupe didn't gather frequently. Sometimes they'd meet once every two or three years, other times several times within a single year. It was highly random.
After each operation, the members would scatter.
Some members disliked being disturbed, like Chrollo, who usually kept a low profile. This was also why Hisoka could never find an opportunity to get Chrollo alone.
Some members didn't care, like Uvogin and Feitan, who were usually more flamboyant. But they could rely on their formidable strength to eliminate anyone who got in their way, often severing intelligence trails.
Among the various types of intelligence, only one type was absolutely definitive: intelligence about the future.
If he wanted to know whether the Troupe would change their plan to raid the Yorknew Cotu Auction, he just needed to get a prophecy from that fortune-telling girl.
As July ended and the first day of August arrived, the training officially concluded.
Having made their arrangements, Kurapika departed.
With Law's request fulfilled, Biscuit had no reason to stay.
"Alright, we're off."
Biscuit stood in the clearing outside the house, Bruna curled up on her shoulder, with Machi standing nearby.
Ignoring the faintly resentful look Machi shot his way, Law looked at Biscuit and smiled. "Bruna told me everything. Don't overwork Machi."
The reason Biscuit taught Bruna about gemstones was to make her a free laborer.
For what needed to be done next, and to ensure Machi stayed, Law had asked for Biscuit's help.
"Don't worry, don't worry."
Biscuit's response lacked sincerity.
Machi let out a soft sigh. She understood Law's intentions, and because she did, she didn't resist.
Watching Biscuit and the others leave, Law finally turned and walked back into the house.
Linne sat on the living room sofa on the first floor. Seeing Law enter from the entryway, she asked, "And you?"
Law understood and replied, "Tomorrow morning."
Linne nodded slowly. "Then let's not trouble Shachmono for dinner tonight."
"Alright," Law said with a smile.
Learning that Law was leaving tomorrow morning, Linne wanted him to prepare tonight's dinner.
Early the next morning, Linne and Shachmono saw Law off at the main gate.
"I'm off."
"Mmm."
No feelings of reluctance were shown, just these two simple, calm exchanges.
Law left, and the forest cabin was once again home to only two elderly people.
"For the first time, I feel like the house has become quiet," Linne remarked, gazing in the direction Law had left, a rare touch of emotion in her voice.
Having lived to this age, she seldom felt sentimental, but it was true, the house had been lively for several months until two days ago.
"I feel the same," Shachmono chimed in.
"Heh."
Linne gave a rare chuckle, then slowly made her way back into the house.
...
One week later, Hunter Association's Headquarters.
A woman with thick eyebrows, large eyes, androgynous clothing, but a curvaceous figure arrived at the base of the building.
She carried a large cloth sack over her shoulder. Judging by the protruding shapes, its contents were quite miscellaneous.
The visitor was Xiaoyu, and Ponzu had accompanied her.
"Even though I got the Hunter License, this is my first time coming to the Hunter Association's Headquarters," Xiaoyu said, looking up at the towering building, the Hunter Association's symbol prominently displayed midway up.
"Me too," Ponzu said.
"Let's go in. I wonder how much Law will pay for this stuff."
Xiaoyu hoisted the heavy sack and walked towards the entrance.
Ponzu followed closely behind.
After checking in at the front desk, the two took the elevator to the 16th floor.
They easily found the Lawlin Museum's office area. Pushing open the transparent glass door, they saw Law bustling between desks.
"Law, brew me a pot of Er Er tea. 20gr of leaves, no more, no less. Rinse it twice first, and the water temperature must be precisely 85 degrees Celsius," Sabro commanded loudly from his seat in front of a computer.
"Coming right up!"
Law responded immediately and began preparing the tea exactly as Sabro demanded.
No sooner had he finished preparing the finicky tea than a voice called out from the other side.
"Law, I'm finished with these books. Put them all back where they belong."
Salin pointed at a messy pile of numerous books.
"Also, get me Cabinet A, numbers 66, 97, 101... Cabinet G, number 61..."
Salin rattled off the locations of twenty books in one breath, instructing Law to fetch them.
"On it, on it!"
Law swiftly returned all the books to their proper places, then pulled the books Salin requested from the various shelves.
As he placed the books on Salin's desk, she looked at him and said flatly, "Now get me a coffee. I'm not as demanding as some people. Just add milk for me."
"Understood."
Law didn't dare refuse and turned back to the cabinet to prepare the coffee.
"Law, come sweep up this paper shredding."
"Get two strawberry cakes from the fridge."
"My tea is finished. Brew another pot."
Xiaoyu and Ponzu stood by the entrance, staring dumbfounded at the scene.
'The incredibly powerful Law was actually being ordered around by these two people, and he didn't seem the least bit annoyed.'
'Was Law working here? In some menial role like an errand boy?'
After efficiently fulfilling all of Salin and Sabro's requests with high efficiency, Law finally had a moment to rest.
"You're here. Come on in and sit."
He had known Xiaoyu and Ponzu were at the door, but Law was in a state of 'atonement', prioritizing serving Salin and Sabro, so he hadn't had time to greet them.
Now with a free moment, Law ushered the still-stunned Xiaoyu and Ponzu to a desk. He casually swept the clutter off two chairs onto the floor, gesturing for them to sit.
The desk was also piled high with clutter, which Law similarly swept aside.
"Put the stuff down. Looks like there are some good finds," Law said, looking at the sack Xiaoyu carried. The treasure detection function of the White Smoke Text was already getting excited.
Hearing this, Xiaoyu placed the sack on the desk and asked hesitantly, "Law, you're not... an errand boy here, are you? And is this really the Lawlin Museum's office?"
The Lawlin Museum was the largest current 'market' for antique circulation.
Before coming, Xiaoyu found it hard to imagine it would be like this. The place was large but messy, and there were only three people here.
"No, I'm the boss. And don't doubt it, this is the Lawlin Museum's office," Law replied seriously.
Xiaoyu and Ponzu continued to stare, speechless.