Xiang Nan did not hurry to head directly to Meteor City; instead, he gave the Phantom Troupe plenty of time to prepare and respond.
By the time the airship landed in a certain area of Meteor City, it was already a week later.
Under the blazing sun, the air felt stuffy and scorching.
On a barren stretch of rocky desert, five Phantom Troupe members—led by Chrollo—were gazing up at the approaching, official airship from the Republic of Padokea.
They had already received Franklin's message.
This time, the operation planned by Shalnark had unexpectedly attracted a true "big shot."
Wearing a neatly styled suit‐like haircut, hands in pockets, and a pair of blue earrings, Chrollo calmly watched that colossal flying machine overhead. His eyes showed not a ripple of emotion.
The roar of the airship's descent, together with the gusting wind from its rotors, seemed to bring an air of unknown possibility to this place spurned by humanity—Meteor City.
And no one knew…whether it would be good or bad.
The large gusts of wind stirred up the dust of the desert around them, lifting the hem of Chrollo's black coat.
On the back of his coat was an inverted cross design.
Aside from him, at his side were Nobunaga, Pakunoda, and Feitan.
Originally, the ones who were supposed to receive the cargo were the duo of Uvogin and Nobunaga.
But upon hearing the news, Chrollo had arrived at the last minute with Pakunoda and Feitan.
"Quite the show of force—a real national military…" Nobunaga, with his long hair down, commented impassively.
"A bunch of soldiers—maybe we can just kill them even here."
Uvogin wore a savage grin.
Just these troops from one airship alone—based on their confidence, the few of them could handle that easily.
Victory was in hand.
As for Chrollo, he made no response to Uvogin and Nobunaga's remarks.
His deep, still eyes remained fixed on the airship descending in the distance, as if observing—or contemplating—something.
Before long, the raging noise subsided.
After the airship cut its engines, the cabins opened. Large numbers of soldiers stepped out in an orderly formation.
The Phantom Troupe's five members, unmoved, did not show any sign of intimidation.
Even Uvogin, with that messy, spiky hair, bared his teeth in a grin and began cracking his knuckles with an apparent itch for a fight.
A short while later, two figures finally emerged from the craft's door.
One was Xiang Nan, the other Franklin.
Xiang Nan at the front, Franklin behind him.
As soon as Xiang Nan appeared, his gaze met Chrollo's.
"So young…"
Xiang Nan's first thought.
Although Chrollo looked exceptionally calm, reserved, and impossible to read, in terms of appearance, he was indeed quite handsome…like a noble young gentleman.
But Xiang Nan understood that as the Troupe's "brain" and decision‐maker, the depths of his mind were incredibly formidable, not to be underestimated.
Xiang Nan curved his lips lightly into a smile, descending the ladder.
Across from him, Chrollo similarly began walking, bringing the other four along.
One could see both sides gradually closing distance. Xiang Nan was also quietly sizing up the others—while they, likewise, were appraising him.
"Looks like he's nothing special…" Uvogin narrowed his eyes with a vicious glint.
If he dared to come after them, he'd better be prepared to die.
"I heard from Shalnark that he clashed with Machi and beat her…"
Nobunaga, in a casual kimono, scratched at his ear, muttering, "He isn't weak."
Though his manner was lax, there was clear wariness in his eyes.
"Focus. Don't act rashly."
Chrollo glanced at them and spoke in an indifferent tone.
He was warning Uvogin and Nobunaga.
They arrived face‐to‐face near the airship, separated by only a couple of meters.
Franklin said nothing, merely slipped past Xiang Nan to stand at his companions' side.
Meanwhile, a row of soldiers began moving over some cargo—crates of ransom and valuables. They placed them on the ground.
"The famous Phantom Troupe… I finally get to see you all today."
Standing opposite Chrollo, Xiang Nan offered a smile.
"You wanted to see me, presumably not just for a closer look at my face, right?"
Chrollo returned the smile lightly.
"As the head of security, your mission this time is complete. Let's hear your evaluation."
Xiang Nan raised a brow.
"Excellent job, but…I don't plan to pay a dime."
Chrollo replied.
"No problem… Consider it my good deed, a free favor."
"Then… farewell."
Hearing this, Chrollo turned to leave.
"Though, putting the mission aside, speaking as a representative of the Republic of Padokea… there's something I'd like to discuss with you."
Xiang Nan's voice came.
"Not interested."
Chrollo kept walking, not stopping as he coldly tossed back those two words.
"Really now? That's too bad… I intended to save the Troupe, but I guess I was being too sentimental."
Xiang Nan shrugged.
At those words, Chrollo halted mid‐step.
Finally, he looked back.
"You're threatening us?"
"No."
Standing on the airship's steps, Xiang Nan gazed down with composure.
"Threaten? In my eyes, you're just a group of thieves—maybe you have some skills, but nowhere near enough to earn my respect. Next to me, you're basically like insects scurrying by the roadside."
As soon as Xiang Nan finished speaking, Uvogin's aura flared in alarming intensity.
He stepped forward, looking prepared to leap right over and tear Xiang Nan's head off.
But Chrollo, quick‐eyed and alert, instantly thrust out his arm, blocking Uvogin.
"Don't move."
He gave a cautioning glare to Uvogin.
"I'll kill him!"
Uvogin roared, bloodlust surging.
Chrollo offered no verbal response, simply meeting Uvogin's eyes with his own calm gaze.
After a tense few seconds, Uvogin reluctantly clenched his fists and spat on the ground.
Far away, Xiang Nan stood unruffled on the step ladder, adjusting his spectacles.
"I'm willing to 'waste' my time on small‐time folks like you—it's already quite a rare mercy."
"But evidently…it didn't earn your gratitude."
Chrollo cast another glance at Xiang Nan, unprovoked by the remarks.
"What do you want to talk about?"
"Given your big talk, it implies you might not be as powerful as you look, does it not? Otherwise, why would you come looking for us?"
"You're right…"
Xiang Nan acknowledged freely. "So…interested now?"
"…"
Chrollo lowered his eyes, let out a faint smile, and strode toward the airship.
The others followed.
"I only invited him aboard. As for the rest of you… you're not included in the invitation."
Xiang Nan reminded calmly when he saw Nobunaga and the others coming along.
"You guys wait here,"
Chrollo said to his companions, wearing a smile.
"But—"
Pakunoda hesitated.
"Relax, I won't be in trouble."
Chrollo responded serenely.
Then, under their watchful gazes, he followed the trench‐coat‐clad man up the steps and disappeared into the airship.
~~~
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