Rakshala smiles, seeing Auren's determined expression, instantly realising that he's already decided to visit the island Ging told him about.
"I see," Rakshala says, not looking surprised in the least. "I can guess your intentions, but tell me anyway. What do you expect to gain from such a trip?"
"I'm interested in the Dark Continent... this seems to be a perfect trial," Aura states. "I'm very sure the true treasures from the Dark Continent are not on that island. However, there is a good chance that with the severe danger that island provides, it will also contain something of value."
Auren looks at her, asking her. "Surely you know what the V5 exploration to the South-East was trying to obtain?"
"Nitro Rice," Rakshala says. "The danger they encountered was the snake Hell Bell." Her expression stays composed as she continues. "As far as the dangers are concerned... with a survival rate of one percent, and eleven people returning, Hell Bell is not the deadliest threat that has been discovered on the Dark Continent. Pap, Brion, Ai, and the mysterious Zobae disease are far deadlier, according to the reports of the V5 and my personal opinion."
"You... you know a lot," Auren says, slightly surprised by her extensive knowledge.
She... really stole government information... even the most secret kind. This is insane!
Rakshala continues. "Hell Bell was initially just a B+ threat, though it has been reclassified to a Danger level of A. Out of the five resources the V5 tried to acquire, Nitro Rice is the least useful for society as a whole, but it's judged as the most valuable resource on a personal level. It all depends on the quantity. If geniuses can be kept alive for hundreds of years, that could also benefit the entire state in the long run. Though the Trinity Elixir, Metallion, and the unmanned rock that can produce electricity seem to have more industrial use. A resource like Nitro Rice would only attract the attention of the greedy elites and would lead to corruption."
Rakshala then pauses before asking Auren yet another question.
"You mentioned you encountered a terrifying snake resembling the Hell Bell, and you handed it over to Ging Freecs, and that led him to discover the slave-breeding operation and the island? You also spared and even saved his student. I suppose he holds a lot of goodwill towards you?" Rakshala asks.
"Hehe," Auren laughs.
She is wrong about this. Her insinuation is just silly
"Forget about it. He didn't want to tell me a thing about what I'll find on the island." Auren's reply comes quickly. "This guy is as mentally unwell as Pariston himself. They are both not to be trusted on things like these. It could very well be possible that the island holds nothing of value and that the only thing we find there is death. We can't assume this is a gift or a great opportunity," Auren states. "However... the possibility. Ging himself said it took him a long time to cross the island. Even he himself couldn't have fully explored the island. There is definitely a good chance to find something priceless... but there is also a chance that Ging wants to annoy me and we truly find nothing but death on that island."
"It's also a place... that's truly undisturbed," Auren adds. "Nobody even knows it exists, and it's hard to reach."
"I see," Rakshala says. "If we could establish a settlement there, we could act truly independently. From the rough map Ging provided, this island is also extremely large. It seems that it is slightly larger than Jappon and even the Mitene Union, though the landmass is closer to a circle in shape." She pauses briefly, still thinking about it. "That's an advantage, since it makes it easier to reach different places."
"I assume you want to explore it by yourself first?" She asks, holding onto his shoulder.
"Yes, of course," Auren replies. "Though not right now. I promised you I'd help you with the establishment of our own territory in the Northeast of the Yorbian continent. Preparations are ongoing, and ships have already docked. The land we're settling is also wild and untamed. It would make a great first warm-up exercise for me. I also want to attend Battle Olympia in a few months and help out in the next Hunter Exam. I'll consider exploring the island after the exam."
"I want Neffi, Leira, Zepile, and perhaps even the twins to take it. There is also the rat... Pariston. For some reason, I can't help myself, but go along with his plans. The man frightens and annoys me to an obscene degree, but... I can't help but also admire him. At least in some regards, I can't, and I never will compare to him."
"Anyway, those are my current plans. I have many more things I want to do, but they are not urgent. Is there something that you think I should add or remove from my plans?"
Like Greed Island....
Rakshala smiles. "I fully agree with your ideas. As much as I worry about you, your plan seems quite reasonable, and I'll trust you. You are strong and independent. Trying to keep you away from living your life would be belittling you. Get some first-hand experience in the wilds, but if you ever require help, I insist you tell me." Her tone stays calm, but there's concern in her voice. "It's a relief that you are helping out with our current operation on this continent. With your presence, our people will also be more motivated. There are dangerous wild beasts, unknown toxic plants, and diseases. Your Hatsu is a reliable way to prevent lethal injuries or even stop potential diseases before they can spread. You are an essential part of creating our first foothold... the first step in creating our own nation."
"Is there anything else you want to talk to me about?" she asks, looking relaxed.
"I've shown you my Nen Regalias," Auren says, taking his bracers and gauntlets off. He holds them for a moment before offering them. "They are... addicting. They perfectly fit my body, and wearing them makes me feel secure and powerful. They were so incredibly effective, I could easily stop Kite's Hatsu, as I told you. I plan to ask Leira to analyse them. I want more of them... but they are incredibly rare. It's a miracle that I've obtained the set, consisting of the gauntlets, bracers, and boots. Despite collecting hundreds of other weapons and armor pieces that contain residual Aura, nothing else can even remotely compare."
Aside from Eternity....
Rakshala takes both the gauntlets and the bracers and puts them on. Her hand and forearm are slightly larger than Auren's, so at first it's a tight fit. However, as soon as her aura comes into contact with them, they widen and adjust, fitting her perfectly within seconds.
"I see..." Rakshala notes. She turns her arm slightly as if testing the weight and feel, then takes them off again and returns them to Auren. "They are indeed wonderful. I can feel their strength. The amount of protection and the additional enhancement of Aura are on such a level that they resemble a Hatsu. I can also tell why you think they are addictive. Immediately after putting them on, I had the urge to keep them." She pauses, choosing her words carefully. "As for their special effect. They are extremely durable the materials are obviously exceptional. Not only that, they are made so that anyone who strikes them—whether with a weapon or bare-handed—risks extreme damage to whatever comes into contact with them."
She looks back up at him. "If your new friend, Leira, can analyse the materials, it would be very helpful. We could try to replicate them, even if the final product is of lesser quality. If you find out something, tell me..." Rakshala's expression softens. "But enough about business. How about yourself? Are you alright?"
"Of course," Auren replies.
Rakshala smiles at him, not saying anything. Her gaze lingers on Auren, not pulling away.
"..."
Auren sighs. "Perhaps... I've grown a little soft. When I arrived in Meteor City... I was filled with hatred. I had no problem sacrificing my fellow students for my own personal gain and survival. I could have perhaps saved more people—we could have taken down Lidor together, and many more would have survived." His voice stays level, but the words come out heavier. "However, I saw it as a challenge, and the others as pawns in my own game. I'm not sure I can justify it with my own survival."
"I wanted everything. I wanted Eternity... even now I can't think of a world without it. It's a part of myself." Auren's eyes stay forward. "However... since then, I've grown a little soft. I'm babysitting and employing a lot of people. I've taken on students. I've tried to solve problems without killing. I was extremely patient during my encounter with Kite. I gave him so many chances... just thinking about it infuriates me. In my mind, I should have killed him after my first warning. However... I didn't. I'm not sure this is a good thing. It looks like I'm losing my will... my resolve."
He hesitates, then adds, "I even spared the Troupe for kidnapping and maiming my instructors... even though I knew I could restore them, I should have been more angry."
"I think your development is commendable," Rakshala says, patting his head. "You're just learning about balance. Violence, in most cases, is not rational. If you find better solutions, you would be a fool to simply solve your problems the simple way. Do whatever you want, or feel like. I've noted nothing worrying about you. You are kind and gentle, but you haven't forgotten how to be merciless—and kill. That's how it should be."
"Maybe I'm a little jealous..." she adds in a quiet voice. Then she slowly withdraws her hand from his head, raises her voice again, and returns to practical matters. "When do you plan on leaving?"
"When Neffi returns, and I've taken care of a few issues. Very soon, I guess."
"A few more wounded people are scheduled to arrive in a week." Rakshala watches him as she asks it, calm but clearly hoping for a yes. "Can you stay that long and take care of them? The Elders have arranged it... though they would accept it, should you refuse."
"No problem," Auren says. "I'll visit you again before I leave."
"There is no need for that," she says. "I'll visit you next time. No need to go through the hassle of combing through my schedule, trying to find a spot." Rakshala's smile turns a little more direct. "I also want to train with you."
"You... want to fight? Spar? With me?" Auren asks.
"Haha, of course not," she says, chuckling. "I'm talking about Nen training. You still need to show me your progress with En, after all."
"Okay..." Auren says, standing up and walking away.
"Also, as much as I enjoyed you teasing Rosa, don't overdo it. The poor girl thinks she actually needs to clean your toilet tonight. I'll tell her you were joking," Rakshala adds.
"Perhaps I wasn't joking," Auren says, grinning as he leaves her floor and slowly descends the administrative building.
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