Meanwhile, the most responsible big brother in the troupe, Franklin, after separating from the others last time, intended to find more members.
Naturally, his first stop was Meteor City.
No one earns Franklin's approval more easily than the people of Meteor City.
Unfortunately, he was disappointed.
Among those his age, none were particularly outstanding.
Which made sense.
Back when they filmed the Battle of the Beast, the strongest lineup was already formed.
Their performance inspired the kids of Meteor City, but only as spectators, not future comrades.
None expressed a desire to join them or work with them.
Among their generation, only Franklin and his current comrades stood out.
Just as Franklin was about to leave after finding no new prospects, Elder Veyron at Meteor City approached him, having heard he was recruiting.
"If you want to add a new member to your Phantom Troupe..."
Elder Veyron spoke kindly: "I actually have a good applicant."
"Long ago, I left Meteor City and traveled the world."
"During my journeys, I met many people, most untrustworthy, but sometimes enemies can know each other better than friends..."
Elder Veyron seemed lost in memory.
"Once, I encountered a small tribal group… and clashed with one of their strongest warriors."
"Though it didn't end pleasantly, unexpectedly, a connection was formed."
"Recently, something serious happened to their tribe. A major crisis."
"He sent his only child to me."
Elder Veyron continued, tone mysterious: "He said he knew I was from an abandoned place like Meteor City."
"And that their tribe, too, is a people abandoned by the world."
"So he sent his child here to join us."
"And maybe to ensure I didn't refuse, he told me…"
Elder Veyron paused, then slowly quoted: "We accept anything you leave here, but don't try to take anything away from us."
"So naturally, we would accept, right?"
With such a motto known throughout the world, Elder Veyron had no reason to refuse.
Especially since the incident involving the Mom's Help Foundation Chairman, Risnorth, Meteor City was again under the world's spotlight.
And not merely shouting a slogan, but taking real action behind it.
This outcome drew the world's attention, and for once, the residents of Meteor City held their heads up proudly.
For the first time, they felt pride in being from Meteor City, developing a sense of belonging necessary for a true community.
Exactly the result Elder Veyron wanted to see.
So he continued strengthening this development, while influence from the outside world spread, even the underworld organizations began offering cooperation, trading resources, manpower, and forming deeper alliances.
This expanded Meteor City's influence and served as a deterrent.
With the mafia supporting them, anyone targeting Meteor City would have to think twice.
Thus, for now, Meteor City's safety was somewhat secured, well, truthfully, even without the mafia, Meteor City had become something the outside world preferred not to provoke.
After all, even a world-renowned entrepreneur celebrated across the six continents was killed by someone from Meteor City just like that.
And there wasn't a single trace of evidence or a real culprit found.
On the contrary, they even unearthed all kinds of criminal evidence against Risnorth, that so-called philanthropist.
Even after death, murdered as he was, he couldn't rest in peace.
His reputation collapsed completely.
That alone was enough to make the elites and upper class fear Meteor City.
Those people wear shoes, while the people of Meteor City are barefoot madmen.
And barefoot madmen have no fear of those with shoes, this is normal…
Because of that, Meteor City now appeared to be thriving, with more and more people coming to seek refuge.
Of course, among the newcomers, who knew how many were spies and undercover agents from external forces?
Not even Elder Veyron knew, but just like Meteor City's slogan declares, they reject nothing and no one.
As long as those people don't try to take things from their hands, Meteor City is more than happy to accept them.
Just like now, this child of a certain minority, Elder Veyron once knew.
"I've met that kid before. His talents and potential are definitely enough to match your team's strength."
Elder Veyron gave Franklin an address.
"If you get along, I suggest you recruit him."
"Of course, the choice is yours. I'm merely giving a suggestion."
"It can be considered fulfilling a simple promise to that child's father."
The older one gets, the more nostalgic and emotional they become.
Elder Veyron's actions clearly didn't align with Meteor City's usual traditions.
But at this point, none of it mattered anymore.
At his age, very little could affect him.
Even if a slight mistake cost him his life, his authority, or even implicated Meteor City entirely… But so what?
He'd already lived long enough. He'd earned his time in this world.
After his death, let the flood come!
So he did this small favor, recommending that special minority child to Franklin.
Following the address Elder Veyron gave him… Franklin found the person.
"Phinks?!"
That was Franklin's first thought when he saw him.
The man before him, alert, defensive, ready for combat, was wrapped head-to-toe in bandages.
It was no wonder Franklin thought of Phinks.
Phinks also wrapped himself like a mummy all the time for no good reason.
But Franklin quickly determined this guy wasn't dressing up like that for fashion.
It was simply his lifestyle and culture.
Which meant he had found the right person.
"Descendant of the minority Gyudondond tribe… Bonolenov Ndongo, right?"
Franklin asked in a questioning tone, but with clear certainty.
"Who are you?!"
From beneath the bandages, Bonolenov Ndongo's muffled voice sounded.
"I am a member of the Phantom Troupe. We are currently seeking new members."
Franklin stated directly: "Elder Veyron recommended you to me."
"So I came to find you."
Phantom Troupe?! Recommended by Elder Veyron?!
Bonolenov Ndongo was very familiar with both names.
Especially the first.
The Phantom Troupe that rose from Meteor City had already become a legend here.
Their incredible actions outside had made every resident of Meteor City feel proud.
Bonolenov Ndongo hadn't been here long.
But in that short time, he'd already heard many stories about the troupe and its members, even stories from before they formed the troupe.
Stories of what they had done for the children in Meteor City, like filming the Battle of the Beast, Uvogin being king of the kids, Phinks and Feitan as the biker mafia robbers, Chrollo's influence, etc.
All the incidents before and after the creation of the troupe made them feel like real, living people.