Gourmet Hunter - Chapter 23 (Patreon)

Chapter 23: Dangerous Characters

The church on Meteor Street is the only one of its kind, leaning towards a Gothic style, with no connection to luxury whatsoever.

Its interior is spacious, with windows that allow light in through plain, transparent glass, devoid of any extravagant patterns.

The morning sunlight filters through the windows, slanting down where Luo and Chrollo Lucilfer's gazes meet.

The opening and closing of the door, though not done recklessly, still lifts a breeze, picking up dust off the ground and causing it to float in the sunlight coming through the windows, forming beams of light.

This is their first meeting, but Chrollo's gaze is fixed on Luo. When he notices Luo looking back at him, his youthful face remains serene, like calm water, but there's an undertow of unknown emotions in the depths of his eyes.

At twelve, Chrollo is three years younger than Uvogin and two years older than Machi, roughly the same age as Luo now.

Upon entering, he scans the church with minimal movement of his head, finally resting his gaze on Machi and Luo. This gaze lasts less than a second before it's fully on Luo.

According to what Machi had told him, Chrollo is curious about Luo, so he looks at Luo with a curious gaze.

However, when Luo examines him with a peculiar look, the initial curiosity turns into a subtle doubt.

Like a precise instrument, the exchange of gazes deciphers the meaning behind Luo's eyes, followed by a question.

This person seems familiar to him.

Chrollo thinks quietly.

Luo, unaware of Chrollo's thoughts, examines Chrollo and a tall girl beside him based on his subjective memory.

The boy's black short hair is neat, lacking the cross mark on the forehead present in Luo's memory. His skin is fair, his face still youthful, which makes the steadiness in his black eyes stand out even more.

Such a gaze is discordant on a young boy, as is the black casual suit on Chrollo.

Yet, both the gaze and the suit are easily accepted by Luo, feeling no dissonance whatsoever.

As if... like Luo, the soul within this boy is much older than his physical age.

"Chrollo Lucilfer, the leader of the Phantom Troupe and one of the dangerous characters. The girl beside him must be Pakunoda, possessing the Nen ability to glean others' memories through physical contact."

Luo's thoughts are turbulent, but his face remains calm.

Whether Chrollo or Pakunoda, they are currently young and not yet members of the Phantom Troupe years later.

"Chrollo, Pakunoda."

Machi greets them.

Hearing Machi, Luo confirms that the long-legged, blonde girl beside Chrollo is Pakunoda.

Chrollo smiles faintly at Machi, then tells Pakunoda, "You go ahead and help Machi with the fees."

Pakunoda nods slightly, carrying a bag of money towards the inner hall. A middle-aged man standing by the altar nods at Pakunoda, leading the way without a word.

After Pakunoda and the man leave, Chrollo approaches Luo and Machi.

Luo stands up, helping Machi to his feet.

Chrollo glances at the white bandage on Machi's thigh, asking, "Are you okay?"

"A minor injury," Machi replies.

A minor injury... for such a deep wound?

Luo's mouth twitches slightly, then remembers this is Meteor Street. It's not surprising.

"That's good."

Chrollo raises his left hand, thumb to his chin, right hand supporting his elbow, suddenly looks at Luo, and says unexpectedly, "I'm certain it's my first time meeting you."

Luo is startled internally but remains calm, smiling, "Me too."

"Hmm."

Chrollo nods lightly, withdrawing his thumb from his chin, and curiously presses his index finger against his temple, "But, you seem very familiar with me."

"Ah?" Luo feigns confusion, but his surprise deepens.

Hearing Chrollo's words, Machi glances at Luo, puzzled.

Chrollo observes Luo's reaction, smiles, and says, "Maybe it's my imagination. By the way, you can use Nen, right?"

This guy...

Luo raises an eyebrow, nodding, "Yes, since you asked, it means you can too, right?"

Having mastered Nen already? But Machi and Uvogin are clueless about Nen. What does that imply?

Is Chrollo intentionally hiding the existence of Nen, or has he only recently come into contact with and mastered it?

If Chrollo and Machi's acquaintance isn't deep enough, hiding Nen is understandable. But if their relationship isn't close, then the act of sending money here doesn't make sense, especially in Meteor Street.

If he's recently come into contact, did he self-learn or was he informed

 by someone? The latter seems more likely since he mentioned Nen, and there must be others in Meteor Street capable of using Nen.

"Indeed," Chrollo responds crisply, a faint smile on his face, seriously adding, "I heard from Machi about a black book? That must be your Nen."

Luo first looks at Machi, then silently nods. His Nen is not merely a book. According to the data displayed by the smoke letters, if conditions allow for all six categories to be enhanced to one hundred percent.

Then... it's not strange to extend into six different Nen abilities.

"How coincidental."

Suddenly, Chrollo lowers his left hand, raising his right, and a red book appears in his hand.

It's a book with a red front and a black back.

On the cover is a vivid palm print, above which are common language characters meaning: The Ultimate of Thievery.

"My Nen is also related to books," Chrollo says, showing the book to Luo and Machi with a smile. "Maybe because I really enjoy reading."

He observes Machi and Luo's expressions as he speaks.

The former is visibly shocked, a normal reaction since this is the first time Machi has seen Nen abilities displayed.

The latter, although surprised, seems to have been prepared for this reaction, almost as if... he already knew, or had a basic clear understanding.

The thing is, my Nen was developed recently and never shown to outsiders. There's no reason this person would know.

Strange, isn't it?

Chrollo maintains a slight smile, pondering silently.

"That really is quite a coincidence."

Luo also extends his right hand, manifesting the 'God's Hand' book, then reveals a bright smile.

"Probably also because I like reading as well."

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