In the dim, yellowish light, the shadows of the flickering candle flames swayed in the breeze.
Chrollo gestured for Germain and the others to sit, but he didn't ask Pakunoda to bring water. There was no need for actions that might raise suspicion at a time like this.
Everyone stayed open and straightforward, and the conversation went smoothly.
"Sorry."
Chrollo pointed to the light tube on the ceiling and looked at Germain and the others.
"The electrical circuit was damaged by the Gyro faction before. Every time we tried to repair it, there were casualties, so we just gave up on fixing it."
"The remaining generators are all used for the underground bunker, so we'll have to talk in the shadows."
"Even though I've already said this outside, I still want to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you."
"Without your help tonight, the base would have surely been breached."
He had lost his entire right arm, and both his legs below the knees had disappeared. At that moment, he could only raise his remaining left arm, placing the round end of his hand on his chest.
Chrollo lowered his head to the group, making a sincere effort to show his gratitude. After a brief hesitation, the Phantom Troupe members—Shalnark, Machi, and Pakunoda—followed suit.
However, no one from the Germain faction responded.
Sheila, who remained neutral, breathed heavily. She wanted to close her eyes, not look, not listen, but she was also terrified. She feared that if she opened her eyes again, the scene would be filled with bloodshed.
Her feelings toward Pakunoda, Machi, Chrollo, and Shalnark were always complicated and hard to define.
Chrollo didn't expect much of a response from the Germain faction. After making the proper gestures, he raised his head and gave a faint, calm smile.
"I know why you're here."
"One of your goals has already been achieved. Gyro is dead, the old priest has been freed from his control, and Meteor City has been saved from its precarious situation."
"As for the other goal, of course, it was to come after me… But I hope you'll give me some time to make the final arrangements."
Shalnark, Machi, and Pakunoda all reacted strongly at the same time, but Chrollo raised his hand to stop them. He fixed his gaze on Germain.
Germain spread one hand and made a "continue" gesture.
Chrollo allowed himself a small sigh of relief before turning his gaze toward Shalnark, Machi, and Pakunoda.
"As the last elder of Meteor City and the former leader of the Phantom Troupe, I order you to disband the Phantom Troupe immediately, and never form a similar organization again."
"From now on, Meteor City is an ally of Germain and his companions. We must never do anything to harm them."
Shalnark, Machi, and Pakunoda were all stunned when they heard Chrollo's command.
Sheila still kept her eyes lowered, her expression blank.
"At the same time, you will take my place and become the new elders of Meteor City, handling all subsequent matters."
"This includes, but is not limited to, healing the wounded, burying the dead, cleaning and expelling demons, gathering the scattered people of Meteor City, and rebuilding Meteor City, among other tasks."
Before anyone could react, Chrollo gave a signal with his eyes for them to stop.
"Listen, this is my final decision and order. I hope you'll respect both and agree to my request."
"Trust me, your future tasks won't be easy. Just dealing with the demons will be a huge challenge. I'll actually have it much easier."
"You must continue forward. This is our original intention. I don't want to see any more meaningless losses."
Shalnark, Machi, and Pakunoda either turned their faces away or lowered their heads, tightly gripping the corners of their clothes. With their intelligence, they immediately understood Chrollo's unsaid meaning.
They wanted to follow Chrollo, but their reason told them that his decision was the right one. If they followed him into certain death, it would just be foolishness.
But asking them to openly agree was impossible, so they could only remain silent.
In a way, their silence was already an answer.
Chrollo glanced at them with a sense of relief, then turned to face Germain, Shalnark, and Kurapika, his expression turning serious.
"I'll leave the decision to you, but please spare them. Let them become the flame for Meteor City's reconstruction… Meteor City will never be your enemy again."
"This is not a deal because I know that our lives and the fate of Meteor City are in your hands, Germain. This is simply my plea."
Shalnark finally lifted his head. Ever since the formation of the Phantom Troupe, Chrollo had never shown his true vulnerable side to anyone.
Sarasa's death seemed to have taken away all his weaknesses, leaving behind another Chrollo who could coldly deal with everything.
That Chrollo, who always smiled confidently as if everything was under control, had now, for the future of Meteor City, completely abandoned his dignity.
Germain didn't rush to respond to Chrollo, but instead brought up another matter.
"As for those demons, the Hunter Association has set up defensive lines outside of Meteor City's territory to capture and eliminate any demons that have escaped."
This was the absolute limit of what the Hunter Association could do.
Netero would issue a mission, asking Hunters who volunteered to hunt down the scattered demons, just like what happened in the NGL Region and the Republic of East Gorteau.
However, they would not venture into Meteor City itself to help the people there. At most, they would only operate on the outskirts.
Because doing so would upset V5, who would think that they were wasting resources and energy on something completely unnecessary.
Fun fact: V5 has the power and the ability to disband the Hunter Association.
As it stands, the current situation was only possible because Netero had used the argument of preventing demon invasions in surrounding countries and expanding the crisis as a reason to negotiate.
But even so, for Meteor City, it was still a huge help. They and the Hunters could complete the encirclement in some gray areas.
Shalnark also had a Hunter license. He was very familiar with the Hunters' operations and knew how to avoid political and procedural issues.
"Once again, thank you all sincerely." Chrollo said, "If the Hunter Association needs any help, just talk to Shalnark."
It was then that Germain spoke again, but this time, he was referring to Chrollo's figure in the wheelchair.
"Before we make a decision, I'd like to know what happened to you?"
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