"Yes, let's have our dear Mia lead us to safety before we're surrounded," Lisa chimed in with a smile.
Mia's cheeks flushed a rosy hue. It was unclear whether it was from Ethan's kiss or the affectionate nickname "dear Mia" that added charm to her typically cool demeanor.
Despite this, Mia remained efficient, promptly opening an air door before them.
"Let's go!"
Ethan wrapped his arms around Lisa and Mia, leading them through the air door with the confidence of a triumphant leader.
As the trio entered, the air door sealed shut, leaving no trace behind.
"Did you hear about the big news? Last night, someone attacked Elder Vivian's forces in the outskirts. I heard a lot of people died."
"Tch, I thought you were going to say something new. I've known about this for ages and even have more details... Let me fill you in."
"Is it true that Elder Vivian's men were sent to capture someone, but they ended up getting killed instead?!"
Quickly, someone on the street said, "Investigate this Frieza person thoroughly. He managed to kill Gina, Manda, and others consecutively. He's certainly no ordinary individual."
Bad news travels fast, especially in the world of Hunters.
By dawn, Meteor Street was abuzz with panic. Rumors spread rapidly about Ethan (under the alias Frieza) killing Manda and others in the outer garbage mountain area the previous night.
Manda, Jason, and Paula were notable figures in Meteor Street. Even disregarding Vivian's backing, they were recognized as powerful individuals.
Their sudden deaths, along with their Nen-user entourage, created a significant stir.
As the rumors spread, it soon became known that the trio's journey to the outskirts was on Elder Vivian's orders to capture a man known as Frieza.
This man, alongside two female companions, was responsible for the complete annihilation of Manda and his group.
"Hahaha... Vivian must be fuming right now!"
"Spending all those years hunting others, only to have the tables turned—it's poetic justice for Vivian. Losing Manda and the others must sting."
"Master, we've confirmed that Frieza is just an alias. His real name is Ethan. He's not only a professional Hunter but also the owner of the Sky Arena..."
"Gina being killed was one thing, but with Manda, Jason, and Paula all involved, yet still being defeated by Ethan—this man is incredibly powerful!"
The elders of Meteor Street were the first to receive and analyze this news.
Some chuckled, finding Vivian's predicament amusing, while others swiftly mobilized their intelligence networks to delve deeper into Ethan's background.
Ethan had few dealings under the alias Frieza. With the intelligence capabilities of Meteor Street's elders, uncovering his real identity was swift.
In addition, the deaths of Manda, Jason, and Paula piqued several elders' interest in Ethan.
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After all, numerous elders had attempted to recruit Ethan in the past.
"Ah!!!"
Raging screams echoed through a lavish living room, interspersed with the sound of shattering vases and furniture.
"Damn it, I want him dead! I must kill him!"
The source of the furious outburst was Vivian herself.
Her wrath had left the living room in ruins, and several of her male consorts lay lifeless. Her once graceful and alluring demeanor was replaced with a ghostly, ferocious visage.
Suddenly, a man hurried into the room.
"My lady, I've mobilized all our forces to search the outskirts. Additionally, we've uncovered some information: Frieza's real name is Ethan, and he..."
The man, in his thirties, frowned at the room's devastation before kneeling and calmly reporting to Vivian.
His name was Aubrey.
Like the other male members under Vivian's command, his appearance was marred by a prominent red birthmark covering much of his face.
Similar to other elders who investigated Ethan, Aubrey revealed Ethan's true name and background during his report.
"Ethan?!"
Vivian's bloodshot eyes fixed on Aubrey.
"Yes, his name is Ethan." Aubrey kept his gaze lowered as he confirmed the information.
Vivian's chest heaved with rage, her breath coming in heavy waves.
While Meteor Street wasn't short on Nen users, elders like Vivian could easily recruit a number of them.
However, this was true only for ordinary Nen users.
Top-tier Nen practitioners, like the deceased Gina, Manda, Jason, and Paula, held significant positions regardless of which elder they served—a limited and valuable resource.
Top-level Nen practitioners were beyond the reach of even Meteor Street's elders, as they stood on equal footing with them.
For Vivian, losing four first-rate Nen users was akin to losing her right hand.
Not to mention the additional loss of numerous second-rate aides.
To say Vivian suffered heavy losses would be an understatement.
Learning that her losses were compounded by incorrect information about Ethan only fueled her fury.
Yet, after her initial rage, Vivian forced herself to regain composure.
Advance chapter in PATREON
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