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Chapter 688
🕑 Added 2025-07-23 17:14:39 +0000 UTCChapter 688
Two vehicles entered Meteor City, facing no obstruction. Before arriving, Ron had already received clearance from the Phantom Troupe—a pass allowing entry. The guards at the gate didn’t dare block them.
But even if someone had tried to stop them, none of Ron’s group would have been concerned. They wouldn’t have even needed Ron to act—just the members accompanying him were enough to force their way through.
In Yorknew, against the Biological Experiment Squad, and against Oster B-rank nen users might have seemed lacking, but in the larger human world, a B-rank nen user’s individual power was already among the elite.
Garbage Old Zone.
Ron looked out the window and saw that Meteor City had changed drastically. The old sector was gone. The mindless, machine-like husks were gone as well. In their place was something more like the new sector. Life was still harsh. Fights still broke out over a piece of bread. But at least now, the people had consciousness—had awareness. They weren’t empty shells anymore.
That alone was a major change.
Truthfully, before coming into direct contact with members of the Phantom Troupe, Ron hadn’t expected them to be this kind of group.
Machi looked at the scene outside with a complicated expression.
“Machi-nee, is this where you lived when you were little?” Misty asked curiously. Her tone had no trace of judgment—only genuine interest.
Machi nodded. “Yes.”
“Was there anything fun here?”
“Fun?” Machi fell into thought. “If I had to name something... maybe it was that, no matter how bad our conditions were, we still had hope for the future. But in the end, that was just our own naïve thinking. The real Meteor City wasn’t fun at all.”
She paused for a moment, then said softly, “But still... I liked it here.”
Misty looked at Machi, and a few of her own memories stirred.
“I was taken and sold when I was really young. I don’t remember my parents, or my home. Could you tell me... what that feels like?”
Machi blinked, then nodded. “Sure.”
Shizuku flipped open her notebook.
“I think I also grew up in Meteor City when I was little.”
Immediately, both Machi and Misty turned to look at her.
Shizuku pointed to her notes. “I wrote it here. I met the captain while I was still in Meteor City. He was the one who brought me out. After that, I ended up near Heaven’s Arena.”
“That’s where I met Nina and Sally.”
Machi quickly asked, “Do you still remember anything from back then?”
Shizuku shook her head. “Not really. I’ve lost most of my memories. And when I was little, I didn’t have a notebook, so I couldn’t write anything down.”
Misty gently patted her and smiled. “Then you’re just like me, Shizuku-nee. Neither of us has a childhood.”
“But we still have the future.”
“And now we’ve got a future to look forward to.”
“Meeting big brother Ron was the best luck I’ve ever had.”
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Phinks looked into the distance. Two vehicles were speeding toward them.
“Boss, looks like they’re here.”
Chrollo nodded. “It seems... Machi’s with them too.”
Phinks had already recognized her—she was the one driving one of the cars.
“Looks like our guess was right. Machi offered herself as payment and asked Ron to help us.”
“We all owe her now,” Chrollo said.
Phinks felt conflicted.
He had been deeply displeased with Machi leaving the Troupe. They had grown up together. She was one of the founding members. And then she just walked away, like it was nothing. Did she think the Troupe was a game?
But now, Phinks had to admit—if Machi hadn’t left, they would all be dead. If not for her, they wouldn’t have survived the Biological Experiment Squad. They’d have been wiped out.
So now, Phinks didn’t know how to face her. No matter what he said, it would feel awkward.
The vehicles pulled to a stop. Ron and the others stepped out.
Machi looked at Chrollo and Phinks.
“Boss. Phinks. It’s been a while.”
“It has,” Chrollo replied calmly. He had long accepted Machi’s departure from the Troupe.
Phinks gave a small nod but didn’t speak.
“Boss, can you tell me where Uvogin’s grave is? I want to visit.”
“Of course. Come with me.”
Chrollo led the way.
Machi hesitated slightly as she realized where he was headed.
“Is it near Sarasa’s grave?”
“That’s right. Uvogin, Kortopi, Shalnark—they’re all there.”
It wasn’t far. Perhaps Chrollo had predicted she would come and had guessed that she’d want to visit Uvogin’s grave. That’s why he had given Ron a location so nearby.
Phinks trailed behind the group in silence.
Before long, they arrived at Uvogin’s grave.
Machi stood there, unmoving, silently gazing at the headstone.
Memories flooded her mind—scavenging for scraps on the garbage mounds with Uvogin and Nobunaga when they were children. Fighting over resources with Feitan and Phinks. Joining the voice troupe because of Sarasa’s invitation. Grieving after Sarasa’s death. The founding of the Phantom Troupe. Learning nen together in the Depths. Going on missions with the others...
And then—when she told Uvogin she wanted to leave the Troupe, he had respected her decision. Even though he hadn’t wanted his friend to go, he had still honored her choice.
“Uvogin…”
“I hope you’re doing well, wherever you are.”
“I’ve already avenged you. The Ten Dons are dead.”
Machi hadn’t killed all of them, but several had died by her hand. She had taken part in the revenge—she had done her part.
After a long while, she looked toward Kortopi’s and Shalnark’s graves.
She hadn’t been as close with them as she had with Uvogin, especially with Kortopi. But they were still members of the Troupe.
Facing their graves, she could only offer one thought from the heart.
“The ones who killed you... are dead now.”
Finally, Machi stepped before Sarasa’s grave.
Sarasa had died a long time ago, but to the Phantom Troupe, her significance was still greater than that of most members.
