Chapter 117

"They don't know we're here. The assembly of these elite soldiers wasn't due to us."

Franklin chimed in, "Perhaps the Kingdom of Mosibia has other plans. Such an elite force could easily conquer a city."

"It's like a mobilization for war, but we just happened to run into it," Uvogin added, scratching his head.

War, huh...

Morin glanced at the soldiers lying dead or wounded all around but chose not to comment.

The three of them walked and talked, their figures soon disappearing into the bloodstained palace.

Yet, as they left, Morin had a nagging feeling—like he'd forgotten something.

What was it?!

By the next morning, as the sun rose, people discovered something unusual about the palace.

The nobles' attendants, waiting for their masters, came searching—only to stumble upon the blood-soaked inferno in the palace hall. The shock they felt? That's a story for another time.

The Phantom Troupe's meeting point was in the outskirts of the capital, atop an open hill.

Shalnark, Kortopi, and Omokage—who had barely fought—were in the best condition and arrived early to wait.

After the treasury raid, Chrollo didn't continue elsewhere.

Hearing from Shalnark that Morin had some results, he returned first, along with the heavily loaded Phinks, Nobunaga, and Bonolenov.

Not much to say about the rest, except...

...about those two.

Machi and Pakunoda didn't participate much in the action either.

But judging by their stony expressions, they clearly weren't in a good mood.

Their demeanor caught Shalnark's mischievous attention, earning them a couple of sidelong glances.

Looks like a memorable scene is about to unfold—time for some prime gossip!

Devious as ever, Shalnark secretly rubbed his hands in glee.

In truth, when Shalnark saw Machi and Pakunoda returning without Morin, he had a good guess about what had happened.

So, Morin stood them both up? Bold move, Vice Leader!

Shalnark's doll-like face maintained its innocent smile, but inside, he was barely containing his excitement.

"Vice Leader, hurry back already!"

As if responding to Shalnark's summons, a figure arrived first.

"The Vice Leader asked me to bring this back," Feitan said, landing lightly on the ground and pulling out a crown.

"This is the so-called crown of the Seven Wonders of the World?"

Phinks, Shalnark, and Kortopi looked over curiously.

The design was intricate, but its dull luster made it seem lackluster.

"Doesn't look like much," Phinks muttered, scratching his head, clearly dissatisfied.

For the Troupe's first collective mission, the result was far below expectations.

"This isn't its original state," Chrollo said, taking the crown and gently running his fingers over it. His gaze flickered thoughtfully.

"They're here!"

Nobunaga, scratching his chest hair, suddenly perked up.

Feitan had already moved to split the loot with Phinks, using his share to offset some of the debts he owed to Machi and Pakunoda.

Before long, the silhouettes of Morin, Franklin, and Uvogin appeared on the horizon.

"Hahaha! That was exhilarating!" Uvogin's boisterous laughter echoed long before they arrived.

His laughter was proof enough that the three of them had returned unharmed.

"If we have another mission like this, I'm going all out again!"

Noticing everyone waiting on the hill, Uvogin felt a pang of reluctance as the group mission concluded.

"There will be plenty more chances like this," Franklin said calmly. Though he hadn't been very involved, he enjoyed the camaraderie of the collective effort.

"We're back alive!" Uvogin shouted as they reached the group.

Nobunaga nodded sagely. "Alive, yes. Shame your voice isn't broken yet."

"And your sword could use some repairs before it snaps," Uvogin shot back, the two locking eyes in a competitive glare.

Morin glanced around and quickly caught the cold stares of Machi and Pakunoda. His shoulders instinctively shrank.

It was only on the way back that he remembered what he'd forgotten: he had told Machi and Pakunoda not to move and promised to return quickly.

But he had gotten carried away. From the Mosibian royal family to the noble infighting, he'd been thoroughly involved. Time had flown by, and he'd completely forgotten them...

Judging by their expressions, this wasn't going to end easily.

Morin felt awkward but remained calm. Thankfully, he had a plan.

While he'd never been in a relationship, he'd read plenty of cheesy pickup lines and dating guides.

Though he lacked practical experience, he figured his knowledge should suffice.

For girls like Machi and Pakunoda, who grew up in Meteor City and had never experienced romance, it should work... right?

If not, well...

Plan B: the Thirty-Six Stratagems—Retreat!

If he couldn't win, he could still run!

But things hadn't reached that point yet, and Morin was confident he could handle them. If he couldn't now, what about the future?

As a man, he had to maintain his authority!

"This first group mission has concluded perfectly," Chrollo said, stepping forward to ease the tension.

"Some of you may feel you didn't participate enough or that it ended too soon. Don't worry."

Smiling, he addressed the assembled members.

"This was only our first group mission, not our last. There will be many more opportunities like this."

With that, Chrollo held up the crown Feitan had handed him.

"Our goal met with some unexpected complications, leaving the crown in this state."

"To restore its former beauty is beyond me."

"But among us, the only one capable is..."

Chrollo looked at Morin.

"With your wondrous props, only you can repair this."

"For me?"

Morin glanced around and, seeing no objections, took the crown.

"Then I'll hold onto it for now. Once it's fixed, we'll decide how to split it."

"I'm not interested," Uvogin grunted, waving dismissively. "I care more about the thrill of the action than the results."

"Same here," said Phinks, with Feitan echoing his sentiment.

With others bowing out, the crown's fate fell to Morin.

He noted the lingering gaze of Machi and Pakunoda but said nothing, calmly tucking the crown away.

"Alright, everyone," Chrollo clapped, drawing their attention.

"This mission is over. Until next time."

With that, Chrollo disappeared first, officially ending the Troupe's inaugural group mission.

Omokage followed close behind, clearly intent on staying near Chrollo.

Franklin and Bonolenov left silently, as inconspicuous as ever.

Phinks and Feitan debated turning some of their gold into a custom Mahjong set to practice their skills before the next game against Machi's group.

Shalnark and Kortopi waved their farewells, with Shalnark flashing Morin a cheeky wink as he returned a spy gadget.

"Good luck!"

Though unspoken, Morin read the message loud and clear from Shalnark's lips.

"Gee, thanks."

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