"Step outside with me," Abengane suggested, snuffing out the fire in the hearth and gesturing towards the woods beyond the window. "In the embrace of nature, my 'Nen Exorcism' will proceed more smoothly."
"Alright," Germain acquiesced, following Abengane outside.
They traversed the cobblestone path, venturing into the forest where branches and flowers thrived, arriving at a clearing adorned with weeds and wildflowers.
"In the latter part of the year, this place will be teeming with flowers, truly a sight to behold. I wish to share that beauty with you," Abengane remarked, his enthusiasm unshared by Germain who merely nodded in response.
Undeterred, Abengane cleared the area, igniting a small bonfire whose smoke ascended lazily into the sky.
"Stay still, Mr. Germain," Abengane instructed, producing a makeshift witchcraft doll from his belongings. Holding it firmly, his expression turned grave. "Let us begin."
"I'm ready," Germain affirmed.
Abengane intoned a spell in hushed tones, his words muddled, though snippets such as "forest elf" and "power" were discernible.
A somber resonance echoed through the dense woods, chilling the air, yet Germain remained resolute.
Suddenly, the bonfire surged in intensity, and soon thereafter, wisps of gray smoke drifted skyward, coalescing into grotesque forms amidst the peculiar flames.
"That's it," Abengane cautioned.
These were Abengane's conjured "Nen Beasts," though their true master was Germain, embodying his "traits."
As a fearsome "Nen Beast" materialized, the bonfire emitted three successive "Puff," "Puff," and "Puff" sounds, birthing three other equally ferocious and repulsive "Nen Beasts."
They resembled lizard-like reptiles, each sporting distinct features—some with insectile mandibles, others with large human mouths, tongues protruding, or jaws locked shut.
The most striking disparity among the four "Nen Beasts" lies in their skin tone. Two boast a golden hue while the other duo flaunts a scarlet shade, effectively segregating into two factions.
Abengane, well-versed in "Nen Exorcism," couldn't suppress a gasp of horror upon witnessing this spectacle, his complexion paling instantly.
"Four 'Nen Beasts' have materialized? How is this possible?!" Abengane's voice quavered with disbelief as he turned to Germain. "Mr. Germain, a decision must be made swiftly. I can only assist in exorcising one of them!"
"Understood," Germain replied without hesitation, forgoing any explanations or deliberations with Abengane. Trusting his instincts, he pointed decisively at one of the "Scarlet Nen Beasts."
"That one."
"I shall act!" Abengane declared, his voice booming with determination as he directed his Nen through his witchcraft doll towards the designated "Scarlet Nen Beast."
"Come forth and meet your end!"
A surge of Nen enveloped the witchcraft doll, radiating with a brilliance akin to the sun upon the "Scarlet Nen Beast"!
The creature emitted a pained howl, its body recoiling within the confines of the bonfire, shrinking like a deflating balloon.
Then, in a violent swell, it expanded until reaching its breaking point, exploding with a deafening bang, dispersing into tendrils of black smoke!
One "Scarlet Nen Beast" vanished from existence.
"Successful..." Abengane exhaled deeply, though the triumph over one didn't grant him respite.
Beseeching the forest spirit through his witchcraft doll, he whispered, "Guard me, Spirit of the Woods."
With resolve etched on his face, Abengane advanced towards the bonfire, where the remaining three "Nen Beasts" converged.
Sweat beaded on his brow as he hurled the witchcraft doll into the flames, his voice booming with authority.
"You foul entities, dare not ensnare my spirit or encroach upon my being! Retreat! Return to your abyss!"
The trio of "Nen Beasts" wailed in unison, resembling the cries of infantile monsters. Then, contorting into a grotesque tangle, they vanished with a resounding pop amidst the fierce blaze!
As the flames gradually subsided, leaving behind naught but embers and ash, Abengane gasped for breath, his body drenched in sweat. The unexpected turn of events left him shaken to the core.
Though tempted to reprimand Germain for the ordeal, Abengane chose silence, mindful of Germain's inability to "remove Nen" and his uncompromising methods.
After collecting his thoughts, Abengane turned around, only to find Germain approaching him.
"Are you alright?" Germain asked, concern evident in his voice. "I sense danger around you."
"Exorcising Nen is inherently dangerous," Abengane's expression remained stoic. "But fortunately, the 'Nen Beast' has been removed. It's all over now."
Germain had just activated his Hunter Badge and confirmed that his negative trait, Gluttony, had vanished. Abengane's words held true.
"What about the remaining three Nen Beasts?" Germain couldn't help but inquire.
"I didn't anticipate you having four Nen Beasts," Abengane dabbed at his forehead with a tissue. "I regret to inform you, I can't remove them all at once."
Germain nodded in understanding and continued, "Actually, I only need to eliminate one more Nen beast, another scarlet Nen beast."
"I won't be able to remove your Nen Beast for a while. That's the price," Abengane shook his head. "You should seek out other Nen Exorcist."
Germain also shook his head, "What I seek isn't just the removal of one or two Nen Beasts, but rather a long-term partnership with a Nen Exorcist. The price is negotiable."
Long-term partnership?
After such a harrowing removal experience, Abengane simply wanted to get rid of this troublesome situation quickly. Why would he entertain the notion of partnering with Germain again?
Moreover, hadn't Germain hinted that next time, there might be more than four Nen Beasts appearing in the ceremony, perhaps five or six?
This fellow's Vows and Limitations seemed rather dubious. What exactly was the essence of his Nen Ability?
Contemplating this possibility, Abengane felt a shiver down his spine and declined, "I'm sorry, no matter the amount of money, I won't be able to cooperate with you in the future."
He glanced back at his cabin, contemplating his decision. After dismissing Germain, he swiftly took action, ensuring to keep his identity concealed.
"I need your assistance," Germain grasped Abengane's arm, causing him to tremble. "Rest assured, I won't endanger you."
"But... but... there are so many Nen Beasts (Curses), what if..."
"It's all right," Germain reassured, patting Abengane's shoulder gently. "Besides, you wouldn't want others to discover your ability as a Nen Exorcist, would you?"
Abengane recoiled in horror, his gaze fixed on Germain. "Are you... are you threatening me? You fiend!"
"Abengane, I'm not threatening you, nor do I desire it to escalate to that," Germain assured calmly, releasing his grip on Abengane's arm.
"The Nen Exorcist is exceedingly rare, and our circumstances are likely parallel. It would be quite troublesome to locate another individual with such capabilities for negotiation," Germain explained.
Abengane met Germain's gaze, recognizing the sincerity in his eyes. After some contemplation, he relented.
"I understand," Abengane conceded.
********
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