A Phone Call

Bored out of his mind, Coleman curled up on the sofa, a tiny figure squinting as he clicked through the channels with the remote.

Although, the television here didn't really broadcast any actual programs.

It could only relay the matches taking place in the various arenas.

But even that was better than letting Coleman sit alone in the room, lonely and dazed.

He flipped through several channels in a row, but none of the matches caught his interest.

It was a bit disappointing.

Coleman didn't stop, his hands continuing the search.

The midday sun crashed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a golden glow across the floor.

Through the pristine glass, the weather outside was magnificent.

The azure sky resembled a vast, boundless sea, clean and translucent.

Not a single cloud in sight.

A few gentle breezes swept by, rustling the leaves and making them whisper.

Several birds perched in the trees, eyes half-closed, enjoying the hard-won pleasant weather.

Warm and cozy.

From time to time, a few chirps drifted over, as if they were whispering to their companions.

Discussing secrets that only sparrows would know.

Quiet and beautiful.

Drowsy from the sun, Coleman had no desire to move.

Besides, the warm light didn't hit his face; it felt like a thin blanket, smoothing away the fatigue of the morning.

His consciousness blurring, Coleman began to doze off.

Enjoying a lunch break that belonged solely to him.

Ring-ring.

Ring-ring.

Unfortunately, it seemed Coleman was born to work.

The noisy phone reminded him that there was something else to be done.

Frowning in irritation, Coleman, who always strove to be a gentleman, would never dream of throwing a tantrum upon waking.

He crawled up slowly, adjusting his irritable mood, and answered the phone with the most friendly yet distant attitude.

"Hello, how may I help you?"

His voice was childish yet extremely polite.

The operator on the other end was stunned, as if they hadn't expected such a young child to answer.

But they quickly accepted it; after all, all sorts of people came to Heavens Arena.

"Hello, is this Mr. Coleman?"

"Yes, that is correct."

Smiling, Coleman tried his best not to let his true emotions bleed into his voice.

"There is a gentleman named Zeno looking for you. Would you like to take the call?"

Zeno? Grandfather?!

Coleman froze, unable to fathom why his grandfather would be looking for him.

Still, he suppressed his confusion and said with a smile, "Yes, thank you for the trouble."

"No trouble at all, it's our job."

With that, the operator connected the call to Zeno Zoldyck.

"Hello."

An aged yet kindly voice came through the receiver.

"Hello, Grandfather, is something the matter?"

Coleman was very puzzled; why would his grandfather, who was usually nowhere to be found, be calling him?

"Can't I call just because there's nothing the matter?"

"Of course not, I was just surprised, that's all."

"Ahem, it's nothing. I just heard that you and Illumi have been collecting information on Nen lately?"

Zeno's voice turned serious, even carrying a hint of a killer's intent.

It was the kind of intent that leaked out unconsciously from someone immersed in the business of killing for years. It was only a small amount, but because the source was Zeno, it felt somewhat terrifying.

However, having always been part of the Zoldyck Family, Coleman was long accustomed to the intermittent tests and probes from his elders, so he felt nothing much toward such bloodlust.

"Yes, Grandfather. I recently encountered an enemy who had just awakened his Nen. I was curious about the techniques he used, so I wanted to look into it."

Coleman explained the cause and effect in a few short sentences; he didn't want his grandfather to misunderstand.

After all, trying to speak in riddles with this old man would only end up making things difficult for himself.

Heaven knows to what extent this old man, who had lived for so long, might interpret his intentions.

Coleman didn't want to risk being dragged home and beaten just for trying to deceive his elder.

"Hmm, stop looking into it for now. It's too dangerous for you. And remember, once you reach the 100th floor, don't go any further. Calculating the time, your mother will be giving birth soon, so remember to come back and see her."

Zeno instructed in a deep voice; he didn't want these two children to learn about Nen too early.

After all, some things, if investigated too deeply, would only invite unnecessary trouble.

The words were profound, but Zeno believed this precocious grandson would understand. He continued, his voice carrying a hint of amusement and mockery.

"You should know, some trash always likes to bully the weak."

Those 'trash' didn't have much ability themselves, yet they loved to use their superior strength to attack those who hadn't yet grown up, achieving a dimension-reduction strike just to show off their own greatness.

The so-called strong drawing their blades against the even weaker—that was all it amounted to.

Coleman pondered for a moment and slowly replied, "Does jealousy make people lose their true selves?"

Hearing this novel metaphor, Zeno was stunned, then burst into hearty laughter. "Right, you can understand it that way. They just love to bully those who are talented but haven't grown up yet. Remember to stay away from that kind of trash."

Especially since members of the Zoldyck Family had a constitution that attracted them.

After all, the Zoldycks were one of the top assassin families on the continent.

If one could kill a cub that hadn't yet matured, it would be a significant blow to a family that wasn't exactly overflowing with members.

Especially if the one killed was a talented heir.

Clearing his throat, Zeno spoke again.

But this time, the matter he raised was somewhat subtle.

"Klein Town, a small town near the city you're currently in—have you been there recently?"

"No, I've been with my brother lately."

"Do you remember saying you wanted to set up an intelligence base?"

"Of course! Did Father agree?"

Hearing this, Coleman's eyes lit up. He truly couldn't stand the backward and inefficient intelligence organizations of this world!

Even though his own family's was good enough, it still didn't meet Coleman's standards!

Moreover, he wanted one that could operate independently of his family's organization.

That way, if something went wrong, no one would associate it with the Zoldycks.

"No, he is very tight-lipped, but your grandfather agreed."

Hearing his grandfather's words, Coleman was instantly overjoyed!

If his grandfather agreed, then his father didn't matter!

Anyway, if something happened, he could always go to his grandfather~

"Grandfather is the best! I love Grandfather the most!"

Thick-skinned, Coleman took advantage of his young age to act spoiled without restraint.

"Ahem, be more composed."

Zeno's voice sounded unnatural. After a brief pause, he stiffly pulled the conversation back.

"In that small town, there's been news of a very interesting kid lately. I think you'll like him. You could try teaming up with him and see if you can pull off something big."

It was just children playing house; whether it succeeded or not, it was just for fun.

Zeno didn't want this brat to keep investigating Nen.

If this kid kept digging, he'd practically unearth the entire history of Nen's discovery!

Furthermore, with his ability, he might just provoke those sects whose masters of Nen were legendary.

If things went poorly, he might even invite a fatal disaster.

It would be better to let him find some playmates to mess around with.

If he really managed to set up an intelligence department, wouldn't that be nice?

Zeno himself despised his family's intelligence organization, but his rigid son had no intention of reforming it.

And since Zeno was already 'retired,' he certainly wouldn't manage it himself, so he planned to rely on his grandson.

With nothing better to do, he had found a few kids for Coleman to work with.

As it happened, one of them was currently active at Heavens Arena.

Zeno felt this was an opportunity, so he pushed the boat with the current and introduced the person to Coleman.

Maybe if the brat was happy, he'd even bring his grandfather back some local specialties.

Having calculated everything to a T, Zeno grew tired of chatting with Coleman and prepared to hang up the phone.

"If you have some free time, you might want to go take a look. It seems they're hosting some kind of festival there lately, and there are free samples."

"Oh?! That sounds amazing!"

Free! Free!

Coleman was even more delighted.

"Alright, that's all for now. Oh, right, you mustn't tell your grandmother that I'm sneaking around letting you find playmates!"

"You got it!"

"Mm, hanging up now."

"Goodbye, Grandpa."

"Goodbye, my little Coleman."

After hanging up, Coleman remained quite excited.

It wasn't because he could start an intelligence organization, but because of the free feast!

Free, you know! Not spending a single cent!

No, he had to call his brother to join him!

He put on his shoes, dashed to the door in a few strides, and slipped out of Heavens Arena without a moment's delay.

He muttered to himself.

Oh, my dear brother.

Let's go have a free meal together!

The legal kind, too!