Moses picked up the documents and carefully reviewed them.
'Although we haven't found a way to completely eradicate these Calamities, at least we've discovered methods to suppress them...'
After reading through the files, Moses noticed that the Overall Risk Index of [Shell Fungus] was downgraded from the original C+ to D+.
This is because the International Permit Agencies had early on identified that high-temperature flames were the Shell Fungus's weakness, allowing for targeted countermeasures.
However, due to the considerations for 'human rights', V5 and the International Permit Agencies, while ensuring 'effective containment', had not resorted to extreme measures to eliminate those infected with the Shell Fungus.
Instead, they minimized the risks while continuing to search for a possible 'cure'.
Thus, until now, although the Overall Risk Index of the Calamity, Shell Fungus, had dropped significantly, it remained under controlled observation.
Aside from the Shell Fungus, another Calamity whose Overall Risk Index had decreased was the equally contagious Grey Stone Disease.
The International Permit Agencies discovered that dense forests could suppress the Grey Stone Disease's spread, thereby reducing its Overall Risk Index from B- to C-.
While two Calamities had been downgraded, another Calamity had seen a slight increase in Overall Risk Index.
That Calamity was the Thermal Light Species, which caused victims to rapidly evaporate upon exposure to sunlight.
As of now, the International Permit Agencies' understanding of the Thermal Light Species remained limited.
And this lack of knowledge was the norm when it came to the Calamities of the Dark Continent.
'With these four Calamities still unresolved, if the Kakin Empire jumps out like in the original work to urge the world to go explore the Dark Continent… the V5's reaction will likely be even fiercer than before.'
Moses set the documents down and thought silently in his heart.
Had these four calamities not existed...
Once Nasubi Hui Guo Rou and Beyond completed their campaign, V5 will have no choice but to go with the flow and try to reap as much benefit as possible from this trend, as it is unable to stop them.
While the fame and glory can be given to Nasubi and Beyond, V5 will never let go of the Hopes brought back from the Dark Continent.
But now that these four Calamities are hanging over the Known World like the Sword of Damocles, Moses has no idea what kind of changes they will cause.
However, one thing is certain.
That is, once Nasubi and Beyond made their move, V5 will definitely put pressure on the Hunter Association...
Tap, tap, tap-
Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed from the hallway outside the office.
Moses snapped out of his thoughts and looked toward the door.
Just by hearing the footsteps, he knew it was Beans.
"Chairman, something terrible has happened!"
Before the door even opened, Beans's frantic voice rang out.
Moses raised an eyebrow, and then saw Beans hurriedly pushed open the door and ran into the office.
"What is it?"
While he had some guesses in his mind, Moses still took the initiative to ask.
Beans panted heavily and said, "J-Just now… the Kakin Empire announced that they would march into the Dark Continent!!!"
"I see..."
Moses lowered his eyelids slightly.
'What is meant to come will eventually come.'
"Beanie, go and notify all Zodiacs' members to gather in the meeting room immediately."
Moses was not surprised by this news. He looked at Beans and calmly issued the order.
"Huh-?"
Seeing Moses so composed, Beans was stunned for a moment, but quickly came to his senses.
"Understood! I'll inform the Zodiacs right away."
Beans responded quickly, then hurried out of the office.
Moses watched Beans leave, then propped his cheek on his hand and glanced sideways at the Calamity-related documents on the desk.
'How… will things unfold from here?'
…
An hour later.
In the meeting room, all the Zodiacs' members, including Ging, were present.
Moses sat in the main seat, while Beans stood beside him, responsible for recording the content of the meeting as usual.
At that moment,
The screen hanging on the wall was showing a video of the Kakin Empire announcing their march into the Dark Continent.
"Abundant resources, endless sources of food, humanity's prosperous future lies dormant in those lands."
In the video, the plump Nasubi Hui Guo Rou is waving his arms and shouting, his tone full of excitement.
"The old superpowers are in decline! There's no meaning in being shackled by the superstitions spread by the V5! Only a rising nation like ours can lead the world now!"
"Now is the time to open the gates to the new world! And we, the Kakin Empire, shall shoulder the dreams of all mankind… venturing forth as pioneers to conquer the Dark Continent!"
"To this end, we have already embraced the most suitable candidate to serve as the Captain of the Dark Continent Expedition Team!"
"Then allow me to formally introduce-"
With an impassioned gesture, Nasubi pointed toward the massive screen on stage.
Instantly,
A photo of Isaac Netero appeared on the screen.
"The Chairman of the Hunter Association, the world's most powerful group of experts, the legendary Pro Hunter, Isaac Netero-"
Nasubi introduced with great fanfare.
However, the way this introduction was framed made the hundreds of thousands of spectators at the venue and countless viewers who were watching the live broadcast assume that Netero himself was the Captain of the Dark Continent Expedition Team.
This left some in the audience, who knew about Netero's death, utterly bewildered.
And at the next moment-
Nasubi's tone abruptly shifted.
"-His son, Beyond Netero! Ohohoho!"
With this dramatic twist, Beyond, draped in a long coat, strode onto the stage and took his place beside Nasubi.
Back in the Hunter Association's meeting room, the Zodiacs watched this unfold, some showed obvious hostility, some looked grave expressions, and some remained impassive.
The video continued playing.
Beyond stepped onto the stage and said solemnly: "If you study myths and explore ruins, you'll learn that in ancient times, our ancestors originated from the Dark Continent. Therefore-"
Having said this, Beyond's face broke into a bold, confident grin.
"The path we are about to tread is, in truth, a journey of 'homecoming'!"
"And before we embark on this return to our homeland, let me clear all the obstacles that stand in our way!"
"Age, gender, nationality, profession, race-"
"None of that matters. Everyone should have the same possibilities and qualifications!"
"As long as you possess the courage to challenge the unknown, we welcome you with open arms!"
"Those who share our vision are our precious family!"
"All you need-"
"Is the courage to take that first step forward. And I swear, I will lead you to that new world brimming with infinite possibilities!"
"Everyone, gather in the Kakin Empire!"
Beyond's voice full of ambition and passion spread throughout the venue, reaching every corner of the world.
The open-air stadium was packed with hundreds of thousands of spectators, yet not a single sound could be heard. Everyone held their breath, their gazes locked onto the towering figure on stage.
"I-!"
Beyond raised his arms high and said proudly: "Will be right here, waiting for you!"
…
Hunter Association's Headquarters, Meeting Room.
Except for Moses, the other Zodiacs' members were all shocked by Beyond's declaration.
Even Ging couldn't help but react slightly.
'After allying with the Kakin Empire, he then fearlessly pulled the entire world onto a ship bound for the Dark Continent.'
'This man-'
'Was the polar opposite of restraint and conformity.'
'And yet, it was precisely this kind of person who could become a pioneer.'
Moses stared intently at Beyond's image on the screen.
After listening to that inspiring speech, he could almost see the furious reactions of the V5's higher-ups.
There's no doubt that-
They would soon issue orders to the Hunter Association, demanding Beyond's death.