The next day.
The capital of the Kakin Empire remained as peaceful as ever.
It was as if nothing had happened the day before.
Presumably, it was because the royal family stepped in to suppress the news.
Just like those young women who had been skinned alive like livestock by Tserriednich, as even the slightest whisper of their fate would vanish without a trace in an instant.
"They've given up on investigating…?"
Moses had been keeping an eye on the situation and noticed that Kakin Empire hadn't taken any corresponding measures.
"It seems... the Voyage Ceremony is still their top priority."
This slightly abnormal phenomenon could only point to one possibility-
The King of Kakin Empire clearly viewed the upcoming voyage as the most important matter.
So, at this critical juncture, their only approach was to downplay major incidents and ignore minor ones.
From this perspective, their timing had been perfect.
Moses knew-
The purpose of this voyage organized by Kakin Empire was not only to gain the title of 'Pioneer of the New World', but was also meant to serve as the stage for selecting the next heir to the throne.
By the time that concluded, several months would have passed.
And once the Succession Contest was over, only one of the many princes would remain-
Meaning there'd be no need to worry about Kakin seeking retribution afterward.
In other words, Tserriednich's death was nothing more than a drop in the ocean, barely causing a ripple.
…
"Kurapika, I'd like to recommend you for the vacant 'Monkey' position in the Zodiacs. Are you interested?"
A few days later, after ensuring Kurapika had calmed down, Moses finally brought up the topic of recommending him for the Zodiacs.
Kurapika was slightly surprised by Moses's invitation, and immediately agreed without hesitation.
He actually had no interest in the Zodiacs' position.
But after recovering all his clansmen's eyes, he felt a little lost, feeling like he had nowhere to return to and also no path forward.
Therefore, Moses's invitation to him somewhat filled the huge void in his heart.
This allows him to at least have the something to hold onto in his aimless state.
With that settled, Moses waited for Kurapika to properly settle the eyes of the Kurta Clan before boarding a flight back to Swardani City together.
"So, that means there's still one more vacancy in the Zodiacs, right~?"
On the airship, Hisoka asked with keen interest.
As for why he was also on board...
Because Moses asked him if he wanted to fight.
And so-
Despite the risk of being tricked by Moses again, Hisoka had also boarded the flight to Swardani City.
Then, on the way there, he heard about Kurapika being a new member of the Zodiacs, and that there was still one spot left.
Of course-
How could a person like Hisoka be interested in a position that restricted his freedom?
The reason for his interest was because Moses and Kurapika were also 'there'.
"Yes, there is one."
Moses tilted his head and glanced at Hisoka.
Hisoka narrowed his eyes and smiled, "Then why don't you recommend me as well?"
"Recommended you?"
"Mhm~"
"And what would the justification be? Your title as the Roly Poly of Heavens Arena?"
"…"
Hisoka immediately changed the subject and acted as if he hadn't said anything.
Seeing this, Moses chuckled in his heart, 'It seemed Hisoka was still hung up on that Roly-Poly title from Heavens Arena.'
…
Time passes.
Several more days went by.
There is still no breaking news from the Kakin Empire, such as the murder of the Fourth Prince, Tserriednich.
It appeared they were dead set on burying the incident.
At the same time-
The Hunter Association had received a revised directive from V5.
Shockingly, the order to eliminate Beyond Netero had been abruptly rescinded.
Instead, the task of 'resolving the Calamity: Thermal Light Species' had been forcefully handed over to the Hunter Association instead.
Moreover, a strict deadline of 'ten days' was imposed on this matter.
And ten days later just happened to be the eve of the Voyage Ceremony.
"If I remember correctly, the Overall Risk Index of the Thermal Light Species is B+, right? And it is the highest level among the four currently contained Calamities."
In the office of the Hunter Association's Headquarters, Moses lowered his head to look at the command document from the V5 on his desk, feeling nothing but a headache.
Just yesterday, Morel had finally agreed to fill the vacant position in the Zodiacs, but before they could even celebrate finally completing the Zodiacs, the V5 had dropped a massive bombshell on them.
The worst part was that, as a non-governmental organization, the Hunter Association had no way to refuse such mandatory demands from the V5.
"Yes. Among the four currently contained Calamities, the lowest threat level is [Shell Fungus], while the highest is [Thermal Light Species]."
Beans, who stood in front of the desk, confirmed Moses's statement immediately.
Moses pressed his hand against the document and frowned, saying, "V5 suddenly canceled the order to hunt down Beyond, and then tossed this thorny problem to us... It seems they've already reached some kind of agreement with the Kakin Empire."
"About that, I don't have any concrete information yet."
Beans shook his head, looking troubled.
Even an international behemoth like the International Permit Agencies had been helpless against the Thermal Light Species, so how could the Hunter Association possibly resolve it in just ten days?
If it was a Calamity with traceable signs, such as Shell Fungus, Gray Stone Disease, or Wax Body, then they might have stood a chance.
However, there is still no trace of the Thermal Light Species at present. Merely containing it was already a feat, while finding a definitive solution seemed impossible.
The most troublesome thing is-
This order would greatly affect their ability to fulfill the last wish of former Chairman Netero.
Because the worst-case scenario was that they'd fail to resolve the Thermal Light Species within the deadline, and under pressure from the V5, they'd have no choice but to watch Beyond brazenly board that massive ship capable of carrying 200,000 people and set foot on the Dark Continent once again.
"Could this... have something to do with Beyond?"
Beans thought that this development was extremely favorable to Beyond, so he couldn't help but have such speculations.
Moses shook his head and said:
"Although I haven't had much contact with Beyond, I don't think he is a coward who is 'afraid of challenges'. On the contrary... judging from his Nen Ability, it's clear that he not only doesn't fear any challenge but welcomes all of them."
"Ah..."
Beans looked at Moses in surprise.
When it came to assessments based on Nen Abilities, he really had no grounds to argue.
Moses lowered his gaze and said calmly:
"Beyond probably didn't interfere directly, but the same can't be said for the people he's gathered. Either way... in this situation, if we don't resolve the Thermal Light Species within ten days, we can forget about stopping Beyond."
"So what do we do now...?"
The worry on Beans's face became more obvious.
At this point, trying to figure out whether the V5 and the Kakin Empire had struck a private deal was meaningless.
Since the situation was already set in stone, they needed to focus their efforts more on dealing with the Thermal Light Species.
"I think... I might have a way to resolve it. "
Moses was too lazy to delve deeper into why the V5 had suddenly changed their stance.
After all, given their position, they had little room for choice.
In the end, all they had to do was find a way to resolve the Thermal Light Species.
So-
The only solution he could think of was the Zoldyck Family's 'wish-granting machine'.
Hearing Moses's words, the worry on Beans's face suddenly disappeared, and he let out a sigh of relief.
"Beanie, don't act like I've already solved the problem."
"…"