"I watched your battle against Jed in Heavens Arena. Your strength is more than enough to be my partner."
Beyond Netero said this with a smile, his voice calm and confident.
Then, still smiling, he continued, "After I sent my invitation, you only asked me why, without questioning my identity or other factors. That tells me you already have some understanding of who I am. So, I assume you also have a general idea of my strength?"
"The strong can only partner with the strong, after all."
Was this all because of his fight with Jed?
Or rather, was this just how conversations went with people at the top? It was impressive how much they could deduce from a single exchange.
Ronnel shrugged, not dwelling on it. At his level, there weren't many things worth overanalyzing. This was just another reminder of the kind of world he was stepping into.
"I have a certain understanding of Chairman Netero," Ronnel replied, even though Beyond hadn't asked. He figured he might as well clarify.
Then, after a brief pause, he gave an ambiguous answer. "What if I say no?"
"Refuse?" Beyond repeated over the phone before chuckling. "That reminds me of something unrelated."
His tone was casual, but Ronnel had a feeling there was a deeper meaning behind his words.
"If I remember correctly, Ronnel, after the Hunter Exam, you went to the Cruz Cemetery?"
"Yeah, I was looking for Amethyst Grape Crystal. Why? Is there a problem?"
"Hahaha, not at all. But I later learned that the second son of a high-ranking official from the V5 was also there at the time."
Beyond spoke slowly. "Later, that same second son returned home and attended an imperial banquet. But there was an incident—thugs infiltrated the event, and the second son went missing. Naturally, his father was furious. The search and investigation lasted a full year, and it seems they've recently uncovered some leads..."
"What exactly are you trying to say?" Ronnel asked, his voice steady but firm.
"Nothing much~" Beyond answered smoothly. "I just made sure to tie up some loose ends, so no culprits would be traced back."
Then, shifting gears, he added, "Come meet with me. If I get rejected without even a face-to-face meeting, that would be too embarrassing."
A brief silence followed before Ronnel answered.
"Time and place."
"Noon, two days from now. The café near Heavens Arena—the one you frequent."
Beyond grinned, his white teeth glinting in the sunlight.
"See you then~"
Click.
The call ended, leaving only the empty dial tone.
"Beyond?"
Ronnel looked at his phone, thinking for a moment before shaking his head and setting it aside.
Since Beyond had covered his tracks, there was no harm in meeting up.
And truth be told, Ronnel was intrigued.
A Team for the Dark Continent?
Ever since Kakin announced the expedition to the Dark Continent, three major factions had emerged:
The V5's official delegation, which was strictly regulated and under orders to follow international restrictions. Their purpose wasn't adventure but controlled exploration.
The Black Whale voyage led by Kakin, which would stop at an agreed-upon imaginary continent, still far from the true Dark Continent. More importantly, during the journey, Kakin's infamous succession war would take place. The over 200,000 passengers aboard were essentially sacrifices for the battle.
The Beyond Expedition, led by Beyond Netero himself. Unlike the others, this was the only group whose sole goal was reaching the Dark Continent itself.
Ging Freecss had even left the Hunter Association and his seat as one of the Zodiac to join Beyond's faction, becoming the second-in-command, likely in opposition to Pariston.
Beyond's philosophy aligned with Ging's perfectly—his goal had never changed. He wanted the Dark Continent, nothing more.
And considering he had successfully smuggled himself there once before, this time, with an official expedition, the success rate could be even higher.
If Ronnel wanted to go without unnecessary complications, maybe Beyond really was the best option.
...
The Meeting
Two days passed in the blink of an eye.
On the appointed day, Ronnel arrived at the café an hour early.
As soon as he stepped inside, he immediately noticed someone sitting at his usual booth—a tall, broad-shouldered man with a beard and an X-shaped scar across his face. He had been waiting.
"Not only do you know the café I frequent, but even the booth I prefer?"
Ronnel kept his face neutral as he approached.
At the same moment, Beyond noticed him. The older man stood up, a broad grin spreading across his face as he let out a hearty laugh.
"Hahaha! We finally meet, Ronnel! You look even younger and more impressive in person than on TV."
His tone was warm, his attitude relaxed—an approach designed to put people at ease.
"Pleasure to meet you."
Ronnel extended his hand for a light handshake, his eyes subtly scanning the room. The entire café was empty.
"I heard you recently defended your championship in Battle Olympia," Beyond said, releasing his grip. "You're in the spotlight, so I figured I'd rent out the whole place. No distractions."
"How considerate. Thanks."
Not only had Beyond cleared the space, but he had also left Ronnel's preferred seat open.
Details like this mattered. It wasn't about extravagance—it was about respect and careful planning.
It was a level of consideration Ronnel hadn't even seen from Chairman Netero himself.
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Fanfic is completed on patreon.com/FanficsHub (799 chapters in total)