That carefree, reckless nature... It really reminded Ronnel of Netero.
But beneath that seemingly easygoing attitude, Beyond also possessed a meticulous and calculating mind—something that set him apart from Netero in a significant way.
It was precisely this unique mix of traits that gave him his own brand of charisma, attracting many powerful individuals to his cause. Even people like Pariston were willing to work with him. Hell, even Ging had joined his team later on.
As Ronnel contemplated Beyond's character, the man himself was watching him intently.
Especially when Beyond sensed the explosive power and immense potential hidden beneath Ronnel's calm demeanor, a gleam of interest flickered in his eyes.
—Much stronger than I imagined.
Beyond casually murmured, "Seven-Nine-Seven," then reached beside him and pulled out a bottle of red wine along with two small dishes.
"Since we finally have the chance to talk, we should enjoy ourselves."
With that, he uncorked the bottle without a second thought, completely ignoring the fact that they were sitting in a coffee shop.
"A proper discussion calls for good wine, don't you think?"
Pouring the wine directly into a coffee cup, he watched as the deep red liquid flowed smoothly.
Ronnel stared at the glass, a faint sense of familiarity tugging at his mind.
"And, of course, there are side dishes to go with it. I got these from some of the finest Gourmet Hunters. Most people will never have the chance to taste something this exquisite."
Beyond slid the wine glass toward Ronnel, then opened the container holding the food. A strong, umami-rich aroma immediately filled the air.
"Colorful fried cicada chrysalis—each color represents a different flavor, made from rare cicadas. Absolute delicacies."
Without hesitation, Beyond grabbed a green cicada chrysalis, tossing it into his mouth. He followed it up with a piece of cheese-yellow cabbage, chewing the two together with obvious enjoyment.
"Delicious!" he exclaimed, looking satisfied.
Then, gesturing at Ronnel, he added, "Go on, try it."
It was clear he was demonstrating that the food wasn't poisoned.
Ronnel understood the message, but he was more straightforward than Beyond—he wouldn't bother with such caution.
Instead of reaching for the food, he picked up the untouched wine glass and took a sip.
The texture was smooth, but the moment it hit his tongue, a strong wave of fruit flavors surged forward. The grape's natural sweetness took the lead, layering the alcohol with a refined complexity.
The tartness made Ronnel narrow his eyes slightly.
Beyond caught the expression but said nothing, the smile at the corner of his lips widening.
Everyone prefers dealing with a straightforward person. It makes things simpler—fewer pretenses, fewer headaches. Seeing Ronnel's response, Beyond felt even more convinced that he hadn't misjudged him. He was determined to bring him into the team.
"This is... Purple Grape Crystal wine, isn't it?"
Ronnel suddenly recalled something, his gaze shifting to the cup in his hand.
"Ah, so you recognize it? Indeed, it's a top-quality wine made from Purple Grape Crystals. A fine drink should be shared with a true warrior!"
Beyond grinned, then downed his entire glass in one gulp, as if he were drinking water.
This level of extravagance…
Ronnel glanced at Beyond again. This type of wine was incredibly rare—there were probably only a handful of bottles in existence. To use it so casually for a meeting like this... It was a bold statement of sincerity.
Letting out a soft breath, Ronnel decided to cut straight to the chase.
"What do you want from me?"
Beyond paused, chopsticks still in hand.
Seeing that Ronnel was now fully engaged in the discussion, he stroked his beard and sighed dramatically.
"Ah, just one sip of wine, and you're already getting straight to business?"
"Well, since you insist, I won't waste time." His expression shifted, eyes locking onto Ronnel's.
"Ronnel… how about joining my team and venturing into the Dark Continent with me?"
—So that's what this is about.
Ronnel remained calm, but Beyond continued, his enthusiasm building.
"I've already gathered many like-minded comrades, including some incredibly reliable people. I've seen your strength, and I'm convinced that if we work together, we can absolutely conquer the Dark Continent!"
His voice grew more intense.
"As a Hunter, don't you want to witness the wonders of an undiscovered world? Don't you want to see the legendary treasures hidden in the Dark Continent?"
His eyes gleamed with excitement as he listed them off.
"The Nitrolomi, a plant said to grant longevity. The legendary Panacea, a cure-all. The Three Original Stones, each holding unfathomable power. And countless other treasures beyond imagination!"
At this point, his tone was almost feverish.
"If you come with me, I'll meet any request you have to the best of my ability. If you want something from the Six Continents, like the Purple Grape Crystal, I'll get it for you. Money? That's even easier!"
He leaned in slightly.
"And, to show my sincerity, I'll tell you something in advance… The truth about the Dark Continent is going public soon. Soon, the entire world will know. If you step onto that land before anyone else, your name will be immortalized in history!"
"So what do you say, Ronnel?!"
Beyond's final words hung in the air, his excitement filling the entire café.
Silence followed.
The only sound was Ronnel's fingers rhythmically tapping against the table.
—If you want someone to do something, you just have to offer them what they desire. That's the simplest rule in negotiation.
Beyond wanted Ronnel on his team, so he laid out his offers.
The treasures of the Dark Continent. The luxuries of the Six Continents. Wealth. A place in history. And, most importantly, an adventure unlike any other.
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Fanfic is completed on patreon.com/FanficsHub (799 chapters in total)