This almost covers most of life's desires, and Beyond Netero had made a tempting offer.
He was confident that no one would refuse—not unlike the others he had already recruited.
Of course, if someone was held back by sentimental attachments, that was beyond his control.
"Sounds pretty good~"
Tapping his fingers on the table, Ronnel lifted his gaze, locking eyes with Beyond before responding.
"I'm definitely interested in the Dark Continent. But why should I team up with you?"
"If what you say is true, then the Dark Continent will soon be exposed to the world. Many other expeditions will set out, and the V5 nations along with major powers will mobilize. So why should I choose you?"
"Because I'm the best choice among them all!"
Beyond grinned, subtly exhaling in relief.
Now that Ronnel had shown interest, things would be much easier.
"How many of those so-called adventurer groups do you think actually matter?" Beyond's words carried both pride and disdain.
"Let's be real—how many organizations have someone with my level of strength?
"Take the Zoldyck family, for example. They may be powerful, but the stronger someone is, the more cautious they become. Especially assassins like them—their business is killing, not participating in large-scale expeditions.
"As for other adventure groups, the stronger they are, the more likely they have official backing.
"And the V5's official organizations… heh."
At the mention of V5, Beyond snorted, his expression laced with contempt.
"V5 has suppressed access to the Dark Continent for years. Now that the news is leaking, their first instinct won't be exploration—it'll be damage control. The Five Threats are not to be taken lightly."
Pouring himself a glass of wine, he took a leisurely sip before continuing.
"The Hunter Association, being under V5's jurisdiction, will follow their orders. Even if you go to the Dark Continent, you'll be shackled by their restrictions. Far less freedom than joining my team. So…"
"So no matter how I look at it, you're the best choice?" Ronnel leaned back into the sofa.
"That does seem to be the case. But I have a question first."
"Go ahead~" Beyond gestured for him to speak.
"You've made it clear that you disdain V5, which means your partner isn't any of their nations. Yet you're confident that news of the Dark Continent will be made public.
"That means your ally has access to classified intelligence on the Dark Continent, the courage to handle the consequences of making it public, the power to challenge V5, and enough credibility for the public to believe them.
"And given how highly you regard them, it's safe to say your partner isn't one of those non-governmental organizations you dismiss. If my guess is correct…"
Ronnel met Beyond's gaze. "It's the Kakin Empire, isn't it?"
It sounded like a question, but his tone made it clear—it was a statement.
"Ah, you really are someone worthy of Jed's recognition." Beyond laughed, openly admitting it as he gave Ronnel a thumbs-up.
A flicker of something unreadable passed through his eyes—clearly, he was considering other possibilities.
"So, Ronnel, my partner is reliable, wouldn't you say?"
Though Ronnel wasn't sure what Jed had to do with this, he nodded and continued.
"In certain ways, Kakin is indeed a solid choice. Joining your team doesn't sound bad… but~"
Before Beyond could smile in excitement, Ronnel raised a single finger and wagged it in front of him.
"What position would I have in your team?"
"Position?" Beyond's expression turned serious immediately.
"Yeah. You're obviously the leader. But as for hierarchy, I'm not about to let someone weaker than me give me orders.
"And as for being second-in-command…"
Beyond scratched his head. "Technically, I've already given that role to someone. The guy's smart and strong, but still a bit below our level.
"If it really bothers you, I can give you a unique status—answerable only to me."
"Only to you?" Ronnel smirked. "And what if your decisions don't align with mine?"
"That won't happen!" Beyond immediately waved his hand.
"As the leader, my decisions must set the standard! If I can't make choices that convince the group, then I'd be unfit to lead. And if that ever happens, you're free to walk away—I won't stop you!
"But, hahaha, that won't happen!!"
Beyond puffed out his chest, exuding boundless confidence.
"I see~" Ronnel remained impassive, nodding slightly.
After a brief pause, he picked up the wine glass in front of him and smiled at Beyond.
"Then, happy cooperation…Beyond."
Beyond's eyes flickered at the name but quickly covered it with a grin as he raised his own glass.
"Hahaha, happy cooperation!"
Clink.
The sound of their glasses meeting marked the beginning of a significant alliance.
Isaac Netero, the legendary Chairman of the Hunter Association, had a name revered across the world. In the Hunter world, first names came before surnames—like Gon Freecss and Killua Zoldyck.
Over time, due to his unparalleled influence, 'Netero' became synonymous with the Chairman himself, a title rather than just a surname.
As for his son, Beyond Netero, he chose to conceal his last name.
As for why—well, that was a mystery of its own…
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Fanfic is completed on patreon.com/FanficsHub (799 chapters in total)