Of course, it was because he refused to be defined by his father's legacy that others labeled him: the son of Chairman Netero.
Ronnel made this point clear, though it was ultimately meaningless. He simply wanted Beyond to understand that he shouldn't let emotions cloud his judgment when it came to matters related to Netero.
Naturally, Ronnel was also aware of the agreement between Beyond and Netero.
Only after Netero's death could Beyond enter the Dark Continent.
In the original course of events, Netero chose to self-destruct, removing any restraints on Beyond and allowing him to set his plans into motion.
But now, with Ronnel's involvement, the butterfly effect was in motion. Netero's fate—whether he would die or survive—was uncertain.
And if Netero were to survive, Beyond's entire strategy might collapse.
What Ronnel had suggested before—finding another path—was no longer just idle talk.
This was precisely why Ronnel was willing to work with Beyond.
How Beyond would react upon learning that Netero had survived was something Ronnel was quite curious about.
Meanwhile, time was pressing. The Kakin Empire and the Nasubi Hui Guo Rou were growing impatient. Their throne succession ritual, the Egg-in-a-Pot Ceremony, was about to begin.
Beyond departed as swiftly as he had arrived. After finalizing their agreement over a shared drink, he took his leave in a hurry.
Ronnel returned to his floor shortly after.
Chrollo was still in the process of removing Nen, though he looked noticeably worn out.
It wasn't due to the pain but rather the immense psychological strain of battling imaginary enemies in his own mind.
Shalnark remained in the adjacent room, carefully observing Chrollo's condition.
Machi, on the other hand, had already taken Kortopi out shopping, spending a significant amount of money.
Zushi's injuries were stabilizing, and with no further need for medical assistance, Leorio saw no reason to stay. He bid farewell to Ronnel and Wing, leaving with a sizable reward from the Hunter Association to focus on his final exams.
During the day, Ronnel experimented with creating a resentment-based infection potion and tested whether he could use [Soul Doll] to craft a puppet of Jed, who had fought against him.
The massive ball of condensed resentment stored in Ronnel's spatial backpack was still intact. Even after crafting Jed's puppet, it could still serve a purpose.
In the evening, he spent time with Shizuku, enjoying a peaceful, intimate moment together.
Thus, in the rhythm of monotonous yet engaging days, time quietly passed.
Before he knew it, May had arrived.
Following Jed's rampage in Heavens Arena, V5 and the Hunter Association had mobilized extensively to crack down on criminal elements, arresting numerous fugitives. The world had briefly settled into an unusual period of peace.
But such tranquility was never meant to last.
One night in mid-May, Netero sat in his office, reviewing documents submitted by his subordinates when his phone suddenly rang.
After answering, a slightly concerned voice came through.
"Chairman, Killua received word from the NGL Autonomous Region. He says they've encountered some incredibly powerful creatures, and he sensed an aura similar to Jed's emanating from them."
(Neo-Green Life (NGL) Autonomous Region)
"Similar to Jed?" Netero raised an eyebrow at the remark.
"Yes. The creatures are Chimera Ants—an isolated species. There were prior reports from Hunters, but at the time, the threat level was considered minimal. Now, however, something has changed. These ants appear to have developed human traits—and more alarmingly, they've mastered Nen."
"Nen-wielding ants?" Netero's expression grew serious.
As he stroked his beard, a memory surfaced—vague reports circulated within the highest echelons of V5.
"Powerful ants with abilities comparable to Jed…"
His fingers paused, and a gleam of excitement flashed in his eyes.
"Hohoho… Looks like I won't be bored this time."
The last time, all he could do was watch Ronnel and Jed battle atop Heavens Arena, brimming with excitement yet unable to join in.
He had rewatched the footage of that fight countless times, itching for an opportunity to test himself again.
Now, he had finally found a worthy challenge—and he wasn't about to let it slip away.
...
Meanwhile, in the office next door, Vice Chairman Pariston Hill sat at his desk, a sly smile never leaving his lips.
"So… the existence of those Chimera Ants has been exposed?"
Tapping his fingers lightly against the desk, his gaze turned contemplative.
"It seems like it's time for us to act."
With that thought, he reached for the phone and dialed several numbers.
...
Later that night, still within Heavens Arena, Ronnel, who had just completed the final adjustments on Jed's puppet, received an incoming call from Netero.
"What's up?"
"Hohoho, Ronnel, are you free these days?" Netero's voice carried a distinct excitement.
Ronnel immediately recognized the tone. After a brief pause, he responded, "Of course. Need my help with something?"
"Ah, indeed, I do." Netero chuckled.
"What do you know about NGL?"
"The so-called 'nature-loving' nation that claims to reject mechanical civilization? In reality, it's a breeding ground for crime—drug trafficking, arms deals, you name it. All of it happening behind the scenes."
"Hoho, you're quite direct." Netero laughed before continuing nonchalantly.
"Since you're already aware, I'll get to the point. Hunters recently discovered an incredibly dangerous species there. They reproduce at an alarming rate and possess immense strength. More importantly, they've opened their Aura Nodes and learned Nen."
"They're called Chimera Ants. Initially, they were just another isolated insect species. But something caused a mutation, leading to humanoid forms."
"Gon and Killua are already there. They've encountered some of the ants, and it seems a few of them are as strong as Jed was."
"…Figures." Ronnel exhaled, his expression sharpening.
Looks like things were about to get interesting.
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Fanfic is completed on patreon.com/FanficsHub (799 chapters in total)