Now that Netero had reached this point, there was no reason to stop Beyond from pursuing his so-called adventure.
In a quiet ward of a well-known hospital, Netero reclined in bed, calmly watching a live broadcast featuring Beyond on the TV. He casually munched on a banana that Bean had peeled and handed to him, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
All the reputation and legacy he had spent his life building… gone. Reduced to nothing more than a stepping stone. Some might find that depressing.
But Netero didn't care. He hadn't cared about such things before, and lying in a hospital bed now, he cared even less.
After all, the man on screen was his son.
Isn't it only natural for a father to pave the way for his child?
He had no regrets. To avoid getting dragged into the Hunter Association's internal conflicts, he had quietly retreated to this hospital room. Gel, who was on duty and never interfered with Association politics, exchanged a brief glance with him. Neither said a word.
They were both loyal to Netero, concerned only with his well-being.
If Netero had no opinion, neither did they.
As for the more excitable members of the Association... who knew what they were thinking?
...
On-screen, Beyond had taken the microphone from the host and was now speaking passionately.
As the son of Isaac Netero and a renowned adventurer in his own right, Beyond understood better than anyone the human thirst for discovery—and he knew exactly how to stir it.
His words pierced the hearts of even the most timid listeners. People who had never dreamed of taking risks suddenly felt a fire ignite in their chest. A hunger to accomplish something, to be part of something greater.
By the end of his speech, Beyond flashed a confident grin, clapped his hand to his chest, and declared:
"Age, gender, nationality, occupation, race—none of it matters!"
"Everyone is equal! Rich or poor, as long as you've got a heart ready for a challenge, you're welcome!"
"No one is useless. No matter your personality, there's a mission out there for you—as long as you've got the guts to step forward!"
"Everyone! I'll be waiting for you in Kakin! I swear, I'll lead you to that new world full of hope!"
With those final words, the broadcast ended.
But the ripple effects of his speech were only just beginning—and would soon shake the entire world.
...
"No restrictions? Anyone can apply?"
Ging stroked his unshaven chin, deep in thought.
A completely open selection process—no qualifications, no screening. It was bound to stir up a frenzy.
If someone like him got selected and made it to the so-called New World, he'd be the first to claim its riches and glory. He'd go down in history.
It was clear that Kakin's move had shifted global sentiment in their favor. Whoever was trying to oppose them—whether it was V5 or the Association—had probably already gone into panic mode, scrambling to respond.
Beyond had painted the Dark Continent as a land of opportunity, downplaying its dangers and presenting it like a promised land. It was a trap disguised as hope.
Both Ronnel and Ging could see through the facade.
But Ronnel also knew the real plan. Kakin had no intention of actually reaching the true Dark Continent. Everything would be staged—set on the imaginary continent between Lake Mobius and the actual Dark Continent. That lie would be enough to fool the masses.
Beyond's entire strategy was clear: reveal the existence of the Dark Continent and position himself as a trailblazer, a hero of the new age. Under his leadership, Kakin had risen to become a superpower rivaling V5.
In a world where no one could claim total control, spreading your name to every corner of the globe was the next best thing. Publicly declaring the Dark Continent's existence was the perfect move to achieve that.
As for the chaos it might cause? Beyond didn't care.
The succession war aboard the Black Whale was about to begin. The world's future was already uncertain.
Who cared what came after his death?
That's how Beyond thought.
He was willing to gamble the fate of the world for his own ideals. Even if someone managed to reach the real Dark Continent and bring back something worse than the Five Great Calamities—even if the Six Continents themselves were thrown into chaos—he didn't care.
All he wanted was that moment: when he set foot on the so-called New World, to the thunderous cheers of the people and the praise of the media. That was his legacy. That was the mark he wanted to leave behind.
Only then would he consider his life complete.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have ordered the succession war to unfold during the voyage. He knew full well that two kings couldn't rule the same nation.
Beyond had already pictured it all. On the imaginary continent, he'd achieve everything he dreamed of—then exit the stage amidst flowers and applause, handing Kakin over to its new ruler.
He was, through and through, an extreme idealist.
...
That very idealism was what drew Beyond and Ging together. They had clicked instantly, becoming partners almost effortlessly.
Now, apart from Beyond himself, the only two people who truly understood his mindset were Ronnel and Ging.
"So, what are you going to do?" Ronnel asked, seeing Ging lost in thought.
"I guess I can't go back on my word to the old man," Ging said after a moment. "The only path forward now... is with Kakin and Beyond."
"But as for Beyond himself... I don't trust him. There's something off about him."
Ging's expression turned serious.
Coming from him, that was saying something.
Ronnel couldn't help but chuckle when he glanced at the graffiti-like doodles covering Ging's old shirt.
"So, you're planning to join Beyond's team? Just like me?" Ronnel asked.
"What other choice do I have?" Ging shrugged. "Might as well stick with you—watch each other's backs."
"Really?" Ronnel raised an eyebrow, amused.
"Then why not follow the Hunter Association? With Kakin making such a flashy announcement, V5 and the Association won't sit still for long…"
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Fanfic is completed on patreon.com/FanficsHub (799 chapters in total)