"A single Nen Beast, even if it never eats, won't die. It doesn't even count as having a side effect."
Ron's journey to Gourmet Paradise had temporarily come to an end. Alice escorted Ron and the others to the port, watching them board the cruise ship, and only after the ship had fully disappeared from view did she withdraw her gaze. Standing beside her were Menchi and Buhara, who had also come to see them off.
Alice's mood was a little complicated. Since childhood, she had held dreams and expectations about the bond between Gourmet Hunters and chefs, and Ron perfectly embodied everything she had hoped for—and even surpassed it in some areas. During their time in the gourmet realm, Alice had been genuinely happy, which made Ron's departure feel somewhat difficult for her to accept.
"If only I already had the strength to leave Gourmet Paradise and explore the world," Alice said to herself.
In the eyes of the ordinary people in Gourmet Paradise, Alice was already a genius among geniuses, constantly delivering surprises. She had just entered her first year of senior high school when she became one of the Elite Ten, making history. Still a first-year, she had gone on to defeat the former number one in the Elite Ten, becoming the new top-ranked member—again making history.
During the Council Candidate Tournament, she had once again ranked first in points and became a candidate representative. Each time, she had made leaps in status, and each time she succeeded. At first, she was the object of envy for ordinary people. Then she became the envy of students in the Moon Institute. Later, even other Elite Ten members envied her, and eventually, even the instructors of the Moon Institute were full of admiration.
In short, Alice had achieved success beyond what anyone had imagined in Gourmet Paradise. She was unparalleled. It was likely that in the next few centuries, there would not be another person like her.
However, Linne's expectations for Alice went far beyond this. Linne had been preparing Alice to reach toward the Dark Continent. Right now, Alice still had not met that standard. She needed to study more and grow further.
"But that day shouldn't be too far off," Alice said softly.
.......................
.........
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Half a day later, the cruise ship docked at the port. Ron and his group disembarked and headed straight for the airship terminal. The timing matched perfectly with their scheduled departure, and there was no need to wait.
The four of them took their seats. Ron sat with Shizuku on his left and Misty on his right. Sally was to Misty's right. A single thin blanket covered the laps of the two sitting side by side.
Ron closed his eyes, preparing to rest. Suddenly, a small soft hand slipped into his palm. Ron instinctively opened his eyes and looked toward Shizuku, who tilted her head with an innocent expression. Ron gently squeezed her hand. After their time spent together during maid service, Ron had developed the habit of lightly holding Shizuku's hand afterward. Now, perhaps because the current situation was similar—lying down, covered with a blanket—Shizuku had subconsciously acted the same way.
Misty seemed to pick up on something. She looked at Ron, then at Shizuku, with a puzzled expression.
The airship was flying toward the city where Heaven's Arena was located. The trip would take a while.
At lunchtime, Ron didn't eat the food served onboard but instead entered Sumas's space and asked Erina to prepare a meal. He had just exited the space and returned to the cabin when a figure, who seemed to have been waiting for him, approached.
"Sally, is something the matter?"
Sally walked up to Ron.
"Captain, I've had an idea for a while now."
"What idea?"
Sally looked out the window for a moment, remained silent, then said, "My memories from before—I don't have them. My memory starts from that night. Ron, you're a good person, Shizuku is too, and so is Nina. I'm really happy to have friends like you. I think the part of my life that I've forgotten must have been happy too."
"But people have to grow up eventually. I once thought I could stay with you all forever, be friends and companions for life. But my talent is too lacking, and my strength is too weak. I'm working hard, but no matter how much I try, it feels like I can't improve anymore."
"C-rank is already my limit. But you, Nina, Shizuku—you're all far beyond that. I can't keep up. If I stay in this team, I'll only be dragging everyone down. I know you wouldn't resent me, but I don't want things to be like that. Rather than hold you back, I'd rather leave the team. That would be better for everyone, including myself."
"Just like Alice. Her talent is so much greater than mine."
Ron wasn't surprised that Sally had come to this decision. The truth was, both Sally and Ruco were starting to fall behind in terms of team strength. Forcing Sally to remain wouldn't benefit the team and certainly wouldn't make her happy.
"You've thought this through seriously?"
"I have."
"Alright. I respect your decision," Ron said. "But even if you leave the team, we'll still be friends. That won't change. If you need help, just say the word."
Sally smiled, visibly relaxed, and let out a long breath. These were words she had wanted to say for a long time, but only now had she made up her mind.
"Okay. And if you ever need me, Ron, just say so."
"Yeah, it's a promise." Ron paused. "Do you have any plans afterwards?"
"I'm thinking of starting a dojo," Sally said. "My strength might not be enough for your team, but it's more than enough for the average person. I plan to open a school and take on some disciples, just live a quiet life."
"I don't want anything else."
"Oh, and Ron—I want to invite Ruco to come with me."
Sally continued, "Ruco's talent isn't exceptional. Even if she grows, she probably won't ever match the level of your team. Her ability isn't unique either. So I figured now was the right time to invite her along. That way, you won't have to hesitate when you find more suitable recruits later."
She was worried Ron would hold on to old bonds and keep Ruco in the team out of sentimentality, even when better options appeared.
"Alright," Ron nodded. "When we get back, talk to her."
"Got it."
Two days later, the airship landed. Ron didn't have anyone come to pick them up. The four of them took a cab and headed straight for Heaven's Arena.
As they went upstairs, a strong burst of aura suddenly swept outward.
Ron's brow twitched slightly.
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