Ron gave a slight nod. He already knew about this situation, though Netero was not yet aware of that. So he followed along with a question.
"Chairman Netero, what exactly are these Chimera Ants?"
"They're creatures from the Dark Continent," Netero explained. "When they eat different types of food, their offspring inherit the properties of that food. Humans are also part of their diet. Their physique is already stronger than humans to begin with, and once they learn Nen, they become walking disasters. Right now, it's very likely they've already learned it."
Ron was silent for a moment. "So that's why you personally came to deal with them? But isn't this manpower a bit too little?"
This had been one of the things that puzzled him even when he had seen the original storyline. The Hunter Association had many capable members—far more than just this handful. Yet Netero had brought only Morel and Knov, and neither of them were combat-oriented Nen users. Their abilities leaned heavily toward support and information gathering.
When a crisis erupted in Meteor City, Ging Freecss could be summoned. Yet now, even though Ging's own student Kite had already been involved in this Chimera Ant incident, Ging himself wasn't here. Biscuit, who had just finished training Gon and Killua, was also available. The Twelve Zodiacs of the Hunter Association could not all have been busy.
Furthermore, the appearance of the Chimera Ants was not merely a Hunter Association issue. It was a calamity against humanity as a whole—affecting the V5, the Kakin Empire, and many smaller nations. With the threat the Chimera Ants posed, there was no way the V5 wouldn't send Nen users to intervene—unless someone had stopped them.
Looking at the situation, Ron could only guess one possibility: Netero himself had blocked them, deliberately bringing only Morel and Knov. From the beginning, Netero had already decided to handle this matter alone.
A chilling thought crossed Ron's mind, one that made his heart sink. He didn't dare confirm it without proof. If his suspicion was true, then the Chimera Ant incident was not just an accident. And if so, what role exactly was Netero playing in all of this?
Netero's eyes sharpened slightly. "I alone am enough. The situation with the Chimera Ants is still unclear. Bringing more people would make no difference."
Ron decided not to comment on that.
Before long, the four of them arrived at the NGL border.
"Killua."
Ron spotted him sitting in front of a small wooden hut by the roadside.
"Ron-nii."
Killua's eyes were dim, but when he saw Ron, a faint light returned to them.
"You're alright?"
"Yes."
"And Gon?"
"He hasn't woken up yet, but his body is fine. It's probably because when I knocked him out, I used too much force."
"He's inside?"
"Yes."
Netero and the other two walked over.
"Chairman Netero…" Killua glanced at him, then quickly lowered his head.
"Killua, can you tell me about the monster you encountered?"
"It was strong. Very strong," Killua said. "Of everyone—no, of every creature I've ever seen, none were as strong as that monster. It wasn't something humans could ever hope to fight against."
"And compared to me?"
Netero released his aura.
Killua recalled the scene in his mind. "Chairman, your aura is far inferior to that monster's."
That was Killua's judgment. But his judgment might not be entirely accurate. He still wasn't strong enough to truly gauge it.
Morel and Knov exchanged a look, their expressions becoming heavy. Netero, however, smiled.
"It seems that monster gave you quite a scare. Rest well, and settle your heart. Don't let its appearance disturb your state of mind. Morel, Knov, let's continue on."
Netero strode toward the border of NGL, with the two following close behind. Only after their figures disappeared did Ron withdraw his gaze.
"Killua, do you think Chairman Netero will lose?"
"Yes." Killua nodded. "His aura is still far behind that monster's."
"And what about me?"
Killua's eyes widened. "Ron-nii, you're not thinking of going too, are you? Don't go. Those monsters are far too strong. You can't possibly win against them. Even Kite's arm was severed in an instant."
Ron sat down beside him. "Killua, what do you think determines a Nen user's overall strength?"
"Abilities, experience, technique, reflexes, and aura reserves."
"Since you know there are so many factors, why judge solely from aura that the monster is unbeatable?"
"But that monster was too strong. It's a difference in level," Killua said. "That kind of speed, that kind of power—it's not something experience or skill can compensate for."
Ron patted him on the shoulder. "Nen users are not defined by just that. You don't understand Nen deeply enough yet. It's normal for you to make this kind of judgment. When you've learned more, you'll see the truth for yourself."
He stood up. "Before coming, I spoke to Uncle Silva. He asked me to send you back. Gon hasn't woken up yet, so take him to a hospital. Maybe he'll recover faster there. I'll head into NGL to see the situation with these monsters."
Killua looked at him with concern. "But—"
Ron cut him off. "No buts. Don't worry. I never do anything I'm not confident about. And if I really encounter an opponent I can't defeat, if I decide to leave, no one can stop me."
Ron stepped across into NGL territory.
At once, he felt the difference. NGL was a relatively closed country. Modern devices and manufactured goods weren't allowed. Outsiders had to remove everything of that sort and put on NGL's traditional clothing to enter.
But this restriction meant nothing to Ron. He could store everything in Sumas's space.
"Observation, begin."