Among the many weapons created by ancient humans, the ones that could truly be called weapons were those of Chucu's type.
Previously, Law had subdued Chucu, but in reality, Chucu's strength was not in one-on-one combat. Her role was that of a weapon, and her abilities leaned towards collaborative cooperation.
Compared to the Botanical Weapon like Brion, Chucu's practicality was more fitting for the identity of a weapon.
Although Ging and the others understood Chucu's essential function, they hadn't expected Law to have such intentions.
Everyone's gaze shifted between Law and Chucu, waiting for Chucu's response.
"Can I... refuse?" Chucu said weakly.
"Of course." Law nodded.
"Then I refuse."
Chucu looked at Law cautiously.
"Alright."
Law spread his hands, expressing regret.
Everyone watched in confusion, thinking, 'Shouldn't you be a bit more assertive?'
Chucu, as the person involved, was also amazed at Law's decisiveness and ease.
Given her position, having the right to refuse was indeed an incredible thing.
'This human... is very strange.'
Chucu thought silently, but this was a good thing for her.
Moreover, part of the reason she refused to be Law's weapon was also for Law's sake.
Because, when cooperating with her master, she would continuously absorb her master's Potential Aura.
If it were a Magical Beast race, which naturally had stronger Potential Aura than humans, they might be able to withstand it. But for humans, using her would be a burden, offering no benefit.
That situation would be like a warrior who could only wield a longsword well insisting on wielding a greatsword.
Law had recently lost his weapon, Shin. His need for a suitable weapon was still quite high, but he didn't dwell on this matter and got straight to the point.
"We don't currently know how many Menders are in the Dark Continent. Furthermore, based on the information obtained this time, there should be some kind of connection between Menders, allowing their memories to link together."
"That's why I was able to extract so much additional information. But, correspondingly, the death of one Mender might be immediately known by other Menders. So I'm more concerned about the reactions of other Menders."
"Dealing with one is fine, but if there are two or more, our situation will become very unfavorable. With this consideration in mind, it's one of the reasons I intend to form an alliance with the Gatekeeper Clan."
"Moreover, what we need to consider now is not only the threat from the Menders but also the Humanoids, who are more proactive than the Menders."
If using monster types in games as a reference, Menders are territorial monsters. They only attack when you actively trigger their hostility. Humanoids, on the other hand, are roaming monsters that actively attack other creatures.
Given the current situation, priority should be given to considering the threat of the Menders.
Because, based on the information obtained, although Menders each have their own duties and show no signs of cooperating with each other, there is some kind of connection between them.
Therefore, Law was worried that the death of one Mender might become a trigger point for hostility from other Menders.
"This is indeed a problem." Ging pinched his chin, his eyes showing gravity. With their overall strength, they probably couldn't withstand a siege from an unknown number of Menders.
"Then what should we do? We can't just do nothing, right?" Tonpa said, distressed.
"Sitting around waiting for death isn't our style." Biscuit glanced at Tonpa and said solemnly, "However, being cautious has advantages and no disadvantages."
"I think we should be more worried about whether other Menders can breach the spatial barriers of the Hide-and-Seek Dimension."
Shiro looked at Knov. Ever since the Mender in charge of life, death, and souls had come and gone freely within the apartment, Knov's Hide-and-Seek Dimension was no longer absolutely safe in the meaningful sense.
"I will start preparing countermeasures for that."
Knov pushed up his glasses. Ever since helping Law materialize the spare key, various new ideas kept popping into his head.
In this state, he had also considered strengthening the apartment's protective measures.
By using the apartment as the central point and letting his thoughts diverge, various ideas would spring up like bamboo shoots after a spring rain.
Furthermore, the concept of Doublethink provided him with a clear direction, making him feel that anything related to Nen possessed infinite possibilities.
"Confident you can do it?"
Law looked at Knov.
The security of the Hide-and-Seek Dimension was too important. Reinforcing it would be the best.
"Yes."
Knov was full of confidence.
Hearing this, Law couldn't help but smile, looking forward to Knov's renovation of the Hide-and-Seek Dimension.
"Actually, one of the purposes of this discussion is to let you decide the team's next step. Do we stop and observe, or do we proceed to the next destination?"
Law looked around at everyone present, first making them aware of the potential threat from the Menders, then using a vote to decide whether to wait and see how things developed or continue according to the planned itinerary.
Unsurprisingly, conservatives like Nique voted to wait and see, while restless types like Uvogin, fearing nothing, chose to set off.
Even with awareness of the Menders' potential threat, staying put wouldn't change anything.
Law personally also leaned towards proceeding to the next destination.
Soon, the vote results came in… proceed to the next destination.
The voting system meant the majority ruled. Once the result was out, members who hoped to wait and see had to wholeheartedly accept it.
"Then it's decided. Once Knov eliminates the apartment entrances and exits, we'll leave the Forest of Medusa and head to the next destination. This time, we might have the opportunity to climb the World Tree."
"Okay."
In the following days, Law and the others focused their discussion on the concept of Doublethink, trying to find the possibility of mastering it.
Law was also very interested in Doublethink and was willing to spend time and energy studying it.
If they could successfully master it, they would have more confidence in dealing with Menders, Humanoids, and various continental Calamities.
Time passed, and ten days flew by in the blink of an eye.
Knov eliminated the apartment entrances and exits, meaning the team could set off.
Furthermore, there was another piece of good news. After nearly two months of intense effort, Coo finally got her wish and became pregnant again.
This also meant that she would leave the team and convey the alliance intention to Red Shadow and the others.
Under Kuro's reluctant gaze, Coo left, while Law and the others went in the opposite direction.
Barring any unexpected changes along the way, it would take about four months for the team to reach the Crescent Mountain Range.
From there, they could see the silhouette of the World Tree, as well as various enormous and dangerous creatures.
After a two-month stop in Medusa, the team set off again.
It was worth mentioning that Chucu chose to stay.
She seemed very interested in the World Tree.