Chapter 163: Beyond Netero's Declaration
Although the process differed slightly from the original work, the final outcome remained unchanged.
The election concluded with Cheadle being elected as the 14th Chairman of the Hunter Association, while Ging and Pariston departed from the Zodiacs.
No sooner had one wave subsided than another arose.
That day, a bombshell news swept across the entire world through the internet.
On the computer screen, a plump man with a simple and honest smile addressed the audience, introducing:
"Abundant resources! Endless food sources!"
"Humanity's prosperous future lies dormant in that land, ohohoho!"
"Therefore, our Kakin Empire shoulders the dreams of all humankind. I hereby announce that we will enter the Dark Continent!"
The Dark Continent—humanity's greatest taboo, known as the forbidden realm.
Ancient texts and ruins recorded that whenever humans attempted to venture into the Dark Continent, severe natural disasters would follow. Two hundred years ago, the modern five great continents' V5 established a treaty forbidding invasion of the Dark Continent.
The moment had finally arrived. Mord's lips curled into a faint smile.
On the screen, Greed Island King's introduction continued:
"The great nations of the past are gradually declining. Being restricted by the superstitions spread by V5 is meaningless, ohohoho! Only emerging nations like ours can lead the world today."
"We have successfully endorsed the most suitable candidate to serve as the general director of the Dark Continent expedition team. Allow me to introduce him."
As soon as he finished speaking, Netero's portrait appeared before audiences worldwide. Mord had to admit—this Greed Island King certainly understood marketing.
"The leader of the world's highest expert group, commanding battle-hardened masters, standing on the front lines throughout his entire life—the legendary professional hunter Isaac Netero's... son!"
"Captain Beyond Netero!"
With the atmosphere perfectly built up, a tall man bearing a striking resemblance to Netero strode forward and stood beside Greed Island King. Gazing at the crowd, he declared: "My beloved father often admonished me when I was young—a man's challenges only cease when his life ends!"
"By interpreting myths and exploring ruins, we learn that in ancient times long past, our ancestors originated from the Dark Continent."
"Before embarking on our journey to our homeland, all obstacles blocking our path—leave them to me to eliminate!" Beyond spread his arms wide and proclaimed loudly.
One had to admit—he was an immensely charismatic man, whose words carried great persuasive power.
This trait indeed ran in the Netero family.
"Age, gender, nationality, occupation, ethnicity... all unrestricted!"
"Everyone should possess equal possibilities. As long as you have the heart to challenge, you are all welcome to join! Those determined to reach new horizons are our important family members!"
"Different personalities will surely find suitable missions. You only need the courage to take that first step!"
"Everyone, gather in the Kakin Empire! Let us journey to the new world together!"
"I will definitely lead you there!"
Beyond issued his declaration to the entire world.
It must be said that this speech was extremely successful, making people's blood boil with excitement and sending shivers down their spines.
Just one hour after the public declaration, online views had already exceeded one hundred million.
The Kakin Empire had even allocated a hundred thousand telephone lines for operation, yet even that couldn't handle the volume of calls for inquiries and registrations about migrating to the new world.
The V5 had also stepped in, formally demanding that King Hui Guo Rou retract his declaration and sign a treaty to never invade the Dark Continent.
To go to the Dark Continent through normal procedures, one must submit an application to the V5-operated Foreign Travel Permit Office.
Before applying to the Permit Office, applicants need to go through the application process at the foreign affairs departments of the V5 countries. Documents are then sent to the Special Travel Division of the foreign affairs department, where applicants must stay locally for a month to undergo contract and briefing procedures.
The entire process takes roughly over half a year.
Additionally, applicants must hold three letters of introduction from members of their home country's parliament to even meet with the head of the Special Travel Division. Even with the letters, there's no guarantee the application will be accepted.
Even if the application is approved, it's unknown how many years one might have to wait before being able to participate in an investigation.
After spending a fortune during the waiting period and finally managing to join an investigation, one might find themselves under constant surveillance, like a tour group without freedom of movement.
This is something that Beyond Netero, Ging, and others like them cannot tolerate or accept.
People like them want to do things...
Go to places no one has ever been, meet people no one has ever seen, obtain things no one has ever touched!
Unbound by anyone or anything, doing whatever they want openly and honorably!
This is exactly what Mord wants to do as well.
Therefore, when it comes to going to the Dark Continent, Mord's interests align with theirs.
In the face of such a major event, it's naturally impossible for the Hunter Association to remain uninvolved.
First, the V5 demanded that the Hunter Association issue a warrant for Beyond Netero's arrest. Second, that old man Netero assigned the Zodiacs the mission of challenging the five great calamities of the Dark Continent.
Netero hopes that the Hunter Association can complete the exploration of the Dark Continent before Beyond Netero does.
The condition for success is to resolve one of the Dark Continent's calamities and successfully bring back hope.
With two such daunting tasks pressing down on them simultaneously, even the Zodiacs were overwhelmed.
After all, the Dark Continent is a place even Netero and his team failed to conquer. As for Beyond Netero, being Netero's son, his strength goes without saying—the fact that he returned alive from the Dark Continent is proof enough.
"I have no objections to our team going to the Dark Continent. But I oppose simultaneously taking on the mission to hunt Beyond Netero," Saiyu spoke up.
Beside him, Kanzai added, "Since our goals align, I don't want to accept a command that feels like tripping up a competitor. If it were a fair competition between Kakin and the Association, that would be one thing."
Just as the Zodiacs were arguing endlessly,
Beyond Netero personally showed up and turned himself in.
This sudden move caught the Zodiacs completely off guard, and they were led by the nose throughout the entire process.
.....
Elsewhere.
Heavens Arena was hosting a particularly special match.
Using Mord's intelligence as bait, Hisoka finally achieved his long-awaited wish—another battle against Chrollo.
"And here he comes! The Grim Reaper returning from his hiatus has chosen his first opponent in the Floor Master Battle—"
"This man who's also making his debut challenge as a Floor Master!"
"Hisoka Morow vs Chrollo Lucilfer!"
As the announcer's voice faded, the entire Heavens Arena erupted into frenzy.
Every spectator wore an expression of enthusiasm on their face.
This was a battle between Floor Masters!
Little did they know their fates had already been marked with a price at this very moment.