"Is this indigestible material regurgitated from the stomach and intestinal tract? Which means these giant worms likely lack a specialized excretory opening..."
Allen muttered quietly to himself as he donned a pre-prepared gas mask and gloves. He carefully used tweezers to collect samples, sealing them within test tubes.
As someone with a decent grasp of biological common sense, he knew that these feces-like excretions likely harbored unique bacterial flora from within the giant worms. These bacteria would help researchers gain a deeper understanding of the organism and even allow them to infer the creature's original environment.
If they truly were a species from the Dark Continent, this was a golden opportunity to learn about its ecological conditions, specifically regarding microorganisms.
Just as he finished sampling, Allen suddenly felt the ground beneath his feet begin to vibrate. Moments later, a giant red worm slowly burrowed in from a neighboring tunnel. It opened its circular, tooth-filled maw and began vomiting brownish, viscous fluid and boluses of mixed bone and fur onto the ground.
Due to his proximity, Allen could clearly see that the worm lacked eyes entirely. It relied solely on the dense cilia covering its red skin to perceive surrounding vibrations; it didn't react at all, even when the beam of his flashlight hit it directly.
Social?
The thought flashed through Allen's mind instantly.
There was no doubt this wasn't the one they had encountered by the coast, as there was no Nen thread attached to it.
To figure out the situation, he and Lupos quickly entered a state of Zetsu. They carefully bypassed the behemoth and began exploring further down the rear tunnel.
Before long, they discovered a truly staggering sight in another cavern.
It was a massive, concave pit teeming with millions of red worm larvae, each only about the thickness of a finger. Unlike the adult giant worms, these were incredibly fragile; they could be crushed with the slightest application of force.
Even more terrifying was that the place where these larvae resided wasn't a simple dirt pit. They were inside a section of an organ resembling the intestinal tract of some colossal beast. Other adult worms nearby were vomiting pre-digested food into this "intestine."
As the food arrived, the red intestinal walls began to ripple violently with a gurgling sound, secreting a white mucus. Upon contact with this mucus, the larvae charged forward in a frenzy to claim it. Those that consumed the most began to swell rapidly like balloons, growing to nearly a meter in length in just a few seconds.
Seeing this, Allen's expression finally turned grave.
He finally realized that the giant worms ruling the island were, in fact, merely parasites living inside a much larger organism, and that organism was the island itself!
That's right!
This island was alive!
At the very least, judging by those digestive organs that functioned like intestines, it was still breathing. Whether it was in a deep slumber or recovering from a severe injury remained unknown.
Without a moment's hesitation, Allen took photos of the scene. He then used Beast Lore to check the detailed data of these worms. Finally, using his Nen, he captured several larvae, sealed them in jars, and swiftly retreated back the way he came.
When he returned to the surface, Bodoro was the first to approach. "Well? What did you find?"
"Trust me, you'll have nightmares if you see it. We need to return to the Hunter Association immediately and report our findings," Allen replied with a grim tone.
Now, he finally understood what Ging Freecss meant when he said, "It is a mere coincidence that humanity has not yet perished."
Compared to the horrors of the Dark Continent, the human environment was like a petri dish specifically placed in a relatively safe zone. Should an invasion occur by species from the other side of Lake Mobius, humanity would face the risk of extinction in an instant.
Furthermore, the true purpose of the "Gatekeepers" wasn't to stop humans from exploring the Dark Continent, but to protect the human world from total annihilation. The so-called "Five Threats" were merely the tip of the iceberg regarding the dangerous lifeforms of the Dark Continent.
Carrying the gathered data and evidence, the group rushed back day and night. They finally arrived at the Hunter Association again in early November.
When Allen submitted all the photos, specimens, and records, it triggered a sensation akin to a magnitude 12 earthquake. Even the V5 immediately dispatched commissioners to intervene in the investigation.
Specifically, the live larvae brought back from the island's center were sent directly to a high-containment laboratory for cultivation, observation, and dissection.
About half a month later, an older man in his sixties sought out Allen. He spoke with a tone of utmost gravity: "Young man, thank you for finding such a massive potential threat for us. After our research, we have unanimously decided to raise the threat level of that 'Living Island' to Rank A and place it under strict surveillance. As a reward, in addition to the standard compensation, you may make one extra request."
"Is that living island a species from the Dark Continent?" Allen prodded with interest.
"We aren't certain yet. But according to the biologists, it's highly probable. At least several dozen types of bacteria and viruses never before seen in the human world were found within those worms and their excrement, many of which are extremely dangerous and lethal."
The old man didn't hide anything, candidly sharing their current conclusions. He knew who the boy before him was and the result of his recent duel. If all went as expected, Allen might very well replace Netero in the near future as the new Chairman of the Hunter Association.
As a representative of the V5, he believed in maintaining a good relationship with Allen, especially regarding protecting the world from Dark Continent threats. Otherwise, heaven only knows when the human world might vanish overnight.
"If you don't mind, could I have a copy of the report on those bacteria and viruses? I have a feeling they might come in handy before long."
Upon hearing that unique microorganisms had indeed been found, Allen requested them immediately. This was far too important for his future exploration of the Dark Continent!
Compared to visible threats like the Unidentified Weapon: Brion, the Gaseous Lifeform: Ai, the Two-Tailed Snake: Hellbell, or the Human-Breeding Beast: Pap, he felt that the invisible microorganisms were the most dangerous of all.
The old man nodded without a second thought. "No problem! We share this data with the Hunter Association. You can go directly to Cheadle of the Zodiacs; she has a backup. Now, you may state your wish. As long as it isn't too excessive, I can give you a commitment on behalf of the V5 right now."
"Then... can you set my personal records to a status of permanent confidentiality?"
Allen hesitated for a moment before making a request he deemed quite reasonable. He drew inspiration from Ging Freecss's methods. Cutting off information at the source would signal to anyone with a brain just how much power was hidden behind the scenes, effectively deterring those with ill intentions from making a move.
"Hehe, of course. Furthermore, we look forward to your active performance in the future. Farewell, young man."
With that, the old man waved his hand and boarded a blimp with several bodyguards and assistants, disappearing into the horizon moments later.