041 (Vol 4) HxH: Tombbound Power

The V5, several other nations, and even Chairman Netero—along with figures like Beyond and others—had stopped here to survey the area before ever setting foot on the Dark Continent.

If there had been anything truly valuable, it would've been taken long ago.

Chances are, back in ancient times, when people migrated from the Dark Continent to the Six Continents, they swept through here and carried off whatever treasures there were along the way~

Still, the land is vast, and the climate relatively livable—definitely enough to support human settlement.

But considering the surrounding sea beasts and the bizarre, unpredictable weather patterns... it's a nice spot for sightseeing, sure. But as for living here long-term? Probably not worth the trouble.

If this place had truly been suitable for permanent settlement, then humanity's ancestors fleeing the Dark Continent wouldn't have ventured all the way to the depths of Lake Mobius. They would've just stayed here.

Even the ferry group participants—some of whom may have only just arrived—probably won't last more than a few days before they start grumbling and demanding to go back.

Let alone the nobles... Once they return from this journey, they'll probably talk everyone's ears off about how dull this place was. That kind of feedback will naturally cool down the public enthusiasm for the Dark Continent.

And that's exactly the outcome the V5 and the others are hoping for.

...

"Hahahaha! What an honor to have someone as talented as Ging-san joining our expedition. This will boost the efficiency of our Dark Continent mission by several percent!"

Long before reaching the destination, Ronnel's super hearing picked up Beyond's booming laughter.

It was clear—he already knew Ging had joined the team, along with the exceptional Nen users Ging had recruited himself.

The more he understood Ging's skills, the more delighted Beyond became. Ging's involvement significantly increased their chances of success.

...

"So including the king, Pariston, and Beyond himself... that makes twenty-five people in total?"

Thanks to his enhanced vision and aura perception, Ronnel easily grasped the full makeup of Beyond's team.

Besides familiar faces—like Usamen, the apron-wearing marine biologist; Curly, the top professor from Varvard University; and the elf prince Muherr—there were others, each with their own distinct appearance and aura.

They were clearly capable Nen users Beyond had gathered from all corners of the world. At the very least, each had Nen abilities on par with those who qualified for the Greedy Island game in Yorknew City.

After all, strength alone wasn't enough. They also needed expertise and the capacity to survive harsh, unpredictable environments.

There were very few examinees on the Six Continents who met both criteria. Beyond had to work hard to find this group.

But for Ronnel...

"Their biggest contribution... will probably be giving me plenty of encyclopedia points~"

Smiling, Ronnel accelerated his pace and, in a blink, arrived near the group.

...

"Hmm?"

As high-level Nen users from across the Six Continents, several members immediately tensed up, sensing Ronnel's unhidden approach. They turned toward the source of the aura.

"He's here already?"

Beyond spotted him instantly and broke into a wide grin.

"It's Ronnel~"

Muherr, Usamen, and the other nine who had met Ronnel previously relaxed, their expressions softening.

As for the remaining thirteen—besides Beyond, Ging, and Pariston—their reactions ranged from guarded curiosity to barely concealed disdain.

A few lit up with interest, sizing Ronnel up. Others furrowed their brows or exchanged skeptical glances.

"Don't miss me too much—I know I'm late~"

Ronnel smiled as he arrived, catching everyone's reactions but brushing them off with ease. He focused on Beyond, who was striding toward him with open arms.

"Hey hahahaha! We meet again, Ronnel!" Beyond laughed as he wrapped Ronnel in a bear hug.

"I've dreamed about this moment—meeting freely outside of prison and getting ready for our journey!"

"I've been looking forward to it too," Ronnel replied with a grin as they separated.

"Haha, I knew it! Kindred spirits always find their way back to each other."

Beyond's smile deepened. He grabbed Ronnel's hand and started walking.

"Come, let me introduce you to the rest of the team."

...

"This is mercenary Muherr, marine biology researcher Usamen, and Curly, the renowned professor from Varvard University... but it seems you already know each other. Now for the others—let me introduce them as well."

Beyond cheerfully introduced the rest of his thirteen members. Though each had their own reservations, they still gave him face and greeted Ronnel politely.

But Ronnel could sense it—beneath their civility, a layer of arrogance and subtle hostility lingered in the air.

Guess I'm not exactly winning any popularity contests here~

Just then, Beyond turned to him and spoke with a teasing gleam in his eye:

"Now that we've all been introduced, Ronnel—do you have anything you want to say to everyone?"

The expression in his eyes made it feel like he was waiting for a show to begin.

Ronnel looked out over the many gazes—some respectful, some challenging—and chuckled softly. Then he cleared his throat and raised his voice.

"Since Beyond is being so gracious, I won't hold back. I'll just say what's on my mind~"

Beyond stepped aside with a grin. Pariston, ever composed, stood with his usual smile in place.

"You're probably all aware that Beyond and I have signed a partnership agreement," Ronnel began.

"And I'm guessing most of you already know what's in it."

"Well, let me spell it out—Beyond and I are partners. Equal status. I even have special privileges within this group. So don't mistake me for just another team member."

"In my eyes, Beyond and I are like the heads of two major corporations. You guys? You're the employees."

"And as an employee... shouldn't you have the awareness of an employee?"