In other words, the relationship between himself and the old man was something he had known about for a long time. Therefore, with Morin's clear refusal, it was basically impossible to reach a collaboration with him.
When Hui Guo Rou saw that Byonde wasn't speaking much, he didn't mind at all. After all, he wasn't particularly interested in Morin. Even though the V5 seemed to be stirring, Hui Guo Rou didn't want to get too involved in the commotion.
To him, nothing was more important than the ants over at NGL. This was a crucial step for the Kakin Empire to step into the global spotlight and become a leading world power.
"It's also the first step in realizing my personal dream, right, Gray!" Hui Guo Rou murmured to himself. Meanwhile, the Kakin Empire's Hui Guo Rou and Netero were carrying out their plans.
Morin, on the other hand, hadn't contacted Pakunoda or Baise for quite a while. He was taking advantage of the calm before the storm of the ant situation to enjoy some pleasant times. For Morin, these days were undoubtedly full of fun.
Moreover, during his time with Baise, he learned that to prevent Neon from being too heartbroken, Kurapika had found someone to impersonate Light Nostrade. The real Light Nostrade had already died in the cemetery hotel in Yorknew City. The person Kurapika found would basically never meet Neon.
Through this distancing, Neon's feelings for Light Nostrade gradually faded. Additionally, since Neon had lost her divination ability, it wouldn't seem too abrupt, nor would it make Neon suspicious; she would simply think it was because she could no longer divine.
This way, when Light Nostrade eventually disappeared, Neon wouldn't be too heartbroken. This was the last thing Kurapika could do for his troublesome boss.
It must be said that when Morin learned of Kurapika's actions, he sincerely felt that Kurapika was no longer just a bodyguard. Hmm, he was also acting as a guardian and nanny. And so, in these monotonous yet interesting days, time quietly passed by. In the blink of an eye, it was already May.
After Jed's chaos at the Heaven's Arena, it seemed like to erase the impact of these crimes, the V5 and the Hunter Association frequently dispatched forces, capturing many fugitives, leading the world to a rare period of peace. However, good times were never meant to last. Over in NGL, the Chimera Ants' breeding and expansion were particularly vigorous. After Nen users went to investigate, everything changed.
One night in mid-May, after Netero finished reading the written reports submitted by his subordinates, his phone rang. Upon answering, the slightly worried voice of Mr. Beans came through.
"Chairman, Killua sent a message from the NGL Republic saying they discovered a very powerful creature, and they sensed a terrifying aura similar to Jed's from them!"
"Similar to Jed?" Netero raised an eyebrow at this. "Another being with malevolent Nen?"
"Uh, not quite. It's just that the level of danger and terror is similar to Jed," Mr. Beans said truthfully. "It's said that these creatures are Chimera Ants, isolated beings. Previously, some Hunters reported similar findings, but their danger level wasn't high at the time. We thought some animal Hunters could handle it, but now...?"
Mr. Beans' tone turned somber. "But now, for some reason, those ants seem to have acquired human characteristics and even mastered Nen!"
"Ants that have mastered Nen?" Netero's expression gradually became serious. Stroking his beard, he suddenly recalled the vague rumors circulating within a very small circle of the V5 recently.
"Ants with powerful abilities, possessing strength akin to Jed?" Netero's hand stopped stroking his beard, his eyes shining brightly. "Even Killua, who isn't weak after special training, can feel this way..."
"Yoh, it seems this time won't be boring!!" Last time, at the top of the Heaven's Arena tower, he had been left hanging, only able to watch Morin and Jed battle, his blood boiling yet helpless. Even after his seal was lifted, he had only managed to use one move of his Hyakushiki Kannon. It was completely unsatisfying!!
Until now, he had watched the video of their battle many times, his hands and heart itching for more. This time, having encountered such an intriguing existence, he wouldn't let it slip easily!
Meanwhile, in the Vice Chairman's office next door, "Looks like the time has come, the existence of those Chimera Ants has been discovered?" Pariston's smile remained unchanged as he lightly tapped his fingers on the desk.
"Then it's time to take some action, isn't it?" With this in mind, he picked up the phone on the desk and dialed several numbers.
Elsewhere, in a vast desert area, "Ants with Nen?" At the same time Netero received the news, a certain dusty, ragged individual also received a call. "I didn't expect those ant creatures to grow so quickly?"
---
Ging, now sporting an unkempt beard and wearing an Arabian hat, stroked his chin thoughtfully. Netero invited Morin! The Chimera Ant Extermination Squad is on the move!
"They've even mastered Nen. As expected of creatures from the Dark Continent, they're different from regular magical beasts and monsters." Despite the razor-sharp desert winds, they left no mark on Ging's skin or face. Even the swirling dust didn't cling to Ging's clothes.
Typically, magical beasts and monsters on the Six Continents can't awaken the power of Nen. Even the ferocious fox family, who serve as Hunter Exam proctors, are the same. Nature has given them intelligence on par with humans, the ability to transform, and the agile and strong physique of beasts. Given so many advantages, it's only natural that some limitations exist.
This highlights the unique nature of the Chimera Ants. "Chimera Ants are still beasts, and the possibility of them awakening Nen and opening their aura nodes is non-existent." Ging, having gathered extensive information on the ants in this desert, stood up and dusted himself off.
"But since they've awakened Nen, combined with the Chimera Ants' unique ability to produce soldier ants by assimilating the genes of their food..." "Did they consume humans and give birth to Chimera Ants with human genes, allowing them to open their aura nodes like humans?"
Though just a hypothesis, it was likely close to the truth. "Hmm, if they consumed ordinary humans, it might not be too bad. But if they devoured Nen users, the results could be problematic. Moreover, it seems the Chimera Ants from the Dark Continent have even stronger assimilation capabilities..."
As the sandstorm swept over, Ging's figure gradually faded from the scene, leaving only a faint voice echoing in the wind: "Looks like it's time to head back and take a look."
On the same night that Netero and Ging received the news, Morin, who was stargazing with a companion at a luxurious hotel, received a timely call from Netero.
"What's up, Chairman?" "Yo, Morin, do you have some free time recently?" Netero's laughter came through the phone, and Morin detected a hint of excitement and anticipation in his tone.
Immediately, Morin's mind raced, and he replied, "Of course, is there something you need my help with?" "Ah, indeed, there's something I need your assistance with," Netero replied.
"Are you familiar with the NGL country?" "Yes, it's a nation that claims to 'eschew mechanical civilization and focus on living in nature,' but in reality, it's a hotbed of crime, with drug trafficking and arms deals secretly conducted there."
"Quite straightforward, aren't you?" Netero chuckled and continued nonchalantly, "But since you know, that's even better. Recently, Hunters have discovered a highly dangerous creature in that country. They possess astonishing reproductive abilities and immense strength. It's said they've even opened their aura nodes and learned Nen."
"These creatures are called Chimera Ants, also known as Composite Ants. Originally isolated, beast-like ants, they've apparently mutated, resulting in humanoid forms. Gon and Killua have also gone there and encountered the ants. It's said some ants have power levels close to Jed?"
(Wait didn't Morin tell him about that in the V5 mission?)
As expected! Morin understood immediately. Based on the timeline, it was indeed time for the Chimera Ant incident to erupt. The ants Gon and Killua encountered should be Neferpitou, and Kite likely used his Nen ability, Crazy Slots, to roll a number one, "Absolute Endurance," allowing him to survive the battle with Neferpitou in another form.
So, Netero's purpose in contacting him was likely... "I've formed a Chimera Ant Extermination Squad, but due to obstruction from the Association and V5, I'm currently short on manpower. How about it, Morin? Care to join us?"
Netero casually extended the invitation over the phone. "Of course," Morin chuckled, "I'd be delighted." He was eager to witness the power of the Ant King, acknowledged by Togashi as the single strongest combat force in the Hunter world.
After receiving the rendezvous location and time from Netero, Morin hung up the phone. The NGL Autonomous Region was quite far from his current location, but with the tools Morin had, reaching there would only take minutes. The moon was exceptionally bright tonight; such a beautiful night couldn't go to waste!
The clear night sky was adorned with a brilliant Milky Way, reminiscent of the legend of the Cowherd and Weaver Girl meeting on the Magpie Bridge. Quite fitting, indeed.
The NGL Autonomous Region is located on an archipelago south of the Yorubian Continent. On the island, in addition to NGL, there are a total of five countries, including the Republic of East Gorteau and three others, forming the Island Federation.
Only this federation has the island's two airports, and the meeting point Netero and Morin agreed upon was at the entrance of one of these airports, in the neighboring country of Lokario.
"Are we just going to head there now?" At the airport exit, Netero stood at the forefront, followed by two members. One of them, noticing Netero's intention to leave without waiting, couldn't help but ask, "Chairman, didn't you say there was one more person joining our extermination team?"
With silver-white parted hair, wearing small black sunglasses, and carrying a giant pipe, the burly and tall Morel exhaled a breath, puzzled. Beside him stood Knov, dressed in a sharp suit, with a stern face, exuding the air of a successful and noble gentleman. This was the original Chimera Ant Extermination Squad.
"Yo, he plans to pick someone up on the way, so he'll be a bit late. He knows where we're going, so we've decided to meet at the big tree at the NGL entrance," Netero explained with a smile, taking the lead and walking ahead.
"????" Knov and Morel exchanged glances, both seeing the curiosity in each other's eyes. "Who dares to stand up Netero, the Chairman, and even change the meeting point?"
Neither voiced their curiosity, choosing instead to keep it to themselves and wait until they met the person to gauge their strength. Under the slightly dim sky, the group arranged for a carriage through the Lokario Hunter branch within the federation, heading directly to NGL.