As the day of departure drew closer, the entire nation of Kakin had descended into a state of absolute frenzy—no, it would be more accurate to call it a state of madness.
Whether on television or across the internet, various news media outlets spoke incessantly of the exploration of the Dark Continent and the colonization effort involving a staggering 200,000 people. Every hotel and inn near the port was packed to capacity, and the population density on the streets was increasing at a visible rate. Public service facilities and entertainment venues had entered a state of total overload.
Had preparations not been made well in advance, the social order would likely have collapsed by now.
King Nasubi, however, didn't seem particularly concerned. He spent his days looking down from his high vantage point at the colossal ferry in the distance, his eyes filled with an indecipherable, complex light.
While he was seemingly lost in thought, a man entered the room and bowed respectfully with a hand over his chest. "Your Majesty. The latest update: the young man you have been waiting for has boarded an airship bound for our country. Barring extreme weather, he should arrive in five days."
"Oh? The strongest Nen user since Isaac Netero, Grim Reaper Allen, is finally coming?" Nasubi's lips curled into an amused smile.
"Indeed. Shall I arrange a 'welcoming display' to put him in his place?" the man asked cautiously.
"No, that won't be necessary. Not only is there no need for a display of dominance, but you are to receive him with the highest protocols of etiquette. Remember, he is one of the most unique, and most distinguished, guests on this ferry," Nasubi commanded without turning around.
"Understood. Everything shall be as you wish."
The man bowed deeply once more and backed out of the room.
Once he had departed, Nasubi turned to another subordinate in the room. "Have the arrangements for the Princes been finalized and communicated?"
"Yes. According to your requirements, they have all partaken in the Seed Urn ceremony. They have all been informed that once we set sail, the Succession Contest will officially begin. In fact, several Princes had already begun preparing long ago, even placing their subordinates into the Hunter Exam as a breakthrough point," a middle-aged man in a black suit hurried forward to explain.
"Heh, they truly are impatient." Hearing that his children were actively plotting to ascend the throne, a gratified smile appeared on Nasubi's corpulent face.
"Your Majesty, I don't understand. Why must you invite this young man named Allen onto the ship? According to our investigation, he is a dangerous individual. He might become an obstacle, or even a disruptor, to the Succession Contest," the middle-aged man questioned in confusion.
"Of course you wouldn't understand. This involves the deepest hidden secrets of the Succession Contest. In short, just follow my orders."
Nasubi didn't give a direct answer. Instead, he waved his hand dismissively, signaling for all the guards and servants in the room to leave.
Once they had vanished, he murmured meaningfully to himself, "Grim Reaper Allen! You will be the finest sacrifice for this ritual! With your Nen and power, you can surely catalyze the greatest King in Kakin's history. My child shall become the ruler of the entire world!"
…
Meanwhile, Ging and Pariston, who had finished all their preparations and were merely waiting to set sail, were also discussing Allen.
"You really issued a challenge to him?" Pariston asked with a smile.
"I did. And he explicitly accepted. Barring any accidents, the winner of this contest will be decided between us. As for the Association led by Cheadle, while they have the advantage in numbers and resources, her personality isn't suited for exploring the peril-filled Dark Continent. She lacks the courage to break out of established frameworks; she is not a concern," Ging answered casually.
"Then what is our objective?" Pariston probed with interest.
"The elimination of the Hellbell, the magic beast that transmits murderous intent, and the retrieval of Nitro Rice, the ultimate longevity food."
Ging had clearly made up his mind long ago, stating the team's first goal without a second thought. Since the Dark Continent was so vast, it was impossible to wander aimlessly; challenging a previously identified location was the wisest choice.
"Eh? The rice that grants longevity? I thought our first target would be the Unmanned Rock or the gaseous lifeform, Ai," Pariston expressed a rare look of surprise.
"I originally planned to go for the Unmanned Rock, but the problem is that you wouldn't agree. In your heart, what you desire most is to follow in the footsteps the old man once walked. Am I right?" Ging countered with a knowing smile.
Pariston smiled and spread his hands. "My, my~ You've seen right through me. You really are a terrifying person. To make this game a bit more interesting, how about we become rivals as well?"
"Rivals? Aren't we already? But if you want to use the same methods on me that you used on the old man, you won't succeed." Ging's tone carried a hint of provocation.
The situation, having a formidable opponent both internally and externally, gave Ging the feeling of being backed into a corner, which only made him more excited.
"Hahaha! Then let's wait and see! Additionally, what do you think Allen will choose as his first target on the Dark Continent?" Pariston's spirit was also visibly heightened.
In truth, ever since joining the Zodiacs, he had longed to have Ging as an opponent. Unfortunately, Ging had never responded. But today, the two had finally established a formal rivalry. They would engage in fierce competition within this small group until one was completely eliminated.
Ging pondered for a few minutes before guessing, "Based on his personality and style, I think he'll choose to explore the ruins of the ancient city, deal with the botanical weapon Brion, and bring back the Herb for All-illnesses. You have to realize that among all Hunters, he is the one with the strongest sense of identity regarding his humanity. You can see that clearly from how he handled the Chimera Ant invasion."
Pariston nodded thoughtfully. "So, this is a race of speed. In principle, we won't have a conflict regarding our objectives."
"Not necessarily. Don't forget, our current status is that of an expedition team hired by the Kakin Empire. If Allen clashes with the Kakin Royalty on the ship, how will we choose to act?" Ging posed a hypothetical question.
"That will depend on whether the Kakin Royal Family can prove they have the ability to handle that terrifying monster. If they can't, I certainly won't be jumping into the fray easily."
With that, Pariston stood up and walked to the window, staring at the massive Black Whale ferry moored in the distant harbor, his thoughts unreadable.