Hunter: I became stronger even after I died.

Chapter 450 This is all I can do for you, brother.

Da da……

From dawn to midnight, and from midnight to dawn.

In this simple house, the crisp sound of chess pieces being placed never stops.

Komugi, who awakened her Nen ability during the game, not only used her dazzling Nen to preserve Meruem's fading consciousness, but also gained energy and focus far exceeding what she had ever had before.

then,

One game after another.

The two people at opposite ends of the chessboard seemed to never tire.

But facing Wheat, who has only just truly awakened and whose chess skills are constantly improving...

Meruem's response in the game did not result in the expected series of defeats.

He is also very strong.

There is no doubt about this.

Otherwise, how could he have become the catalyst for Xiao Mai's awakening of Nen abilities?

A game of chess ultimately requires two people.

A good game of chess also requires an equally matched opponent.

Meruem and Komugi focused all their attention on each game before them.

that's it--

It seemed as if it could last until the end of time.

Outside the houses.

Moro turned and left.

The morning light was hazy, shining on him and also falling on the quiet house behind him.

"Thoughts are, in themselves, the power of the heart and will..."

Moro walked towards the morning light, a sense of emotion rising in his heart.

Meruem, who should have been facing his end, had his fate quietly altered by Komugi's plea to stay, "Let's play one more game."

For Moro, this was an unexpected surprise.

He stood there, watching Meruem and Komugi play a game of Gungi (a type of ancient Chinese chess) for a whole day and night, and he confirmed one thing...

The Nen energy carrying Meruem's consciousness will continuously increase with each game.

Therefore, his act of stripping away his manifested magnanimity to fulfill Meruem's obsession actually planted a seed deep within this place.

He only needs to wait for time to pass...

The seed will eventually take root, sprout, and grow strong.

When the time comes, he can reap the rewards and reclaim the manifested energy level that he has accumulated through countless experiences.

However, for Moro, who has already surpassed the limits of humanity, increasing his manifested energy level is not an urgent need at the moment.

At least for the time being, he will not bother Meruem and Wheat.

………………

Leaving the town, Moro met up with Chimera in a remote, uninhabited place.

After a while.

With its massive wings covered in dark red scales unfurled, the Chimera carried Moro into the sky and quickly disappeared into the clouds.

Before coming to East Godot, Moro had already arranged a time and place to meet with Sambika.

But in addition to Sambika, he also contacted Kim.

Upon hearing that it concerned the Dark Continent, Jin's reaction was indeed enthusiastic, but...

This guy completely disregarded Moro and Sambica's schedule and feelings, and took it upon himself to set the meeting place in the town of Basadeka, where the "World Tree" is located.

Because Moro had spent a day and a night watching Meruem and Wheat play chess, his journey was delayed, and now he had to hurry to the town of Basadeka.

Despite having the speed of a chimera, this long journey will likely still make them late.

In fact, Moro originally planned to meet in East Godot.

That way, after settling his obsession with Meruem, he could seamlessly meet with Kim and Sambika.

But little did anyone expect that Kim would insist on having this conversation at the top of the World Tree, citing the "atmosphere" as the reason.

Maybe this guy...

Whenever it concerns matters concerning the Dark Continent, the meeting place is always set at the top of the World Tree.

This approach, besides creating a certain atmosphere, also carries a slight element of showing off.

………………

Two days later.

Basadeka City.

A world tree, 1784 meters tall, takes root here and stands tall against the sky.

Due to its astonishing height, it has been developed by the local tourism authorities into a key tourist attraction for profit.

Ordinary tourists only need to purchase a ticket to take the elevator or walk up the stairs to the viewing platform at 500 meters.

If you want to go any higher, it's a life-or-death gamble.

While local authorities do not prohibit climbing, challengers must pay a fee and sign a liability waiver.

Every year, about 3,000 people attempt to climb the World Tree, but 98 percent of them give up before reaching the top.

Of the remaining two percent, half perished in the fall, while the other half reached the summit.

In a sense, climbing the World Tree is not just an extreme challenge, but also a direct dialogue between humans and nature.

Despite the efforts of local authorities to enhance rescue capabilities, deaths could not be completely avoided.

However, the blatant threat of death cannot deter those adventurous challengers.

They continued to climb higher, one after another.

In essence, this is no different from human adventurers' obsession with the Dark Continent.

However, despite Netero's best efforts, he ultimately thwarted the adventurers' dream of venturing to the Dark Continent.

"Click."

Jin stood on the edge of the giant bird's nest at the top of the World Tree, holding an apple he had just taken a bite out of.

Looking out, the sea and sky meet in a vast expanse of blue.

Such a magnificent sight is never tiring to see, no matter how many times you see it.

He slowly swallowed the crisp fruit, his thoughts wandering between the challengers who missed out on witnessing this sight each year and Netero's decision to strictly forbid the Hunter Association from venturing into the Dark Continent.

As a victim who had already been prevented from acting, Kim did not believe that Nitero's actions were wrong.

It's perfectly understandable for challengers to want to embrace the spirit of adventure, and they shouldn't be easily prohibited from doing so.

However, if such behavior endangers others, its nature is completely different.

Just like the people who climb the World Tree every year...

No one can take away their spirit and will to pursue freedom.

But if their fall would endanger innocent people below, that's another matter entirely.

Here, would you like some?

Facing the sea and blue sky, Jin handed the half-eaten apple behind her without turning her head.

On the other side of the bird's nest, Sambika and Tessa had just climbed to the top of the tree when they saw the apple that Kim handed them, along with the clear teeth marks on it.

"roll."

As an old acquaintance, Tessa made no attempt to hide her disdain and directly cursed out loud.

The introverted Sambika glanced cautiously at his master, nervously twisting his fingers.

She had come to see Moro, but unexpectedly Jin appeared and changed the meeting place on her own initiative.

When her master Tessa learned that she was going to see Morrow and King alone, she expressed her concerns and decided to come along.

"Tessa, what brings you here too?"

Jin took back the apple and glanced back at Tessa, whose expression was displeased.

"Can't I come?"

Tessa retorted irritably.

"..."

Jin didn't reply, but simply raised his hand to scratch his messy hair, his eyes revealing no sign of how troublesome it was.

He knew that Moro valued Sambica's professional abilities.

In fact, a professional virus hunter is indispensable if you want to challenge the Dark Continent.

After all, if one encounters an unknown, deadly virus or bacteria there, no matter how strong one's personal abilities are, it will be of no use.

Like the immortal disease patient imprisoned in the underground of the Naval Affairs Bureau, he himself is a Nen master who can keep up with Yang De's footsteps.

However, after being infected, his formidable strength was unable to provide any defense or protection.

This is precisely the terrifying aspect of the unknown viruses and bacteria on the Dark Continent. But now even Tessa has arrived.

Given her strong protective instincts, if she knew that Moro wanted to invite Sambika to challenge the Dark Continent together, she would definitely do everything in her power to stop him.

Tessa noticed Kim's undisguised gaze, and veins immediately bulged on her forehead.

Just as she was about to have an attack, Jin suddenly threw something at her.

Tessa caught it instinctively and felt its smooth texture; it was made of jade.

"Ok?"

She looked down and saw a small piece of jade carved into an insect flute. The flute body was covered with regular patterns, and the mouthpiece was curved like a flat leaf, making it very distinctive.

This was the ancient artifact she had been searching for, one that could only be found in the ancient Ganyu Kingdom.

"Click."

Jin took another bite of the apple, chewing as he said, "The Ancient Jade Insect Flute, the one you've always wanted. I went to great lengths to find it."

Does this count as a bribe?

Tessa was captivated by the jade flute that had weathered the years, but when she looked up at Kintoki, her expression remained unfriendly.

Seeing this, Jin couldn't help but sigh: "No matter what, I'm still your boss. Giving a gift as a reward for an outstanding employee, how does that become a bribe? I think I've been a pretty good boss, haven't I?"

The subtext is: there are other people present, so give the boss some face.

"whispering sound."

Tessa rolled her eyes in annoyance, but for the sake of the bug flute, she couldn't be bothered to argue with Kim anymore.

Seeing that she had given up, Jin's eyes flickered slightly, but he was thinking about Moro, who had not yet arrived.

If you can't handle Tessa, then don't even think about convincing Sambika to go to the Dark Continent with you...

This is going to give you a real headache, Moro.

Jin thought to himself silently.

Above the bird's nest at the top of the tree.

Kim, Tessa, and Sambika had been waiting there for several hours.

It wasn't until evening, when the sunset painted the sky, that the three of them saw a dark shadow appear in the distance.

The dark figure grew larger as it approached; it was the Chimera carrying Moro.

Moro stood on the back of the chimera, his eyes focused with Nen, and with his enhanced vision, he could clearly see the three people standing on the edge of the bird's nest at the top of the tree.

"Chimera, you must be very hungry. Just take it here."

He crouched down and gently patted the chimera's back. Immediately, his psychic power surged, and the phantom of "Kuroko Maisou" appeared above his shoulders.

Without letting the Chimera continue its journey, Moro, suspended by Kuroko Mai, rose into the air and flew straight towards the top of the World Tree.

"Hoohoo!"

Chimera growled twice at his retreating figure, then flipped over in the air and swooped down into the vast ocean below.

It was indeed extremely hungry.

And the entire ocean is its endless buffet paradise.

Soon, Moro flew through the air to the top of the tree.

Jin glanced at the illusory image of Kuroko Mai, who was suspending Moro, and a subtle, unusual glint flashed in his eyes.

Tessa's attention was drawn to the sheer scale of Morrow's displayed power, and she couldn't help but show surprise.

She never expected that Moro would become so strong; it was truly unbelievable to her.

Of the three, only Sambika didn't pay much attention to these abilities, but simply nodded slightly to Moro, who landed steadily on the edge of the nest.

She did smile, but it was hidden by her mask.

Moro nodded to her, then greeted Kim and Tessa.

He was a little surprised by Tessa's presence, but not at all strange.

He was well aware of how protective this seasoned exorcist was of Sambika.

It is perhaps because of this overprotection that Sambika's personality has always been so introverted.

of course.

This is also related to the practice of chanting.

Once someone becomes a Nen user, their personality and perception are very difficult to change easily.

It was based on this point that the Zoldyck family had Illumi insert a Nen needle into Killua's head.

"You're late, Morrow."

Jin quickly concealed the strange look in his eyes, lazily drooping his eyelids.

Moro showed no remorse: "Isn't it because you insisted on changing the location?"

"But Sambika arrived right on time."

Jin grinned, feeling that his attack had been brilliant.

Before Moro could speak, Sambica suddenly mustered his courage and whispered, "Using underhanded tactics to forcibly change the location... will only cause trouble for others."

"Tsk."

Upon hearing Sambika's words, Kim looked at her with great interest.

He was acquainted with Tessa, and naturally had some dealings with Sambika as well.

Although I had noticed some signs when I was working at the site before.

But now, seeing Sambica muster the courage to criticize Moro in order to defend him...

It was a bit of a surprise.

Or perhaps they underestimated Moro's importance in Sambica's heart.

Tessa immediately glared at Kim.

Jin pretended not to see it.

Moro smiled at Sambica, then cut to the chase and asked, "Have you thought it through, Sambica?"

"Ah."

Sambika nodded slightly.

During the time she spent coming to the meeting, she thought a lot.

Perhaps even that dark continent, filled with both hope and disaster, might not be able to help her create the panacea she so desperately wanted, but...

She knew very well how dangerous it was there, and she understood that Moro's determination to go to the Dark Continent was unwavering.

That's why she believed that Morrow's team needed her abilities, and she couldn't help but imagine the crises Morrow might encounter in that unknown land time and time again.

So, she finally made a decision.

Seeing that Sambica accepted the invitation, Moro's smile deepened.

"Thank you."

He didn't say welcome, but thanked them.

Because he guessed Sambika's original intention in accepting the invitation.

That wasn't for my own pursuit, but simply out of concern for him.

"what are you guys saying?"

Tessa, completely unaware of what was going on, looked at Sambika with a puzzled expression.

Facing her master's questioning gaze, Sambika mustered her courage and whispered, "Moro invited me to join his team to go to the Dark Continent... I accepted."

"What!?"

Tessa's expression changed drastically upon hearing this, and she objected without hesitation, "No way! Sambika, you have no idea how dangerous the Dark Continent is!"

“I know… It is precisely because I know that I cannot refuse, Master. This is a decision I have made after careful consideration.”

Sambika looked at the anxious Tessa, her voice soft but unusually firm.

This was not an impulsive decision, but a choice she made after careful consideration.

Tessa was momentarily stunned, unable to grasp the deeper meaning behind her words.

"Don't you understand yet?"

Kim glanced at Tessa and smiled, "That's true, after all, you're not young anymore, Tessa."

"?!"

Tessa punched him in return.

Bang!
Jin was hit in the eye socket and immediately let out a miserable howl.

That's all I can do for you, brother...

He let out a few exaggerated howls, and when he lowered his hand, there was a dark circle around his eyes, making him look quite miserable.

As one of the world's five most powerful ability users, how could he possibly not dodge Tessa's punches, let alone get injured with just one punch?

But in this situation, he has to draw fire.

(End of this chapter)