Hunter: I became stronger even after I died.

Chapter 453 Netero, have you ever chased anyone?

Royal tombs are the final resting place of the royal family's souls.

For a monarchical power like the ancient Ganyu, the significance of the royal tombs was even more extraordinary.

Even for Jin, one of the world's five greatest ability users, retrieving a funerary object from such a place would be a challenge.

However, to his surprise, Moreau had only been to the palace once, and not long after, he had brought back a Klein bottle with such ease.

Jin was naturally extremely surprised.

Meeting Jin's inquisitive gaze, Moroben had no intention of explaining.

But he understood Jin's personality; that extraordinary curiosity and thirst for knowledge was perhaps the root cause of Jin's strong interest in the Dark Continent.

Therefore, only by giving Jin an answer can we quickly move past this topic.

“I have some dealings with the current king of Guganyu. She made two demands in exchange for the Klein bottle, so it can be considered a transaction.”

Moro explained simply.

Jin was quite surprised to hear this.

During his investigation of the Klein bottle, he gained some understanding of the throne change last year and knew that Eve had launched a "shattered jade" plan to seize power, a plan rarely seen even among emperors throughout history.

In that incident, all heirs to the throne, including the former king, the concubines, and even the powerful relatives of the emperor, were wiped out overnight.

It's hard to say whether the buildings within those deep red palace walls were painted with vermilion lacquer or congealed with blood.

"That woman is not simple; you'd better be careful."

Jin offered a reminder.

Only through such methods could he secretly uncover bits and pieces of the truth about the "Jade Shattering" plan during the investigation.

This made him feel it necessary to remind Moro.

Moro nodded.

Based on his several encounters with Eve, she seemed to be quite sensible.

In a sense, there was a tangible, mutually beneficial relationship between him and Eve.

If Eve wasn't foolish enough to claim his "psychic exorcism" as her own, then he and Eve could still maintain a healthy relationship.

Kim didn't press Eve for details about her conditions; having satisfied his curiosity, his attention quickly shifted to the Klein bottle.

The Klein bottle is smaller than you might imagine, about the size of a small vase you might see anywhere else in everyday life.

However, the Klein bottle is entirely black, and its structure defies intuition.

After extending to a certain arc, the bottleneck does not taper upwards, but instead bends downwards in a strange way, eventually connecting with an "entrance" that does not exist in any physical form at the bottom of the bottle, forming an endless topological loop.

Jin gently flipped the Klein bottle over, his eyes flashing with torch-like Nen energy.

With the aid of "凝" (Ning), he saw ancient divine characters engraved like silver sand on the edge of the deep black bottle mouth.

Compared to the divine characters that were later improved by many masters of the art, the ancient divine characters engraved inside the Klein bottle are clearly more obscure and complex.

Furthermore, the interconnected font structures are quite complex, making them even more difficult to master and apply in practice.

"This should be a manifestation of the ability, supplemented by a Nen artifact formed from ancient divine characters. It should have disappeared with the death of the ability user, but it was preserved because of the Nen after death. The evidence is that after a thousand years, the bottle has not left any trace of time."

Jin's eyes gleamed slightly, showing his excitement.

Moro nodded and said, "It is indeed something from after death."

When I took the Klein bottle from Eve, the growth rings gave me clues about whether to absorb and transform it.

This is enough to show that the Klein bottle is a manifestation of the power left behind after death.

However, even without the clue of tree rings, as Kim said, we can draw conclusions by the presence or absence of "traces of time".

of course.

The most direct method is to check the death aura emanating from the object.

Even the faintest traces of death's spirit can be observed through "condensation".

However, this method does not apply to Klein bottles that have exhausted their energy, as they do not exhibit even the slightest trace of post-death aura.

The fact that the growth rings still provide clues about whether to absorb death energy in this situation is probably why the Klein bottle was able to remain intact even after losing its energy.

"According to Eve, all the Klein bottles have lost their original power. The reason they still retain their form is probably because of their unique post-mortem thoughts."

Morrow's gaze fell on the Klein bottle that Jin held in his hand.

Upon hearing this, Jin said with some regret:

"Indeed, I can't feel the energy of 'thought'. It seems that it has really become an inanimate object. However, the existence of the Klein bottle itself, as well as the arrangement of these ancient characters inside the bottle, are of great research value. Perhaps we can use this to replicate a new type of Klein bottle with the same effect."

Despite the regret, Jin did not overlook the research value of the Klein bottle as a sample.

"Ah."

Moro responded calmly.

in fact……

He concealed something.

That is the possibility of reactivating the Klein bottle by using the energy of the thoughts of the deceased within the tree rings.

This concerns the secret of his growth ring ability, and naturally, not a single detail can be revealed.

In fact, the ancient characters that flowed and appeared on the bottle like silver sand were the manifestations produced by his previous attempt to infuse a wisp of post-death thoughts.

The fact that these ancient characters can be made visible gives the Klein bottle a value worthy of further study.

At least before the Klein bottle is officially put into use, we can use Jin's profound knowledge of the divine script to try to extract valuable information from these ancient characters.

Once we have achieved some results, we can then try to activate the true function of the Klein bottle.

If activation ultimately fails, proceed directly to the Dark Continent.

Moro didn't have much time to wait.

Even if Kim does manage to recreate a new type of Klein bottle in the future, it will probably be a long time from now.

After successfully obtaining the Klein bottle, Jin immediately found a quiet place and began to decipher the ancient writing inside.

Meanwhile, Moro had to prepare for his upcoming trip to the Dark Continent, so he entrusted the entire research task to Jin with a clear conscience.

"Gail's professional skills are highly needed to explore the risks of the Dark Continent."

In terms of team building, the most urgently needed skill right now is a professional potion hunter like Gail.

Taking certain demonic realms of the six continents as a reference, the most deadly threat is often not those large and exotic beasts, but those inconspicuous poisonous creatures, not to mention the even more treacherous Dark Continent.

"I wonder if Gail would be interested..."

Morro pondered, deciding to find an opportunity to personally probe her intentions.

Besides Gail, he also thought of Lupei Hailando.

That's the finder from the trio who lost in this election.

His ability, "Call of Lost Items," might be able to pinpoint Nitromi's exact location on the Dark Continent.

The problem is that Lu Pei is most likely unwilling to set foot on that forbidden continent.

The measures taken by Niterói back then effectively severed the continuation and spread of the spirit of adventure.

In addition, the enormous risks themselves are a real factor that every professional hunter must carefully consider.

Just like Nob...

His "Four-Dimensional Apartment" is one of the key abilities for exploring the Dark Continent; however, due to his deep fear of that harsh environment, he has no intention of going there at all.

After some deep thought, Moro realized that there were so many Nen abilities that could greatly aid in the exploration of the Dark Continent.

Unfortunately, those who possess Nen abilities never intended to go to the Dark Continent.

At this moment, Moro thought of the thoughts of the thief Ji Yi, whom he had "rejected" before, after his death.

If there were Nen abilities like Thief's Secret that allow one to "borrow" the abilities of others, everything would be much easier.

After handing over the task of studying the Klein bottle to King, Moreau headed to Schwadani.

Regardless of whether Gail and Lu Pei are willing, Moro has to try his best to win them over.

Given the limited time, it's unrealistic to expect a perfect exploration team. What Moro can do is refine the team's structure as much as possible to increase the margin for error when exploring the Dark Continent.

On his way to Schwadani, Moro received a call from Nitero.

This former strongest warrior, who had suffered immense physical and mental exhaustion during the campaign against the Chimera Ants, recovered almost completely in less than ten days under Lin Nie's meticulous care.

The purpose of this phone call is self-evident.

Just by looking at the name Netero displayed on his phone screen, Moro could guess that Netero had probably recovered, and he could also sense Netero's impatient eagerness.

This unconsciously reminded him of Hisoka.

"Hehe, I'm ready."

Pressing the answer button, Nitero's voice came through the phone.

Even though they were thousands of miles apart, Moro could still detect a hint of barely suppressed fighting spirit in that tone.

"it is good."

He stood against the wind on the chimera's back and gave a brief response.

Fight Netero again.

This was the condition for handing over the Ant King.

Before setting off for the Dark Continent, Moro was indeed obliged to fulfill this agreement, so he immediately changed his destination.

Two days later.

Moro arrived at the depths of the Demon Realm where Lin Nie was living in seclusion.

On the lakeside, the wooden house stood quietly in the vastness, with clear traces of the battle with Byand still remaining around it.

Nitero had been waiting patiently in front of the wooden house for a long time.

He was dressed in his Heart of War armor, looking energetic and vigorous. His bare arms and legs were no longer as withered as before, clearly showing that he had recovered very well.

As the most senior Gourmet Hunter in the Hunter Association, Lin Nie is indeed extraordinary, managing to restore Netero to his previous state in such a short time.

However, Nitero's urgent desire to act without delay must have played a significant role in this.

Lin Nie stood behind Nitero, his gaze towards Nitero's back containing a hint of barely perceptible worry.

Under the watchful eyes of the two elderly people, Moro steadily approached.

Netero looked at him with a faint smile and asked, "You've had a long journey. Would you like to rest for a while before we begin?"

"No need."

Moro shook his head and said, "I can assure you that my current condition, while not the best I've ever been, is very close."

Actually, there's also a "Level 1" manifestation of energy in Meruem...

While a difference of one level may seem insignificant, after breaking through level 100, the amount of energy gained from each level can play a crucial role in actual combat.

"it is good."

A glint of light flashed in Netero's eyes.

The huge open space that Moro had previously plowed open with his Emission-type ability has now become a natural arena for the two to fight.

A gentle breeze wafted from the lake, carrying the scent of freshly turned earth, and a few clumps of new shoots swayed gently on the messy ground.

As Moro walked, he glanced down at the land that he had ravaged not long ago, but which was now sprouting greenery. He couldn't help but sigh at the tenacious vitality hidden in this forest.

He deliberately avoided the tender shoots and stood still in an open space further away.

Netero, wearing the Heart Suit, came directly in front of him.

"Nitro".

Moro looked at the old man who was ready and stopped addressing him as "Chairman," calling him by his first name.

Have you ever chased after someone?

Before the battle began, he suddenly asked.

Netero's eyebrows twitched slightly, and he chuckled.

He thought about it carefully for a moment, and finally shook his head slightly at Moro.

Throughout his century-long pursuit of martial arts, he was always the one being chased.

Moro said no more, calmly stating, "Let's begin."

Ripples spread across the lake in the distance.

Netero instantly entered battle mode.

He has found a way to counter Morrow's teleportation ability.

By applying a layer of restraint to the Hundred Styles of Guanyin, the targeted effect of "Zero Style Palm" is enhanced.

Originally, the Zero Palm was a move that enemies could not dodge, but it was countered by Moro.

But now...

Netero gave Type-0 a "counterattack" mechanism that can only be triggered under certain conditions.

This adjustment will ensure Zero's consistent accuracy against Moro.

But what Netero didn't expect was...

In this encounter, Morrow had no intention of using his Blitzkrieg ability again.

On flat ground.

The golden light of the Hundred Forms of Guanyin appeared out of thin air.

Complementing this are countless starlight points flowing out from Moro's body.

They cascaded like a silver river, with red threads connecting them.

Top-tier offense and defense erupted at this moment.

The first to strike was once again the Hundred Style Guanyin's palm strike, so fast that it was invisible to the naked eye, and it went straight for Moro's vitals.

The resolute will contained in that palm strike clearly demonstrates Netero's all-out commitment to this duel.

However, within the realm of "Starlight Condensation and Black Spot Dance," Moro seemed to be able to foresee the future, making precise dodges.

He did not rush to retaliate, but simply allowed Netero to unleash the powerful posture of the Hundred Styles of Guanyin.

But the endless golden palm shadows, like a torrential downpour, always missed their mark just before they were about to touch Moro's clothes.

That tiny difference
Yet it was as if there were an insurmountable chasm between them.

Netero orchestrated wave after wave of attacks, like a surging river, amidst an endless array of palm strikes.

In an instant, the palm shadows of the Hundred Forms of Guanyin intertwined into an impenetrable net of deadly attacks.

But Moro simply kept dodging.

Even though the golden chains and stars appeared one by one after the conditions were met, they did not change the status quo.

Why only defend and not attack?

A hint of doubt flashed through Netero's mind, but Guanyin's palm strikes did not slow down at all.

But in this swift and fierce exchange of offense and defense, his question was quickly answered.

Moro, who had been teetering on the edge of attack, suddenly unleashed a palm strike without warning.

Relying on the outward projection characteristic of the Nen type, a condensed and tangible palm strike suddenly took shape, piercing through the countless golden palm shadows like a dragon, heading straight for Netero's side.

"This is... the Hundred Styles: Eight Palms?!"

Netero's pupils contracted slightly, and even his rock-solid composure was momentarily shaken.

What shocked him was not that Moro had replicated the form of the Hundred-Style Guanyin.

Instead, this counterattack precisely pierced through the only gap in his ninety-nine palm attacks, a gap that should never have been seen.

Have you ever chased after someone?

These words came to mind at that moment.

(End of this chapter)