In fact, as Beyond said, Larry's abilities far surpassed those of any professional team.
"Your incredible strength is the key to exploring the Dark Continent," he added.
"Plus, your nen beasts are on a whole different level compared to the team I assembled. Some of your beasts can store items, teleport through space, heal wounds, and even get rid of death thoughts..."
Not only were these nen beasts more powerful, but their abilities were also more versatile and comprehensive.
"You alone are enough to outmatch any team," Beyond said, treating Larry like a priceless treasure.
It was clear he valued him highly.
If it weren't for certain shortcomings in other areas, they could have just gone with a few top players and Larry.
"Here's another promise: soon, the Kakin Empire and I will officially announce the existence of the Dark Continent to everyone. When that time comes, it'll be time for me to set out there again."
Beyond's voice was surprisingly calm and gentle despite his usually high-pitched tone, making his invitation easy to listen to.
"So this time, I'm inviting you to explore the Dark Continent with us. What do you think?"
After sending his proposal to Larry and explaining the real reason for the meeting, Larry immediately sensed the true intention behind the invitation.
He paused for a moment, then didn't respond directly.
"You just said it yourself, I'm worth more than your entire team. So give me a reason to join you. If you're inviting me, you better have something impressive to offer."
Beyond's expression stayed steady, as if he had been expecting this.
"Of course. I wouldn't just invite you without good reasons. I have two," he said, holding up two fingers like a confident Netero giving a 'yeah' sign.
"First, what really matters is me, and my experience. I've actually been to the Dark Continent. Compared to anyone else from the six continents, I'm the most familiar with it. If you need intel on what's out there, I can provide it."
Larry nodded slightly, impressed.
Beyond's firsthand knowledge of the Dark Continent's terrain would definitely help, especially when choosing the right environment and Pokemon types to bring along.
Larry recalled how, when he had to challenge Maha, he'd bought information about the Dark Continent's terrain, but it was limited and didn't cover much about their enemies.
Beyond's insights would be far more valuable.
Seeing Larry's reaction, Beyond pressed on with the second reason.
"The other reason is people. Maybe I wasn't clear before, but I'm not just inviting you, I want you to lead our team."
Beyond placed his hands firmly on the table and then lowered his head in a clear gesture of surrender.
Surprisingly, he was ready to hand over the entire team directly to Larry!
This completely changed the dynamic.
Initially, Beyond, as the team leader, had invited Larry to join them.
Now, he was willing to give up his position as the boss and let Larry, who had the financial backing, take charge and lead the team forward.
In other words, this was no longer Beyond's team; it was Larry's.
And it was Beyond himself who was asking Larry to become the leader.
How decisive!
Larry looked at Beyond's determined expression, realizing that nothing big could be achieved without such resolve.
There was a spark of appreciation in his eyes.
Though he was initially surprised, Larry soon saw this as a win-win situation.
With Larry on board, the team's potential gains would multiply many times over.
Even if Larry took the lion's share, the rest would still come out ahead.
And from previous intel and their face-to-face talks, Beyond knew Larry wasn't the type to exploit others unfairly.
Plus, now that Larry had a team without any psychological burdens, his strength would be even greater.
At best, they'd become a fully professional team covering all fields; at worst, they'd serve as his cannon fodder.
Having such a well-equipped team was also a powerful bargaining chip.
And with Beyond's experience from the Dark Continent, this partnership was truly something both sides could be happy with.
The only potential problem was the Kakin Empire.
"If what you said is true, and I'm given leadership of the team, what happens to the Kakin Empire?" Larry asked, locking eyes with the earnest Beyond.
Beyond's body trembled slightly.
It was clear from Larry's question that he was already considering accepting.
Slowly, Beyond lifted his head, a confident smile spreading across his face.
He patted his chest firmly and said, "Don't worry. I'll take care of the Kakin Empire side.
It won't affect us."
"Is that so..." Larry raised an eyebrow and picked up the wine glass beside him.
"Then here's to our success."
A rough smile tugged at Beyond's lips as he lifted his glass in return.
"To success!"
After wrapping up his conversation with Beyond, Larry noticed it was almost midnight.
"Now that everything's settled, I'll head to the association to cast my vote," he said, preparing to leave.
As soon as he stepped outside, his body vanished into thin air, leaving Beyond alone, still sighing softly.
"Space travel..." Beyond murmured to himself.
Later, when Larry logged into the online world, the first thing that caught his attention was a standing cat greeting him cheerfully.
"Master, hello, meow~," the cat called out.
Larry blinked in surprise.
"Meowth~ You've learned to talk and walk? That's impressive," he said, crouching down to gently pat Meowth's head.
The cat was no bigger than a child, so Larry had to lean down to reach him.
Yet despite his small size, Meowth could grow into a towering giant over 30 meters tall when Gigantamaxed.
At that scale, he could easily pass as a wise giant straight out of "Attack on Titan", imagine a giant beast, but in the form of a cat.
"Yes, Meowth has learned to talk and walk, meow," Meowth said gently, and Larry stroked his head.
The little cat seemed completely at ease, its curly tail flicking back and forth in contentment.
Lately, Meowth had been spending time studying in the online world, and when Larry walked in, he found the cat deep in learning mode.
This was only the second time Meowth had spoken to Larry; the first had been in their early days when they communicated in cat language.
Surprised by how quickly Meowth had picked up speaking and walking, Larry smiled.
"You're doing so well. How about I take you out to play?" he suggested, noticing the cat's obedient and curious eyes.
Despite having gained a good understanding of the world through Porygon Z's knowledge, Meowth had never actually been outside since it was born.
"Okay, Meowth wants to go out and play," the cat said, nodding eagerly, its eyes shining with curiosity.
"Alright then, let's go."