Chapter 72: A Mission
During their conversation, neither mentioned the Dark Continent.
However, both knew exactly what the other meant.
"Have you figured it out?"
"As expected," Haze praised mentally, bracing himself for the old man's outburst.
Meanwhile, Biscuit's heart trembled… She, too, caught the meaning the chairman was referring to the Dark Continent.
But… why was he being so stern and cautious toward Haze?
She had never seen the old man act this way with anyone.
Hunters in the Association often mentioned the Dark Continent it was perfectly normal. Some even joked about exploring it right in front of Netero. The old man would just chuckle and warn them he might kill them… then move on.
So why?
Why was he acting this way toward Haze?
Could it be… because he was like Beyond Netero?
Only a handful of people in the Association knew the chairman had a son Biscuit was one of them. It was a secret that could never be shared.
Yet, knowing the chairman well, even someone like Beyond wouldn't provoke such severity…
Could there be another reason?
Or perhaps… the hidden danger within Haze surpassed that of Beyond himself.
"If my strength surpasses yours, you won't be able to stop me," Haze suddenly said, staring straight at Netero.
"We'll talk about it when that happens," Netero replied gravely.
"From the day you join the Association, as long as you are weaker than me or as long as I still live you are forbidden to set foot there!"
"You'd better not even think about it…"
"Is this… a restriction you're placing on me?"
Haze smiled faintly. "You're setting me up but it's out of good intentions. Don't worry, I'm not that stupid."
From Netero's perspective, if Haze hadn't joined the Association, in a few years or even ten with his personality, he might have used mafia or government power to secretly cross into the Dark Continent.
He could even have gotten permission…
But now, as a member of the Association, things were different.
Of course, Haze could feel it… Netero's actions came from protection.
Protect him?
No it was to protect humanity.
Dying on the Dark Continent wasn't the problem.
The real fear was… returning alive.
Suddenly, the old man withdrew his aura, and the crushing pressure in the room disappeared.
Hot tea spilled from the shattered cup, and the bean-faced man quickly knelt to clean it up.
"I know you're clever… but you're too reckless. No one can predict what you'll do next." The old man smiled warmly, as if the intense moment from before had been an illusion.
"So that's why you tied me down and kept me under watch?" Haze muttered.
"Tied down? Who could tie someone like you?! At best, I'm just looking after you until you grow up," Netero chuckled.
"Heh… then I'm ever so grateful," Haze said sarcastically.
"You're welcome."
"After all this talk and these scuffles, are you satisfied now? Can we get to the main point?" Haze urged. "Hurry up tell me how to get stronger."
Biscuit squinted. Luckily, it was her anyone else would've been completely lost listening to the two foxes, one old and one young, dance around their words.
Sometimes they understood each other perfectly; other times, it was like they spoke in code.
Even she had to think carefully to catch their meaning.
"My, my… young people these days are so impatient," Netero sighed, giving a command.
The bean-faced man handed Haze a document he had prepared earlier. "Here, take a look."
"You know of the Eastern Gudo Republic, right?" he said. "We've received reports that a unique ethnic group exists there. The Association needs someone to investigate."
"Since that country is completely isolated and not a member state, the outside world knows very little about it."
Haze's heart skipped a beat.
He had assumed the 'method to become stronger' the chairman mentioned would be some training or discipline but he never expected it to be a mission!
And… the Eastern Gudo Republic?
A closed-off nation… like Meteor City.
A small, authoritarian kingdom one that, in the future, would fall under the rule of the Chimera Ant King, Meruem.
"If you need an investigation, that means… they're a potential threat to society, right?" Haze asked cautiously.
The Eastern Gudo Republic was isolated from the outside world. Any internal turmoil was its own affair. Not even the Association much less the V5 had the right to intervene.
Like Kanjin, it wasn't a member state, so the V5's regulations didn't apply.
Needing to send a special investigator meant this tribe posed serious problems. If it spiraled out of control, it could affect all of East Gutto much like the Chimera Ants once did.
Judging from the original story, its impact wasn't as devastating, given the lack of descriptions —
Perhaps the Association had handled it quietly.
In other words… this mission was something even Haze didn't remember.
Full of uncertainty.
"This information is too simple… no major clues, just a map," Haze said calmly, closing the file.
"Because of their national conditions, there's nothing else we can do… Otherwise, we wouldn't be sending anyone," the bean-faced man explained.
"It's dangerous potentially deadly. You can refuse," Netero said, smiling as he raised a finger in advice.
"Completing the mission will greatly increase my strength… You're sure of that?" Haze asked evenly, shaking the papers.
"Yes," the old man nodded.
Haze sensed this mission would be… extremely troublesome.
Ethnic groups…
Many mysterious, unique peoples existed across the continents the Kurta, the bandaged mummy from the Brigade, the hollowed-out Peelback tribe, the Jotundu from whom he himself was descended… and more.
After all, the current Human World was merely a small island in the center of Lake Möbius humanity's ancestors once migrated from the Dark Continent itself.
Each tribe had its own culture, beliefs…
and dangers.
"Alright," Haze thought for a moment, then nodded.
"Go then… I'm optimistic about you!" Netero grinned.
"…"
Haze knew the old man had perfectly read his thirst for strength.
"You're not going alone, are you?" Biscuit asked hurriedly.
"Of course not. I'll need to prepare."
Haze stood up slowly.
"Need help? Even though we don't get along, I'm a kind woman. If you ask nicely, I might agree. I am busy these days… but my fee won't be cheap," Biscuit said, smirking, ready to extort him.
But Haze ignored her, walked past, closed the door, and left.
"…"
Biscuit froze mid-sentence, her smile stiffening.
The room fell silent.
The atmosphere turned awkward.
"Ahhhhh! That little brat! Leaving a beautiful woman like me behind to chase someone else?! Don't come crawling back begging later!"
Biscuit's cheeks flushed red as she screamed in anger.
The bean-faced man calmly wiped the spit off his face with a handkerchief.
"Chairman… isn't this a bit reckless?" he asked. "Even if Haze's talented, this type of mission is entirely new to him. And it's extremely dangerous with so little intel, everything's unknown. The Association originally planned to send a full investigation team… but now he's going alone?"
"This kid has always operated in stable environments," Netero murmured. "He's used to knowing every detail information, danger, safety, even the people involved. Every variable under control. Frankly, he's grown too accustomed to familiarity always ready to adapt and respond, yes but that's not what makes a true Hunter."
"The true measure of a Hunter's strength," Netero said quietly, "lies in how they face the unknown."
"Unknown environments, unknown enemies, unknown dangers… heh."
"But… he'll die," the bean-faced man said, understanding the chairman's point.
He felt things were moving too fast Haze might not be ready to handle it.
"Death," Netero said, gazing out the window at the sky, "is exactly what he needs to face right now."
His eyes were deep… lost in thought.
Biscuit, too, fell silent.
This departure… whether Haze returns or not will determine —
whether he transforms.
(End of Chapter)