The Dark Continent had always been a taboo. After over two hundred years of silence, only a minority were in the know, let alone the general public.
They had never heard of the Dark Continent and didn't know the world map they lived on was just a small lake within the [True World].
So, there's a vast, unknown continent beyond the world map?
That meant a certain truth had been concealed from the moment they were born?
If someone beside you, one day, told you: The Earth isn't round, it's flat…
What would your reaction be?
But what if the person making that statement was the king of an emerging powerful nation? And he declared this statement publicly to the whole world from a solemn stage!
Some would immediately choose to believe, while others would remain skeptical.
But whether the former or the latter, they were all impacted by the Kakin Empire's King's statement.
The live broadcast continued, and Nasubi's declaration naturally wouldn't end so quickly.
"We have successfully endorsed the best candidate to serve as the head of the Dark Continent Expedition Team. That is..."
"The leader of the world's top expert group, leading battle-hardened masters, standing on the front lines his entire life, the legendary Hunter… Isaac Netero!"
Nasubi raised his arms high. The massive screen behind him actually displayed Netero's photo.
Hunters worldwide watching the live broadcast were stunned upon seeing Netero's photo… whether amateur or professional, whether Star-Rank Hunters or Zodiac members.
They all looked in surprise at Netero's photo on the screen.
Because they had never heard this news, and everything came too suddenly.
At this moment, the Zodiac members even wanted to immediately call Netero to inquire.
Among the viewers were, naturally, Netero and Beans.
The two sat on tatami mats in the meditation room, watching the projected image on the wall from the projector.
"Chairman?"
Beanman abruptly turned to look at Netero because he also didn't know about this.
As the person involved, Netero stroked his beard, looking calm.
He didn't recall receiving an invitation or agreeing to it, but he knew who the team leader was. So, their approach was blatantly capitalizing on his fame.
Sixteenth floor of the Association building, Lawlin Museum.
Law and Ging were also among those in the know. They could only sigh at the other party's shamelessness.
Soon, Nasubi's highly transitional next sentence came through.
"His son… Captain Beyond Netero!"
As soon as the words fell, a man wearing a long robe, with an 'X' scar on his face and long, black, handsome facial hair, walked to Nasubi's side.
This scene immediately made some astute people understand.
So, the earlier introduction targeting Hunter Association's Chairman was just a setup… no, more like an introduction that went straight to the essence.
It made everyone immediately understand the Chief Leader's identity and positioning. Naturally, the direct impression of 'a powerful father won't have a weak son' was applied to Beyond.
This was... appropriating the reputation Netero built through a lifetime of hard work.
Zodiac members in front of TVs, phones, even computers were already breaking out in cold sweat.
'The Chairman has a son?'
The broadcast camera first swept over the densely packed audience on-site, circled around, then settled on Beyond. The camera zoomed from a long shot to a close-up instantly. The lights from above also shifted to Beyond.
Beyond, with a great sense of camera presence, timely began the second phase of his speech: "My beloved father often admonished me... When you stop challenging, that's when your life ends."
The first sentence established his identity and also brought up Netero.
"If you interpret myths and visit ruins, you will know that in ancient times, long ago, our ancestors came from the Dark Continent."
"And what we need to do now is not just bring a prosperous future to humanity but also a journey of returning to our homeland."
"Before setting off for our homeland, the numerous obstacles on the path ahead..." Beyond grinned, exuding an extremely confident presence. He slapped his chest and said loudly, "Leave them all to me to eliminate, one by one!"
"Age, gender, nationality, profession, race... all unrestricted!"
"Everyone is equal, regardless of wealth or poverty. As long as you have the heart to challenge, you are all welcome to come!"
"No one is useless. Even if personalities differ, there will surely be suitable tasks. All you need is the courage to take that step forward!"
The passion in Beyond's tone kept increasing. He spread his arms like an eagle spreading its wings.
"Everyone! I will be waiting for you in Kakin. I will definitely take you there… to that new world full of hope!"
The stadium, seating two hundred fifty thousand people, fell silent. It seemed as if Beyond's lingering voice still echoed in their ears.
Nasubi, like a smiling Buddha, kept his eyes narrowed, maintaining a faint smile.
He was looking at Beyond.
Although the most suitable candidate in his heart was Netero, he was quite satisfied now.
Netero wouldn't stand here, but having his son Beyond stand here was enough.
The camera remained locked on Beyond, the lights converged on him.
He lifted his head, showing a confident smile.
'See? This is the trend of the times!'
At that moment, images of Netero, Ging, Law, and others flashed rapidly through Beyond's mind.
The live broadcast ended, but the lingering impact would resonate throughout the skies.
This was only the opening ceremony.
Sixteenth floor, Association building.
"No restrictions at all? Everyone is qualified?"
Biscuit's expression turned cold. She had been to the Dark Continent and knew its dangers.
In this broadcast, Kakin solely promoted the benefits of the Dark Continent, downplaying the dangers as much as possible. This was leading ordinary people into a pit.
The others remained silent.
Machi's mind was filled with the earlier broadcast content. She looked thoughtfully at Law, who was deep in thought.
'That place... is where you're going, right?'
She thought to herself.
At that moment, Law stood up and said to Ging, "Come with me for a moment."
His action and words immediately attracted everyone's attention.
Hearing this, Ging stood up.
The two went directly into a room.
Unsurprisingly, the others all gathered outside the room. However, they couldn't hear any sound because Law had expanded his Domain.
Inside the room.
Law lit a cigarette, holding it in his mouth, and said seriously, "This is what Beyond mentioned… a great ship carrying two hundred thousand people. But I'm certain that ship will only be the Titanic."
Hearing this, Ging couldn't help but remain silent.
He knew the topic being discussed now was very serious, but he still wanted to ask a question.
"What's the Titanic?"
"..."
The air fell strangely silent.
Just then, two phone ringtones sounded one after another.