Kevin looked at the other party suspiciously, reaching out to take the business card and examining it carefully. The card had a concise company name, a phone number, and a note about its business scope: international logistics and transportation, only accepting small cargo not exceeding two hundred catties, guaranteeing safety and secrecy, and able to deliver to various regions, including restricted and limited-access areas.
"This isn't exactly above board, is it?"
Rock looked at Kevin and said with a smile, "You understand my Nen ability, so I have nothing to hide. For me, this business is perfect, isn't it?"
Indeed, using the other party's Nen ability for secret small-package transportation could ensure secrecy. Coupled with his experience and strength, it could also guarantee the safety of the goods to a certain extent. Without understanding Rock's Nen ability, it would be almost impossible to intercept goods from him—one might not even detect his presence. If Rock acted in the shadows, he could easily avoid trouble.
"So that's why you wanted to get a hunter license?"
Rock smiled. "Of course. With a hunter license, wouldn't my work be more convenient?"
"Do you have a private airship?" Without one, transportation speed would be difficult to guarantee.
"Naturally." Rock looked as if Kevin was underestimating him, then said with a slight boast, "My airship is the latest model on the market, custom-made for me. Its speed is faster than most civilian and commercial airships, and it can even rival some military airships."
After hearing the other party's words, Kevin pondered for a moment. He seemed to find no reason to refuse. Compared to entrusting logistics to ordinary companies, Rock, who possessed a special Nen ability, seemed more reliable. After all, Kevin understood his ability, and it indeed offered more assurance than a normal logistics company. Moreover, both parties now had at least a certain level of trust.
"Alright, then let's discuss the details of the cooperation."
The most important thing was naturally the price per order.
Unexpectedly, Rock looked at him, shook his head, and held up one finger. "I can transport goods for you for free, but I want the status of a Supplier."
Kevin looked at the other party and shook his head directly. "No. You should be able to tell that I established this shop with a clear purpose. If you cannot provide the materials I need, you won't get Supplier qualification."
If that were the case, Kevin would rather spend more money—and Rock wasn't his only option. The Hunter Association had Hunters specifically tasked with handling such delivery requests. As a Hunter and a Member of the Hunter Association, Kevin knew how to fully utilize the resources of various professional Hunters. Logistics matters, in essence, didn't require too much worry from Kevin. However, Rock's Nen ability did have its unique aspects, so Kevin was still willing to discuss cooperation with him in depth.
Hearing Kevin's refusal, Rock was silent for a moment. He had a keen eye; after all, he had personally experienced Kevin's prowess and knew the other party's strength was not to be underestimated. He also genuinely approved of Kevin's potions, having carefully read the product descriptions. Kevin's potions undoubtedly had enormous development potential. Facing such an excellent potential partner, not establishing a cooperative relationship in advance would be extremely unwise.
"How about this: from now on, I will take on all your logistics requests for free. Not only transporting potions outward, but I can also handle other goods that need transporting. I imagine you have regular Suppliers—I can also help transport the materials they provide to you. And I have only one request: there will be no limit on the amount of materials I can acquire from you each year. I will find my own ways to obtain the currency I need and also find ways to acquire materials to exchange for potions."
Hearing the other party's proposal, Kevin was somewhat confused. He looked at Rock and asked with a puzzled expression, "So why do this? What's the difference between this request and getting a black card?" It was just a black card with more discounts—but such discounts were limited, and the main benefit might be more potion quota. Essentially, there wasn't much difference. Kevin truly couldn't understand what benefit Rock would gain under such terms. If he merely wanted a black card, there was no need for such trouble—if Rock simply offered a small discount on transportation fees, Kevin wouldn't be unwilling to give him one.
"Why, oh, how should I explain this? Perhaps I'm just a good judge of character? I think my judgment of people is quite good. In my opinion, you are a very capable person, and these potions are exceptional. So I hope to establish a deeper cooperative relationship with you. Perhaps there won't be any obvious short-term benefits for me, but what about the long term? You don't seem like the type to hog all the profits. As long as our cooperation is close enough, I believe I'll always get a share."
After hearing Rock's words, Kevin felt even stranger. "You trust me that much?"
"Trust? Not really. Just a simple gamble." Rock said with a smile. "Moreover, with Supplier qualification, the potions I can exchange for each year, even sold at a high price, will yield no small profit."
"Alright. As you wish."
Kevin directly took out a contract and handed it over, then made some modifications according to Rock's proposal. For him, there was no harm in doing so. As for Rock's true motive, what did it matter? As long as it didn't harm his own interests, it was fine.
Kevin gave Rock a new, specially made black card, then handed him the potions for which Rock had previously paid a deposit.
Rock took the potions, picked one up, opened it on the spot, and drank it.
"Oh! The effect is even better than I expected!" Rock laughed loudly, looking at the Nen surging through his body.
Kevin looked at him with a black line across his forehead—this guy was too reckless, just drinking the potion as soon as he got it.
"Haha, I told you my judgment was good." It seemed Rock was very satisfied with the potion's effect.
It was then that Kevin noticed Rock's change and said, "You're stronger than before."
Rock said matter-of-factly, "Of course. Didn't you say that through training, Nen ability can become stronger? I won't easily swallow the humiliation of the last Hunter Exam—I also yearn to become stronger." Indeed, this guy had a very strong desire to win.
After discussing the cooperation details, Rock bid farewell and left.
Kevin leaned back in his chair. Since matters here were settled, the potion shop could officially open for business. He took out his phone and sent out the pre-edited messages one by one.
At this moment, Kite, who was searching everywhere for her master's whereabouts; Buhara, who was feasting in a grand hotel; and Menchi, who was picking apart the dishes beside him; and Bisky, who was leisurely enjoying the sea breeze and night view on a certain beach—all received Kevin's message.
Meanwhile, at the Hunter Association.
Dog—Kite, one of the Zodiacs, was walking down the corridor with some documents. She went directly to a conference room, pushed open the door, and walked in. Several members were already seated in the small conference room.
Kite scanned the room, found not everyone had arrived, and walked directly to her seat and sat down.
Just then, her phone vibrated in her pocket. Since the meeting hadn't started yet, she took it out to check. It was a message from Kevin. If the occasion weren't inappropriate, she might actually have taken out her Member card to swipe the machine.
"It's rare to see you playing with your phone before the meeting starts." The speaker was a woman in a black, form-fitting dress. Her eyes were like a snake's, giving her an eerie appearance.
Snake—Geru.
Kite just smiled. "The meeting hasn't started yet." She silenced her phone and put it back in her pocket.
At this time, not only the two of them were in the conference room, but also another Zodiac member. This person had a peculiar double-braided hairstyle, wore red clothes, had a sturdy build, and a fierce look on his face. He was Dragon—Botobai.
Just then, the door opened again. A woman walked in, dressed in fresh and beautiful clothes with feather decorations and small wing ornaments on her shoulders.
Rooster—Gu Gu.
With this, four Zodiac members were gathered.
Kite stood up and walked to the whiteboard. "I've gathered everyone here at the Chairman's notification."
"So, is there something important this time?" Gu Gu rested one hand on the table, turned to the whiteboard, and asked.
Geru crossed her arms over her chest, her full bosom creating a ripple, quietly waiting for Kite to speak. Botobai, meanwhile, remained sitting upright, his posture giving him a very military demeanor.
"It seems to be a further deterioration of the issues discussed at the meeting in the Kakin Empire a few months ago." Kite said, distributing the documents in her hand to everyone.
Gu Gu took the documents, her previously indifferent expression gradually becoming serious. After reading them, she frowned and said, "So it's this matter. I've heard rumors about it for the past two years, but I didn't expect it to become so serious now."
"Has this problem existed for so long?" Geru frowned, somewhat surprised—she didn't know much about this situation. After all, this matter might have some connection to her professional field, but that connection was extremely limited.
Botobai looked at the information in his hand, his brows tightly furrowed, his expression consistently serious. "The scoundrels who do such things can already be classified as terrorists." He was one of the few three-star Hunters in the world, renowned as a terrorist Hunter for his martial prowess.
The information they held at this moment detailed the increasingly severe problem of "environmentally destructive creatures" in recent years.
"Indeed, when I first saw news like this, I suspected it was the work of some overconfident fools," Gu Gu grumbled.
This world was not short of colossal beasts, highly dangerous magical beasts, and all sorts of strange creatures. However, most of these creatures resided in sparsely populated areas, which the Association classified as "forbidden zones," "the demonic realms," or "secret realms." Apart from professional Hunters, very few others would venture into these areas, let alone ordinary people. Even if adventurous ordinary people enjoyed hiking in the wilderness, there was no need to worry—they were few in number, and if they perished in dangerous areas, they only had themselves to blame.
Creatures that approached city boundaries were almost always highly intelligent magical beasts that, to some extent, coexisted with humans. The Association even maintained ties with many intelligent magical beasts. In any case, there wouldn't be extremely dangerous monsters; even if there were, they would be eliminated by various Nen users. Seldom would they cause overly severe losses.
From the data, it was evident that these large, incredibly destructive "environmentally destructive creatures" that had been sighted—and even hunted—were man-made biological weapons. Moreover, they varied in form and were deliberately deployed.
"They're only letting us handle it now? Probably another power struggle among those dirty politicians. Truly disgusting." Geru's tone was full of disdain. Such matters were inherently easy to resolve; dragging on until now was basically due to various parties bickering. The forces involved in biological manufacturing definitely had funding from various sides.
"Alright, the Chairman has asked us to coordinate and resolve this issue." Kite directly stated the mission. To some extent, it meant the Chairman was too lazy to deal with such trivial tasks and wanted them to clean up the mess. This wasn't the first or second time this had happened—they were used to it.
More than two weeks had passed since the launch, and the name Red Stone Pharmaceuticals had spread across the world in a short time.
Kevin leaned against his shop. A television had been placed in the corner, and he was watching the news. It was undoubtedly broadcasting interviews with Light, along with various related news reports and footage of people rushing to buy the medicine.
"Excuse me, do you have any concerns about this newly launched pharmaceutical product?" On the live broadcast, a reporter randomly selected a customer from the queue outside a pharmacy for an interview. It could be seen that most queuing were men, but there were also many female buyers.
"Concerns? Concerns about what?" The interviewed customer looked bewildered.
"Aren't you worried about whether the drug's effects are harmful, or if there will be side effects?"
Hearing this, the buyer realized an interview was being filmed. "Live broadcast? Go away, go away, don't film me." He quickly covered his face with his hand and turned away. From his youthful face, it was clear that if his friends knew he was buying this type of medicine, he would probably feel very embarrassed.
Kevin noticed many people coming to buy the medicine were wearing masks or simple disguises.
Watching the interview on television, Kevin shook his head helplessly. Such scenes had been ongoing for several days. After all, Light had invested a large amount of capital in advertising. Similar advertisements weren't uncommon in the past, but this time many firsthand users had given high praise. Through the internet, various interviews, and widespread broadcast on television channels that Light had specifically arranged, the medicine's popularity rapidly increased. Not only was it reported on television, but even the pharmacy downstairs from Kevin's shop was now packed.
Light was very busy right now. He was a rising star in the business world. However, compared to truly powerful figures, he could only be considered ordinary—it was just that everyone placed great importance on his company's future prospects.
"It's a good thing we prepared in advance; at least we can cope with the initial rush of purchases." Previously, most such products on the market were fake goods disguised as advertisements. Now that there was a truly effective product, it naturally received enthusiastic acclaim. Once this wave passed, the situation would stabilize. In any case, the company's reputation had been established. Though not yet listed, its estimated market value was continuously climbing.
Kevin no longer paid much attention to this. As long as it made money, that was fine.
Just then, the shop door pushed open. A little girl in a pink dress happily rushed in.
"Uncle! I came to see you!" Neon ran in, smiling, and circled the small shop, her face full of disappointment. "What is this? Why is there nothing?" She asked, confused and disappointed.
Kevin rolled his eyes. "There's nothing to begin with. This isn't a toy store."
Kurapika, who followed Neon in, also looked around.
It had to be said, the place indeed didn't look like a legitimate shop. The two children, plus the two maids who followed them in, instantly made the already small shop crowded. Fortunately, the two bodyguards standing at the door didn't come in—otherwise, there probably wouldn't be room to turn around.
Neon looked at the bookshelf, scanning it. "So many books I don't understand, but why are there so many storybooks?" she asked, puzzled.
Kevin replied, "Because my good friend is also a Phantom Beast Hunter. Although he's never done anything related to the profession, according to available intelligence, many peculiar beasts are closely related to local folklore or various legends. This point can be used to find clues."
"Alright, alright, there's nothing fun here. Kurapika, take Neon to play somewhere else."
Kurapika nodded, pulling Neon, ready to leave.
As she walked, Neon mumbled, "So boring, and I even made a special trip here."
The maid beside her smiled and said, "It's alright. This place is just in the mall—consider it a quick stop while shopping."
Hearing this, Neon nodded.
They came quickly and left quickly. The originally quiet shop, which had just experienced a brief burst of activity, returned to calm.
Kevin leaned back in his chair. "Indeed, I can't stay here every day, can I?" His small pharmacy couldn't possibly become an overnight sensation like Red Stone Pharmaceuticals. Kevin didn't intend for it to be overly popular either. But it couldn't be left unattended.
He was willing to stay here mainly because he wanted to experience being a shop owner. He had never had a similar experience before. But after staying a few days, he also felt a bit bored—spending all day here reading wasn't sustainable. He needed to hire someone, preferably a Nen user.
Kevin glanced at his watch. "It's three o'clock already—time to get off work." Now he was the boss, so he decided when to get off work. Saying that, he turned off the lights, walked out of the shop, and casually flipped the sign at the door, which had a business number attached.
Just then, he saw Kurapika and the others, who had left not long ago, leisurely browsing a nearby shop. Kevin walked straight over.
"Uncle, what's wrong?" Kurapika asked, puzzled.
"Nothing. Just off work."
"Off work?" Kurapika was startled for a moment, then turned to look at the closed shop in the distance.
"Are the company affairs going smoothly?" Kevin suddenly asked with a smile.
Hearing this, Kurapika smiled. "It's a bit complicated, but it's also a very good learning opportunity."
As for the issue of the gangs' coveting, Kevin didn't ask further. After all, he had fully entrusted these matters to Pairo and his team, so they would naturally handle them themselves.
Meanwhile, the Liz Family, originally superior to the Nostra Family, only learned of the relevant situation after receiving reports from other small gang families.
"Are you saying that the Red Stone Pharmaceuticals reported on TV is that Nostra guy's company?!" The eldest son of the Liz Family, suspecting he had misheard, pointed at the news playing on the nearby television and asked.
The head of the small family who had come to report the situation nodded obsequiously. "Yes, Boss. You don't know—he recently reported in detail everything Light has done over the past few months."
Originally, this information didn't need to reach the ears of the Liz Family's eldest son; he usually didn't have the energy to pay attention to such trivial matters. But this time was clearly different.
"I understand. You may leave."
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