Giant Wood Town

The Tork Great Forest.

It is also known as Green of Aijin.

This is the largest known forest plain in the world, and by "world" here, we mean human society.

Its territory is vast, spanning multiple countries, with a portion extending into the Kakin Empire, the largest nation on this continent.

In the middle of this green space lies a Volcanic Cluster.

In contemporary human society, countries around the world actually have limited understanding of the world's geology, species, and other conditions.

Perhaps it's because the Life Energy of this world is inherently abundant. Even though the center of the lake island where the human world is located is relatively remote, it is still an extraordinary world.

Every year, countless new species are discovered, some newly born, others never before recorded.

The level of detail in one's understanding depends entirely on the strength and power of the countries in the region at that time.

Like Greenland Volcano.

This is a Volcano that is believed to be Volcano, but perhaps because it is so old, it is now covered with dense vegetation.

The locals themselves may have forgotten that this is a Volcano, not to mention the hidden, unmarked Volcano nearby, making this a Volcanic Cluster.

In this world.

The wilderness, forests, and uninhabited areas are far more dangerous than one might imagine.

Because various unregulated and uncontrollable giant Beasts live in this area.

The mortality rate for ordinary people attempting to cross such areas, even with professional training, is extremely high.

And the Tork Great Forest is one of its pillars.

There are countless related legends.

However, even in such areas, there are some ethnic minorities or residents who migrated there in the past.

Of course, these residents are mostly from areas that are relatively close to the surrounding large cities.

At least if you drive, you should be able to get there within two or three days.

Giant Wood Town is such an area.

Originally, this was just a logging camp. Over time, the former loggers and their families lived here, and it gradually developed into a Small Town.

They felled the giant trees around here, processed and cut up the timber, and transported it out.

Due to the Danger Level of the forest, some timber companies are unable to send professional teams here.

After all, casualties are a price they cannot afford.

This is also how these Small Town survive.

They have lived here for generations and have long since become one with their surroundings, knowing how to survive here.

Men Qi stretched out on the roof of the car, looking up at the forest composed of towering trees.

He blurted out, "It's truly magnificent—people look so small here."

Her voice was filled with heartfelt emotion.

The sunlight here seems to be generous.

Unlike the dense barriers formed by ordinary forests, the trees here grow extremely tall.

What's amazing is that their branches and leaves are not tightly interwoven above the dome; instead, they leave plenty of wide gaps.

Thus, the golden-red beams of light were able to penetrate these enormous gaps with impunity, pouring down in beams and shards.

Like a spotlight, it falls on the interlacing tree stumps, the damp lichen, and the dense ferns, casting clear and mottled bright spots.

Within the beam of light, swirling dust particles were clearly visible.

The entire Dense Forest did not feel claustrophobic or dark as a result.

The air was filled with a warm, dry scent, a blend of the unique fragrance of trees and the fresh aroma emanating from the vegetation.

Being there feels not like venturing into the wilderness, but rather like arriving at a bright, open woodland teeming with life.

"A towering giant tree, a very interesting species, but to be honest, these are all just saplings."

Kevin, sitting in the passenger seat below, stuck his head out, looked around, and then spoke.

Why? Are you starting to study these plants in more depth now?

Men Qi poked her head in from the side and asked.

Buhaci, who was sitting on the funnel at the back with his luggage, also turned his head curiously.

It's not that we don't want him to come by car, but there simply isn't enough space. Since it's a car with a funnel-shaped opening, sitting in the funnel would be much more comfortable than sitting inside the car.

He's used to it.

The driver was Pakunoda, and the two Guide sat in the vehicle behind carrying more luggage.

Kevin smiled at the inquisitive looks from the crowd.

"Of course, I haven't studied it, I've just seen it."

Seeing Kevin's smug expression, Men Qi realized what was happening and asked, "You're not talking about the Dark Continent, are you?"

Kevin nodded smugly.

This made Men Qi purse her lips in dissatisfaction. "Those who have been there are indeed remarkable, huh?"

"What else?"

Having safely returned from the Dark Continent, shouldn't one be quite pleased with oneself?

It's important to know that in the past few hundred years of officially documented explorations, there have been hundreds of such expeditions, but only five have resulted in a return, and the number of survivors is extremely limited.

Kevin smiled and continued, "These trees are quite common in the Dark Continent, at least in the area where I was at the time."

"They are generally five to six hundred meters high, almost forming a sky dome. They can block local thunderstorms to some extent, providing good shelter and serving as the nests and habitats of many giant beasts."

After confirming that they could return, Kevin and Melusina used the Snake Nest as a base to explore a large area around it.

They weren't just hunting wild animals; they were also learning about the local ecosystem and identifying favorable natural conditions to integrate into it later.

At that time, they discovered that many plants actually exist in the human world today, but they have all undergone giantification on the Dark Continent.

To put it bluntly, the Dark Continent is a vast world, and this vastness is broad in all aspects.

From environment and organisms to area.

Human beings are visibly insignificant in this context.

Hearing Kevin's words, Men Qi looked up at the trees, which were no more than a hundred meters tall.

"That's great, that makes me think about that too."

Lying on the roof of the car, Men Qi murmured to herself.

Of the materials Kevin brought back, some could not be found to be made from suitable materials after being studied.

They gave these to Men Qi as cooking ingredients, and the resulting dishes were undeniably delicious, but their nutritional value was certainly beyond question.

Of course, an even more important reason is that Melusina also went to the Dark Continent with Kevin.

Melusina grew up in the [Food Village], so her culinary skills are practically innate.

Although she is most passionate about and skilled at making desserts, her other culinary skills are essentially far superior to those of some top chefs.

At that time, Men Qi and Xiahara talked to her for a long time, and the more they talked, the more they longed for her.

Didn't you see? People are already drooling over the Xiahara.

Unable to get a word in edgewise Pakunoda and Pons exchanged a glance.

The Dark Continent is undoubtedly a secret to human society.

Even Hunter x Hunter would have absolutely no idea about it unless they deliberately gathered information.

This is the result of the public deliberately concealing the truth.

Not to mention these two, who have only been Hunter x Hunter for less than a year.

But neither of them are fools.

Kevin was undoubtedly the strongest they had ever seen, Melusina couldn't be sure.

However, Men Qi and Buhaci's strength is undeniable, not to mention that they are both Star Rank Hunter x Hunter in the Hunter Association.

Kevin actually used his trip to a certain place as something to brag about.

Men Qi and Xiahara even felt a genuine sense of envy.

This made the two of them very curious.

Pons couldn't help but ask.

"Master, what is this Dark Continent you're talking about? I've never heard of it before."

They've all become Professional Hunter, and their access to information has expanded significantly. Even confidential information can be accessed directly from the Hunter Association's website without costing them any money.

Kevin made no attempt to hide anything from this issue.

Or perhaps he never intended to hide it at all; what was there to hide?

Those around him who are capable are likely to be among the members who will later travel to the Dark Continent.

Pakunoda and the other two were naturally on his list.

"The real world."

That's a bit confusing.

"Would it kill you to give a proper explanation?!"

Kevin's first words immediately provoked Men Qi to speak up in anger.

He immediately chimed in, explaining, "The so-called Dark Continent is a world outside of this world. And this world has no Boundary, haven't you noticed?"

"To date, no textbook has ever mentioned the Boundary of the world or how big the world is; the terminology used has always been the known world."

"The only thing we know is that the world is surrounded by oceans."

Upon hearing this, the two seemed to suddenly realize what was happening.

They truly seem to have never thought about these things.

"If we were to elaborate, it would take days and nights to finish, but all you need to know is that, in the context of the real world, the continents that humanity currently knows are merely islands in a lake. That's enough."

Upon hearing this, Pakunoda almost lost control of the steering wheel, and the car wobbled before straightening itself.

Feeling the vehicle sway, Kevin turned to look at him and said with a smile, "Young man, keep a steady mindset."

"Yes, Master."

Pakunoda nodded in agreement and took a deep breath.

"Haha, I quite enjoy the expressions on people's faces after they learn about the Dark Continent."

With a teasing smile, Men Qi leaned against the window, upside down, watching their expressions, and said with a laugh.

"The fact that we're only finding out about this information now means it was Blockade before, right?"

Are you just telling us this way that it's okay?

"And it's a general Blockade against the general public; even Hunter x Hunter like us seem to be kept in the dark. In that case—it's dangerous, isn't it? The Dark Continent."

After calming down and thinking things through, Pons sorted out her thoughts and asked.

"Very perceptive."

"That's right. How could the upper echelons of these countries possibly leave such a large area uncolonized? Of course, it's because the cost is too high, too high for even them to bear."

Men Qi said dismissively.

What is meant by "unbearable" is actually a threat to one's own life.

The "disaster" brought back from the Dark Continent, and the true reason it is called a disaster and is feared, is unknown.

In other words, it is unknown how it threatens others.

But it is precisely this kind of threat, which is impossible to defend against, that terrifies those who control the direction of the world.

Because their lives are not guaranteed.

Even defensive Nen ability couldn't help them or provide a sense of security, so naturally, fear took over.

If you can't get it yourself, and you're afraid someone else will, then you should use a counter-strategy to Blockade.

This is why Netero's actions enabled these Blockade measures to take effect.

I reluctantly agreed.

After a brief explanation, the two remained in shock.

The two cars gradually came into view, and the Small Town in the distance came to a stop outside the Small Town.

The two Guide were residents of the Small Town, and rooms had already been prepared for them.

As the group crossed the Small Town's roads.

Kevin noticed a lot of stares and turned to look at a second-floor window of a house.

He noticed unusual gazes there, Small Town that weren't typical of the town's ordinary residents.

The aura was also different.

Then he saw a young man and a middle-aged man standing by the window, watching them.

Kevin glanced at them briefly before looking away.

"A stranger? At this hour."

Hearing her companion's words, Ann glanced at him and said with a smile, "We're strangers too, so we have no right to judge others."

His expression then turned serious.

"But is it a coincidence that we're here at this time?"

"I can't be sure, but I know those two people."

"Who?"

Ann, I didn't expect Tell to know that group of people.

Then why are you spouting these mystical phrases here?

"That girl and that fat guy, their combination left a very deep impression; anyone who saw them should never forget them."

An looked up at the group's backs, and indeed, it was a memorable combination; one look at it and you wouldn't forget it.

"I remember they were a Gourmet Hunter duo, both of them were very young, and both were One-star Hunter. The last time I saw them was at their promotion ceremony to One-star Hunter."

To become Star Rank Hunter x Hunter, you normally need to register with the Hunter Association and undergo a promotion Succession Ceremony.

Kevin was given special treatment at the time, and since he needed to travel with the Twelve Zodiacs, he was given the gift directly.

"Gourmet Hunter? That makes sense, since there are plenty of ingredients in this kind of natural environment, and some special ingredients can only be obtained in places like this."

After listening to Tell's words, Ann thought for a moment and said...

He then couldn't help but advise, "Although this incident was indeed dangerous, you don't need to be so paranoid."

He was aware of the pressure the other person was under.

After all, it would cause large-scale wildfires, and could even result in the most severe wildfire disaster to date.

Moreover, it was the kind of disaster that could be prevented, which put immense psychological pressure on Tell.

After all, as Natural Disaster Hunter who has been dedicated to the prevention and management of various natural disasters, his humanitarian spirit is absolutely sufficient.

In this situation, various problems could arise that could cause this, and even the slightest disturbance would alarm him.

Not to mention that a group of Nen user suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

"However, we should indeed be careful, as we cannot rule out the possibility that they could be the source of Volcano eruption."

Ann had to admit this as well.

Meanwhile, Kevin and the others, who were walking ahead, were also chatting.

"Why did you turn around just now?" Men Qi asked.

She keenly noticed Kevin's irrational behavior.

"There were two Nen user watching us from the second floor of that room. Judging from their demeanor, they're definitely not residents of this Small Town; they must be outsiders, but they seem to have arrived here before us."

"It's normal for them to Nen user, since Pakunoda and the others were able to sense the Phoenix's appearance, so others must have noticed it as well."

"Many people must have witnessed it; this kind of news is bound to attract interested people."

They arrived after Pakunoda sent them a message, which means they were considered slow to arrive, as Pakunoda had already been investigating for some time beforehand.

That makes sense.

And it doesn't necessarily mean they're in a competitive relationship.

After all, for Phantom Beast, people's goal isn't necessarily to hunt them; it's more about satisfying their own curiosity.