The Final Measure X A Simple Reason

Kevin's blunt words made Netero somewhat unhappy.

That brat has absolutely no sense of respect for elders or care for the young.

Of course, it is only when Netero wants to gain an advantage verbally that he deliberately labels himself as "old".

Kevin didn't care at all. He suddenly changed the subject, his eyes sharp as if he could see through people's hearts. "Stop changing the subject. Although I don't know you very well, I have heard about your style of doing things."

"This time you only brought Morel and Nobu, you came almost alone—you're just here to satisfy your own selfish desires, aren't you? You want to have a good, unrestrained fight?"

Even Morel and Nobu might not fully understand this thought.

But those who truly know Sydney Troll's character and have worked with him for a long time, such as Biscuit, can definitely guess it with a high degree of accuracy.

Before heading there, Kevin had invited Biscuit to Accompany.

After all, this two-star Gem Hunter was teaching Gon and Killua in the Boundary city back then.

However, after learning the specifics, Biscuit refused almost without hesitation.

As Netero's personal disciple, she knew her master all too well.

She didn't want to disturb her master's almost "willful" game.

She earnestly entrusted Kevin with the task of looking after that "willful and reckless" old man.

This might sound strange, but in Biscuit's mind, Kevin, the powerful and resourceful "apothecary," was a formidable opponent in the face of a threat like the Chimeric Ant King.

On the contrary, he seemed more "reliable" than Netero, who was obsessed with personal combat, especially when it came to protecting Netero's own safety.

Kevin paused, his tone carrying a subtle approval of Netero's style. "But, old man, the reason you earn so much respect is because you always manage to satisfy your own selfish desires while also genuinely solving the problem."

"So, you must have some backup plan this time, right? Some foolproof method that can ensure you still take care of the Ant King after you've recklessly 'played' with it?"

While Netero certainly had his flaws, such as being willful, belligerent, and fond of playing pranks, he was able to sit on the Chairman of the Hunter Association and become one of the most prestigious and influential figures in the Association's history.

The fact that he could gather such an elite team of Twelve Zodiacs solely through his personal charisma demonstrates his remarkable competence, far-sighted vision, and reliable sense of responsibility.

Kevin wanted to talk to the old man and find out his final solution.

Although the two of them had developed a strange tacit understanding—that I know you're hiding something, and you know I've become that kind of tactic—it's still better to be more open about it.

Although Kevin so bluntly exposed his thoughts, Netero's face showed a hint of displeasure at such a direct conversation, but he didn't seem to have much intention of hiding anything.

After all, Kevin, this "variable," is powerful enough to be an unplanned safety net.

The real reason for the halftime break is that Netero clearly understands this.

Kevin can wear him down.

This is his way of acknowledging the other person.

Thinking of this, Netero's expression became unusually solemn. He extended his finger again, pointing clearly and forcefully to his heart.

"Here," his voice was deep and clear, carrying an undeniable resolve, "Is a bomb planted. I'm sure you've heard its name— The Poor Man's Rose."

".--..."

Kevin fell silent.

His pupils contracted sharply and almost imperceptibly for a moment.

The Poor Man's Rose!

He had certainly heard of that name before.

This is a prime example of why he felt that certain aspects of the world were "utterly rotten."

Human society is rife with a large number of dangerous weapons that are poorly managed and have been scattered abroad.

And this thing is undoubtedly the most notorious and disturbing of them all.

I don't know which mad scientist or organization invented this thing, but it's relatively simple to manufacture, not difficult to detonate, and ridiculously cheap.

However, its destructive power is so outrageous that it can be classified as a hybrid nuclear-biological-chemical weapon.

It possesses both the devastating power of a violent explosion and the deadly poison.

The shockwave and high temperature generated by the explosion were the first cause of destruction.

What follows is an even more terrifying and despairing second death: a special, highly effective cytotoxin.

After the explosion, the mortality rate is extremely high if inhaled or contaminated within the effective range.

Although Kevin was confident that his top-notch pharmacology knowledge and superb Nen ability might allow him to avoid or treat the damage from this toxin, the explosive range of this thing was also astonishingly exaggerated.

In human society, every now and then, horrifying news reports emerge of this thing exploding somewhere, each time accompanied by horrific casualties.

Because this thing spreads too widely.

It has become so widespread that even terrorist organizations can obtain it.

According to incomplete statistics, this single weapon has likely caused millions of human deaths to date, a staggering number.

If it weren't for the even more terrifying "disasters" of the Dark Continent hanging like the Sword of Damocles over our heads, forcing the V5 nations to maintain the most basic tacit understanding and cooperation, human society would probably have long since fallen into an unimaginable Abyss of chaos.

It is conceivable that those major powers and secret organizations possess even more terrifying and outrageous ultimate weapons than "The Poor Man's Rose."

And now, Netero Isaac, the Chairman of the Hunter Association and one of the world's most recognized strongest individuals, has actually implanted such a devastating weapon in his own heart.

The activation method is self-evident, after all, it's located in the heart of the heart.

Heart stopped beating.

Once Netero dies and his heart stops beating, the bomb will detonate immediately.

At that time, even someone as powerful as the Ant King would have no chance of completely escaping the core area of the explosion in an instant.

This bomb was designed with double insurance to ensure the death of the Ant King:

The shockwave and high temperature generated by the First Stage of the explosion far exceeded the physical destructive limits that Nen ability could achieve.

Based on Kevin's understanding of modern firearms, he didn't believe that the Ant King's powerful physique could withstand the impact of an explosion of this magnitude head-on.

Even for him, with all defenses activated, the closer he was to the explosion point, the lower his chances of survival.

Even if the Ant King miraculously survived the explosion of the second-stage biological weapon thanks to some kind of incredible defense or speed.

The deadly cytotoxin that follows closely and penetrates everywhere, in the absence of precise, timely and sufficiently powerful targeted treatments, can only lead to death.

The two phases of destruction complemented each other, constituting Netero's ultimate means of ensuring his mutual destruction with the Ant King.

Is it worth it?

Kevin's voice lowered, carrying a hint of complex emotion that was difficult to detect as he asked.

This was a top-tier battle, a pursuit of the pinnacle of martial arts, but was it truly worth sacrificing one's life for it?

Netero's expression was unusually calm, without the slightest wavering, and his eyes, which had seen through countless vicissitudes, shone with an unwavering light.

He nodded very solemnly, his movements slow but firm, without the slightest hesitation.

I don't understand.

Kevin couldn't fully comprehend this obsession with sacrificing one's life for the sake of battle itself and the pursuit of the ultimate experience.

This seems to have no utilitarian purpose; it stems solely from a pure desire for battle.

Although Kevin had already guessed something based on Netero's personality and situation.

But hearing Netero confirm this cruel plan in such a calm tone still stirred up an indescribable emotion within him.

The air seemed to freeze instantly, and the mournful sound of the mountain wind whistling through the treetops was exceptionally clear, as if adding a touch of sorrow to the conversation.

Both of them fell silent.

However, Kevin's silence was not merely an expression of admiration for Netero's determination.

His mind was racing, calmly analyzing the potential chain reaction of Netero's death and weighing the complex interplay of interests.

Did Netero's death fulfill his needs? And what impact will it have on him?

From a short-term perspective

If he were to assemble a team to travel to the Dark Continent, Netero would undoubtedly be the strongest official obstacle.

This old man is a key figure who strictly prevents large official organizations from going to the Dark Continent; even his own son Beyond, is subject to extremely strict Restriction.

With Netero's death, this biggest official obstacle will disappear in the short term.

The Hunter Association will inevitably lose power.

Before Netero, if the Association's Chairman wasn't powerful enough and lacked influence, the Hunter Association was basically a powerhouse.

A "tool" used to handle tricky problems.

With his world-class strength, unparalleled personal prestige, and shrewd political acumen, Netero secured far greater autonomy for the Hunter Association through compromise and maneuvering than ever before.

This is one of the core reasons for his high reputation; he almost single-handedly elevated the Hunter Association to an unprecedented level.

Once he dies, the new Chairman will be no match for Netero in terms of strength, prestige, or political acumen, and the Hunter Association will inevitably become a mere appendage and glove of V5 once again.

This is beneficial for Kevin in the short term, allowing him to break free from official constraints.

But if we think about long-term issues...

Kevin will definitely go to the Dark Continent.

If the first exploration is successful and returns with significant results, in-depth cooperation with the Hunter Association, this "expert talent pool," will be essential and unavoidable.

At that point, he would have to directly confront and intervene in the complex power struggles within V5 and the vast bureaucratic system behind it.

Without Netero, a strongman who could balance V5 to some extent and fight for the Association's autonomy, Kevin will have to face political infighting, power struggles, and bureaucratic procedures on his own. The complexity and disgust of these processes are enough to give anyone a headache just thinking about them.

In the long run, if Kevin successfully explores the Dark Continent and brings back considerable gains...

Then Netero would be the most steadfast ally.

This old man has already explored the Dark Continent, and through more than one exploration, it's clear that he has lost interest.

In this situation, Netero is the perfect fit to remain in human society and act as a safety net.

Netero's existence is like a stabilizing force, the core power that suppresses various destabilizing factors worldwide.

As long as he lives, he will be the most conspicuous target and the most insurmountable obstacle for all potential threats.

He used one ironclad fact after another to tell all those who dared to cause trouble: he truly could annihilate their ambitions.

Once Netero loses his terrifying deterrent power, those dormant forces may erupt like an unleashed Volcano, inevitably exacerbating global chaos.

And Netero's son, Beyond Netero, who had been planning his journey to the Dark Continent for nearly fifty years.

Who knows how much power he has accumulated and how much preparation he has made over the past fifty years?

His ambition to travel to the Dark Continent, in terms of scale and radicalism, far surpasses that of "explorers" like Kevin and King.

While Netero was alive, he was able to effectively suppress him.

With Netero dead, Beyond is likely to act without restraint, triggering an unpredictable and massive upheaval.

Based on this conclusion, Netero's death seems to have removed some obstacles for Kevin's Dark Continent Project in the short term.

However, in the long run, this will be a huge loss and hidden danger to Kevin's future plans, the independence of the Hunter Association, and the stability of the world as a whole, with the disadvantages far outweighing the advantages.

Have you thought it through?

Netero seemed to see through the storm raging in Kevin's mind, and suddenly chuckled, breaking the heavy silence with a lighthearted tone.

He was prepared to die in this battle.

It wasn't because he wanted to die, but because he craved a battle like this.

Kevin is quite capable, and whatever he wants to do, he has to take Kevin's thoughts into account.

He seemed completely unconcerned that Kevin was calculating the gains and losses in the world after his death.

Kevin looked up, the complex weighing of emotions in his eyes gone, replaced by a clear determination.

He nodded.

However, instead of directly answering Netero's question, he posed another one. "Old man, before we talk about the deal, I'd like to ask you something first."

Why were you so determined, even going so far as to use your own prestige to unite with V5, to stop the official organization from making a large-scale trip to the Dark Continent?

He paused, then added, "You know perfectly well that you can't stop someone who's truly determined to go. Just consider it—satisfying my curiosity."

Furthermore, the Dark Continent shouldn't be considered a secret by those in the mid-to-high levels of the Nen ability world.

Fifty years ago, Netero insisted on Blockade without explaining why.

Kevin, whose ambitions lay in this area, was naturally curious.

Upon hearing this question, Netero remained calm and explained in a steady voice.

"It's not as complicated as you think, and there's no earth-shattering conspiracy behind it. The reason is actually very simple and realistic—the price paid was too high, while the gains were almost zero."

It's such a simple reason, without any complicated twists and turns.

At this point, Netero let out a rare, deep sigh.

This sense of heaviness, however, made Kevin even more focused.

"I've been to the Dark Continent a few times," Netero's gaze seemed to pierce through time and space, looking into the distance. "Everything there is brimming with deadly allure—the unknown, the powerful, the mysterious—it truly excites and gets the blood pumping."

Moreover, there is the kind of thing described in the book that can be called hope.

"So when I returned after overcoming many hardships, I shared my experiences with others with almost no reservations and with great excitement."

"The audience, naturally, is mainly the Hunter Association's adventurous elites."