Island X Dark Continent

"The world as we currently know it is actually only a small part of this world."

"A small part?" Kevin wondered if he had misheard, but he did not interrupt Jin's explanation.

Though he had never specifically studied the data on the world map, this world was definitely not much smaller than the one he had once lived in.

Such a vast expanse being called merely a small part—was that really reasonable?

"In a certain era, in certain regions, some chosen people left records about the [outside] within relics."

So, while excavating and protecting Ruins, Jin had deciphered them and learned the information about this so-called [outside].

Kevin listened while quietly pondering.

"In the world [outside], the world we currently know lies on a group of islands within a lake called Lake Mobius."

"Huh?" This time, Kevin truly could not help interrupting him. "It's not that I don't believe you, but what you're saying is far beyond anything I expected.

Are you saying that the known world formed by these continents is merely a small cluster of islands in a lake within the entire world?"

It's not that I don't believe you, man, but this is about to completely overturn my Worldview.

Just how enormous would this world have to be? If the concept of the universe existed here too, then this had to be a gigantic planet.

Wouldn't a planet that massive have gravity that—

Forget it. Nen abilities exist, so everything else can be explained too.

Jin was not angered by Kevin's interruption.

After all, when he had first learned this information, his reaction had been far more exaggerated than Kevin's. He had practically danced around like a Monkey.

"No one can say for certain how large this world truly is. But the information obtained from various Ruins is enough to prove that the region we inhabit can indeed only be called a lake.

Throughout history, countless ambitious people have attempted to journey [outside], and they brought back quite a bit of related information as well."

As he spoke, Jin suddenly gave an example. "Three hundred years ago, a fantasy novel titled New Continent Chronicle was published. It recorded the author's own experiences exploring the Infinite Coast, and this was only the Don volume of the book."

In truth, this work that appeared to be a fantasy novel depicted the real world. Kevin could roughly guess what came next.

"Only later did people discover that the contents of the book were true records. Before long, powerful nations sealed away those books and erased all remaining information related to them.

The book recorded all kinds of terrifying phenomena and creatures, while also mentioning many dreamlike items."

That description filled Kevin with doubts.

In his eyes, the current Hunter world already had Nen abilities. Many things that should never have existed had appeared, making it fantastical enough already.

Under such circumstances, what kind of things could possibly be called dreamlike?

Jin seemed to see Kevin's confusion and gave another example. "For instance, there is something called Nitromi, also known as Longevity Rice."

The meaning was obvious. Was it something that could extend one's lifespan?

"There is also an item called the All-Curing Herb."

Jin kept listing them, while Kevin became completely engrossed. He could not help wondering—if these things could be refined into potions, the effects would be unimaginable.

"And those are only some of the items from the Don volume. According to clues in the book, there should also be a West volume, but it has yet to be found.

There are only three possibilities. First, humanity has not discovered it yet. Second, the author gave up writing it. Third, the author is still in the process of writing it."

So that was it. If the items recorded in the book truly existed, then anything was possible.

"Holy shit."

At that moment, only those words could describe the shock in Kevin's heart.

"The author of that book was named Don Freecss."

"Huh? Your ancestor?" Kevin asked in surprise.

Given Jin's strength and social standing, there was indeed no need for him to lie about something like this.

Besides, if they truly belonged to the same family and Don Freecss was Jin's ancestor, then it was no wonder Jin was so passionate about all this.

Having reached this point, Jin finally voiced what was truly on his mind. "That is why the [outside] is my goal. I long to go there and witness things I have never seen with my own eyes."

Kevin roughly understood why Jin had paid him such special attention.

In Jin's eyes, he was likely some unusual existence from the so-called Dark Continent.

If humanity's ancestors could cross Lake Mobius, reach the islands at its center, and multiply there, then why could there not be similar settlements elsewhere?

Of course, only Kevin himself knew that was impossible. After all, his original world had already explored its Boundary and had even achieved interstellar travel.

But regardless, after hearing Jin's account, Kevin developed a strong interest in that unknown land.

Anyone would be tempted, especially when he considered his Nen ability. If it could be combined with materials from the creatures there, the powerful effects it could produce would be immeasurable.

"Is it very difficult to go there?"

Jin nodded and held up four fingers. "Extensive preparations are needed, including permission, means, qualifications, and contracts. At present, I have none of those. It may take several years, or even more than a decade, to prepare."

Kevin nodded in sudden understanding. To some extent, such a long preparation period was worth it.

"So I'm part of your preparations too?" Kevin asked, pointing at himself.

To his surprise, Jin shook his head. "No. At first, I was merely curious about you. That came from the curiosity ingrained in my bones.

I have now confirmed that you know nothing about the [outside]. However, if you are interested as well, we can certainly become like-minded companions." As he spoke, Jin looked at Kevin.

Jin truly was not lying. At first, he had indeed believed Kevin to be the kind of special existence he had been hoping for.

Even now, he still thought so. It was just that Kevin could not currently offer much help in Jin's preparations to reach the Dark Continent.

But over the past half year, Kevin's growth and the Nen ability Jin had inferred made Jin feel that if Kevin was willing to go with him, he would surely become a capable assistant in the future.

After all, there was still a long time before Jin would truly be ready to set out on his journey.

Most importantly, Jin placed great importance on being like-minded.

Kevin, with his unusual origins, would very likely yearn for the Dark Continent. Growth potential, a compatible Nen ability, and shared ideals—these were precisely the qualities Jin hoped an Accompanying companion would possess.

"To be honest, after hearing you say all that, I really am extremely interested in that place. Exploring an unknown world sounds incredible. But from what you've said, going there requires considerable strength... If, by then, I have confidence in my own strength, I'll definitely join your team."

Those words brought a smile to Jin's face, and he held out his hand.

The two clasped each other's hands tightly.

"Then I'll be looking forward to it."