Meeting X the Association's Favoritism

The Meeting Room fell silent.

Kevin looked at the information sheet in his hand, as well as the various contracts that needed to be signed.

After careful sorting, the contracts were quickly divided into two categories.

"These documents over here have nothing to do with me, do they? They look like documents that the Kakin Empire's team needs to sign."

Jin, sitting opposite him, nodded and took some documents from his own files.

"Your Kakin Empire's teams are the main force, aren't they? We small teams are just tagging along; they don't seem like they're there to restrain us at all."

Because many of the documents that were separated by the two individuals were agreements signed with the state, which could be seen at a glance.

They had previously reviewed some of the contract structures of the V6 league, and it was clear that they were derived from higher-ups.

Simply put, it's designed to target Beyond.

Because Beyond's forces were clearly established with funding from the Kakin Empire, they were a truly massive force.

Moreover, Beyond is clearly the one who led the team closest to success.

Even though Kevin received some inside information this time.

Knowing that he had already been to the Dark Continent once Beyond would not land with a force of several thousand men like before.

However, the team still numbered over a hundred people.

This is a completely different concept from a team of more than ten people like Kim and Kevin.

In V5's eyes.

With funding from major powers, and after decades of preparation, the success rate of the Beyond may have reached 20%.

As for Kim and Kevin...

Five Percent, I guess.

It was just something that happened incidentally.

The young man with glasses pushed up his glasses, seemingly unconcerned, and simply said quietly.

"This is just a reminder and explanation. You are all elite Hunter x Hunter, and you know more about many things than I do."

"I am merely stating the requirements of the International Voyage Bureau here; your ability to board the ship already qualifies you."

Kevin ignored the other person's nonsense and looked at everyone present.

The people at the table were divided into four teams.

Beyond's team.

The Golden Team.

Kevin's team.

The Twelve Zodiacs.

Kevin knew in advance that the team would be heading to the Dark Continent.

Are we the only few teams going to the Dark Continent?

Kevin asked curiously.

Although he wanted to go to the Dark Continent, he only started preparing in the last few years, and the preparations he made were only to train an initial team.

Build up various resources and connections.

The operation has not officially begun yet.

This was just an unexpected opportunity, one that couldn't be missed.

Therefore, there is not a deep enough understanding of the entire Nen ability world, or rather, the circles within the Nen ability that are interested in the Dark Continent.

It's incomparable to gold at all.

Because Jin has been deeply involved in this industry for over a decade.

Kim understood what Kevin meant and spoke up directly.

"It was just the few of us; after all, we were the only ones who couldn't wait and immediately joined the Vanguard Team."

After all, the last exploration was decades ago.

The previous exploration period was a complete failure, with not a single successful experience.

Therefore, we couldn't obtain any useful information.

This new batch of explorations is different from all the previous ones in terms of exploration techniques, scale, and team composition.

Therefore, many teams that also wanted to go to the Dark Continent did not rush to join the first group like Beyond or Jin.

Because V5 has already opened up the possibilities.

Many things, once you ask, these Professional Hunter can find you the opportunity to go.

Moreover, Netero's attitude has clearly softened considerably compared to before.

Then there's no need to rush with the first batch.

Therefore, many teams are closely observing the situation.

Moreover, getting into this first batch isn't something you can just do whenever you want.

It goes without saying that Beyond a major power.

Jin has also cultivated his expertise for over a decade, and with his abilities, he has already established a vast network of connections within the International Voyage Bureau and related departments.

Kevin himself is incredibly strong, as proven during the Ant King War. Moreover, he has the help of Ging, the Hunter Association Chairman Netero, and the foundation Red Stone Pharmaceuticals has built among high-ranking officials.

These three main Exploration Team are no joke.

Other Professional Hunter can hardly compare.

After listening to Kim's explanation, Kevin nodded slightly, indicating that he had a general understanding of the situation.

At this moment, Qiduo, who was sitting next to Kevin, gently tapped the table and said.

"The Twelve Zodiacs will oversee your exploration activities this time."

"Don't harbor any illusions. If you don't meet the most basic requirements, none of you will be allowed to go back. Correspondingly, we will stay there and share your fate."

"That's what Qiduo said without any politeness."

"We will establish a temporary base ahead of the return route, make contact with your respective bases, and provide you with some assistance."

"But if you do not bring back hope, nor find a solution to the disaster, then you will not be allowed to return. If you force your way back, you will face our annihilation. We will pay any price to sabotage your return operation, even sinking your ships."

Qiduo revealed the main objective of the Twelve Zodiacs' operation this time.

Beyond the first to express his opinion.

He simply shrugged and nodded.

"I have no objection."

"I can accept that."

"No problem."

The three expressed their opinions, and none of them raised any objections to the practice of using the Twelve Zodiacs.

He was already quite old Beyond, and this time he came here with the determination to die.

There is no such thing as failure, only success or death.

Because there won't be another fifty years for him to make sufficient preparations.

Jin nodded slightly, because he had never intended to go back.

Kevin had no objections whatsoever, because as long as he wasn't dead, he could accumulate stats, and once he was powerful enough, he would naturally be able to get what he wanted.

Each of the three had their own understanding and their own confidence.

"Now, let me discuss the details with you all----"

It was a tedious meeting, but since everyone knew what was going on, it didn't waste much time.

What can be agreed upon, and what must be rejected?

For the three people who needed to explore the Dark Continent, it was almost the same for everyone.

Despite their strained relationship, the several Exploration Team displayed almost identical levels of cooperation at the meeting.

Because at this moment, their interests are equal in the face of all the interests related to the Dark Continent.

V5 users are already trying to get things for free, so these various restrictions are just disgusting.

The meeting ended.

Beyond and Kevin exchanged a glance, then Byron and his men left on their own.

The Glasses Guy nodded to the crowd and left.

Only three teams remained in the entire Meeting Room.

"How is his strength?"

Jin lay on the table, looking at Kevin and asking impatiently.

With Jin's keen eye, he could clearly see that Kevin's strength had increased dramatically in the past year.

"It should be Enhancement Type, but its so-called strength, just as Netero said, isn't about physical strength, so it's definitely weaker than me."

Kevin extended his fist, frowned, and said very bluntly.

Those two punches just now were a perfect display of skill.

He didn't use his full strength.

It's impossible to use all my strength.

But to be honest, when that punch landed, the impact force didn't affect him at all; he wasn't affected in any way.

But he was certain that the recoil from that punch must have affected Beyond.

"It seems he'll be safer on the ship."

Kim laughed gleefully, then sat back down and lay back in the chair.

Kevin is an absolutely powerful variable.

Any unexpected event that Beyond on his journey to the Dark Continent, especially if it provokes Kevin, could cause losses and negatively impact his trip.

For Beyond, whose ultimate goal was to prepare for the Dark Continent, he would absolutely not take such a risk again.

"What is he planning to do on the ship? Probably not. After all, we're all here to explore the Dark Continent."

Although Kevin didn't like Beyond, he had to admit that Byrd was simply an adventurer who wanted to explore the Dark Continent.

They are no different from martial artists who simply want to fight.

Their purity is the kind that allows them to detach themselves from the world.

The Dark Continent vast, and it is also dangerous.

Teams that want to explore the Dark Continent will have almost no conflicts, and there will be no conflict of interest whatsoever.

"The Succession Ceremony requires offerings."

Kim looked at Kevin and suddenly said.

Upon hearing this, Kevin narrowed his eyes slightly.

He naturally knew what Jin was talking about and trusted Jin's judgment, after all, the other party was a genuine Ruin Hunter.

You mean to say----

Before Kevin could finish his question, Kim shook his head.

"I can't be sure. The Succession War Succession Ceremony is a top secret of the Kakin Empire, and even I can't find out the specifics."

"But looking back at history, every Succession War has resulted in major disasters, which is clearly an excuse to cover it up."

"Let's put these topics aside for now; we'll be more vigilant later."

"That's what Qiduo said from the side."

Compared to the two individuals, the Twelve Zodiacs were indeed involved in the actual operation of the entire B·W, with Twelve Zodiacs of them holding an important position in their respective departments.

They want deeper involvement.

Hopefully you'll realize it by then.

97

Jin shrugged and said nonchalantly.

Qiduo looked at the two of them and said, "Your two teams will land at the same location, right?"

The two exchanged a glance and nodded.

The login location was, naturally, the same place Kevin had left a few years ago.

"According to the information about the Dark Continent, the so-called intersection point does not exist at all, so the Twelve Zodiacs must be divided into two teams, each overseeing two different directions."

According to historical records.

The Gatekeeper will send Guide to lead everyone directly to the waters near the designated landing point.

Then, the explorers traveling by ship would need to sail for about another month before they could see the coastline.

Even if everyone's destinations are close, the distance between them is far too great for them to meet in a short period of time.

In this situation, if the Twelve Zodiacs want to exercise oversight, they need to be divided into two teams, each following in a different direction.

They will not assist in the exploration; instead, they will remain at the base at the landing site to wait.

This served both to assist the enemy in protecting their ships and to prevent their defeat and escape.

"As per the Chairman's orders, our primary partner is you, Kevin, so you can choose the supervisors you need."

Qiduo said it very bluntly, and Jin, who was standing next to her, couldn't help but purse his lips when he heard this.

"Hey! This is so unfair!"

Upon hearing Jin's words, Qiduo merely glanced at him before looking away, completely ignoring him.

We used to be colleagues.

"Working with you has never been easy for us."

The two exchanged a sarcastic remark.

In Netero's mind, the three teams had long been labeled differently.

Don't expect Beyond's team to bring back any solutions to the disaster; their goal from the beginning has been hope.

Jin's team is even Beyond's team; there's no way they'll come back. However, if they do bring back hope or a solution to the disaster, it will certainly be handed over to the Twelve Zodiacs Branches.

Kevin, however, will get his hands on anything—whether it's a solution to the disaster, a means of obtaining hope, or anything of equal value—as long as he's still alive.

In short, according to Netero's assessment, Kevin has the lowest risk, the most stable investment, the highest investment value, and the most transparent returns.

Even if you don't get Hope, Kevin might still be able to create something just as good as Hope with his potion.

The most important point is...

Due to an accident, Kevin and the other person fell there together without any warning.

Then, somehow, they came back.

This is an unprecedented feat, and one of Netero's greatest sources of confidence.

Everyone who didn't know them well assumed Kevin had been smuggled in once, but those who truly knew them understood that the two of them were accidentally dumped there.

The difficulty is not even on the same level.

This is also a major reason why Kim was willing to help Kevin; he believed Kevin would become an insurance policy for the Dark Continent.

Furthermore, if Netero understood Kevin's personality, he would be able to deduce his methods of action.

By exploring from a single point, one can discover a common ground.

Therefore, the task of Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches to the Heavenly Stems will be of some help to Kevin.

Netero would naturally also request the Twelve Zodiacs, primarily to assist Kevin.

Kevin nodded; he wasn't surprised.

"What I'm really curious about now is, who are the rats and pigs these days?"

After all, both King Pariston have left the Twelve Zodiacs, so someone has to take their place. Judging from Qiduo's words, it seems that someone has already taken their place.

"Those who replaced you are all people you know; I think you should recognize them too."

"I know him?" Kevin, somewhat curious.

"Morel has taken over Jin's position, and his experience will be invaluable in exploring the Black Beggar Continent."

Morel?

Kevin thought about it and realized it was true; based on the last battle against the Chimeric Ant, Morel certainly had the qualifications and achievements.

"Bianluoke has succeeded Pariston."

"Bianluoke?"

Kevin was stunned for a moment. Not to mention Kevin, even Melusina, who had been sitting next to him, showed surprise on her face.

Because Bianluoke was none other than a former villager of the Food Village.

Melusina's best friend, and also the main reason that Kevin and the others went to the Food Village to solve the problem, is Lorraine's brother.

Why did he join the Twelve Zodiacs?

Melusina asked, puzzled.

The main problem is that it's hard to imagine Bianluoke incorporating the Twelve Zodiacs.

"I don't know, you'll have to ask the Chairman, since it was the Chairman who invited me."

"I can't help it, "Qiduo said helplessly.

"Wait a minute, Bianluoke actually accepted this mission and is even going to the Black Beggar Continent with you, so what about Lorraine?"

Melusina asked somewhat anxiously.

It's hard to imagine that these two siblings would be separated.

Qiduo shook her head. "I don't know. Although we are colleagues now, we weren't familiar with each other before. I only invited Twelve Zodiacs within the last year, so I don't know much about him."

"In that case, let's finalize the quota after we've discussed it further. There's no rush."

Qiduo nodded, not in a hurry.

"No problem. It will be a long time before you can truly make your way to the Black Beggar Continent. You have plenty of time to think things through during this period."

"What about Bianluoke?" Kevin asked.

Melusina clearly cares about Lorraine.

"He doesn't hold any specific position, but if you want to know his exact location, you'll have to ask Niu; he knows more about it."

After giving Kevin Niu his contact information, he said goodbye and left.

But Jin had already slipped away at some point.

"Let's go, let's go look for it."

97

Melusina was somewhat worried.