Chapter Summaries

Kevin reunited with Jin in the Biscayne Forest Park, where Jin showed him a dying Two-headed wolf and explained the species’ ancient role as guides for the dead. Jin also revealed that humanity’s ancestors came to the known world from a true Place of Birth beyond the unexplored seas.

• Kevin arrived at the Special Species Protection Area with Begel and met Jin, who praised his progress and credited Biscuit’s training.
• Jin led Kevin to the Two-headed wolves’ cave, where the pack gathered around a male wolf that was near death.
• Jin explained that Two-headed wolves, known in ancient times as Haram, were revered across continents as messengers who guided souls after death.
• Kevin questioned Jin’s claim that humanity had first landed in this world, and Jin confirmed that the ancestors’ true Place of Birth lay beyond the unexplored seas.

Kevin said goodbye to the dying Two-headed wolf before Jin showed him a powerful jade-green bone and gave it to him as a Gift. Jin revealed that many unusual creatures had crossed the seas from the True World beyond the Cognitive World, leaving Kevin to wonder what dangers lay beyond the known world.

• Kevin stroked the dying Two-headed wolf, then left the cave with Jin to give its family privacy.
• Jin gave Kevin a wrapped object and explained that its patterned bandage bore God Text.
• Kevin unwrapped a jade-green bone whose powerful Aura stirred an intense craving in him, and judged it to be a B-Rank material beyond his current ability to use.
• Jin gave the bone to Kevin as a Gift to help him protect himself.
• Jin said the bone was part of a creature cub's finger and revealed that many unusual creatures had come from the True World beyond the Cognitive World.

Jin explained to Kevin that the known world was only a group of islands in Lake Mobius, and that the Dark Continent beyond it contained extraordinary creatures and materials. Kevin became interested in exploring it with Jin, and they agreed to travel together if Kevin was strong enough when Jin was ready.

• Jin told Kevin that records in Ruins described the known world as islands within Lake Mobius and that explorers had returned with information about the outside.
• Jin described the Don volume of New Continent Chronicle, which recorded real journeys and mentioned items such as Nitromi and the All-Curing Herb.
• Jin revealed that the book's author was Don Freecss, his ancestor, and said reaching the outside was his goal.
• Jin explained that an expedition required permission, means, qualifications, and contracts, and that preparing could take years or more than a decade.
• Kevin said he wanted to explore the unknown land and would join Jin if he felt confident in his strength, and they clasped hands.

Kevin and Jin witnessed the male Two-headed wolf dissolve after death, and the she-wolf gave Kevin its Unicorn Horn, judging him kinder than Jin. By the campfire, Jin examined Kevin’s Nen ability and potions, then concluded that Kevin’s possession of the corpse was closely tied to the post-mortem Nen and the mysterious yearning he felt for materials.

• Jin and Kevin entered the cave and watched the male Two-headed wolf’s body dissolve, leaving its Unicorn Horn behind.
• The she-wolf gave the Unicorn Horn to Kevin, and Jin explained that Two-headed wolves favored people with kind and just hearts.
• Kevin felt a strong yearning when he touched the horn, which he identified as a high-grade C-Rank material.
• Back at camp, Kevin showed Jin [Moment's Dream] and gave him a [Bone Setting Potion] to examine.
• Jin drank the potion, identified its healing effect and Aura-control side effect, and linked the potion’s malice to post-mortem Nen.
• Jin told Kevin that his possession of the corpse was closely tied to the formation of the post-mortem Nen and that the yearning remained more complicated than Nen could fully explain.

At the campsite, Jin explained how Kevin’s soul entered the dying Kevin B’s body and theorized that their fusion created his unusual post-mortem Nen and exceptional Aura control. Jin urged Kevin to accept and merge with his ability, and Kevin agreed to try.

• Jin explained that Kevin A arrived as Kevin B’s soul was dispersing and took over his body, whose Aura Nodes were already open.
• Jin theorized that Kevin A’s arrival stabilized the body’s Aura and fused fragments of Kevin B’s will and soul with Kevin A, producing Kevin’s unusual post-mortem Nen and control.
• Jin suggested Kevin test whether he could shape his [En] irregularly and adjust his Nen ability, but Kevin said changing it had seemed nearly impossible.
• Jin told Kevin to merge with the ability rather than force it, pointing out that Kevin had begun accepting his current appearance.
• Kevin acknowledged his lingering resistance and agreed to try.

Kevin accepted Begel Raghor’s offer to intern as a bodyguard and assist with conservation research at Smiler Wetland. At the research base, he learned about the wetland’s deceptive ecosystem and examined a newly documented species called the Shadow Larva.

• Begel Raghor introduced himself as a One-star Conservation Hunter and Jin’s disciple, then offered Kevin an internship on his team.
• Kevin accepted the offer in exchange for helping protect the researchers and potentially gaining access to rare plant and animal materials.
• Begel explained that Smiler Wetland, also known as Cheater’s Nest, was home to species that preyed through deception.
• Begel drove Kevin to the research base, where Moagu reported that the team had recorded its findings and released most specimens.
• Begel showed Kevin a Shadow Larva specimen and its file, which described how it used living shadows to lure people toward an acid pool.

Kevin studied a Shadow Larva at the research base and later joined Dr. Belut on a trip into Smiler Wetland to gather food for specimens. The group encountered a mimic plant and then heard a Deceiver Crow calling for help from the fog.

• Kevin examined a preserved Shadow Larva specimen and learned from Moagu that the species was relatively safe from extinction.
• Kevin toured the research base, settled into his quarters, and spent the week studying and training.
• Dr. Belut asked Kevin to help collect food for specimens, and Kevin joined him and two assistants on an expedition into Smiler Wetland.
• Dr. Belut identified footprints in the mud as the deceptive leaves of a Pseudopod Fern that mimicked tracks to lure creatures into danger.
• A voice cried for help through the fog, and Toby recognized the familiar call as a Deceiver Crow's trick.

Kevin traveled with Professor Belut’s group through Cheater’s Nest to the Sulfuric Acid Pool, where they studied rare wildlife and gathered samples. He captured Shadow Larvae and acidic liquid, spared the endangered Serpentine Acid Fish, and headed back with a boar and a mysterious egg.

• Kevin knocked down three Ramming Boars, learned they were common prey in the swamp, and took one to eat.
• Kevin followed Belut through Cheater’s Nest, fighting dangerous creatures and identifying Shadow Larvae along the way.
• At the Sulfuric Acid Pool, Belut and Haka collected acidic liquid for research while Kevin used [En] to capture several Shadow Larvae.
• Kevin gathered acidic liquid and briefly caught a Serpentine Acid Fish, but released it because the species was endangered.
• On the return trip, Kevin punched a Tree Python until it fled and picked up an egg that stirred his desire, though he could not identify it.

Kevin tested a potion made from Jewel Fish scales, Iron Turtle Shell, and green acid, discovering that it made his Aura form hexagons that strengthened both defense and attacks. He named it the [Iron Wall Potion] and planned to brew more while considering potions that could improve his Aura and stamina recovery.

• Kevin combined Jewel Fish scales, Iron Turtle Shell, and green acid in the Alchemy Table to make a New Potion.
• Kevin drank the potion and found that his Aura formed hexagonal patterns on impact, improving his defense without slowing its circulation.
• Kevin confirmed that the hexagonal Aura also hardened his attacks and named the potion the [Iron Wall Potion].
• Kevin considered making more [Iron Wall Potion] bottles and wondered whether its Aura transformation could coexist with the [Power Potion]'s enhancement.
• Kevin assessed his Aura capacity and decided to develop a potion that could restore or increase his stamina and Aura.

Kevin completed learning to shape his Aura into sturdy hexagons through the [Iron Wall Potion] and joined Begel to pick up two Gourmet Hunters. The chapter ended with Kevin meeting the impatient teal-haired girl and her easygoing, enormous partner at the nature reserve gate.

• Kevin trained at the research base and autonomously formed hexagonal Aura imprints on a tree stump.
• Kevin concluded that potions could grant gradual buffs or teach transformations that only worked once fully learned.
• Begel invited Kevin to come along to pick up two Professional Hunters, and Kevin agreed after getting ready.
• Kevin and Begel met the teal-haired girl and her enormous partner at The Gate, where the girl complained about the wait.

Kevin rode with Begel, Men Qi, and Buhaci through the reserve and demonstrated his unusual control over Nen. The group discussed Kevin’s plans to take the Hunter Exam and his training under Biscuit.

• Begel drove Kevin, Men Qi, and Buhaci back into the reserve while Kevin collected several packages.
• Buhaci introduced himself as a Gourmet Hunter and Men Qi’s partner, and Kevin said he planned to take the Hunter Exam that year.
• Men Qi explained that Begel had caught her hunting in a reserve and later taught her Nen after she received a license.
• Buhaci noticed Kevin’s Aura seemed to leak away, so Kevin revealed that the effect was camouflage and that his Aura still maintained [Ken].
• Kevin shaped his Aura into figures, astonishing Men Qi and Buhaci, and explained that he was Biscuit’s student rather than Begel’s.

Kevin joined Gourmet Hunters Men Qi and Buhaci in Smiler Wetland to gather rare materials and learn about their work. Men Qi revealed she had come to find turtles that grew strawberries on their backs.

• Kevin, Men Qi, and Buhaci gathered at an entrance to Smiler Wetland, where they teased Men Qi about her revealing outfit and argued over her age.
• Men Qi used Fragrant Hemp Flower spice to repel insects before leading the group into the wetland.
• Men Qi denied that Begel had sent Kevin to supervise her, and Kevin explained that he was there to collect rare materials and learn about Gourmet Hunters.
• Kevin introduced himself as a pharmacist and revealed that his Nen ability let him make potions with various effects.
• Men Qi said she wanted to find turtles that grew Strawberries on their backs because she had been studying pastry-making.

Kevin led Men Qi and Buhaci through the swamp to harvest strawberries from Killer Turtles, then discovered a gruesome scene of slaughtered soldiers and called Begel for help. The group waited nearby while Kevin warned Begel to keep the base on alert.

• Kevin used [En] to guide Men Qi and Buhaci through the fog to a giant strawberry and the Killer Turtles guarding it.
• Buhaci and Men Qi subdued the turtles, though Buhaci crushed many of the strawberries on his turtle’s shell.
• Kevin tasted a smashed strawberry, then noticed that Men Qi and Buhaci had quickly harvested most of the remaining fruit.
• Buhaci detected the smell of human blood, and Kevin expanded his [En] as the group followed it through the fog.
• Kevin, Men Qi, and Buhaci found soldiers and other people torn apart across the ground, and Kevin called Begel, sent him photos, and urged him to keep the base’s defenses alert.

Begel, Baishu, and Kevin investigated a massacre and identified the attacker as a huge, aggressive winged monster. Kevin realized the creature could yield valuable materials but was far too dangerous for him to hunt, while Begel decided the site needed to be secured.

• Baishu examined the slaughtered people and tracks, estimating that the unidentified monster was about eight meters long.
• Begel judged that the victims were researchers accompanied by military guards and noted that they seemed to be concealing their purpose.
• Baishu described the attacker as a giant dragonlike monster with a twelve-meter wingspan and handed Kevin bloodied soil, a leaf, and broken scales.
• Kevin sensed a faint craving from the blood and concluded that the monster’s essential parts might be valuable materials, but its strength made hunting it too dangerous.
• Begel warned Kevin not to investigate alone and said the massacre site would need tighter security and the research would have to stop.

Kevin, Men Qi, and Buhaci returned to the base after encountering a dangerous flying creature, then hunted ingredients and prepared a barbecue feast before the research team began evacuating. The chapter left Kevin enjoying the Gourmet Hunters’ cooking and recognizing the grilled meat’s exceptional energy and digestibility.

• Kevin brought Men Qi and Buhaci back to the base while Begel remained at the scene until local authorities arrived.
• Men Qi said she wanted to taste the flying creature’s meat, but Kevin warned her that they were not strong enough to challenge it.
• Kevin, Men Qi, and Buhaci hunted a large haul of prey, and Toby told them that he and his teacher would leave that night because the area had become dangerous.
• Men Qi and Buhaci used Nen techniques to process the ingredients, then prepared a barbecue feast for Kevin and the researchers who remained at the base.
• Begel joined the feast, and Kevin noted that the grilled meat was delicious, energy-dense, and easy to digest.

Kevin offered Men Qi and Buhaci a partnership, introducing his Digestion Potion as a way to turn food into stored energy and strength. They considered its usefulness and dangerous side effect as Kevin promised to remove the problem and build their cooperation over time.

• At the barbecue, Kevin, Men Qi, and Buhaci kept eating after the others had stopped, while Shante and Baishu brawled nearby.
• Kevin watched Buhaci eat and wondered whether his Nen ability enhanced his appetite and digestion.
• Kevin asked Men Qi and Buhaci whether they wanted to work with him to make nutrient-rich, easily digested food, then showed them his Digestion Potion.
• Kevin explained that the potion let food digest within fifteen minutes and stored its nutrients and energy for conversion into strength through intense training.
• Men Qi asked about side effects, and Kevin admitted the potion caused two days of diarrhea.
• Kevin promised to remove the side effect within a year and argued that Buhaci's abilities would make the potion especially useful to him.

Kevin formed a potion-trading partnership with Men Qi and Buhaci, then left the quarantined research base as Begel investigated a mysterious monster and possible biological experiment. After receiving Mito’s message, Kevin changed his plans to travel early to the Yurubian Continent and prepare for their meeting in Nancha City.

• Men Qi and Buhaci accepted Kevin’s offer to trade ingredients and wealth for his potions, whose side effects he promised to solve within a year.
• Kevin woke to find military personnel establishing a camp at the research base, and Begel explained that the monster might be connected to the torn-apart people or be their creation.
• Begel said the area would be quarantined because the monster’s abilities and possible pathogens were unknown, and he invited Kevin to return after passing the Hunter Exam.
• Kevin left the base with the researchers, traveled to a nearby city, and bought a ticket to the Yurubian Continent.
• Kevin reread Mito’s message arranging a meeting in Nancha City on November 25, researched the remote region, and decided to head early to Youkexin.

Saro Teldoruka learned that Kevin had been found and ordered his people to bring him back alive. As Kevin traveled by Airship to Youkexin, he reflected on the difficulty of changing his identity and suspected another passenger was watching him.

• A report told Saro Teldoruka that Kevin had reached the 200th Floor of the Sky Arena, bought materials, and boarded an Airship bound for Youkexin.
• Saro ordered his people to have the local family persuade Kevin to return and to hire capable help if he refused, insisting that Kevin be brought back alive and unharmed.
• Kevin boarded an Airship and considered how the International People's Information Database made altering his identity impossible.
• Kevin ate breakfast on the Airship and noticed a man who seemed to be watching him, then returned to his room while keeping alert.

Leon’s daughter Nion unexpectedly wrote a prophecy poem while playing fortune-teller, and Leon kept it as a gift. At midnight, Leon received orders to bring two subordinates on a task with the powerful families the next day.

• Leon’s Nosra Family members complained about remaining in Youkexin, and Leon warned them that they were only minor figures among powerful Mafia families.
• Nion asked Leon for his birthday and blood type, then entered a strange state and wrote a prophecy poem.
• Nion told Leon that a Diviner could not read her own prophecy, so Leon read the poem and tucked it into his pocket.
• Leon told Nion they would probably go home that month, then ordered the Mafia members to rest for the night.
• Leon received a midnight call telling him to bring two subordinates to accompany the great family on a task the next day.

Kevin arrived in Youkexin and explored the city’s travel guides before Bruto Ritz and a group of Mafia members barged into his hotel room to deliver a threatening message. Kevin rejected their approach and left Bruto and his men beaten and disarmed.

• Kevin arrived at Tiangong Airport, noticed he was being watched, and took a taxi to his hotel in Youkexin.
• Kevin studied city maps and travel guides and decided he wanted to visit the mineral and medicinal-herb market.
• Leon learned that the Mafia’s assignment was to pressure Kevin without starting a real conflict, and he warned the men not to hurt him.
• Bruto Ritz and his Mafia members entered Kevin’s hotel room and demanded that he speak with them.
• Kevin offered the intruders a choice between apologizing and leaving or being taught a lesson, then attacked when they refused.
• Kevin disarmed and defeated the Mafia members, punched the middle-aged man, and hurled Bruto into the television.