Imaginary Dark Continent...
But Chairman Netero's finger did not linger long on the enormous island, which looked tiny on the sea chart. It kept moving to one side.
"Now we come to the main event: the true expedition to the Dark Continent."
"The Hunter Association expedition team and Beyond's expedition team will sail on from here, cross the second maritime boundary, and reach the gate where the Gatekeeper is."
"We'll work together to pass the Gatekeeper's trial, then, with the Guide's help, cross the perilous Dark Sea."
"Only after reaching the true Dark Continent will our two expedition teams split up and set off for their respective destinations."
"And the Hunter Association expedition team's main objective, of course, is to rendezvous on the Dark Continent with you, who'll be stationed at the Ancient Labyrinth."
"That way, we'll establish a land-and-sea connection spanning half of Lake Möbius, linking Greed Island, the refueling station, the Imaginary Dark Continent, the transit base, the Dark Continent, and the Ancient Labyrinth."
"After that, we can gradually announce that we've obtained 'hope.' Then, using this land-and-sea route as a foundation, we'll establish a stable route for humanity's future return to the Dark Continent."
Gelman listened quietly. When he saw Chairman Netero fall silent and toss a candied date into his mouth, he began to ask, "So, is that why you brought 'them' to Greed Island this time—to make all the necessary preparations?"
Chairman Netero let out his trademark "Oh-ho-ho" laugh once again.
Through his half-open mouth, Gelman could see the chewed-up date flesh and the whole pit.
At last night's banquet in Rimuru Castle, it hadn't just been Chairman Netero and the A-rank permission holders from Greed Island. Many of the Hunter Association's most important figures had been there, too.
Gido, Micenei Strome, Potbelly... Every member