Beyond's Terms

Beyond's quarters were in a private suite at the innermost end of the second level.

Expedition Team guards stood on both sides of the corridor, straight-backed and carrying the hardened air of people who had spent years in the wild. As the group approached, the guards stepped aside without a word. Only the soft tap of boots against the floor broke the silence.

Kurapika led the way, his fingertips resting against the chain pendant at his collar.

He knew Beyond's sudden invitation couldn't mean anything good. Netero's son had never been easy to deal with. He had spent over a decade preparing for the Dark Continent expedition, and there was no telling how many cards he held or what he had planned.

Gon walked beside him, looking around curiously until Killua tugged his sleeve and made him settle down.

Leorio carried the Medical Kit and walked with unusual care, muttering that this was a bigger production than meeting the chairman of the Association.

Saitama brought up the rear, strolling along with a half-eaten box of cookies in his hand.

They opened the door to find a huge expedition map laid out in the suite. A hand-drawn topographical map of the Dark Continent hung on the wall, and thick expedition journals were piled on the table.

Beyond stood before the map with his back to them. He wore a brown explorer's outfit, with a little windblown dust still clinging to his shoulders.

A blond man sat on the sofa beside him in a white suit, turning a pen in his hand with a gentle smile on his face.

It was Pariston Hill.

The former vice chairman of the Hunter Association.

Kurapika's steps faltered for half a second.

He hadn't expected Pariston to be here too. The man was even harder to