The border of the Dark Continent was much livelier than Saitama remembered.
The last time he came, there had only been a simple outpost built by Kurapika alone: a few houses made with Nen, a ring of fortifications, standing solitary on the gray wasteland like a forgotten corner of the world.
Now, things were different.
Outside the outpost, a large cluster of buildings had appeared.
Rows of low houses stood close together. Though the streets were crude, they were fairly level. Many stalls had been set up along the roadsides, selling all sorts of strange things—dried meat from unknown beasts, bizarrely shaped herbs, glowing ores, and ingredients with names no one knew.
There were more people, too.
Hunters, bounty hunters, adventurers, merchants, and even some people who looked distinctly shady moved through the streets amid loud chatter, like a miniature frontier market.
"Wow—!"
Gon's eyes widened as he looked around in every direction, unable to contain his excitement.
"There was nothing here last time! How did so many people suddenly show up?"
Kurapika walked ahead, his tone calm.
"After the Four Calamity Incident, the Hunter Association released some of the Dark Continent border coordinates to the public and permitted qualified hunters to enter and explore. Once the news spread, a lot of people flocked here."
He gestured around them.
"Among these people are legitimate hunters, opportunists, bounty hunters, and some... people who are difficult to define. It's a mixed bag, but things are still relatively stable for now."
With his hands in his pockets, Killua swept his gaze over the crowds lining both sides of the street and curled his lips slightly.
"Interesting. It's a lot better than that godforsaken place last time."
Leorio trudged along with a heavy Medical Kit on his back, breathing hard.
"What's so great about