Information Convergence

The temporary Association outpost was brightly lit. In the night, campfire after campfire burned across the camp, and hunters moved to and fro with fatigue they could not hide. The air mixed the scents of herbs and gunpowder, and accompanied by heavy footsteps, it filled the entire camp with a tense atmosphere.

Ryan was led into the command tent. Inside, a huge long table stood with maps spread across it, covered in red marker points that spanned nearly half of the East Gorteau region. Every single marker represented a spot where a reconnaissance team had encountered the enemy.

Several hunters gathered around the table, discussing in low voices with urgent tones and solemn expressions. Sitting at the head of the table was a tall man with a cloak draped over his shoulders, a pipe clenched in his teeth, and his sunglasses reflecting the light. He was Morel, one of the core figures dispatched by the Association.

Morel exhaled a puff of smoke, his gaze falling upon Ryan as he spoke in a low voice, "You're Ryan? The Association has already received reports that you clashed with a Squadron Leader-level individual at the ravine entrance. Tell me the details of what you saw."

The tent quieted down, and all eyes turned toward him.

Ryan walked up to the map, reached out to point at one of the red dots, and spoke in a calm voice, "Right here, the ravine entrance. During that battle, the three of us in the reinforcement group ran head-on into a Squadron Leader. Its outer armor was thick, and its strength far surpassed that of an average Nen user. If we hadn't given it everything we had, it wouldn't have fallen."

The hunters' expressions jolted, and they murmured amongst themselves, "A Squadron Leader? Has it already reached