Hunter Association headquarters.
The fully enclosed conference room on the top floor.
The atmosphere was suffocating.
The Zodiacs sat around a solid wood conference table. At its center lay the Kakin Empire's announcement and the supreme special envoy orders issued by V5, their red covers painfully glaring.
Mizaistom rubbed his temples hard, making the huge pair of bull horns on his head sway back and forth.
"The situation has spiraled completely out of control. Hundreds of thousands of people are heading for the fake continent, and Beyond intends to lead an expedition into the Dark Continent."
Kanzai slammed his fist onto the table, sending wood chips flying.
"Those fat-cat politicians at V5 are just using us to do their dirty work! They want us to arrest the former chairman's own son!"
Piyon sat off to one side, tapping away on her phone, with no desire to join the discussion.
Gel tapped her fingers against the tabletop.
Botobai stood up.
"Quiet down. Our priority is deciding who will arrest Beyond and preparing contingency plans for the Five Great Calamities."
Cheadle pushed up her green-framed glasses, her face livid.
"These orders are nonnegotiable. If we refuse, the Association will be dissolved entirely!"
Pariston sat in the vice chairman's seat, his fingers interlaced and his trademark, punchable fake smile on his face.
"Isn't this wonderful? We all get to explore a new world together. What fun."
Cheadle stared daggers at him.
"Still playing dumb? Beyond could never have pulled off something this big without your Association-Sponsored Hunters helping behind the scenes!"
Just as the two were about to start arguing, the encrypted communications terminal on the table suddenly rang, its red indicator flashing like mad.
It was the highest-level internal direct line.
Cheadle pressed the answer button.
A holographic projection swept open in