__________ POV Ashton__________
The day passed by quickly, there weren't any nautical accidents, no monster attacks, no nothing.
I just spent some time with Pitou, trying my best to teach her how to speak.
I also noticed something strange. I obviously went and relaxed on the top of the Black Whale's head a few times.
And it seems like the ship is not actually heading for the dark continent. Which is quite odd. Good thing I am heading for a meeting with the Zodiacs.
That should explain a few things... Although, I can make a few guesses as to what is happening.
The V5 definitely know of the dangers of the Dark Continent, they would never agree to a plan to attempt to colonize it out of fear.
They don't really want another Calamity on their hands. And sending so many people to their deaths would be a waste of the workforce and Nen users.
So, I guess they steered the ship towards an island closer to the Dark Continent. And, I guess it makes sense. The island is still a week away from the actual Dark Continent.
I just thought this ship was fast... Oh well, I guess I was wrong.
Still, I don't know if the Kakin Empire is aware of this, or if they are just ignorant to it.
Information about the Dark Continent's map and general location is something only a few people in the world know. And I doubt the King of the Kakin Empire was on that list...
But, even colonizing this island, which is bigger than half of Lake Mobius, will be a monumental task with the current manpower the expedition has...
I am quite confused as to what exactly the plan here is.
Netero looked quite confident that they were going for the Dark Continent. And he's been there before, so he should know about it...
Unless he also isn't aware of the steering of the ship. Well, he is supposedly being kept under supervision.
But he's also formed his own expedition team with the traitors of the Zodiacs and other hunters...
The situation is odd, and it only gets weirder the more you think about it.
Well, I guess I can just blast my way to the dark continent from that island. It's not that hard, but I am still curious as to what exactly is happening here...
Time to head for the room Cheadle told me about. She came in person and told me the spot and time. Quite thoughtful of her, but I guess she is feeling a bit indebted to me(with good reason).
"Pitou, I have to go for now. Will you please enter the space again?" I told her with a smile. We are both just sitting on the couch.
Her head is resting in my lap, I am also resting a hand on her head. She dozed off for an hour like this.
My voice did wake her up though. She looked at me a bit, then just nodded sadly. Like I just took away her food or something.
"Good girl." I patted her hair as I ripped the space open with only one hand.
I made the hole large enough so she could comfortably walk in.
After that, I just got up and started walking towards the supposed location. It's somewhere on the second tier. It won't take me long to find it.
Well, I guess it still took me around 20 minutes. But it's not like I received directions or anything. At least I don't remember them...
Upon entering the room, everyone was already there. Well, Ging is no longer here, but he did betray the association.
There's also Gon's friend that I forgot the name of. He's the one that managed to run for president by mistake and almost won.
Other than that, nothing's really changed.
"Greetings everybody. I apologize for being late." I said with a cordial smile.
"It's fine Ashton. Everyone is quite stressed out currently... We don't really know what to expect from the expedition..." Cheadle was the one to speak, she looked quite anxious... This is odd.
I mean, this island isn't going to be all that dangerous. It should have monsters stronger than Lake Mobius, but not that many.
Unless... She isn't aware of the course of the ship. I guess that's also a possibility. This means that the V5 doesn't actually want to go to the Dark Continent at all.
They would've announced Cheadle, as she is the Chairman of the association... I see. Well then, I guess I'll have to move by myself.
"Well then. I guess I have good news for all of you!" My smile became wider as I find this situation to be quite amusing.
"What do you mean?" Asked Botobai, the dragon of the Zodiacs.
"Well, this ship isn't really headed for the Dark Continent. It's just an island near it." Everyone stared at me with wide eyes. I could see Cheadle's ears perk up in a way I can only describe as cute.
"Granted, the island is bigger than all the continents in Lake Mobius, but it's not really too dangerous, not as much as my homeland anyway."
My smile slowly receded as Cheadle seemed to become angry when hearing my words.
"Why wasn't I announced of such things?!" She seemed to be shaking in anger. I guess this is quite a big deal. But I can think of a few reasons.
They likely don't know who in the association is trustworthy anymore. But they definitely told someone at this table.
There must be someone that they could trust with this information. It is after all quite vital.
"W-Well... I knew..." Said the man dressed in a suit with cow patterns. I don't remember his name.
Cheadle's anger lowered a bit. She looked a bit confused.
Then Botobai also spoke up. "I also knew. The two of us were deemed trustworthy by the V5, they entrusted us with taking care of any moles that may be found among us..."
Cheadle just looked down, frustrated. I don't really understand why they didn't inform her of this.
"I-I see..." That was all she could mutter.
"Don't get too discouraged. The V5's opinion isn't worth more than my toilet paper." I said with a yawn.
Pretty sure I could hear some stifled laughter in the room. But Botobai and Cowman aren't exactly pleased.
But what can I do? I don't really like seeing her so discouraged by something so insignificant. So what if the V5 didn't trust her? Who cares?
"T-Thank you." She looked down again, she seemed to be hiding her face for some reason. Before slapping her cheeks twice and raising her head again.
Hmm, I recognize that trope... Don't tell me she's also starting to gain an interest in me. No, I am sure she's just composing herself after her outburst.
"Besides, they likely did this to avoid bringing another calamity with them." The agents of the V5 nodded. The people in the room gained a look of understanding.
"I think they only agreed to this 'expedition' because the Kakin Empire forced their hand into doing so," I said as my smile reappeared.
"Well then... I am glad tha-" I was trying to add something else. A little compliment to the chairman, if only to gouge her reaction.
But something interrupted me.
The ship shook violently as if it was struck with great force by a large object.
I guess the sea was too calm... It seems it was cooking something all this time.
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Hope you liked the chapter!
Yea, the expedition was fake. But the direction is about the same. The human world is basically a lake within the land of the Dark Continent. And the place they're heading to is an island closer to it.
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