"In this situation, their brutality and reproductive capabilities will increase from B to A."
"Once it captures a living being, the 'black air' we observed will enter the bodies, starting to infect, parasitize, reproduce, and use our bodies for their next cycle."
"Their 'number' is only C-level, meaning each group of 'black air' is considered as one unit."
"However, their 'destructive power' is Class A, indicating that if you are infected and parasitized, you are basically doomed."
"Initially, the host might not be dead yet but will helplessly watch as their body is taken over, with parts of their limbs turning into giant spheres..."
"At that point, death might be preferable."
"Thus, V5 has rated the 'comprehensive index' of 'Botanical Weapon Brion' as B."
"This means, 'This dangerous creature must be eliminated as soon as possible. While the method to do so is known, the cost and risk are extremely high. National and international level action is required.'"
"This is a very accurate judgment."
Germain listened quietly.
He suddenly understood what Bisky and Sanbica were suggesting and reached the same conclusion.
"You mean... the key lies in the 'Ancient Labyrinth City' and the 'Herb for All-illnesses'. The 'Herb for All-illnesses' is used as bait to attract those creatures with natural instincts."
"The Ancient Labyrinth City acts like a giant pitcher plant, trapping its prey and making it hard to escape."
"At this point, the 'Botanical Weapon Brion' that digest them will appear, turning them into nutrients that nourish the land of the 'Ancient Labyrinth City' and the 'Herb for All-illnesses,' completing a cycle."
"Yes, we talked about this before, and everyone agrees." Bisky said. "But there are still two major questions."
"First," Bisky continued, "the 'Herb for All-illnesses' is only mentioned in the 'New World Chronicles.' Does it really have the power to cure all diseases?"
"Or is it just giving off a 'fragrance' to attract prey?"
Germain then brought up his second question: "The 'Ancient Labyrinth City' is clearly a man-made structure. What was the purpose of its creators?"
"Is it an abandoned home, a sacrificial site like the 'Minotaur's Labyrinth' from mythology, or something else entirely?"
"Exactly!" Bisky snapped her fingers and winked at Germain. It's much easier to talk with someone quick on the uptake, as their ideas often align well.
Germain walked over to the cylinders glowing with a strange green light under the fluorescent bulbs and carefully observed the unmoving corpses of the "Botanical Weapon Brion" inside through the transparent covers.
"Research can't be rushed," Bisky said softly, joining him and patting his lower back. "We need to be patient; we'll find out more soon."
She knew how obsessed Germain was with the Dark Continent, the Five Hopes, and the Five Disasters. She had managed to gather quite a bit of information before meeting them.
Germain nodded silently.
They spent less than fifteen minutes at the "research institute" before heading outside to the bright flowers, where they met Shizuku, who had returned from a nearby town.
"Shizuku," Bisky said in surprise, "You're back?"
"Yeah," Shizuku nodded and looked at Germain.
"Germain," she greeted him, not surprised to see him, but she raised her hand in a polite gesture.
Her expression, however, was as stiff as a bad actor's.
"Germain," Shizuku said, trying to sound casual.
"Did your shopping go well? Did you forget anything?"
"No," Shizuku replied, stepping around the delicate flowers and green grass to join Germain and Bisky, adjusting his heavy black-framed glasses. "I'm not forgetful."
"Who could be forgetful if not you?" Bisky asked, sticking out her tongue in secret. She then approached to make sure Shizuku hadn't forgotten anything this time.
"I told you, I'm not forgetful," Shizuku said matter-of-factly.
Shizuku is usually reliable, but the issue is that nobody knows when she might forget something or what exactly she has forgotten.
Right now, she tilted her head and looked up, signaling she was trying to recall something.
"Wait a minute... I think I do have something to tell you..."
Germain and Bisky exchanged a look and silently agreed to wait.
Shizuku was like an old machine; once interrupted, it took her one or two hours to remember what she wanted to say.
"Oh!" Shizuku's eyes lit up as she recalled something. "This morning, Sheila sent me a message about the Phantom Troupe."
She pulled out her cell phone from her pocket and showed Germain and Bisky the message.
"They are all gathered in Meteor City now. They're not scattered anymore and are selecting new members to fill the vacancies."
"Because of the risk, I've left and won't be returning to Meteor City for two to three months. The donation on your behalf is on hold for now. Sorry, I can't take the risk."
Germain read the message carefully. "Chrollo was very calm. He fixed the injured spider legs and replaced them. This put Hisoka and me at a disadvantage."
As long as the Phantom Troupe members stick together, dealing with them will be troublesome. But Germain was patient; eventually, they would make a mistake.
Bisky assured, "We'll help you if you need it. I was the one who suggested you avoid the Phantom Troupe right away. I can't just stand by now."
Germain nodded to her and then turned to Shizuku. "Since Sheila isn't willing to be your donation agent for now, what will you do about Meteor City?"
Shizuku replied calmly, "For now, we'll have to forget about it. I know Chrollo and the others well. It's too dangerous to donate to Meteor City right now."
Germain didn't quite understand Shizuku's strong focus on Meteor City. Even though he had lived there, he saw it more like a movie from a distance.
He felt moved, but it didn't feel real to him.
At the same time, Germain doubted that Shizuku's small donation could make a significant difference to Meteor City.
He thought that as long as the global order of the six continents remained the same, Meteor City wouldn't be able to cause much trouble.
It would always be a dumping ground for the continents in many ways.
Though he didn't understand, he respected Shizuku's decision and wouldn't try to change her mind. "That's fine. After the Phantom Troupe is dealt with, you can revisit this issue."
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