Menchi looked at the last person.
"I need to keep gaining more wealth," Shizuku said, lifting the inverted cross necklace on her chest to show Menchi and Buhara.
She looked serious and explained her theory.
"Besides symbolizing humility, which is completely different from God, some people say the inverted cross represents rebellion."
"My rebellion is that I believe in God but not in fate. I don't think the fate of Meteor City is set in stone."
She kissed the inverted cross necklace, then looked at Germain.
"I didn't support the Phantom Troupe and chose to stand by you because I was already seen as your ally, and I hoped to get a new opportunity from you."
"For Meteor City's fate, there are three paths: sticking to the status quo, joining the Phantom Troupe, or following you."
"I have a strong feeling that you will change the world's order."
"You knew the 'Lantern' led to the 'Dark Continent,' tainted by V5's interests, but you still chose to explore it. I'm sure your actions will change the world's direction."
Germain listened quietly and didn't respond.
"Companions..." After a long pause, Menchi suddenly stood up. "You all know Ging Freecss, the 'Boar of the Twelve Zodiac Signs,' right?"
"Of course," Bisky replied. "He's well-known in the Hunter Association as an 'Idiotl.'"
Menchi smiled and nodded.
"That said, I actually respect him a lot. Many people who criticize him probably also share my attitude."
"When Ging was fifteen, he used his own money to recruit ten companions and form a team to explore an Ancient Ruin. This made him famous as a 'Ruins Hunter.'"
"Entering the Ancient Ruin didn't bring him great rewards, but he and his team did it because he was a true 'hunter.'"
Menchi pointed at herself and then at Buhara.
"We are 'Gourmet Hunters' who never stop seeking out new ingredients. Over the years, we've traveled almost all over the six continents, but the surprises have become fewer."
"'Dark Continent'..." She put her hands on her hips and laughed softly. "I bet there are many ingredients there that I've never seen before."
"If we're hunting for delicious food, Buhara and I aren't afraid of danger or hardship. If you're like-minded, it would be much easier for us."
Menchi, remembering her lifelong dream, reached out her hand towards Germain, palm down.
"I'm in."
Buhara stood up, extended his hand, and placed it on the back of Menchi's hand.
"I trust Menchi's judgment."
"It looks like we're on the same page," Bisky said, whistling as she placed her hand on top of Buhara's.
Shizuku then added her hand on top of Bisky's.
Finally, Germain removed his leather gloves and placed them on top of the stack of hands.
"May we all find what we seek on our journey to the Dark Continent," he said calmly.
After making their verbal agreement, Bisky showed the draft of the contract to Menchi and Buhara, who signed it after confirming it was correct.
In reality, the contract isn't very useful. In the Dark Continent, no one will protect their interests. Everything seen, heard, or obtained there is considered property of V5.
Signing the contract is just a matter of respect.
"Please read this book, 'Dark Continent Observations,' carefully," Bisky said, handing over the diary to Menchi and Buhara.
"That's exactly what I was thinking," Menchi replied, holding the book. "I only skimmed it, but it has a lot of interesting things. They might be useful as ingredients."
Buhara smiled and added, "But I need to taste it first. If it doesn't pass my 'Gluttony,' it's not fit for consumption."
Bisky nodded enthusiastically. "Your 'Nen ability' is especially useful for this. But what if there are toxins or germs?"
"Don't worry," Buhara said, patting his round belly. "Gluttony is like a second stomach. I can throw up anything that doesn't agree with me."
Menchi raised a finger and said, "I'll be responsible for recording Buhara's experiences and deciding if something can be included in our 'Dark Continent Recipe.'"
Bisky gave them a thumbs up and praised them sincerely.
Over the next week, Germain often saw Menchi and Buhara working together in their room.
They spread out the book *Dark Continent Observations* on the floor, wrote and drew on white paper, and put it up on the walls. Soon, all four walls were covered with papers full of notes.
While Menchi and Buhara were studying the Dark Continent, Kurapika's training with "Zetsu" was ending sooner than expected, so Germain started teaching him new training techniques.
Zushi, who wasn't progressing as quickly, felt envious and discouraged. Teacher Wing continued to teach Zushi at a slower, more natural pace.
Germain gave Kurapika important tips on the new training and explained the concept of "capacity." He instructed Kurapika to practice the "Nen of the Flame" daily.
On May 10, Menchi and Buhara told Germain they were ready.
After discussing with Bisky, Shizuku, and Wing, Germain made a decision:
"We'll leave at midnight on May 15. Since I don't have a new 'lantern' and both Menchi and Buhara are going to the Dark Continent for the first time, we'll explore near the 'Dry Valley.'"
"I need to go, and we need a stable Nen user to manage stress, so Bisky will join us. Together with Menchi and Buhara, we'll be a four-person team."
"Wing and Shizuku will stay at the mansion. Tell Kurapika and Zushi that the four of us are going out for something. If all goes well, we'll return that afternoon."
Kurapika and Zushi are still "Nen apprentices," and their "Aura Nodes" haven't opened yet, so they won't be told about the Dark Continent for now.
Bisky added, "We've informed Sanbica, and she'll arrive on the 14th. Even if we can't use her medical skills, having her with us will be reassuring."
The secret meeting lasted a long time, and once everyone's questions were answered, it was concluded.
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