As the rusty cargo ship slowly neared the shore, the long week-long sea voyage finally came to an end.
Although Germain, Kurapika, and Saiyu found ways to keep themselves entertained during the trip, like fishing or exploring small islands they passed, nothing was more comforting than stepping onto solid ground.
The continent where the Kakin Empire is located is called the Azian Continent. It lies diagonally across the sea from the Yorbian Continent, where Yorknew City is located.
This place is quite extraordinary. It retains the historical charm of the ancient kingdom that once stood before the empire, while also showcasing the modern innovations brought by rapid economic and technological growth.
After Saiyu briefly chatted with members of the "Xi-Yu Family," he left with Germain and Kurapika, casually hailing a taxi to the train station like he knew the area well.
It turns out that Saiyu had been to the Kakin Empire frequently, becoming very familiar with the roads and landmarks during his travels, particularly since Beyond was hiding here.
The reason Beyond is here is simple: the royal family of the Kakin Empire is the main sponsor of his upcoming "Dark Continent Expedition."
The Kakin Empire has made incredible strides in various fields, rising so quickly that it's now being compared to the V5 powers. In fact, talk of a "V6" has been mentioned more and more in recent newspaper reports.
Whatever the source of those rumors, the strength of the Kakin Empire is real and should not be underestimated.
Saiyu booked a train compartment for them, spacious and well-lit, with four beds by the window. They each chose a bed and settled in, putting their luggage down.
The train soon began to rumble forward with a slight jolt.
"It's a one-day and one-night train ride," Saiyu said, lying back carelessly on the white sheets. "Then someone will come pick us up, and we'll finally meet Beyond."
"Great! This trip is finally wrapping up. Once my duties as your 'guide' are over, I'll take a break and explore the Kakin Empire for a bit," he added, folding his hands behind his head, looking completely relaxed.
This wasn't the first time Kurapika had heard of "Beyond." He didn't know much, only that Germain had come to the Kakin Empire specifically to meet with him.
Kurapika didn't pry further. He assumed, based on Germain's silence, that there were other matters involved, similar to when they were at the mansion base.
Germain, along with Bisky, Shizuku, Wing, Menchi, Buhara, and Sanbica, were keeping something from him—most likely a secret Germain hoped Kurapika would help with someday.
Kurapika believed the reason Germain hadn't revealed everything yet was due to his lack of strength. Knowing too much would be dangerous and unnecessary, perhaps even putting him at risk.
Although the number of "Nen users" across the six continents isn't very large, there are enough of them to create all sorts of unusual "Nen abilities."
Germain once mentioned that a member of the Phantom Troupe, Pakunoda, possesses a Nen ability that lets her "read memories," and warned Kurapika to be cautious.
Sometimes, even if someone doesn't want to reveal information, certain special "Nen users" can force it out of them without their consent.
As Kurapika thought about this, his mind drifted to the concept of the "Nen Type."
He realized that if he could quickly identify which "Nen Type" an opponent belonged to, he might be able to prevent their ability from activating.
Sitting on the bed, Kurapika turned to Germain, who was standing by the window, enjoying the breeze. "Teacher, I have a question."
"You can ask me too," Saiyu, who was lying on his bed eating a green apple, interjected with a grin. "I'm capable of guiding you just as well."
Kurapika shot a glance at Saiyu but ignored him, continuing to focus on Germain.
Saiyu pouted.
Germain paused at the window before turning around.
He had changed into a black hunter's robe and a tricorn hat, and had removed his mask, revealing his handsome face.
"What's your question?" Germain asked.
"I heard something from Bisky..." Kurapika began.
Saiyu interrupted again, correcting him: "It's Granny Bisky."
Germain thought for a moment and nodded, "Yes, it's Granny Bisky."
"Teacher, if Bisky hears you calling her that, she'll kill you," Kurapika muttered while rubbing his forehead. "But my question isn't about her title. I want to ask about the 'system identification method.'"
"She said someone mentioned that a person's 'Nen Type' can be identified based on their personality..."
"Ah, that," Germain said, pointing at himself. "I'm that 'someone,' though I heard it from someone else. But honestly, you shouldn't take that method too seriously."
"It's mostly based on experience, like how people link zodiac signs with personality. It doesn't really hold much weight."
"You get a long list of personality traits, and you can always find one or two that fit. The more you match, the more you'll start to believe in it."
"My opinion is the same as Bisky's. This classification is meaningless in actual combat. If you don't make rational decisions based on facts, you'll die relying on this theory."
Kurapika listened, realizing the seriousness of the situation, and nodded.
"I understand, sensei. I will focus on understanding the differences and connections between the 'Six Major Nen Categories' instead of just judging based on personality traits."
Saiyu, who had been listening, became interested. He sat up, tossed the apple core into the trash, and smiled.
"If I hide well and my 'Nen ability' is something like a 'one-hit kill' where you don't have much time to react, what would you do?"
Kurapika frowned, thinking deeply.
Saiyu turned to Germain with a grin. "As his teacher, shouldn't you answer this question?"
"My advice would be to keep a safe distance." Germain closed the car window to block the outside wind and turned around. "It's still about observing, analyzing, and making smart judgments."
"What if I deliberately get close to you?" Saiyu stood up from the bed and approached Germain.
Germain looked Saiyu over and said, "If you come close, it means you're confident in your strength and speed."
"Because even if you have a 'one-hit kill' Nen ability, you'd still have to take a big risk by getting close to me. This distance would be enough for me to seriously injure or even kill you."
"You're approaching me because you believe you can dodge my attacks at this distance. Plus, I noticed you're carrying a metal staff."
"That staff seems too short and odd to be used as a hidden weapon. But... your name, your appearance, and the staff remind me of the myth of Sun Wukong."
Since there are "Dragon Ball" comics in this world, the legend of Sun Wukong from "Journey to the West" naturally exists here as well.
"The golden staff that can grow, shrink, and change size at will. If your Nen ability works similarly, and you're confident in your strength and speed, I'd guess you're a 'Transmutation Type.'"
In addition, Germain's conclusion was reinforced by Saiyu's other 'Nen ability.'
He can summon the "Monkeys of Do Not See, Do Not Hear, and Do Not Speak," three "Nen Beasts" that can take away a person's senses one by one.
This is somewhat similar to Bisky's "Magical Beautician Miss Cookie" from the "Transmutation" Nen category, as both are "Nen Beasts" with special abilities.
At the same time, since he leans more towards the "Enhancement" category, it's no surprise that Saiyu feels confident in avoiding a close-range attack from Germain, who is a Conjurer.
Of course, "Conjuration" and "Specialization" Nen Beasts also have unique abilities, but Germain eventually ruled them out.
The key thing is that Saiyu's character is based on Sun Wukong from Journey to the West, and the "Seventy-two Transformations" must have been a reference when creating his abilities. This isn't something Saiyu can control by himself.
Saiyu's movements suddenly stopped.
His expression shifted, and then he scratched his head and laughed, "Haha, 'Transmutation,' huh? It's hard to say..."
Germain just shrugged and didn't ask any more questions.
Germain was right. Kurapika took a glance and smiled.
********
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