Chapter 418

At the western end of the Mitene Union, which consists of five countries, there is a nation called the NGL Autonomous Region. With a population of approximately 2.17 million, the industry has not yet developed enough to form the social infrastructure of a nation, and people lead self-sufficient hunting and agricultural lives centered on village organizations. This does not mean that general governance systems, such as social policies and public works, are imperfect.

Ninety-nine percent of the people in this country belong to an organization called Neo-Green Life, which operates based on the philosophy of "maintaining nature." It is a group that has abandoned all mechanical civilization and believes that living in nature is the correct way for humans to live.

It could be said that this is a Utopia where people can live the lives they want without being bound by anyone. However, no matter how many people gather and set ideals, the sovereignty to form a nation is not so easily obtained.

There is a key figure behind NGL, which was merely an ideological group before this, who led this emerging nation toward independence. However, few people know of his achievements. The Shadow King of NGL is a man named Gyro.

On the surface, it gained independence due to the strengthening of the democratization movement in the neighboring Locario Republic, but it was not without its aggressive side. There was a bloody process that could not be accomplished by something as pleasant as "letting nature take its course."

People, land, economy, military power, diplomacy—there were too many problems in building a nation from nothing. I cannot tell you how absurd it is to imagine one man fighting his country and winning.

Even Gyro did not have absolute confidence. I think it is a Miracle, because I repeated the bet hundreds of times, and if I had miscalculated, I would have died, yet I won every bet. His mind had completely entered the realm of madness.

What he wanted was not money, nor power. I never thought of that. He might pretend to be a generous leader, but that is just a deception. His essence is a bit of Malice.

"Spread Malice throughout the world."

From the day I killed my father and realized I was not human, I have lived for this. Although he never told anyone what was in his heart, the asexual Malice that seeped from him, which he thought would never be sympathized with, unexpectedly turned into a king's charisma.

Originating from a filthy workshop, the current Malice has developed to the point where the drug "D2," based in NGL, is spread all over the world. The state of affairs in this country, which is completely devoid of mechanical civilization, provides the perfect cover for the cultivation and trafficking of drugs.

However, for Gyro, the current situation is just one of the checkpoints. His Malice has not yet been satisfied by this level. To enter the next stage, we are working on a new business alongside the drugs.

It is a new drug. Researchers call this drug "Shin-yaku Arkanum," expecting it to achieve human evolution.

This research began three years ago at the Isolated Species Research Institute owned by the international travel licensing agency. The head of the research team is Deputy Minister Tapornado. It was established to study the "Philosopher's Stone" he brought back from the Dark Continent (it is recorded that it was confiscated by accident).

Although its existence became widely known during the Sky Island incident, research on this "Magic Stone" had been going on for many years. Through some connection, Gyro obtained a large number of samples of this gem from a place called White Sparrow Island and had the opportunity to come into contact with Tapornado.

Tapornado collaborated with Gyro, knowing he was the head of an illegal criminal organization. Realizing his position at the licensing agency was in danger, he requested Gyro's protection to continue his research. In fact, Tapornado should be held responsible for bringing about the Sixth Calamity, so his interpretation was correct.

Tapornado wanted to continue his research even if he fled the licensing agency; his mindset was already terrible. Obsessed with the glory of the past, unable to recognize his own degradation, he became stained with resentment toward others. Gyro easily placated him; he just wanted to make a comeback with the results of his research.

After obtaining the required research data, Gyro's men killed Tapornado. Originally a civil servant, keeping him alive and recruiting him was only for the Chief Medal; he had no value. If the data were stolen from the institute owned by the licensing agency, it would be a big deal if V5 could move. The evidence was thoroughly covered up for fear of being caught.

It should have been that way, but it seems a Hunter sniffed out Gyro's existence before the traces were erased. There is a suspicion that the Hunter Association found out about this. It is impossible to keep everything under control.

These days, Gyro massages his inner corners of his eyes, fatigue having accumulated from being unable to sleep properly. He sits deeply in a creaky chair. They are cheap chairs and tables, clearly not suitable for a national leader to use. A subordinate walks into the office noisily.

"Gyro! Damn it! The fourth and fifth manufacturing plants for D2 have been dismantled! The monsters will be here soon!"

The more one does not want it to happen, the more likely it is to happen one after another. NGL is currently being invaded by a group of mysterious demi-humans believed to be Beasts. Its strength is extraordinary. Even if armed ordinary people were bundled together, they could not win. It has reached a level that a Nen Ability user could barely handle one-on-one. Such a powerful army has been confirmed countless times.

If it weren't for fighting the assassins of the Hunter Association, Gyro would have been killed long ago. This point can be said to be a blessing in disguise.

Listening to the subordinate's report, a group of Beast species is approaching from so far away. If your life is threatened, you should run away as soon as possible. At this rate, NGL will be destroyed by the monsters.

No joking. Gyro's dream has reached a point of no return. He has no intention of revealing the source of the Malice he has accumulated to the invaders.

Gyro gives instructions to his subordinates. He has a trump card. It is still in the trial calculation stage, but by unleashing that power, he might be able to wipe out the monster species. There are still many problems left for full-scale practical use, so I am reluctant to contribute, but now is the time to verify its usefulness in actual combat.

He is about to release a theme that matches the Magic Stone.

The entrance to NGL is a giant tree growing on a border river. An immigration office is set up inside the tree, where incoming personnel are strictly inspected at this checkpoint, and unless all petroleum products such as machinery, metal, glass, and chemical fibers are removed, they are not allowed to enter.

Indefinite detention measures are taken just for bringing tools of civilization into this country, and depending on the situation, the death penalty can be imposed. Therefore, NGL is generally regarded as a dangerous ideological group.

There are several figures at this entrance, and ordinary people do not approach. Some are angry, some are sad, their reactions are different, but they do not seem to be in a good mood at all times.

They are Hunters who have gathered to investigate the abnormalities in NGL. There are licensed professionals and amateurs.

Originally, due to the convenience of criminal organizations operating behind the scenes, the NGL Autonomous Region does not allow outsiders to enter so easily. Even for sightseeing, complicated procedures are required, and even if one can enter, there will be supervisors following, and one cannot act freely, but Hunters are the only exception.

A professional Hunter License has immense power. There is an international treaty that one cannot interfere with Hunter activities without special reasons, and no matter how closed the NGL Autonomous Region is, it cannot be ignored.

Two groups of Hunters are gathered here. One is those who gathered after hearing the news, and the other is those who escaped from NGL territory after the investigation was over.

There is a clear difference in consciousness between the two groups. Have you seen the Chimera Ants directly? The difference is separated up and down like cold air and warm air. Unfortunately, it will still take some time for these two types of air to mix and form a single perspective.

"Hey, you're blocking the way! What kind of mechanism is blocking the way! Get out!"

A woman stands in her way as if to block the road in front of the checkpoint. Her name is Ponzu. He is one of the first to start investigating this incident and one of the few survivors who managed to return.

"... It should be a notice from the Hunter Association that all Hunters are prohibited from entering NGL, except for the Chimera Ant subjugation team sent from headquarters."

According to the information brought back by the returnees who made great sacrifices, it has been determined that the danger level of the demi-human Chimera Ants exceeds the capabilities of individual Hunters. Due to concerns that Nen users might be taken over by the enemy forces through mating with the Ant Queen, the Association has notified of entry restrictions.

"Damn it, what kind of Hunter stands in front of an unknown world? I am a Phantom Beast Hunter, and the unidentified demi-human Chimera Ant form... I am curious, and I will hunt you down no matter what."

However, not all Hunters follow the Association's instructions. Among Hunters, most have quirks and eccentricities, but there are also many people with problems with their humanity.

People who are overly enthusiastic about their work, people who ignore orders because they are repulsed by the upper echelons of society, people who are driven by pure righteous indignation and wield self-righteous justice, and people who act only for their own interests.

"I received a request to take a full-body specimen of a demi-human Chimera Ant. Now, even a battle soldier rank can earn at least 2 million, and a Queen individual will be able to earn 2.5 billion Jenny! Beaten by other competitors. I must hunt."

It is as if the enemy does not understand the danger. When you enter the enemy's hunting zone at this speed and understand the danger, it is already too late. The intelligence that the survivors desperately brought back did not reach the man blinded by greed.

"And you... you're not a professional, are you? Your aura is too weak."

Ponzu is certainly not a professional Hunter. He has completed enough times in the Hunter Exam to be called a regular, but he is one step away from passing the exam. Currently, a joint team of four amateurs is carrying out this work.

As for Nen Ability, he trained during Hunter activities and gradually gained an understanding. He has reached the stage where meditation finally opens the pores, which is the foundation for beginners to learn the four major techniques.

As such, it is still impossible to accurately read their abilities from other people's aura, but even so, this person clearly does not have the strength to fight the Chimera Ants.

It would be fine if it were just battle soldiers, but competing with the Squadron Leader class that leads them is unlikely. Moreover, it is said that there is an Ant at the Squadron Leader level above them. Since they mainly hunt humans in groups, the gap in strength can be said to be hopeless.

"What do you want to do with your amateur skills?"

Ponzu cannot hide his anger. What do you think about the investigation? I gritted my teeth and worked hard.

She had four companions. However, Ponzu was the only one who returned home alive. Knowing the threat of the demi-human Chimera Ants, if they had turned back immediately at that time, there might have been salvation. It is certain that he misjudged the enemy's strength and went deep into it.

However, this was to obtain as much information as possible and connect the lifeline to subsequent Hunters. After knowing the danger, he continued the investigation and tried to convey the danger to as many Hunters as possible.

For Ponzu, it doesn't matter how a person with only vain beliefs dies, but if he lets them pass through here, their determination to risk their lives will be tarnished.

Then the deaths of my comrades would not be rewarded. Even if she is the type who tries to avoid fighting as much as possible, she cannot tolerate it. As a Nen Ability user, men are superior in ability. Nevertheless, Ponzu did not give in. The man's blood and energy increased even more with that attitude.

In such a hair-trigger situation, a large truck drove into the plaza in front of the checkpoint. For the Hunters gathered here, it was a spectacle as if it were happening again. If you have no intention of entering NGL, there is no particular reason to visit here. That is to say, it is foreseeable that new Hunters who heard the rumors have come.

"Oh, you finally came."

It seems that the Phantom Beast Hunter's friend also seems to be on the ship. I don't think he is a good person just because he is this person's friend. Ponzu, who is already outnumbered, will allow the enemy reinforcements.

"But well, I don't know if you are unaware, I can understand how you feel when you can't retreat, right? Looking at that situation, you also went to investigate once, right? In that case, we will guide you. Will you do it? Of course, the reward will be flexible."

The man's expression softened with the arrival of his comrades, but Ponzu did not overlook the evil emotion contained within his gaze. It was easy for me to imagine what would happen if I were with this man's Hunter team.

"You've caused us so much trouble."

This was the worst. This was the limit of my patience. At first, he was a bit afraid of becoming a Hunter like the others, but Ponzu now viewed this man as an enemy.

You won't win, but there are other Hunters' eyes here. It is clear who has reason, Ponzu or the Phantom Beast Hunter; in the worst case, they should intervene before being killed. One also hopes they might provide help.

Ponzu did not respond and nearly drew a poison needle to launch an attack, but he stopped when he saw a male companion walk out of the truck container. Rather than appearing, it was more like he had been thrown out.

"Beret!? Marino, Daruma!"

The three men lay on the ground like rags. If it weren't for the rift between friends, I could only assume someone had attacked me. The culprit appeared openly. Following the person who had been thrown out, I walked out of the container.

"Ah, my shoulders are stiff."

"That's because you used extra physical strength on the trash."

"..."

The landing Hunters were a strange trio.

One was a large man wearing sunglasses. He carried a massive weapon that seemed taller than him, but it was wrapped in cloth, and what was inside was unknown. The other was a slender man in a black suit that did not look suitable for outdoor activities. However, there was an unusual sharpness in the gaze peeking from behind the dark glasses.

And the last one. The strangest was the girl. She had a clean face, beautiful silver hair, and wore a cute maid outfit. She was like a doll made with the soul of a mad enthusiast. There was a hint of artificiality to the point that it seemed strange for her to walk alone.

With the girl sandwiched in the middle, the two men walked together. Just by looking, the strength of this group was evident.

This is different. Compared to the Hunters gathered here, this is nothing. Within the aura, there was a majestic dignity. If he were such a user, he could hide it so that one would not be aware of his true power. This is a demonstration of daring to let them know.

"Why are there so many Hunters hanging around?"

"Probably the same purpose as the trash we boarded with. Or..."

A man in a suit looked around. Ponzu's gaze met his for a moment.

"Well, regardless, the current Association chairman is Pariston. So you have no way to summon Hunters like Mr. Netero."

"In the end, the ones on the front lines are still the people on-site. Aura! Disperse! We'll handle the rest!"

Without needing to say more, one knew it was the Chimera Ant subjugation team sent by the Association Headquarters. Looking at that aura, it made sense, but it was only aimed at the two of them.

The girl did not care at all. Even Ponzu, a Beginner, knew the reason. It was because the girl was using "Zetsu." Compared to the other two, who had the aura of overwhelming powerhouses, their presence was faint enough to make them disappear.

This was quite terrifying. The signs cut off by annihilation, combined with that figure, on the other side of the haze, a phantom-like instant appeared, appearing and disappearing. Being able to distort the viewer's perception to such a degree while exposing one's appearance showed that he possessed quite high skill, but rather than an intimidation that obviously displayed his power, it was more of a fear of the unknown.

A subjugation team approached Ponzu and the Phantom Beast Hunter. This was inevitable, as they were blocking the path to the checkpoint.

Ponzu's gaze was fixed on the mysterious girl more than anyone else. The girl was looking at nothing, her eyes wandering like glass beads on a doll. However, Ponzu felt the girl's countless gazes.

The reason I could sense her true identity was because she was a 'Goo'. Ponzu kept a swarm of bees in his hat. You can also use these bees to attack your enemies or have them carry letters.

She was used to dealing with insects every day, and she felt the same existence in the girl's encroaching gaze. A huge, red, beetle-like thing was tightly gripping the girl's arm.

Is the girl an insect Magician like Ponzu? I can neither confirm nor deny it. The bees Ponzu raised were common insects of the same kind distributed around the world, but it was clear that this girl's partner was not something one could talk about with one's own bees.

It was like a sensory network of eyes. Although it had no physical form, it could not move, as if it were entangled by spider silk. I decided it was best not to move, as a conditioned reflex I learned as an insect Magician. Insect eyes are sensitive to moving objects.

"What, what!? Is it the subjugation team!?"

However, the Phantom Beast Hunter attacked the subjugation team there without restraint. In a sense, the courage not to shrink in this situation might be the only thing that should be evaluated as a first-class product.

"What about the subjugation team! Leaving those two aside, what about that kid in the middle!? Is he really a Hunter!?"

Even so, he was ultimately unable to fight those two daunting men, and his anger rushed toward the mysterious girl. The man reached out directly toward the girl.

The man's actions gave Ponzu an indescribable sense of unease. I don't know why, but I should stop it. However, before Ponzu moved, the girl's eyes had already moved. The eyeballs that had been wandering in the void were now staring at the man.

"Intruder."

At that moment, Ponzu's body moved as if it had been flipped. Convinced that he was under attack, he evaded. It was too late. I did not see the attack. There was no sound. Only the "scent of death" I had never experienced before, strongly stimulating my sense of smell.

However, Ponzu soon discovered that there was nothing wrong with his body. And he knew the identity of the enemy who had struck.

It was nothing, just murder. The thirsty girl released killing intent toward the man blocking the way and Ponzu. This alone gave them the illusion of death, giving them enough of a threat to make them unconsciously take evasive action.

The Phantom Beast Hunter also made almost the same movement. The power he had possessed before had vanished completely, and he was drenched in sweat, as if he had been squeezed out. The disciplinary team passed through the open road. Ponzu watched it silently.

If true, then there was no reason for Ponzu, returning from NGL, to remain in front of this checkpoint. There were no decent shops or accommodations in this area. I should evacuate to the nearest town as soon as possible.

To put it bluntly, it was regret that kept her here. Two people on Ponzu's Hunter team had witnessed death, but only one had been taken away alive by the enemy.

It was the leader of her squad, the Spirit Hunter Pokkle. I was the only professional on the team. Although he was still a rookie, unlike Ponzu, he was quite proficient. As a Hunter, he possessed skills close to the original meaning, with a wealth of survival knowledge and techniques. If it were him, he might have been able to escape the clutches of the Chimera Ants.

But Ponzu knew this was wishful thinking. So I was inexperienced. I had originally intended to wait for the arrival of the subjugation team at the checkpoint and negotiate directly to help Pokkuru.

Of course, I knew this was an unfulfilled wish. Even if they promised me they would help them, I would not be believed. The only thing she could do was ask others.

"Please, Pokkuru..."

There was no one left to ask for help. I realized that what I said was useless. I didn't expect my words to reach such an ugly, bloodthirsty girl, and those men who were dragging her along with ease.