Final refueling and inspection of the ship were underway at the sea boundary.
In a warm and theatrical tone, the hostess made her announcement.
"We'll soon be passing through uncharted sea zones before arriving at the New World. Out there, the sky is even more terrifying than the ocean—storms, tornadoes, and violent climate shifts are all common."
"There's also fierce competition among airborne creatures, each fighting for its own territory. Due to the risks of the air route, the top deck will remain sealed—though I do admit, that's a bit of a shame."
"After about five weeks of travel, swaying with the sea, we'll arrive at the edge of the Dark Continent."
Her impassioned explanation sparked murmurs among the nobles and wealthy passengers. They laughed, exchanged comments, their eyes alight with curiosity and excitement.
To them, this was nothing more than an extravagant expedition—an adventure that promised fortune, prestige, and historical legacy.
The hostess had carefully downplayed the risks. As a result, none of them took the threats seriously.
The theater-like venue was filled with excitement.
...
Meanwhile, in a conference room on the first floor's restricted section, several trusted Hunters gathered: Gel, Ginta, Pyon, and Cheadle Yorkshire.
They were calmly analyzing the same itinerary the hostess had just outlined.
"Once the Kakin princes and their entourages reach the so-called 'New Continent,' their public voyage ends there," Cheadle explained. "That's when the real competition begins—between us and Beyond's team."
"From that point, we'll transfer to the ship Knov and his crew prepared. That'll take us to the gate of the Dark Continent, where the gatekeepers await."
"On the way, we'll pass by a small island, where we'll set up a midway base. Knov will manage the flow of people and supplies there."
Pyon and the others had already begun planning for their post-surface journey into the Dark Continent.
The Hunter Association and V5 had access to the most complete information. The version shared with the nobles, of course, had been heavily edited.
As for the people living on the third, fourth, and fifth floors of the ship, all they got was a loudspeaker announcement:
"We estimate arrival at the Dark Continent in eight weeks—two months. Along the way, we may face natural disasters from sea and sky. Please stay calm and prioritize safety."
It was a crude summary with no real value, but that was intentional.
After all, the less people know, the fewer problems arise.
...
"Are they seriously treating us like idiots?"
On the fourth floor, seated at a worn wooden table, Chrollo looked up after the loudspeaker finished its broadcast. Across from him, Feitan sneered in disdain.
After boarding, the Phantom Troupe had claimed a corner table on the third floor as their temporary base.
"Well, at least letting Ronnel into upper management was a smart move. Thanks to him, we got the full layout and plans ahead of time," Shalnark said, waving his phone. A message from Ronnel had just come in, detailing the ship's course.
"Eight more weeks, huh. Looks like we'll be busy again~"
Machi's cold gaze swept over the hostile stares surrounding them. She spoke quietly but confidently.
At that moment, Chrollo—still studying a roadmap—suddenly lifted his head.
The rest of the Troupe followed suit, their eyes locking onto a new arrival.
...
Illumi walked in first, followed by a tall, handsome man with delicate features and long, draped hair.
"The eldest son of the Zoldyck family. It's been such a long time~" Feitan muttered, eyes narrowing as he slowly pulled his hands from his pockets.
Back in Yorknew City, this same man had snuck into their base disguised as Hisoka, stirring up trouble Feitan hadn't forgotten.
"I'm not here to fight," Illumi said simply, raising both hands in a show of peace.
"I'd like to join you, if that's possible."
"Join us?!"
The other members of the Troupe stared at him, sizing him up again.
Only Chrollo met Illumi's gaze directly, his eyes gradually darkening.
"Are you trying to do what Hisoka did—join just to tear us apart from the inside?" he asked. "If that's your intention, then you've made a serious miscalculation."
Tension filled the air.
...
Suddenly, a long, echoing whistle rang through the ship, reaching everyone's ears.
"The departure whistle?" someone asked.
Excitement sparked in some, while others kept their heads down, feigning indifference.
...
Meanwhile, in the isolated luxury cell #537 on the first floor—
"So we've finally set sail?"
Kanzai glanced up at the ceiling, then lowered his gaze and played two cards from his hand.
"Remind me again why it takes three of us to watch one guy? What a waste of manpower."
"Play a Nine," Saccho said calmly, eyeing Beyond Netero, who sat in the adjacent cell, leisurely flipping through a magazine.
"Then why don't we just drop you? Get rid of the deadweight and we'll be more efficient~"
"Hah, I'll throw that line right back at you," Kanzai shot back, unfazed by Saccho's jab.
They turned their attention back to Beyond, who was just on the other side of the reinforced glass wall.
Every move he made could be seen clearly. If he tried anything, they'd catch it instantly.
"For someone who gains nothing from escaping now, three guards is definitely overkill," Saccho added.
"And to prevent any unforeseen chaos, the higher-ups insisted on at least one Zodiac member being stationed on both the first and second floors."
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Fanfic is completed on patreon.com/FanficsHub (799 chapters in total)