The gap widened further.
Bang!
The cocoon shattered.
Ponzu stepped out from within—completely different from before. The aura around her was many times stronger than it had been.
Ron received a notification from Sumas and stepped inside.
"Captain."
Ponzu jogged over excitedly.
Ron looked her over. As expected, Ponzu had now reached the level of a B-rank Nen user. And thanks to the use of enhancement serums, her future growth rate might even outpace Nina, Shizuku, and Elita. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Ponzu would likely be the first among them to reach S-rank.
"Let's go."
"Yes, Captain."
Ron brought Ponzu back to the airship.
Nina and the others turned to look at her, instantly noticing the change.
"Ponzu, congrats!"
"Thanks!"
Ponzu had always felt a bit self-conscious in the team, as her abilities had been weaker than the rest. Her value to the team had come mostly from her unique skill set. But now, she had finally caught up in terms of Nen user classification.
She couldn't help but think of Ruco, who was still at D-rank. The contrast only made Ponzu more grateful to Ron.
Several days later, the airship descended into the territory of Begrossé.
Ron's group disembarked from the airship terminal and went straight to the hotel they had booked in advance.
This was the capital city of Begrossé.
As a theocratic nation, its architectural style was entirely different from the other V5 nations. The streets were lined with cathedrals, and clergy members could be seen walking everywhere.
The entire city looked orderly—excessively so. It lacked a sense of freedom.
The class structure in Begrossé was even more rigid and unforgiving than in the Kingdom of Fiora. Even foreigners had to be extremely cautious. A misstep could draw the ire of the clergy.
Ron pulled out a printed booklet and handed it to the group.
"These are things to keep in mind while in Begrossé. Read through them."
Misty looked through the booklet and blinked.
"Ugh, there's so much... What a pain..."
"When you go to a new place, you have to respect its rules," Ron said. "Memorize it all. Situations like this won't be rare going forward."
With that, he opened his laptop and pulled up a schematic—a structural map of Begrossé.
Begrossé was ruled absolutely by the High Archbishop, beneath whom sat the Twelve Red Cardinals.
Ron estimated that the High Archbishop was at least an S-rank Nen user. As for the Twelve Red Cardinals, they were likely elite A-rank users—possibly some were even hidden S-rank as well.
For Nen users, spiritual strength was vital, and religion cultivated that far more deeply than ordinary practice. Faith itself was a form of mental energy.
Those who had something to place their belief in always grew stronger.
Ron hired a local guide, a middle-aged man who was also a Nen user. The cost was high, but there was reason behind the price.
After changing into local attire to fit in, they followed the guide and began exploring Begrossé.
"If we visit all thirteen major cities and absorb their characteristics, my Observer's Intentions Hatsu should reach full synchronization without much trouble," Ron thought. "Compared to the United States of Sahelta, absorbing Begrossé's traits should be relatively easy—so long as I'm already strong enough to be here."
When he had been weaker, Ron wouldn't have dared come alone. Theocratic nations were often unpredictable. A single misstep could offend someone deeply—and once targeted, death would be swift.
As they drove through the city, the guide spoke.
"The most worthwhile site in the capital is the Grand Cathedral. But today isn't a formal worship day. You won't see the most splendid scenes unless you visit during a Sunday ceremony."
"It's said that if your heart is devout enough, you can receive divine blessings."
They passed the cathedral in the car.
"Today, I'll take you to several other well-loved tourist spots," the guide added.
The moment Ron stepped out of the car, he could feel the weight of many eyes falling on their group.
"Don't worry. This is standard inspection protocol. Everyone who comes here is watched—especially skilled Nen users like yourselves," the guide said.
Ron nodded. Misty and the others looked around with curiosity, while Ron's gaze settled on a large crystal sphere ahead.
Information about him was quickly passed along to Begrossé's clergy.
"A Hunter... a Floor Master from Heaven's Arena... previously sighted in the United States of Sahelta.
"No problems for now. But we should remain vigilant."
"After all... it's about to happen."
"Everyone arriving at this point in time must be treated with caution."
"Assign someone to follow him—discreetly."
Three days later, Sunday arrived.
Led by their guide, Ron's group entered the Grand Cathedral.
The moment they stepped through the entrance, Ron clearly saw beams of light multiplying around them, being drawn rapidly into the crystal sphere.
The cathedral was enormous.
Yet now, nearly every corner was packed with people.
Those inside the cathedral fell into several categories.
There were clergy, who stood at the central positions.
Then there were wealthy visitors like Ron's group, who had paid high prices for premium access.
Everyone else occupied the more ordinary areas.
Ron looked ahead.
An elderly man emerged, wearing ornate, old-fashioned ceremonial robes. His aura seemed like that of any regular old man—
But Ron knew better.
He sensed an aura similar to Maha Zoldyck's.
An S-rank Nen user.
The old man's gaze lingered on Ron for a moment—just a moment—then moved on.
He cleared his throat and opened a sacred tome, beginning to recite.
Though his voice wasn't loud, it enveloped the entire cathedral. Even those seated at the outermost edge could hear him with perfect clarity.
Ron's brow furrowed slightly.
"Something's not right..."