"What did that man say to you?"
Shortly after the V5 commissioner departed, Cheadle, wearing her signature glasses, suddenly appeared. Her somewhat cute, dog-like face was etched with exhaustion.
It was no wonder she was tired. As the head of the Science Team within the Hunter Association, specializing in biomedicine, she had to personally lead her team through every crisis. This time, the situation involved an incursion by species from the Dark Continent, leaving her without sleep for several days. Even for a Nen user, her mental state was nearing its limit.
"Nothing much," Allen replied with a shrug. "Just some diplomatic gratitude and a promise to help me permanently hide my personal data."
"Hmph! Those people aren't usually that kind. Be careful; they likely only value your abilities and want to recruit you to do their dirty work," Cheadle warned with a cold sneer.
Allen curled his lips and nodded meaningfully. "I'm well aware. In fact, politicians are the filthiest, most shameless, and despicable creatures on this planet. A group devoid of bottom lines or morality. I maintain the highest level of vigilance regarding them. However, if they offer a price that satisfies me, I don't mind doing a few things for them, provided it doesn't violate my principles or values."
"It's good that you think that way. But truly, you handled this investigation beautifully," Cheadle remarked, her tone shifting to unreserved praise. "Not only did you capture high-definition photos and collect a massive number of samples, but you actually mapped out the ecology of that Living Island. For a rookie, that was an almost impossible task, yet you turned in a perfect score. It seems that besides being an excellent Bounty Hunter, you are also an outstanding Beast Hunter."
Cheadle was genuinely impressed. She wasn't entirely sure how he had recorded over seven hundred species of animals in such a short time, down to their dietary preferences, attack patterns, and habits, but it was undeniable that this survey had vastly enriched the Association's biological database.
In particular, the red worm larvae and the photos of the gargantuan, intestine-like organs deep within the island were 100% confirmed to be species from the Dark Continent. This fact had been privately acknowledged by Chairman Netero himself, who had secretly visited the Dark Continent in his youth and witnessed many such inconceivable organisms.
"Isn't challenging the unknown and the impossible the greatest allure of being a Hunter?" Allen said with a smile. "Besides, I have an ability that allows me to immediately obtain all information regarding any beast just by looking at it. So, this mission wasn't too difficult for me. The only thing I really had to worry about was the island itself."
It had to be said that Beast Lore was an incredible skill, a "God-tier" ability essential for wilderness survival and exploration. Combined with his tracking abilities that covered all lifeforms, Allen could retreat safely from even the most powerful creatures, provided he didn't stumble directly into an illogical, rule-based calamity.
"Indeed! Exploring the unknown and challenging the impossible is the reason the Hunter Association exists," Cheadle sighed. "But those politicians always want to turn us into tools, much like their secretly trained special task forces."
As a member of the Zodiacs, Cheadle was well-acquainted with the V5's dark secrets. She knew the Hunter Association wasn't the only Nen organization in the world, nor was it the largest in terms of scale or numbers. The special task forces prepared by the V5 for disasters and Dark Continent exploration far surpassed the Association in terms of quantity, quality, discipline, and obedience. However, training such forces required immense time and resources, so they were never deployed unless absolutely necessary.
Allen, clearly aware of these task forces, replied playfully, "To get something, one must pay a price. That is an eternal truth. Though the exchange isn't always fair, a delicate and interesting balance usually forms eventually. If the Association wants to escape political interference, it must engage in a series of games and negotiations with those politicians until they realize that an independently operated Association serves everyone's best interests. Isn't that exactly what Chairman Netero has been doing?"
Cheadle stared at him in shock. "Eh? To have such mature thoughts at your age is truly startling. I remember the last person to show such maturity beyond their years in their teens was Ging."
"Thank you for the compliment. But more than that, I want the research reports on the bacteria and viruses found in those worms. If possible, I'd like vaccines or antibiotics for the lethal strains," Allen requested seriously.
"The reports and the countermeasures?" Cheadle's face paled slightly as she realized his intent. "You want to explore the Dark Continent?"
"Yes. Exactly," Allen admitted without hesitation. "After all, it's a virgin land filled with mystery, danger, hope, and disaster. The ultimate prey for every top-tier Hunter. Don't worry, the plan is still in the preparation stage. It will be a long time before I put it into action."
There was no point in hiding it. Anyone interested in the viruses of the red worms would obviously be interested in the Dark Continent; even a fool could see that.
Cheadle stared into Allen's eyes for several minutes before finally sighing. "Sigh, fine. I'll compile a copy of the report for you later. As for the vaccines and antibiotics, the research cycle will be long. It's essentially impossible to produce them in less than half a year to a year."
"That's fine; I'm in no hurry. Also, if you know of any good experts in microbiology, bacteria, or viruses, please introduce them to me. Money is no object. Finally, consider this a personal favor I owe you. If you ever need help, feel free to call me."
With that, Allen walked out of the Hunter Association building without looking back, joining Baise and Bodoro who were waiting at the entrance.
Their next destination was the Hunter-exclusive game, Greed Island.
Specifically, Allen was after certain interesting items and cards within the game. The easiest way to enter was to find the billionaire Battera, who had bought up nearly every copy of the game.
Though the exact nature of Battera's "true love" girlfriend's illness was unknown, Allen was confident that with his current abilities and the Jungle Remedy or Restorative Potion in his inventory, he could bring her back from the brink, unless she was already brain-dead.
Once he saved her, securing three slots to enter the game would be a simple matter. Moreover, he was curious to see what kind of woman could enchant a man worth nearly a trillion Jenny, someone who had survived the cutthroat business world for decades. Was she a true "angel," or just a very talented "green tea" actress?