This heavy "truth" was knowledge he gained only when confronting 'Flesh' directly.
Don wasn't mocking Germain.
He was merely reminding Germain that perhaps all his passion should be poured into a future with more hope.
He was worried that if he didn't make it clear to Germain beforehand, when Germain learned the truth for himself, he would feel just as hopeless as he had once felt.
The more you know, the less joy you find.
After hearing this, Ging and Bisky were struck as if by lightning, their bodies growing cold.
If this is the truth... then what meaning is there in humanity returning to the Dark Continent?
Either way, whether on the Dark Continent or the Six Continents, there's no escaping the fate of being devoured by the 'Outer Gods'.
Returning to the Dark Continent would just lead to countless sacrifices. What's the meaning of such sacrifices?
Shizuku, on the other hand, didn't have much of a reaction. She understood—there were still over five hundred years to go.
By then, she and Germain would be long dead, their children long dead, and their grandchildren, too. As for the generations after that, well, it didn't matter.
Germain stood silently for a while before, somewhat surprised, he began to connect many dots.
In fact, Chairman Netero had already guessed some of the truth.
On the airship returning to the Hunter Association last year, he had discussed this matter with Germain.
Why is it that, even now, the most commonly used aerial transportation in the human world is still the airship?
Why hasn't humanity managed to launch space rockets or orbital satellites to survey the entire map of the Dark Continent?
Because of his mental preparation, Germain quietly reached into his chest after a brief pause.
Don stared at him curiously.
He couldn't understand why the young man was reacting this way.
Could it be that he was in so much despair, unable to accept reality, that it had driven him to the point of collapse?
Then, he saw Germain pull out a strange "hard little box."
"This is a mobile phone," Germain explained. "On the Six Continent, no matter how far apart people are, as long as there's a signal, they can communicate with each other in real time."
"We also have something called the 'Internet.' Through it, we can share most of the 'knowledge' of the Six Continent."
"Our bombs vary in power. One of them, called the 'Poor Man's Rose,' is powerful enough to destroy those 'calamities' and force them to start the cycle of reincarnation early."
Don frowned, shaking his head. "What you're talking about must be inventions that were made after I left the Six Continent… I admit they're incredible."
"But combined, they aren't enough to defeat the 'Blood Moon,' 'Demigods,' and don't even get me started on the 'Outer Gods' from the depths of the universe."
"Don't you understand? Even if the power of these bombs increased a hundredfold, thousandfold, or ten thousandfold, it would still be useless against the 'Outer Gods!'"
Don grew increasingly agitated as he spoke.
He soon realized his mistake and made an effort to calm himself down.
Once his mood settled a bit, he said:
"I understand. When you first learn the truth of the universe, it's hard to accept. I was like that too. I wandered in confusion for a long time, but…"
"No," Germain suddenly interrupted his words, "That's not what I meant."
Don looked up in surprise.
If that's not what you meant, then what does it mean?
Germain lit up the screen of his phone.
The glow from the screen was faint in the vast darkness, yet it was still quite noticeable.
Others also turned their gaze toward him.
"These human-made things have all emerged in the past hundred years. They're not accidental, but an inevitable product of social development."
"You said we still have more than five hundred years, right?"
Don nodded stiffly.
"Good," Germain said calmly, "To be honest, I don't understand the science of creation. I only know how to be a Hunter and hunt my prey."
"The 'Demi-Gods' have taken control of the Dark Continent and hold the majority of the resources. These resources are exactly what human society dreams of."
"The 'Blood Moon' occupies the sky, blocking speed and altitude."
"If they all die, then all the obstacles in front of humanity will disappear."
"Humans can freely use the resources from the Dark Continent, develop all kinds of science and technology, and break through the atmosphere to reach outer space."
"In fifty years, we will surely be able to send humans into space."
"In five hundred years, we will surely leave this planet and, just like humans did over two thousand years ago, embark on the great migration into the universe."
"Perhaps we can't defeat enemies like the 'Outer Gods,' but at least we can avoid them."
"If it wants the ripe fruit, let it have it. We'll go look for the unripe fruit."
"This is my answer."
Don never imagined he would hear such thoughts from Germain, let alone that Germain would refer to the 'Blood Moon' and the 'Demigods' as "obstacles."
How arrogant!
But then...
When Ging, Bisky, and Shizuku were also stunned, Don suddenly burst out laughing.
This was the happiest time he had smiled since everyone had met.
"It seems that even I, who have been in the Dark Continent, don't necessarily know more or see further."
Don took out a silver bell and shook it a few times, producing a crisp sound.
Clink, clink, clink—
A black horse appeared before Don, its hooves moving in a graceful motion.
The others looked over and realized that the horse was made of black mist… it was a "Night Stalker Black Horse"!
Don swiftly mounted the "Night Stalker Black Horse."
"I've been here long enough. It's time for me to leave."
He pulled on the reins, turned the horse's head, and looked down at the others.
"It's been great seeing the ambitious descendants, the considerate juniors, and the young ones with strange abilities. I'm glad I came."
"But more importantly, Germain, I've met you."
"Let me see your skills. If it's all talk, then there's no need for us to meet again."
"If you're serious, when you want to head to the 'Flesh Demigod Region' on the western coast, I'll be your most reliable guide."
"Everyone, if fate allows, we shall meet again."
Don pulled the reins once more.
The "Night Stalker Black Horse" trotted silently, swiftly carrying Don away, without giving anyone a chance to stop him.
Ging showed a look of regret.
He still had many questions, but now he, along with Bisky and Shizuku, could only watch Don's figure disappear into the night.
Meanwhile, Germain had already turned his gaze to the sky.
*******
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