"So the entire matter was engineered by humans?"
"After obtaining Oster's research data, further studies were conducted, which produced results proving the Chimera Ants could be modified. Experiments began immediately. The choice to use NGL as the site belonged to NGL itself and fate, even though it meant the deaths of countless innocents. That was the decision made by NGL's leadership. But for ordinary citizens of NGL, it is undeniably unfair."
Netero nodded. "That's true. But only through sacrifices of this scale can hope be given to NGL. Calculated by numbers, the deaths caused by the Chimera Ant outbreak amount to no more than tens of thousands. If we had tried other methods, the death toll would have been far higher."
The reasoning sounded logical, yet Ron still found it disturbing. Could human lives truly be reduced to nothing more than numbers? Still, this was not the point he cared most about.
"Netero-senpai, may I ask why the experiment had to be carried out at all?"
"Because the results are astounding," Netero said. "Through the Chimera Ant experiments, beings can be created whose life potential exceeds that of humans, yet who can still learn to use Nen. And these beings remain controllable. With a single round of experiments, humanity can gain the equivalent of several decades worth of Nen users. That is an achievement of immense value. It was for this reason that the V5 made their decision."
Ron's eyes flickered. "Is this preparation for the Dark Continent?"
On the human continent, flooding the population with more Nen users would not drastically alter the balance. If a single nation developed such an experiment in secret, it might build up hidden power and eventually disrupt the global order. But since this was backed by the V5, Ron could think of only one possibility: the Dark Continent.
"That's correct," Netero confirmed. "In humanity's long history, many expeditions have been made to the Dark Continent. But it is far too dangerous—teams of thousands, even tens of thousands, often returned with only one or two survivors. Even a V5 nation requires many years of preparation to mount such an operation. But the rewards the Dark Continent offers have always lured humanity onward.
"I once decreed, while I still lived, that no Hunters were to set foot there. It was not out of selfishness but simply to protect them, because their strength was not enough. But with the Chimera Ant experiments success, the number of high-level Nen users has surged. The time required to prepare for exploration can now be drastically reduced. Humanity will step into a new era.
"Such a transformation cannot be stopped—not by me, or by anyone."
Netero gazed into the distance. "I feel fortunate. At the twilight of my life, I am able to witness a turning point in human history. Yet I also feel unfortunate—because at this time of transformation, my life is nearly at its end."
He sighed deeply. "Ron, is there anything you still don't understand?"
Ron shook his head. "No. The V5 saw immense profit in this and so they pushed forward. That much is clear. I've already seen what they're capable of, both in the United States of Saherta and in Begrossé. The NGL side of things I didn't know, but it seems their leadership had their reasons for agreeing. Still, I feel regret for the ordinary people who suffered. I suspect the situation in the Republic of East Gorteau is similar.
"The only thing I cannot understand, Netero-senpai, is that you were among the decision-makers. In my impression, you never seemed like that kind of person."
Netero chuckled. "And what sort of person do you think I am?" He did not wait for Ron's reply. "I've never considered myself a good man, nor someone who upheld justice. During the Hunter Exam, what I saw in Gon reminded me a little of my younger self.
"I am willful. I led the Association in whatever direction I pleased. I made decisions however I wished. All my life, I pursued greater heights. But once I reached my peak, I could climb no further, and afterward I lived unhappily. What I showed to the world was only a mask. In truth, I have always felt dissatisfaction.
"But now, even if I am dissatisfied, it no longer matters. I am only an old man, close to death. The V5 will advance towards a new era, and I cannot stop it. The deaths of innocents in NGL—I will watch silently. The disaster about to strike East Gorteau—I will not interfere. I am nothing more than a puppet, a chess piece.
"But at the very end, I still hold one small wish. Ron, I want you to do something for me."
Ron frowned slightly. "What is it?"
Netero rose to his feet. "A new era is about to begin, and the old one is fading away. I refuse to stumble into that new era, pathetic and unable to keep up. Let me remain in the old era. Let me end my story with one final battle at its peak.
"I will fight the Ant King. In that battle, whether I win or lose, I will die. But I do not want outside interference. I want a one-on-one fight with him. Ron, I need you to hold back the Royal Guards for me."
Netero looked at him with hope.
Ron hesitated, then nodded. "But I can only restrain one. Any more, and I won't be able to manage."
"That is enough," Netero said. "The King's birth has indeed brought disaster, but for me, it is a strange kind of fortune. Such a powerful creature—its aura alone can inspire terror in countless lives, far beyond the scale of the human continent. As my final opponent, it is fitting.
"I can already feel it—my body is burning with excitement. I hope this battle does not disappoint me."
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