After Akayan finished speaking calmly, Morin nodded in agreement.
"You're right," Morin acknowledged approvingly, "Only children argue about right and wrong; adults discuss benefits and disadvantages."
He looked at Akayan with a hint of admiration, "Among so many gatekeepers, you're probably the only one I find somewhat agreeable."
"Is that so?" Akayan responded noncommittally.
"Then..." He gazed into Morin's eyes, "Now, I'm quite curious about your intentions."
"Intentions?" Morin looked at Akayan, somewhat puzzled.
"You've gone through so much trouble to infiltrate here and gather vital intelligence without anyone knowing. Don't tell me you have no ulterior motives," Akayan stated matter-of-factly.
"I'm really curious about what could make a powerhouse like you lower yourself to eavesdrop here?"
Lowering oneself... eavesdropping...
So, powerful individuals can't do anything that doesn't fit their strong persona? Besides, I wasn't eavesdropping. I was observing and listening openly; you just didn't notice.
And honestly... I don't have any particular motive.
I came here mainly to see where the Voyage Office is, record some footage and sound, and report back to Chairman Netero.
Most importantly, I was simply curious about how the Voyage Office managed to extradite the Chimera Ants to the Six Continents.
If they can extradite a Dark Continent species like the Chimera Ants, couldn't they do the same with the 'Hope' up there?
In truth, the Voyage Office has connections with the gatekeepers.
The extradition of the Chimera Ants was only possible with the gatekeepers' help.
Once Morin learned this, he lost interest.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have revealed himself when the crow shouted and questioned him.
The main reason was that these guys were too cowardly.
Being scolded so directly and remaining silent was utterly disgraceful for humans.
That's why Morin appeared, exchanged a few words with the crow, and then conversed briefly with Akayan. Overall, he gained quite a bit of useful information.
This trip was quite fruitful.
Morin met Akayan's gaze calmly and shook his head, "I have no other intentions."
He was telling the truth, but Akayan didn't believe him.
"If you don't want to say, then forget it," he replied.
Not only did Akayan not believe him, but the other high-ranking officials also looked at Morin with expressions that said, "Do you think we're three-year-olds?"
Yeah, these days, nobody believes the truth.
"I don't care what your intentions are, but there's one thing I need to make clear to you..."
Akayan said coolly, "If you want a safer journey to the Dark Continent, cooperating with us is the wisest choice."
"If you want to leave Mobius Lake, you can come to me, and I'll find a guide for you."
"Is that so?" Morin looked at Akayan with some surprise, "I didn't expect you to be so generous."
"Then I'll thank you for your kindness in advance."
Since the other party offered goodwill first, Morin's tone softened.
After all, there's no harm in accepting a good deal.
If Akayan's words were genuinely sincere, Morin wouldn't mind having a proper conversation with him.
For now, Akayan's rational and calm demeanor indeed made him a decent potential partner.
If things were as he said, Morin wouldn't mind enhancing his safety and forming this partnership.
Although he didn't know Akayan's ultimate motive, it provided him with more choices and a new path.
"Your name, powerful one?"
Just as Morin was about to sever the connection, Akayan glanced at him through the screen.
"I've already told you my name; you should leave yours as well."
"My name?"
Even though the officials had already shouted my name, you still want to ask again?
Morin raised an eyebrow, "You'll know when we meet in person."
"That day won't be too far from now."
With that, Morin decisively cut off the connection.
One must remember, in this world, there are all sorts of Nen abilities.
And the gatekeeper clan can also use Nen to develop powers.
---
In the world of Nen, there's always the possibility of encountering abilities specifically targeting actions like "saying one's own name" or "answering questions about one's name." If caught off guard, the consequences could be severe.
Just like in "Journey to the West," where the Silver Horn King's Purple Gold Gourd could trap anyone who responded to their name being called, turning them into liquid within moments. The vastness of the Dark Continent might just hide a similar kind of gourd somewhere.
Morin wasn't about to take that risk lightly.
"He cut it off…"
Akayan gazed at the crystal ball before him, its glow gradually dimming, and he couldn't help but fall into contemplation.
"Calm, wise, arrogant, and indeed quite rude..."
That was his immediate impression of Morin.
To hang up so casually and not answer questions—it was a behavior hard to forget.
Yet, Akayan's most profound impression of Morin wasn't just that, but rather...
"A long-lost powerhouse among humans."
He murmured to himself, nodding slightly, "He's indeed someone worth befriending."
As a gatekeeper not swayed by personal emotions, Akayan knew well how to act in his best interest.
Although the human powerhouse hadn't shown much, Akayan could sense through his own intuition and experience that the human's strength far exceeded his imagination.
In fact... if the human desired, he might even be capable of wiping out their entire tribe!
The idea was bizarre and absurd, yet it lingered in Akayan's mind.
Moreover, Akayan held a strong belief in his own thoughts.
So, it wasn't just about seeking benefits through friendship.
He was also considering the interests of the gatekeepers.
Sending a guide to enhance safety and gain goodwill was a small price for establishing a connection.
Why not?
As Akayan listened to the ongoing discussions and arguments of his tribesmen about humans, he shook his head.
A bunch of short-sighted folks, indeed.
No wonder their tribe was placed as gatekeepers, a role with many restrictions, between the Dark Continent and the Six Continents.
Swish!!
As Akayan pondered, a shadow suddenly emerged behind him.
"You're back," he said without turning around.
He didn't need to ask to know who it was.
"Yes, everything is arranged."
The raven, cloaked in black, wore a cold smile.
"I've sent beastmen from the Dark Continent to capture a prime Chimera Ant as a surprise for the Six Continents."
"This is an outstanding Chimera Ant that can even assimilate Nen users into its genes..."
"I'm sure the humans will be thrilled to receive this 'gift.'"
A self-satisfied smile spread across his face as he noticed the now darkened blue crystal.
"So, the connection is cut? Did those humans say anything?"
"...No," Akayan replied after a brief pause, shaking his head slowly.
He didn't share what had just transpired with the raven.
Telling him would not only be unproductive but might also spark more intense arguments.
If one were to compare Akayan and the raven, it would be like comparing Jinbe, the "Knight of the Sea" from "One Piece," to Arlong, the extremist and racist builder of Arlong Park.
The difference was that Akayan was smarter and more rational.
Because of this, Akayan understood how much trouble someone like the raven could cause.
Especially since there were others in the tribe with similar personalities and beliefs.
If these individuals banded together, they would form a significant force.
As their radical and extreme ideas and actions grew, they would eventually bring disaster upon the tribe.
"It's time to reform the tribe's mentality..."
Watching the raven's arrogant smile, Akayan silently resolved.
"If they continue with such thoughts and behavior, provoking the wrong people, it would bring great calamity to the tribe.
"But there are too many with such twisted ideas; a complete overhaul isn't feasible in one go.
"We must prevent them from acting recklessly and prepare in advance.
"This can't be rushed; it must be approached gradually.
"I need to start working on some plans..."
The raven had no idea that his close friend Akayan was already contemplating how to "clean up" their group.
Find more chapters on Patreon: patreon.com /NenMaster