Though the meat used in this dish wasn't the original mammoth meat, it was still among the finest ingredients across the six continents.
The flavor was only slightly inferior to what Menchi had prepared back then.
For the current Akira, these delicacies served little purpose beyond satisfying his appetite.
Since he was currently fused with the sturdy Ghost Cicada and not with Snorlax, there was no enhancement effect.
Moreover, his strength had grown so much that food from the six continents could hardly provide noticeable improvements anymore.
If he wanted any significant gains, he'd likely have to sample cuisine from the Dark Continent.
So while this feast was delicious, to Akira, it was just… decent.
Seeing Akira dive in without hesitation, Beyond wasn't particularly surprised.
Setting aside the fact that he hadn't tampered with anything, the main reason was that Akira simply didn't fear underhanded tactics.
Still, such unreserved boldness naturally fostered goodwill.
Who wouldn't appreciate being trusted like that?
Seeing is believing.
After meeting Akira in person today, Beyond became even more certain of his desire to recruit him for the expedition.
Akira's overwhelming strength, versatile abilities and easygoing personality…
All made him the perfect companion for a journey to the Dark Continent!
Even to invite Akira, Beyond had already made a more cautious decision in his heart.
No matter what, he was determined to recruit Akira at any cost!
"Mr. Akira, let me propose a toast to you, in gratitude for saving my father's life."
Beyond casually picked up a wine glass nearby and took the initiative to toast Akira.
This wine was also extraordinary—it was the rose wine that the Kakin King usually drank.
"It's nothing, just a small gesture."
Akira set down his knife and fork and raised his glass in response.
"Besides gratitude, you must have something else to say, right?"
After taking a small sip, Akira put down his glass and spoke again.
Having eaten his fill, it was time to get to the main point.
Beyond's breath hitched, then he flashed a bright smile, understanding Akira's implication, and continued.
"As expected of Mr. Akira. In that case, I won't beat around the bush. Apart from gratitude, there is indeed one more thing I'd like to discuss."
"Are you planning to head to the Dark Continent next?"
Beyond's eyes burned as he looked at Akira, though he already knew the answer—this was just a segue.
Since the restaurant was empty except for the two of them, Beyond didn't hold back and directly mentioned the "Dark Continent."
Even if someone overheard their conversation, Beyond wouldn't care.
Because soon, he and his ally—Nasubi Hui Gou Rou—would announce the existence of the Dark Continent across the Six Continents.
By then, all common folk would learn the "truth of the world."
What they called the "Six Continents" and the "world map" were merely a few small islands in a tiny lake within the vast world.
The world was far more expansive than people imagined!
Beyond also wouldn't say something like, 'Did you know there's an unknown continent out there?'
Someone of Akira's caliber must already have some knowledge of the Dark Continent.
And most likely, he harbored the desire to explore it!
Any strong individual would naturally be drawn to that place brimming with the unknown and mystery.
"The Dark Continent? Naturally, I intend to go there."
Akira nodded, straightforwardly admitting his plans.
Leaving aside the various "hopes" on the Dark Continent—such as the life-extending "Nitro Rice"...
What truly captured his attention were the diverse Pokemon that could be nurtured there!
Compared to the small islands in the lake of the Six Continents, the Pokemon bred on the Dark Continent would undoubtedly be of a higher tier.
This meant he might even have the chance to obtain legendary Pokemons.
So no matter what, the Dark Continent was a destination he was set on.
"Then this makes things easier. In fact, I ventured to the Dark Continent once long ago—one of the few who went and still live to tell the tale."
As he spoke, Beyond recalled the events of that time, an involuntary look of relief crossing his face.
"That time was truly harrowing."
"All my companions died. I only survived by hiding among the corpses, then fled back like a beaten dog."
"The Dark Continent is practically forbidden ground for humans!"
"In a place like that, even escaping is a luxury."
Beyond spoke with a sigh, his expression unconsciously darkening.
This was the frustration one feels when faced with something far beyond their capabilities.
"But even so, I will never give up exploring that unknown continent. The rewards I've gained from there are what drive me to keep striving."
"Although I fled back in a sorry state last time, I still made some gains. In the end, I managed to bring back an extremely rare alchemical plant."
"The materials it contains don't exist in the six continents, making it highly valuable for research."
"Even if it's just a small plant, it represents my achievement."
"So despite setbacks, I won't abandon my explorations but will persist."
As he continued speaking, Beyond's gloomy expression gradually returned to normal and the shadow in his eyes was replaced by light again.
It was like the sun breaking through to disperse the mist.
'Persisting in exploration, huh...'
Akira listened quietly to Beyond's speech, remaining largely unmoved by these impassioned words.
What he valued more was Beyond's experience of having been to the Dark Continent and returned alive.
Akira still remembered the original work's description of the Dark Continent.
The V5 had organized 149 expeditions to the Dark Continent, only five of which had any survivors.
The total number of survivors was 28.
These people all died one after another due to their experiences on the Dark Continent and they were the ones who brought back the five great calamities/five threats.
Each either suffered severe injuries or, like Linne, contracted serious illnesses.
Only three were able to return to normal lives.
Of those, two had already died.
To this day, only one of those 28 survivors remained alive - Beyond, who now sat before him!
Out of 7,500 people the V5 had sent, only three remained in good health.
That meant the probability of visiting the Dark Continent and remaining normal was a mere 0.04%.
This showed just how remarkable Beyond was.
Like his father Netero, he was among the rare few who had been to the Dark Continent and survived.
The difference was that Beyond went through official channels, while Netero went with two companions.
In fact, Netero, Linne, and Zigg hadn't truly reached the Dark Continent.
In recordings Netero left behind, he clearly stated they had only barely reached the "gate" of the Dark Continent.
They turned back without even crossing the "threshold."
Even Netero at his peak had only touched the "threshold," never truly setting foot on the Dark Continent.
This made Beyond's accomplishment all the more impressive.
Beyond wasn't wrong - he was indeed one of the very few in the six continents who had been to the Dark Continent and lived.
Having such a person accompany an expedition would provide significant advantages.
"So what's your purpose in telling me all this?"
Akira gathered his thoughts and asked Beyond again.
"Ahem, my purpose is to invite you to join my team."
Beyond cleared his throat, his expression growing more serious as he knew this was the crucial moment of their meeting.
He absolutely had to persuade Akira.
"Ever since my last return, I've had the idea of forming my own team."
"After years of accumulation and cooperation with the Kakin Empire, my team has gradually matured, with a large number of partners who have clear divisions of labor."
"This includes but is not limited to reconnaissance, knowledge, combat, transportation and more—covering almost every aspect of expeditionary needs."
"Moreover, each of them possesses considerable strength. Aside from a few auxiliary personnel responsible for specialized knowledge, the rest are basically at the level of first-class Nen Users!"
"This time, the Dark Continent is a must for me."
"However!"
Beyond's tone grew increasingly excited, his expression brimming with confidence, but then his words took a sudden turn.
"In my view, whether it's our partner, the Kakin Empire, or the professional team I've assembled over these years—"
"None of it, absolutely nothing, compares to the importance of having you alone!"
Beyond said with solemn sincerity.
Though it sounded exaggerated, Akira could sense it was his genuine sentiment.
In truth, it was exactly as Beyond had said—Akira alone far surpassed any professional team.
"Your awe-inspiring strength is the most crucial asset for exploring the Dark Continent."
"At the same time, the variety of Nen beasts you possess surpasses the professional team I've painstakingly built over the years."
"From what I know, your Nen beasts include those capable of storing items, traversing space, healing, and even removing Death aura..."
"These Nen beasts are not only far more powerful than my team but also possess abilities that are stronger and more versatile."
"You alone surpass any team!"
Beyond listed his reasons for valuing Akira with meticulous detail, making it clear just how closely he had observed him.
In fact, with Akira by his side, the two of them could venture into the Dark Continent alone.
If not for certain deficiencies in various aspects, he wouldn't have needed to assemble this team—just a few top-tier experts would suffice.
"Let me be completely transparent with you. Soon, the Kakin Empire and I will jointly announce the existence of the Dark Continent to the public."
"That will be the time for my next expedition to the Dark Continent."
"So, the purpose of my visit is to invite you to join us in exploring the Dark Continent. What do you say?"
Though Beyond's tone was enthusiastic, his speech remained surprisingly measured, making his words easy to follow.
Finally, he extended his formal request to Akira, revealing the true purpose of this meeting.
'As expected, it's an invitation.'
A glimmer of understanding flashed in Akira's mind.
After a brief pause, instead of responding directly, he countered with a question.
"You yourself just said that my value alone exceeds your entire team."
"So, give me a reason—a reason to join your team."
"I assume, since you've extended this invitation, you've already prepared something to persuade me."
Hearing this, Beyond's expression remained unchanged, as if he had indeed anticipated Akira's response.
"Naturally. I wouldn't dare invite you without solid grounds. I have two reasons that will convince you to join!"
Beyond raised two fingers, his demeanor reminiscent of Netero striking a "peace sign" pose before Akira.
"First and foremost, what truly matters to you about our team is me—or rather, my past experience!"
"I have set foot on the Dark Continent, making me the most familiar with that place compared to anyone else from the Six Continents."
"If you need any information about it, I'll do my best to provide it to you."
Akira gave a slight nod.
This was indeed a good point—one that could sway him somewhat.
Since Beyond had been there, he naturally had some knowledge of the terrain.
This would help Akira select suitable locations to nurture matching types of Pokemons.
Long ago, when he had gone to challenge Maha of the Zoldyck Family, he had also purchased information about the Dark Continent.
His goal had been to study its terrain.
Unfortunately, the Zoldyck Family's intel was limited, mostly covering the areas between the Six Continents and the Dark Continent.
Clearly, Beyond's knowledge of the terrain would be far more valuable.
Seeing Akira nod, Beyond felt reassured and proceeded to present his second point.
"The second reason is people!"
"Perhaps I wasn't clear earlier. It shouldn't be an invitation, but a request—a request for you to lead our team!"
Beyond placed both hands on the table and bowed his head deeply, assuming a posture of complete submission.
So he intended to hand over the entire team to Akira!
This completely changed the nature of the situation.
Originally, Beyond, as the leader, was inviting Akira to join his team.
Now, Beyond was willingly stepping down, offering the leadership position to Akira to guide them forward.
In other words, this would no longer be Beyond's team, but Akira's team.
And it was Beyond begging Akira to take the lead.
'How amusing~'
Akira's eyes flickered with admiration as he looked at Beyond, who was resolute and firmly believed nothing significant could be achieved without Akira.
Though initially surprised, Akira quickly realized this was a win-win outcome.
With Akira's involvement, the team's gains would undoubtedly multiply beyond comparison.
Even if Akira took the lion's share, they would likely still profit.
Moreover, based on prior intelligence and their current conversation, Beyond could tell Akira wasn't that kind of person.
And for Akira, having a team without psychological burdens would be like adding wings to a tiger.
To put it nicely, it was a professional team covering all fields; to put it bluntly, they were his cannon fodder.
Having such a well-equipped team was also a valuable bargaining chip.
Add to that Beyond, who had once been to the Dark Continent...
This was a result both sides could be satisfied with!
The only potential issue was the Kakin Empire.
"If the team is truly to be led by me as you say, what about the Kakin Empire?"
Akira looked at Beyond and posed his final question.
Beyond's body trembled slightly from these words, he could tell Akira was already considering accepting it.
Slowly raising his head, Beyond revealed a face brimming with confidence and patted his chest firmly.
"Don't worry about it. I'll handle the Kakin Empire. It won't affect us at all."
"Is that so..."
Akira raised an eyebrow, then picked up a nearby wine glass.
"Then let's toast to our success."
Beyond grinned, his rugged smile spreading wide as he raised his own glass.
"To success!"
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