In his previous life, Xiang Nan knew of an anime called Toriko.
In that world, every ingredient seemed to have its own special effect—each one a tremendous boon to living beings.
Of course, the higher an ingredient's capture level, the more dangerous it was.
That, however, was a setting from another world. Xiang Nan had never imagined something similar could be achieved inside Hunter × Hunter.
If humans could draw energy from certain special foods, it would indeed be extremely convenient.
Yet in the Hunter world—rich and complex in species though it is—food apparently does not produce effects as dramatic as those in Toriko.
"When I was young, I made it my goal to become a Gourmet Hunter; it's what I'm passionate about. After obtaining my Hunter license, my Nen naturally developed in that direction.
"Most Gourmet Hunters, however, simply pursue the scenery they witness while gathering ingredients, the knowledge they gain, the discovery of flavors never tasted before—and the joy of turning those ingredients into dishes that can be shared with the world.
"True, there are a few ingredients on our continent that provide minor benefits to humans, but the effects are faint."
So said Linne.
"Before I ever set foot on the Dark Continent, my pursuit of cuisine was just like that—straightforward and carefree. But once I arrived there, I realized that food itself is a gift of nature, and that humans are merely one link in the food chain.
"In the human world our nutrient intake is limited, first because this land's energy is not vast and its biodiversity is thin, and second because most Gourmet Hunters simply lack the ability to draw out an ingredient's true power."
As she spoke, Linne's gaze grew distant, as if recalling some scene—her expression solemn.
"In short, things we deem impossible happen every moment on another land. Humanity has always evolved—only slowly," she continued. "So after returning from the Dark Continent, my professional aspirations changed. I began to feel the energy within every ingredient, applying my chef's skills and my Nen development. Step by step I copied nature's example and grasped a few truths.
"What I can do now has already surpassed conventional gastronomy—perhaps it isn't even 'cuisine' anymore. It's no longer about savoring taste or perfectly absorbing nutrients to prevent waste. It is, in essence, predation."
"Predation?" Xiang Nan asked in curiosity.
"The predation of life‑force," Linne replied, enunciating each word. "A fragment of natural law—the hard fact of the food chain.
"By eating and claiming the energy contained in other ingredients, I have amassed this immense aura. For the moment, though, the method works only on myself. Why? Because I am a Gourmet Hunter. My understanding and appreciation of food let me follow the Way of Eating, digesting and absorbing an ingredient's power. My spiritual perception always aligns me with the ingredient's nature. That is the harvest of my journey.
"On this path, every time I discover a new flavor, track down a rare ingredient, or crack the method to capture one, I feel intense joy, fulfillment, and accomplishment. That is one kind of 'life experience' I mentioned to you. Besides nourishing my emotions, it is also how I forged a stronger will.
"After countless trials and the solace of my vocation, my resolve reached great heights, my Nen grew accordingly, and I gained a new perspective on all forms of life. While eating an ingredient, my body now instinctively analyzes and assimilates its energy under Nen's guidance."
Xiang Nan understood.
Without Linne's devotion and enlightenment as a Gourmet Hunter—physically and mentally—no one could meet the conditions to absorb energy directly.
It seemed any profession, once taken to its pinnacle, could transform its practitioner profoundly.
A Terrorist Hunter sharpens himself through the stimulus of unknown enemies.
A Ruin Hunter discovers mysterious relics and knowledge during excavations, triggering metamorphosis.
Before the Hunter Association existed, Hunters had no formal professions.
Someone like Netero, an Enhancement‑type Nen user, advanced through martial arts—polishing the soul within.
Linne Horsdoeuvre, driven by obsession with food, awakened the Way of Eating.
Then what about him?
A Incurable Disease Hunter—a doctor.
The Way of Healing?
Suddenly everything clicked for Xiang Nan; inspiration flashed through his mind.
Just one conversation with Linne had yielded enormous insight.
He finally understood…
As a physician, curing diseases and unraveling bizarre ailments is really a deeper study of the workings of life. When his comprehension of life—or humanity—reaches a fresh tier, he can pour that vast knowledge and experience back into his own cultivation, break the shackles of his life‑dimension, and grow stronger.
His body would… evolve—like upgrading from a handgun to a cannon.
His Nen, too, would surge.
"Life and evolution…" Xiang Nan murmured.
What exactly did Linne and Netero encounter on the Dark Continent?
On reflection, Netero's communion with every blade of grass and tree—the ambient Nen of heaven and earth—and Linne's ingredient energy were really the same principle.
Once people reach that realm, their pursuits all converge.
The essence of life is the flux of energy.
"Although I'm registered with the Association, I hadn't planned to pursue a professional path just yet. After talking with you, though, I feel I'd better get moving," Xiang Nan said with a smile.
"Professional growth takes time," Linne answered, draining her teacup. "My technique of strengthening myself by eating food can't yet be applied to others. But with a bit of Nen assistance, I can at least give a scrawny kid like you some basic physical tempering."
At that, Xiang Nan's eyes lit up with delight.
"Senior, about the time you and the Chairman went to the Dark Continent—could you possibly…" His curiosity finally broke through.
As a player, he would have to tread that path sooner or later. Harnessing the Dark Continent's mysterious power was what had once propelled Hunter World to the very top. Without it, the present Hunter World could never regain its former standing; he'd be grateful just to keep its ranking from plummeting.
"I'm too old… I've forgotten it all," Linne said, setting down her cup and flashing a toothy grin.
Clearly she didn't want—or wasn't allowed—to speak.
First, she wished to keep juniors from courting death through reckless curiosity—like that man, Beyond.
Second, the V5 had strictly forbidden her and Netero from revealing anything.
"Kid, I'm warning you… Just because you've heard about the Dark Continent, don't start getting ideas. Otherwise you won't only destroy yourself—you could doom the entire human world.
"Our own continent is already wonderfully diverse. Everything now is good enough. We should be content—and as a Hunter you should be doubly grateful."
Linne had read Xiang Nan's thoughts; her eyes turned suddenly cold.
"Senior, you just said that to have 'heart,' we must understand the strengths we humans are born with—our range of feelings," Xiang Nan replied calmly, sidestepping her warning. "Then you also know that humans are insatiably greedy by nature, don't you? And a Hunter's profession is defined by adventure and exploration. So…
"Let's skip the polite talk. In truth, both you and the Chairman understand this: neither of you, nor the V5, can smother human desire forever. One day—what must come will come."
Linne fell silent.