Chapter 168: Departure
The Black Whale had five decks in total. The first deck housed the Kakin royal family and VIPs from the political and financial sectors of the V5. The second deck accommodated celebrities and wealthy individuals from various fields, while the third deck and below were designated for ordinary citizens.
Passage between decks was guarded by the king's military under martial law. Particularly, the second and third decks were separated by an extremely thick wall that could only be opened or closed from the second deck, even during emergencies.
The first and second decks constituted the upper class, forming a world completely separate from the three lower decks.
This disparity was evident even in medical facilities alone.
The third deck had three medical facilities, while the fourth and fifth decks each had two. However, the fifth deck had no permanently stationed doctors. In contrast, the upper decks had one doctor for every twenty people on average.
It was important to note that this massive ship would sail across the boundless ocean for a full two months, during which anything could happen. Without even basic medical security, passengers on the lower decks could lose their lives at any moment.
Second Deck, Theater Hall.
A female host was currently introducing the voyage to the social elites gathered in the hall.
"Dear passengers, the Black Whale has safely set sail and begun its pleasant journey."
"From this moment, we will sail for approximately two months, with our destination being the Dark Continent!"
"First, we will spend three weeks traveling through waters commonly navigated and fished by humans. There, the ship will refuel and undergo final safety inspections."
"In undeveloped territories, the most terrifying element is not the ocean but the sky! Fierce storms, tornadoes, thunderstorms, and other severe weather conditions, along with various flying creatures..."
"Engaging in life-and-death struggles over territory, these pose numerous dangers to air routes. Therefore, we regrettably have to close the ship's upper dome."
"Then, starting from that point, after about five more weeks of sailing across the vast ocean, we will reach our destination—the Dark Continent!"
The Dark Continent referred to by the Kakin Empire was not the real Dark Continent but merely an imaginary continent meant to deceive ordinary people. This was also the final destination of the voyage for regular citizens.
First Deck, Beyond's Detention Room.
Three members of the Zodiacs were assigned to guard duty: Kanzai, Saiyu, and Kobayakawa. Mord, who had come as a free individual, was also present.
Beyond lay leisurely in the detention room, his left hand cuffed with a special handcuff connected to the wall. His free hand held a book, which he was reading intently.
"He can still focus on reading at a time like this. I really admire him," Kanzai remarked.
Mord glanced at the cover of the book in Beyond's hand and said, "You should indeed admire him. Someone who prepares for upcoming challenges at all times is truly worthy of respect."
Hearing the discussion outside,
Beyond turned to look at Mord, a curious expression on his face, and asked, "You know this book too?"
"What's this all about?" Kanzai asked, somewhat confused.
Mord explained, "Several hundred years ago, a travelogue titled 'Journey to the New World' was published. It was widely regarded by the world as a peculiar book describing the delusions of a madman. When it was published, it was categorized under science fiction on bookshelves and has now become a phantom book."
Kanzai and the others looked up and indeed saw the words "Journey to the New World" and "East" clearly written on the cover of the book in Beyond's hand.
"Aren't any of you curious? The Dark Continent should have been completely unknown to humanity at that time, yet the V5 nations seemed to have predetermined their respective destinations beforehand."
"You're right! When I heard Cheadle explain about those calamities, I felt something was off. Now that you mention it, it finally makes sense." Kanzai exclaimed in sudden realization.
Among the Zodiacs, he was the most eccentric, and also the only one who hadn't heard of the Dark Continent. Logically, this was something most experienced Hunters should know about, yet he, a Zodiac member, remained completely unaware.
It could only be said that he was somewhat of a martial arts fanatic.
"So that means there exists some pioneer's legacy that we don't know about," Saiyu spoke up.
Mord glanced at Saiyu and slowly said, "Every era has its share of fools. Among them, there was one supreme idiot over 300 years ago who attempted to complete the exploration of the Endless Shore alone."
"All by himself?"
"That fool even wrote a book about his adventures. Namely, 'Journey to the New World: East and West.' However, humanity has only discovered the East volume, while the West volume remains missing to this day."
"Why is that? There are three possible reasons." Mord raised three fingers.
Saiyu suggested, "First, humans simply haven't discovered it yet."
Kobayakawa continued, "Second, this pioneer's ambition met with setbacks along the way, so he ultimately failed to complete the book. There never was a West volume to begin with, hence it can't be found."
Lying in the detention room, Beyond flipped through the book and said, "The final reason is that he's still writing it to this day."
A book that's been written for over 300 years?!
Kanzai and the others showed expressions of utter astonishment.
Even Netero, known as the living legend among Hunters, had only lived for just over 100 years.
"Don't be surprised. This is entirely possible. The Dark Continent contains ultimate longevity foods and healing herbs that cure all diseases. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if the author has indeed survived until today."
With a calm expression, Mord delivered another shocking piece of news.
"By the way, the author of this book is named Don Freecss."
"Freecss?! You mean..."
Mord nodded and stood up.
"Three of you are more than enough for guard duty. I'm going out for a walk."
In truth, even three people was excessive. Of course, Mord knew Kurapika and the others had additional considerations—because Saiyu among the three was essentially Pariston's mole within the Association.
Meaning what appeared to be a 3 versus 1 situation was actually 2 versus 2.
And this in an environment where they could be betrayed at any moment.
Looking at it this way, three guards might actually be insufficient.
However, Mord did not share this view, because in his opinion, Beyond would not choose to escape before reaching the imagined continent.
"The first floor should be holding a celebration at this time," Mord thought to himself, when suddenly he heard a stream of grumbling voices approaching from afar.
"That old man from the RG Consortium left right after paying respects to the King! How dare he leer at me with those lustful eyes—it's utterly disgusting!"
A young woman dressed in lavish attire vented her anger at the bodyguards beside her.