The World Tree stretched over a thousand ters high—yet this was only the Lesser World Tree.
"Ron, what do you think the real World Tree would look like?"
Wendy turned her head to look at him.
"No idea," Ron replied, shaking his head.
If even the Lesser World Tree reached such heights, then the true World Tree would have to be far more colossal. And if that was the case, just how massive would the creatures living on the Dark Continent have to be?
Ron handed a branch to Wendy. It was a golden branch—not in color, but in essence. Though it had been removed from the World Tree so ti ago, it still pulsed with vibrant life. Humans couldn't select branches like this—it was only the birds that lived in the World Tree that could detect and choose them. That was why such branches could sotis be found in their nests.
"Two... three..." Ron had found three branches. He kept two for himself and gave one to Wendy. Of the two he held, Ron decided to send the second one to Zeno and Illumi.
"It's about ti to head down," he said, glancing below.
Beyond the trunk and clouds, nothing could be seen. There were still many people climbing upward, but those who could reach over a thousand ters were extrely rare.
"Ron, the next ti we et… will it be on the Dark Continent?"
"Maybe."
"Then it's settled—see you on the Dark Continent."
"Yeah. See you there."
He watched Wendy leave.
Soon after, Ron took out a white card and bound it to the golden branch.
"Acompany. Zeno."
A pulse of aura wrapped around the golden branch. In a flash, it soared high into the air, heading straight toward the Zoldyck estate.
Thud!
Not long after, the branch landed.
Zeno stared at the branch that had appeared before him and paused in surprise.
"What is this?"
"Gyo."
He used Gyo to examine it, but found nothing unusual. To him, it looked like an ordinary branch.
Just then, the white card Ron had previously given him began to vibrate.
"Grandfather Zeno, you've received the branch, right?"
"Ron? You sent this?"
"Exactly. It's a golden branch from the World Tree. On the Dark Continent, it has a special effect—it always points toward the World Tree. You can use it as a compass."
Zeno's eyes lit up. In uncharted territory, a directional tool like this was invaluable. Being able to orient yourself made it possible to determine countless other things.
"Where are you now, Ron?"
"Heading to Kakin."
"You're planning to board their expedition ship?"
"Yes."
"Will you return to the estate before departure?"
"There's probably not enough ti. I have a few other matters to handle in Kakin."
"Alright. Be careful—Kakin isn't a simple country."
"I'll be fine, Grandfather. Don't worry."
Ron ended the call and retrieved the Zodiac card.
Zeno set the white card aside and looked at the golden branch on the ground, deeply contemplative.
From the mont he'd first seen Ron, Zeno had recognized his imnse talent—after all, even Maha Zoldyck had seen promise in him. Yet despite his high expectations, Ron continued to surprise him again and again.
"Without realizing it, Ron has already reached this level. He may have even surpassed my grandfather."
"But for the Zoldyck family, that's a blessing. Who knows what heights Ron will reach in the future…"
Zeno looked into the distance. Toward the Dark Continent.
"I'll need to work harder too. These old bones still have use left."
............
.......
.
Ron boarded the airship bound for Kakin. Once on board, he dialed Morena.
"Ron?"
Morena was pleasantly surprised to see his number pop up.
"I'm on the airship headed to Kakin. Are you busy lately?"
"Not really. Tell which station you're arriving at—I'll co pick you up."
Ron gave her the station na and an estimated landing ti.
"Got it."
Morena sat in her study, surrounded by a stack of docunts awaiting her attention. Kakin's expedition to the Dark Continent was no secret internally—construction of the Black Whale had long since begun. As the head of the Heil-Ly Family, Morena had many responsibilities. Her cooperation with the Fourth Prince was only a small part of the overall picture.
Still, upon hearing Ron was coming, she pushed all those tasks aside—just for a while.
Her life was dark. Ron was one of her few sources of light.
Knock, knock, knock!
"Who is it?"
"It's , Baise."
"Co in."
Baise had been following Morena for a long ti now, fully integrated into Kakin's world. She often felt fortunate that she had encountered Ron and Morena back then—otherwise, she likely would have been killed by the Phantom Troupe.
She wouldn't have survived.
Since joining Morena, Baise had gained access to resources she'd never dread of—especially Nen intel. Compared to her old self, she was much stronger now. Overall, she had reached the level of a C-rank Nen user. But due to the unique nature of her ability, her value exceeded that of most in the sa rank. In fact, if the Phantom Troupe couldn't find a more suitable candidate, Baise might even be considered as a backup recruit.
Rank wasn't everything.
"We're heading out soon. Go get the car ready."
Baise blinked. "Where to, ma'am?"
Morena gave her the na of the airship terminal.
"Understood."
Baise set aside her files and quickly left.
Not long after, Baise called.
"Ma'am, the car's ready."
"Good. I'm coming down now."
By the ti Morena reached the door, the car was already waiting, and the interior was properly climate-controlled. Once inside, the temperature was just right.
Baise didn't ask any questions—she just drove carefully.
Morena leaned back and closed her eyes.
The sound of tires rolling over the pavent, the low hum of the engine, and the soft music playing in the car all blended together.
Baise couldn't help but wonder who they were going to pick up. It clearly wasn't just anyone. Morena wouldn't make this kind of effort even for one of Kakin's princes.
Who could it be?
She got her answer soon enough.
Compared to how he looked during the Yorknew period, Ron had changed slightly. But Baise recognized him imdiately.
"Lord Ron."
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