Leading Hunter x Hunter to the Top of the Anime Multiverse

It's no wonder the players reacted so strongly.

The Kakin Empire, after all, is the nation possessing the Ceremonial Urn (Kakin's "seed urn" ceremony). Tracing back to its ancient origins, it grew from a small kingdom into its current prosperous state, boasting remarkable national power and wealth.

What makes Kakin Empire particularly intimidating to players is that it brings together many different factions. Furthermore, it's due to Kakin Empire's intention to explore the Dark Continent that an entire storyline arc eventually unfolds in the original work, along with many supplemental clarifications about Nen abilities.

Setting aside other details—just from the standpoint of the military and underworld alone, the Kakin Empire's background places those aspects in a highly important position.

Moreover, as far as the world of humans is concerned, even the V5 does not take Kakin lightly. In the later plot of the original, V5's choice to compromise wasn't just because Kakin Empire publicly declared it would head to the Dark Continent—turning the matter into a done deal—and set Beyond in motion; the real deciding factor was that dispatching armed forces on short notice would be a huge financial burden, and there'd be no swift way to resolve it.

The fact that Beyond chose Kakin also indirectly proves Kakin Empire is best suited to resist the V5's external pressure—demonstrating its formidable power.

However, if players end up stuck in Kakin, though it doesn't completely cut them off from the outside world, at minimum… any resources or contacts belonging to players themselves probably can't be used freely.

Kakin Empire, unlike the self-isolated NGL region, does maintain normal economic trade and foreign exchange; but under King Nasubi Hui Guo Rou's excellent governance and policies, it's very hard for foreign forces—including certain underground organizations—to truly "get a foothold" in Kakin.

In other words, from the players' perspective, it's like having an "arm" of outside support lopped off.

At least for Xiang Nan, that means he can't rely on his identity as an officer of the Republic of Padokea.

"Everyone calm down... Anyone in the squad who knows the current timeline of this world? Has the main storyline begun yet?"

"Also, are there any local Kakin Empire players here?"

"If the official plot hasn't started, no big deal, I recall that if none of the princes have undergone the Ceremonial Urn ritual, they're not yet Nen users..."

"And we might not necessarily be dragged into royal strife just by coming to Kakin."

A few players spoke one after another.

"For now, let's all meet up first, see what our mission is, and then discuss a plan."

"Sounds good."

"Alright, see you all soon."

After a bit more conversation, everyone's nerves settled, and they each set out for the Kakin Empire.

…

"Let's head out, too," Xiang Nan said, getting up and calling to Manman.

"Okay."

They would need to transfer by airship en route to the Azian Continent, then continue overland to the Kakin Empire. During the journey, their squad chat channel remained open, with occasional comments from the others. Xiang Nan and Manman mostly stayed silent, waiting until they could meet face to face.

From what the other eight members were saying, Xiang Nan could tell these Extinction 3 players had far less knowledge and strength than the two of them. Even so, Xiang Nan wouldn't underestimate them—someone might be hiding their true ability just as he was, guessing in advance that the system would auto-form a leftover squad, so they deliberately lowered their displayed combat value.

On the road, Xiang Nan repeatedly reminded Manman that in this group activity, his own "combat power" looked weak, so he wouldn't be in a position to speak for them. She should be the one talking on his behalf.

…

A few days later, Xiang Nan and Manman arrived on the Azian Continent.

This continent was an entirely different region from the Republic of Padokea—there were many countries on this landmass, most quite modern in their infrastructure, each with its own environment.

The Kakin Empire's system of governance might seem comparatively restrictive, but it maintained normal trade and diplomatic ties with the outside world. Xiang Nan and Manman had no trouble crossing the border.

Eventually, they reached the Kakin Empire's capital city. Gathering at an open-air square downtown, they soon met up with the rest of their assigned teammates.

"Seventeen? And LovesIceCream?"

A chubby fellow carrying a handheld game console was the first to greet them.

"Yes."

After Xiang Nan's reply, the chubby man led them over to a group of people conversing nearby. Those folks were also players in their newly formed ten-person squad. They exchanged simple introductions.

Presently, there were seven on-site, waiting for three more. Judging from the few personal details offered, Xiang Nan saw nothing too noteworthy about these five. The oldest was in his sixties, wearing some kind of Tang suit, while the youngest was just a kid with a backpack—he appeared even younger than Manman.

From Xiang Nan's observation, none of them possessed any noticeable aura of Nen. Unless someone had such refined skills in "Concealment (Zetsu)" that even Xiang Nan couldn't sense them, they likely weren't Nen users.

This initial meeting involved little conversation—everyone clearly had their own reservations. Though the system forced them into one team, old experiences made them wary about fully trusting each other.

"They're just average," Xiang Nan concluded after a quick look.

Two days later, the last three members arrived, and the team was finally complete. That was when Xiang Nan discovered someone of interest: a young man whose ID was "DruidMaster."

Xiang Nan's attention was drawn because this man's attire marked him as belonging to some special ethnic group: garments woven from plant fibers, dyed in swirling patterns, going barefoot, and sporting a large leaflike headpiece. In the Hunter x Hunter world, unique tribes were not uncommon, e.g. Kurapika's clan or the Phantom Troupe's Uvogin, plus random exam contestants, etc.

Beyond his distinctive clothes, Xiang Nan sensed his "aura." The man was a Nen user! Right after they arrived, the Druid Master's gaze immediately locked onto Manman.

"Huh, aside from me, it looks like we do have another Nen user in this squad," he remarked.

With that, everyone realized their shy teammate Manman also had Nen. This naturally made her the center of attention. Originally, the group was all set to push the Druid Master to be their "captain." But once Manman's identity was exposed, the situation changed.

Being the captain signified absolute authority in the group but also affected how the entire mission might go. If a potential captain was too heavy-handed, it would likely stifle morale.

Meanwhile, several of these players—shady and independent by nature—had no desire to follow someone else's orders. On the other hand, a timid girl like Manman might be easier to manipulate. So the group weighed the two Nen users as potential captains.

"We're finally all here. The mission's about to be announced, so let's decide who's leading us."

"Between DruidMaster and LovesIceCream, let's pick one, okay?"

One of them suggested.

Xiang Nan said nothing. In his eyes, "captain" was a hollow title. They were only together for this one quest and would go their own ways afterward. The captain had some say, but also carried the heaviest risk. Deep down, many players just wanted a scapegoat in emergencies.

Manman instinctively looked toward Xiang Nan. Seeing his expression, she cautiously raised a hand:

"If… if you guys don't mind… I-I can try being the captain…"

~~~

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