"The world as we know it… is actually just a small part of the real world."
"A small part?" Kevin Carpenberg wondered if he'd misheard, but he didn't interrupt Jin Freecss's explanation.
Even though he hadn't specifically studied the world map data, this world's landmass was definitely not any smaller than the one he had lived in before.
Could such a vast area really be called just a small part?
"In certain eras and certain regions, a chosen few left behind records of what lies outside, hidden within ancient relics."
So, Jin had deciphered these secrets while excavating and preserving ruins.
Kevin pondered this as he listened.
"In the world outside, the world we currently know is merely a cluster of islands located in a place called Lake Mobius."
"Huh?" Kevin couldn't help but interrupt this time. "It's not that I don't believe you, but what you're saying is way beyond anything I expected.
You're telling me that the known continents—our entire known world—are just some lake islands within a much larger world?"
Bro, it's not that I think you're lying, but this literally turns my entire worldview upside down.
Just how big would the rest of the world have to be? If the concept of a universe still applies, then this has to be a supermassive planet.
Wouldn't the gravity be off the charts?
…Well, whatever. We've got Nen now, so I guess anything's fair game.
Jin wasn't offended by Kevin's interruption.
After all, when he first learned this information, his reaction was even more dramatic—he'd jumped around like an excited monkey.
"No one truly knows how big the world is. But the information we've gathered from various ruins clearly supports that the region we live in can only be called a lake."
"Countless ambitious explorers throughout history have tried to reach the outside and have brought back quite a bit of information."
Jin gave an example: "Three hundred years ago, a fantasy novel titled Chronicles of the New Continent was published. It recorded the author's experiences exploring the Infinite Coast. And that was just the East volume."
As expected, this so-called fantasy novel was actually a true account of the real world. Kevin could guess what came next.
"Later, people discovered the contents were real. Major nations quickly sealed away the books and erased any remaining references.
The novel described terrifying phenomena and bizarre creatures, as well as items that sounded like they came out of a dream."
Kevin couldn't help but feel skeptical.
From his perspective, the Hunter world—with Nen and all—was already fantastical enough.
So what kind of things could possibly be more dreamlike than this?
Jin must've noticed Kevin's doubts because he elaborated: "For example, there's a substance called Niteromi, also known as the Rice of Longevity."
Meaning it can extend one's lifespan?
"There's also something called Panacea Herb—a herb that supposedly cures all diseases."
As Jin listed these wonders, Kevin became completely engrossed.
He couldn't help but imagine—if he could refine those into potions, the effects would be insane.
"And that's just some of what's mentioned in the East volume. According to hints in the book, there should also be a West volume—but it hasn't been found to this day."
Only three possibilities:
First, it hasn't been discovered.
Second, the author gave up writing it.
Third, the author is still working on it.
If the items described in the book really exist, then anything seems possible.
"Damn."
That was all Kevin could say to express his shock.
"The author of that book was named Don Freecss."
"What? Your ancestor!" Kevin exclaimed.
Given Jin's power and social status, there was no need for him to lie about this.
If they were really from the same family, then no wonder Jin was so obsessed with these discoveries.
At this point, Jin finally revealed his true intention: "That's why outside is my ultimate goal. I want to witness what no one else has ever seen."
Kevin now understood why Jin paid so much attention to him.
Jin likely believed Kevin was a special being from this so-called Dark Continent.
If humanity's ancestors could cross Lake Mobius to reach the central islands and flourish, why couldn't there be other similar settlements elsewhere?
Of course, only Kevin himself knew—that was impossible.
In his original world, aside from deep sea zones, everything had been explored. The star system was well understood, and space exploration was ongoing.
Still, Jin's story stirred a deep curiosity within Kevin.
Who wouldn't be tempted? Especially with his Nen abilities—if they could be combined with materials from that land, the resulting power could be unimaginable.
"Is it really that difficult to go there?"
Jin nodded and held up four fingers: "You need preparation, permission, methods, qualifications, and contracts. I don't have any of those yet. It might take years—maybe even over a decade—to get ready."
Kevin nodded in understanding. Honestly, that kind of timeline made sense for something this huge.
"So, am I part of your long-term plan?" Kevin asked, pointing to himself.
To his surprise, Jin shook his head. "No. At first, I was just curious about you. That's just who I am—curious to the bone.
Now I'm sure you know nothing about the outside. But if you're interested, we can definitely become like-minded companions." Jin looked directly at Kevin.
Jin wasn't lying—he had initially hoped Kevin was the kind of special person he'd been seeking.
And honestly, he still kind of believed that.
Even though Kevin wouldn't be much help in the actual preparation for the Dark Continent right now, his growth over the past months—and the potential Jin saw in his Nen—made him a worthy candidate.
Most importantly, Jin valued the idea of like-minded companions.
Kevin's mysterious background, his potential, and his Nen compatibility—if he shared the same thirst for the unknown, he'd be the perfect ally.
"Honestly, after hearing all this, I'm super intrigued. Exploring an unknown world? That sounds incredible. But from what you've said, I'd need to be strong to go… If I'm confident in my strength by then, I'll definitely join your team."
Jin smiled at that and extended his hand.
The two firmly shook hands.
"Then I'll be waiting."
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