Chapter 841
Ron's eyes lit up. He knew about the World Tree. It wasn't just something that existed on the Dark Continent—there was one on the Human Continent too, though it was only a sapling.
Still, even that single tree had already grown to an incredible height, drawing countless people to attempt climbing it every year. But those who managed to reach the top were very, very few. Every year, many climbers would fall to their deaths due to exhaustion or missteps.
Yet, some saw an opportunity in this. The World Tree was simply too tall to climb in one go. Except for top-tier Nen users, most people needed to rest partway up. And rest meant food, water, and supplies—sometimes even more. So people began doing business there. Some carried goods up the tree themselves to sell at steep prices. Others used flying beasts or tools to transport items. Prices on the World Tree were far higher than those at its base, but no one complained.
"Before heading to the Dark Continent, you can make a trip to the World Tree on the Human Continent," Ging said. "Get a branch—but not just any branch. It has to be a Golden Branch."
"This branch will be very useful on the Dark Continent. When you can't see the World Tree, you can take it out. Think of it like a compass. The tip of the Golden Branch will always point away from the World Tree."
Ron nodded. "Understood. Thanks for telling me, Ging."
"No problem," Ging replied with a wave of his hand. "You've helped Gon quite a few times already. And this isn't exactly classified information, anyway. By the way, Ron—which ship are you planning to take to the Dark Continent?"
"Whichever is fastest."
"Right now, that's probably the Black Whale from the Kakin Empire. Want me to help set it up?"
Ron shook his head. "If it's Kakin, I can handle it. I know someone from there—we get along well."
Given his relationship with Morena, Ron was confident he wouldn't need to say much. As long as he asked, Morena would make it happen. The bond between them had long surpassed that of ordinary friends.
"I see. Looks like you've built quite a few connections." Ging reached into his pocket. "Let's exchange contact info. If anything comes up, you can ask me anytime. I'll answer whatever I can."
"Thanks, Ging."
Ron didn't sense any aura of Sequence on Ging, so it seemed that Dong Freecss treated Ging the same way Ging treated Gon—hands-off.
Maybe when Ging actually arrived on the Dark Continent, Dong Freecss would provide some guidance. The Freecss family might be the strongest on the Human Continent. Even if Dong Freecss wasn't emotionally attached to his descendants, he would still rather give resources to his own than strangers.
There was still something to be said for lineage—and surnames had their own weight.
After Ging left, Wendy quickly returned to Ron's side.
"Ron, are you alright?"
"I'm fine." He paused. "Once the Hunter Association election ends, let's go check out the World Tree."
"The World Tree?" Wendy blinked.
"It's the tallest tree on the Human Continent. You've probably heard of it, right?"
"I've heard of it, but… is it really that interesting?"
"The view from the top should be even better than from an airship."
"Alright, then let's go see it together!"
The voting period finally arrived.
At the Hunter Association headquarters, Ron came with Wendy. She wasn't a member, but Gel had given her a temporary pass, so she was allowed inside—she just couldn't vote. Someone like Mizaistom wouldn't have done that, but after learning about it, Mizaistom said nothing.
That alone showed how much he valued his relationship with Ron. After all, his principles weren't the same as Gel's. Every Nen user had their own convictions. A Nen user without conviction could never become powerful.
Ron and Wendy were no exception. Ron's was observation. Wendy's was her faith in the wind.
The hall was massive—capable of holding hundreds of people—so even though most of the Association members had shown up, the space still didn't feel crowded. It was clearly designed that way, so that if conflict broke out, others could retreat to a safe distance and minimize damage or casualties.
"Let's sit here, Wendy."
They sat down as other Hunters filed in. Ron recognized many familiar figures: Mizaistom, Cheadle, Pyon, Gel… Hisoka, Illumi, Kurapika, Leorio.
Illumi glanced over at Ron. The two exchanged a nod—enough to count as a greeting.
Kurapika and Leorio hesitated for a moment, then walked over. But they didn't sit too close—instead, they took seats a few spots away, noticing Wendy beside Ron.
"Long time no see, Ron."
"Long time no see, Kurapika." Ron turned to Leorio. "Leorio."
This time, Ron could clearly sense that the shadow of gloom hanging over Kurapika had lessened significantly. Compared to before, his state was far more like that of a normal person. Ron guessed that Kurapika had made some progress in his path of revenge.
"How's your medical license going?" Ron asked.
Leorio smiled. "I've got it. And I've properly learned Nen now. Not like last time back in Yorknew. My ability's really useful—not just for healing, but in combat too."
"That's great."
"Ron, did Gon and Killua come with you this time?"
"No idea," Ron replied, shaking his head. "The last time I saw them was in Minpo. After that, we split up. They had some good gains there—maybe they're still sorting through everything."
"Good gains?" Leorio raised an eyebrow.
"Ron, can you tell me roughly how strong they are now?"
Ron glanced at Kurapika. "About the same as a mid-tier member of the Phantom Troupe."