"The world we currently perceive is, in fact, only a small part of this world."
"A small part?" Kevin wondered if he had misheard, but he didn't interrupt Ging's narration at that moment.
Although he hadn't specifically researched the data on the world map, the area of this world was definitely not much smaller than the world he had once been in.
Was it reasonable for such a vast region to be called a small part?
"In a certain era, in certain regions, some chosen individuals left records about the 'outside' in their relics."
So, Ging, in the process of excavating and preserving ruins, deciphered these ruins and thus learned information about the so-called 'outside'.
Kevin listened, pondering to himself.
"In the 'outside' world, our currently known world is located on an archipelago in a lake called Mobius Lake."
"Ah?" This time, Kevin couldn't help but interrupt, "It's not that I don't believe you, it's just that the information you're providing is truly beyond my expectations.
Are you saying that the known world, composed of these few continents, is just a small archipelago in a lake within the entire world?"
It's not that I don't believe you, brother, it's just that this statement is practically overturning my worldview.
How big must this world be then? If there's also a concept of a universe, then this must be a giant planet.
The gravity of such a huge planet shouldn't be…
Never mind, if Nen Ability exists, then other things can also be understood.
Ging was not annoyed by Kevin's interruption.
You should know, when he first learned this information, his reaction was much more exaggerated than Kevin's; he was practically gesticulating like a monkey.
"No one can be sure how big this world truly is. But the information obtained from various ruins is enough to confirm that the area we are in can indeed only be called a 'lake'.
You should know that throughout history, countless ambitious people have attempted to go to the 'outside' and have brought back a lot of relevant information."
As he spoke, Ging suddenly gave an example: "Three hundred years ago, a fantasy novel titled 'Travels to the New Continent' was published. The book records the author's own experiences exploring the Infinite Coast, and this is merely the 'East' volume of the book."
In reality, this seemingly fantasy novel depicted a real world. Kevin could probably guess what followed.
"Later, people discovered that the content of the book was a true account. Soon, the great nations sealed these books and deleted all remaining relevant information.
The book recorded various terrifying phenomena and creatures, and also mentioned many dreamlike items."
Such a description filled Kevin with doubt.
In his eyes, the current Hunter world, with the addition of Nen Ability, had already seen the emergence of many things that were originally impossible, making it seem utterly fantastical.
Under such circumstances, what kind of things could still be called dreamlike?
Ging seemed to have noticed Kevin's confusion and then gave an example: "For instance, there's something called 'Nitro Rice', also known as Longevity Rice."
The meaning was clear: was it something that could prolong life?
"There's also an item called 'Cure-All Herb'."
As Ging listed them, Kevin was completely immersed. He couldn't help but wonder, if these things could be refined into potions, the powerful effects would be unimaginable.
"And these are just some of the items in the 'East' volume. According to hints in the book, there should also be a 'West' volume, but it has not been found to this day.
There are only three possibilities: first, humans have not yet discovered it; second, the author gave up writing; third, the author is still in the process of writing."
So that's it. If the items recorded in the book truly exist, then anything is indeed possible.
"Holy crap."
The shock in Kevin's heart at this moment could only be described by this word.
"The author of this book is named Dong Freecss."
"Ah? Your ancestor!" Kevin exclaimed in surprise.
Given Ging's strength and social status, there was no need for him to lie about such matters.
Moreover, if it truly was the same family, Ging's ancestor, then it was no wonder Ging was so passionate about this content.
At this point in the conversation, Ging finally spoke his mind: "So, the 'outside' is my goal. I long to go there and witness things I have never seen before with my own eyes."
Kevin probably understood why Ging paid him special attention.
In Ging's view, he was likely a special existence from the so-called Dark Continent.
If human ancestors could cross Mobius Lake and reach the archipelago in the center of the lake to multiply and thrive, then why couldn't there be similar settlements in other places?
Of course, only Kevin himself knew that this was impossible. After all, his original world had already been explored to its boundaries and had even achieved interstellar travel.
But no matter what, after Ging's explanation, Kevin developed a strong interest in that unknown place.
Anyone would be tempted, especially considering his Nen Ability; if it could be combined with materials from creatures there, the powerful effects it could unleash would be immeasurable.
"Is it very difficult to go there?"
Ging nodded, holding up four fingers: "It requires thorough preparation, including permission, means, qualifications, and a contract. And I currently don't have any of these; it might take several years, or even more than a decade, to prepare."
Kevin nodded in sudden understanding. To some extent, such a long preparation time was worth it.
"So, am I also part of your preparation plan?" Kevin asked, pointing to himself.
Unexpectedly, Ging shook his head: "No, initially I was just curious about you, which stemmed from my inherent curiosity.
I have now confirmed that you know nothing about the 'outside'. However, if you are also interested, we can certainly become like-minded partners." As he spoke, Ging looked at Kevin.
Ging was indeed not lying; initially, he did think Kevin was the kind of special existence he had hoped for.
Even now, he still thinks so. However, Kevin currently isn't of much help with his preparations for going to the Dark Continent.
But after these past six months, Kevin's growth and Ging's speculation about his Nen Ability made Ging feel that if Kevin was willing to go along, he would definitely be a capable assistant in the future.
After all, there was still a long time before Ging was truly ready and able to embark on the journey.
Most importantly, Ging highly valued the concept of being "like-minded."
Kevin, with his special origins, was very likely to yearn for the Dark Continent. With growth potential, adaptable Nen Ability, and being like-minded, these were precisely the qualities Ging hoped for in a travel companion.
"To be honest, after hearing you say all this, I am indeed very interested in that place. Exploring an unknown world, just thinking about it is amazing. But from what you're saying, going there requires considerable strength… If I am confident in my own strength by then, I will definitely join your team."
This brought a smile to Ging's face. He extended his hand.
The two clasped hands tightly.
"Then I shall look forward to it."