Chapter 95 : Botanical Weapon Brion!!

The Chimera Ant's overall threat level is rated B, similar to that of the Botanical Weapon, Brion. It's a serious threat that shouldn't be underestimated.

The United States of Saherta's special forces made a grave error by venturing into the ancient labyrinth city without considering the dangers posed by Brion, and they paid a heavy price for it.

Germain was determined not to repeat their mistake.

"This is the ancient labyrinth city," he announced solemnly, standing before the memorial erected for the fallen United States of Saherta's special forces. "It's one of the 'five disasters and hopes' I mentioned before."

Eveyone either anticipated this revelation or nodded in solemn agreement, urging him to continue.

"While I knew exploring the Dark Continent would inevitably lead us to encounter such dangers, I didn't expect it to happen so soon."

"I've shared all I know about the Botanical Weapon, Brion. Beyond that, we lack intelligence, which proved deadly for the United States of Saherta special forces."

"The danger level here is B+. I don't believe we're sufficiently prepared to explore further. We should retreat."

It was typical of Germain to think this way. After all, dealing with Chimera Ants of similar threat required the likes of Chairman Netero, Morel, Knov, and other elite hunters.

"Agreed," Bisky remarked, hands on her hips as she gazed at the ancient labyrinth city in the distance. "It's unfortunate, but the destructive power of the Brion can reach an A rating, with a high mortality rate."

"You're all still in your growth stages. Taking risks like this could mean losing everything in the end."

Upon hearing this, Shizuku couldn't hide her disappointment. Despite hearing about the ancient labyrinth city, the Herb for All-illnesses, and the Botanical Weapon Brion, she felt no fear—only an eagerness to test her abilities.

She envisioned her "Blinky" devouring the fallen Brion, converting into handfuls of Jenny that could be donated to charity organizations on Meteor City.

Not to mention the herb that can cure all diseases. Whether picked whole or incomplete, its value is enough to astonish the entire human world. It's also a godsend for those unable to access medical treatment in Meteor City.

However, team leaders Germain and Bisky both objected, each with valid reasons. Adjusting her black-framed glasses, Shizuku could only accept their decision silently.

Wing also frowned, but for different reasons.

Teacher Bisky said, "We're still in our growth stage and shouldn't take unnecessary risks," which included him.

He was always determined to earn Mr. Bisky's true recognition and shed the title of "Assistant Master." 

Clearly, now wasn't the time, and he wouldn't flaunt his abilities in such a place.

"But..." Bisky suddenly changed the topic, a sly smile playing on her lips as if she could read everyone's thoughts. "In other words, when we're strong enough and fully prepared, it'll be time to challenge this place again."

Shizuku and Wing couldn't help but show joy, and Germain nodded in agreement.

Bisky continued, moving among them. "By then, if we can either avoid or neutralize the Botanical Weapons and retrieve the Herb for All-illnesses with minimal cost, I have a 70% chance of persuading Chairman Netero to assist us."

"Why only a 70% chance?" Germain asked, puzzled.

"Seventy percent is already quite high!" Bisky replied with a hint of frustration. "You all know Chairman Netero. His thoughts are unpredictable, and he's a staunch opponent of exploring the Dark Continent."

"Yet he formed a secret team to explore it himself... such double standards!"

Bisky became incensed at the thought of Chairman Netero's playful smile and indifferent attitude towards serious matters.

"If we don't deliver sufficient results with minimal cost, Chairman Netero won't budge, and even Germain might be influenced."

This was one reason why Bisky had kept Germain's secret until now.

Germain adjusted his hat's brim, pondered for a moment, and said, "The Wallfacer teleported us near the ancient labyrinth city, perhaps to prompt our exploration."

"But we're not bound to follow its wishes. I'll leave a marker here and enter at a more opportune time..."

"As he spoke, he suddenly felt his ankles being restrained. With a whoosh, he swiftly sank into the soft earth, until even his head was swallowed by the ground!

The change happened so swiftly and silently that neither Germain nor the experienced hunters, Bisky and Wing, noticed it beforehand!

Germain found himself trapped deep underground in suffocating darkness, swiftly pulled along. Amidst this, he could hear the startled cries of Bisky, Shizuku, and Wing.

This was akin to the "Zetsu" Chairman Netero once used. 

Germain wondered, are beings in the Dark Continent born with this ability? 

Or is it an innate instinct of creatures? 

Do "Nen users" revert to their original nature, rediscovering their ancestral powers lost in human society?

Despite the life-or-death situation, Germain remained calm. He conjured a large, heavy crow-shaped shield, wedging it firmly like a barrier in the path of whatever was dragging him underground. 

The shield's weight, combined with the mud, slowed down the creature entangled around his feet.

Spitting out mud from his nostrils, Germain curled up in the narrow, dark tunnel, estimating his direction. He conjured a leech's hidden blade on his left ankle. With a determined thought, the blade sprung forth, piercing and swiftly severing the binding around his ankle!

With a swift motion, he freed his left ankle from restraint, causing the binding on his right ankle to loosen and retract rapidly.

Before Germain could contemplate escaping the newly dug underground cave, he heard a voice from above.

"Germain." It was Bisky's voice, accompanied by a gathering Nen that Germain sensed. "I'll rescue you. Stay still!"

With a roar, the three-meter-thick layer of soil burying Germain suddenly shattered and exploded! Above, in the sunlight, Bisky appeared in her original form.

"Are you alright?" Bisky, towering above, asked with concern.

Germain climbed out, brushing dirt off himself, looking a bit disheveled but still valiant. "I'm fine. I'm coming up now."

Just as he was about to climb up, he suddenly had an idea. Looking down, he noticed the long strip of restraint that had been cut by his hidden blade, made from a small piece of vine, lying quietly at his feet.

Germain picked up the cut vine, cradled it in his arms, then took a step forward, easily scaling the earth wall of the cave blasted by Bisky.

However, upon landing, he realized the battle was far from over. Bisky, Shizuku, and Wing were facing off against a monster at the entrance of the ancient maze city.

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