Chapter 53

Like an unscalable peak—

This is the genuine feeling that the association's exorcist has when facing the念space.

She can intuitively sense the peril of this peak, and thus can also intuitively understand the enormous risks hidden within.

Not to mention, on top of this peak named 念space, there is an even more ferocious existence.

Even if one barely manages to cross the peak, they would be powerless to deal with the subsequent resentment.

By herself, she truly cannot do anything.

This is her judgment, and her answer.

Before exorcism, careful observation, judgment, and choice are the most essential qualities an exorcist should possess.

Therefore, when Nitro heard the association exorcist's response, he understood the complexity of the 念space before him.

"It seems this will be a problem that can't be resolved in a short time."

Nitro looked up at the stars frozen on the surface of the 念space, stroking his beard thoughtfully.

During the journey to this place, the association had already received a formal commission from the Sahel Tower Federation, along with their strong desire to thoroughly investigate the matter.

"Is there any possibility of a connection to the Dark Continent?"

This was the urgent question the Sahel Tower Federation raised before asking the Hunter Association to fundamentally solve the problem.

Nitro's response of "no connection" dispelled the Sahel Tower Federation's concerns.

If the "念space" and "post-death 念" were related to the Dark Continent, considering the immense threat posed by the "disaster" from the Dark Continent, the Sahel Tower Federation would certainly treat this issue with the utmost seriousness.

Now, with Nitro's affirmative response, the Sahel Tower Federation has entrusted the matter entirely to the Hunter Association and has stated that they will cover all expenses.

This way, there is no need to worry about the high fees that might arise from hiring civilian exorcists.

However, the problem lies in—

Exorcists capable of purifying post-death 念 are not necessarily available for hire just because of money.

After all, removing the 念 of the living and purifying the strengthened 念 of the dead are two different concepts, and the risks they bear are vastly different.

Moreover, most exorcists are not short of money and would not usually take on excessive risks for money.

Therefore, some exorcists who can remove post-death 念 will give different responses based on the specific circumstances of various commissions.

If the commission involves purifying overly dangerous "post-death 念," they would typically refuse by saying, "I am not good at purifying post-death 念" or "I cannot purify post-death 念."

Kido was able to invite Mr. Aries not because of the allure of money, but because of Kido's reputation and identity, as well as the concept of "favor."

After a moment of thought, Nitro decided to issue the exorcism commission under the association's name.

Since the allure of money was insufficient, he had to resort to "connections" and "favor."

Having made his decision, Nitro immediately instructed the association members who accompanied him to prepare for this.

"President, before the association issues the exorcism commission... may I share my personal perspective?"

The association exorcist, who had just calmed down, suddenly spoke.

The association members who were about to return to the spaceship to carry out Nitro's orders, as well as Nitro and Kido, all looked at the association exorcist.

"Ho ho."

Nitro smiled and said, "No need to be so formal. When solving problems, it's important to comprehensively listen to various perspectives and opinions, which is the association's consistent approach."

Kido, hearing Nitro's words, instinctively lowered her eyelids.

She thought of the arbitrary decisions President Nitro had made in past meetings, completely disregarding the opinions of the Twelve Earthly Branches.

Comprehensive listening to various perspectives and opinions—

In terms of priority, it could only rank below the president's "playfulness" and "preferences."

The older association exorcist, not as familiar with Nitro as Kido, straightforwardly presented his view: "President, in my personal opinion... there is no need to 'purify' this 念space."

"Oh?"

Nitro raised an eyebrow.

In contrast, the others in the room frowned, unable to understand the association exorcist's perspective.

Meeting the inquiring gazes of everyone, the association exorcist calmly explained, "If what Kido said is true, the real challenge we face is not opening the 念space, but the post-death 念 trapped within it."

"Regardless of whether we have a surefire way to eliminate the potential risks of this post-death 念 after the 念space is opened, since this 念space has already confined the post-death 念, why should we take unnecessary action?"

"Indeed, allowing such a powerful post-death 念 to exist is a threat that cannot be ignored, but this 念space... gives me the feeling of a sleeping lion. As long as it is not awakened, it will remain quietly asleep."

At this point, the association exorcist's expression turned serious, and he said in a low voice, "This is the basis of my perspective, so I propose that we can manage this 念space under the regulations of the 'Demon Realm,' thereby avoiding the risk."

"I have a question about your perspective."

One of the association members in the group looked at the exorcist and calmly asked, "As long as it is not awakened, it will remain quietly asleep. Is this your 'guess'?"

"No."

The exorcist turned to the association colleague who raised the question and said, "This is my conclusion based on decades of experience in the field."

"Understood."

The association member who raised the question nodded seriously.

With the conversation reaching this point, there was no need to further question.

Kido frowned but did not comment.

Nitro, meanwhile, remained silent, stroking his beard.

Given his position, he undoubtedly trusted the association exorcist's judgment.

If this 念space would remain in a "constant" state without external influence, it could indeed be managed as a "Demon Realm," thereby reducing the potential risk to zero.

However, unfortunately—

"The proposal is good, but..."

Nitro said with a sigh, "The client's request is for us to 'solve' the problem, not just 'handle' it."

Handling a problem can be done in many ways, but solving a problem can only be done fundamentally.

Moreover, for a major country, it is not permissible to allow any potential threat to exist within its borders.

"..."

The association exorcist nodded silently upon hearing this.

Kido, who had remained silent throughout, felt a slight relaxation in her tense nerves at this point.

Issuing the commission under the association's name should attract more and stronger exorcists.

Surely, multiple exorcists should be able to solve this problem, right?

Otherwise, they would really be at a loss.

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Information: Demon Realm, refers to regions around the world that are filled with various dangerous animals and plants, including the Beast Race, with extremely high exploration difficulty and unsuitable for human habitation.

Countries manage these explored and unexplored Demon Realms through various regulations.