048 (Vol 4) HxH: Tombbound Power

The gate was covered in dazzling engravings—layers of patterns that gave it a heavy, ancient air. Just looking at it made people feel small.

"This gate alone has immense archaeological value…" As a Ruins Hunter, Ging fully leaned into his expertise, stepping forward to examine the etchings in detail.

Under Ronnel's watchful gaze, Beyond stepped up. He inhaled deeply, then raised a hand and knocked lightly on a specific part of the gate.

"Ta-ta-ta~"

A rhythmic knocking echoed, its deliberate beat carrying a strange, almost ritualistic cadence. Behind Beyond, Ronnel and the other three immediately adjusted their physical states, entering high alert.

Once the knocking ended, Beyond stepped back and stood silently, face expressionless, waiting.

"Gu…gu…gu~"

No one could tell how much time had passed before the first creaking sound broke the silence—a grating, bone-deep scrape like teeth grinding together. Then came a low, thunderous rumble as a narrow gap opened in the gate.

A wave of ancient, oppressive aura surged out from within.

But no one flinched. All eyes locked onto the figure emerging through the crack.

"Hm… another human from Mobius? This time… hmm?!"

The deep, raspy voice drifted to their ears, but midway through, it faltered—tinged with surprise and doubt.

"That scent… familiar. I see now. You're the one who took the alchemy plant last time, aren't you? I didn't expect you'd have the nerve to step foot in the Dark Continent again."

Beneath the words was a tone of grudging respect—and veiled sarcasm.

"This has never happened in our recorded history. A human returning to the Dark Continent twice? Unheard of."

This guy talks a lot for a gatekeeper.

Beyond resisted the urge to roll his eyes, glancing at the creature.

"Ahem~"

As if realizing he'd rambled too long, the gatekeeper let out a dry laugh and cleared his throat, then finally stepped fully out of the shadow of the door.

...

"He really does look like him," Ronnel thought, watching the figure step into view.

"Is this the gatekeeper?"

When Ging and Pariston laid eyes on the figure for the first time, a flicker of something strange passed over their faces.

What stood before them wasn't quite human.

Towering and muscular, the creature's limbs ended in deadly claws—both hands and feet. His feet, disturbingly, looked like inverted hands themselves.

Thick black fur covered his body, emphasizing the definition of his powerful frame. But the most striking feature was his hooked, beak-like mouth.

Ronnel couldn't shake the feeling of familiarity. He looked almost identical to the gourmet noble Nitro from the anime Toriko, which Ronnel had watched in his previous life.

The name "Nitro" had been given to that race by the legendary Acacia—because, like nitroglycerin, they could explode with violent force at the slightest provocation. Dangerous, unpredictable, and deadly.

What a bizarre twist of fate.

"Since this is your second trip into the darkness, I assume you're familiar with the terms. No need for me to waste breath repeating them, right?"

The gatekeeper—Nitro—eyed Beyond as he spoke, voice still hoarse.

"None at all~" Beyond replied with a snort.

Just seeing the guy reminded him of how the alchemy plant had been taken from him last time.

"Heh… then there's no problem~"

Despite the long, sharp beak, Nitro's laugh came easily. Though he despised insolence, he didn't mind being civil to a human like Beyond—someone who had already proven themselves.

It was just like how film studios in Ronnel's past life treated directors. When you were unknown, they ignored you. But if you had a hit under your belt? Suddenly, they were all smiles.

Same here. Now that Beyond had survived the Dark Continent once—and brought back something valuable—he was greeted like a VIP.

And why not? Unlike reckless newcomers or veterans who returned with heavy losses, Beyond had delivered.

In this world—or any world—profits changed everything. Even among beast-like gatekeeper races.

They may look like the Nitro from Toriko, but their nature was no different: one driven by hunger, the other by greed.

...

"I'll notify the clan. Once I'm done, you can tell me your intended landing point, and I'll assign the most suitable guide for your expedition."

"Much appreciated~"

Beyond's polite response was tinged with sarcasm.

He knew exactly why the gatekeeper was treating him so nicely—it was all about value. They expected him to deliver something worthwhile again.

But...

"Heh... you won't believe it, but you're not getting anything this time. This'll be our last meeting."

Beyond glanced at Ronnel behind him, a flicker of amusement crossing his face before he wiped it away.

The gatekeeper, none the wiser, muttered something in a strange language—distinct from the languages of the Six Continents—then turned back toward Beyond.

"All right, all formalities are complete. Tell me where you want to land, and the exact location."