Journey to the New World (
Background[]
Over 300 years ago, Don Freecss traveled to the Dark Continent and tried to explore the Mobius shoreline by himself, recording his travels in two editions: an East (東, Higashi) edition and a West (西, Nishi) edition; however, only the East edition is still extant. Ging believes that the West edition has yet to be found because Don is currently still writing it.[2]
The book was originally considered a work of fiction. However, after many incidents involving the Dark Continent, the book has attained legendary status as a vital source of information regarding the place.[1]
Plot[]
Succession Contest arc[]
The Director giving Steiner a copy of the book
In the basement of the International Permit Agency, the IPA Director hands the book to Steiner and explains that it was published several centuries ago and thought to be a lunatic's ramblings. However, he adds that while it was once considered fiction, its very existence is legendary now. He instructs Steiner to memorize every detail of the book and identify the risks of traveling to the "New World". Steiner reads about the Five Threats that humanity brought back from the Dark Continent, leaving him frightened as he tells himself that it isn't a place humanity should return to.[1] Later, Steiner tells the Director that while their official stance is that the book is fiction, it's actually the basis for the most important criteria for the world. The Director laughs in response and pats Steiner on the back, saying that while an honest world would be best, peace is more important.[3]
After Ging discusses the Dark Continent with Beyond's expedition team, Curly wonders if there was a previous pioneer he wasn't aware of. Ging reveals that one man tried to explore the entire shoreline of Lake Mobius by himself 300 years ago and even wrote a book about it called Journey to the New World. He adds that while it has two editions, East and West, only the former has been found. He says that there are three possible reasons, and Mascher replies that it simply hasn't been found yet, with another member guessing that the writer's goal was too ambitious and he never wrote it. Curly asks about the third reason, and Ging says that he could still be writing it. The other members wonder how after 300 years, but Curly remembers Nitro Rice and herbs that cure disease. Ging then reveals that the book's author is named Don Freecss.[2]
Steiner reading his copy now filled with several notes
After the Black Whale departs, Steiner is seen aboard the ship with other members of the IPA as he continues to read the book. Two others wonder why he's still reading it since he already memorized it, but he advises them to at least read the chapter on the labyrinthine city, saying that if he dies, one of them will become deputy secretary. Peuckert reminds him that the Hunter Association will be protecting them and that the current Director is one of the unofficial "sole survivors." They assure Steiner that he will be safe and ask him to remember them when he gets promoted.[4]