To ensure Ronnel had the best strategy against the Ant King, Meleoron personally demonstrated his Nen abilities, allowing Ronnel to sense them firsthand. He even showcased the limits of his breath-holding time.
Ronnel listened intently. He had already determined that Meleoron's ability wouldn't just be useful in this battle—it could prove invaluable for the journey ahead as well.
As they discussed and analyzed their strategy, the two entered the Republic of East Gorteau.
...
Four days had passed since the National Assembly order was issued by Ming Jol-ik, who was under Pitou's manipulation.
There were six days left before the final gathering of citizens for the Ant King's selection.
With little else to do in the meantime, the Ant King turned to studying human games, treating them as mere distractions before his grand event.
Chess, shogi, international chess, go—one by one, the four national chess champions of East Gorteau were summoned to the palace to compete against him.
A large part of these games revolved around mental fortitude. However, when these players were forcibly dragged into the palace and came face-to-face with the grotesque and imposing Ant King, their composure shattered instantly.
For those who played later, seeing the corpses of previous champions who had lost only pushed them further into despair. Under such circumstances, they couldn't play at their best, and inevitably, they met the same grim fate as their predecessors.
This continued until a blind girl with a runny nose entered the palace.
Gungi was a strategy game created in this country but had gained worldwide recognition. It had an enormous following, and international Gungi tournaments were frequently held.
And every single time, East Gorteau produced the world champion.
The Ant King was intrigued by this game—or rather, he was intrigued by the concept behind it.
"So, if I defeat East Gorteau's champion, that means I'm the best in the world, correct?"
"Yes!"
Upon receiving this confirmation, the Ant King immediately began studying the rules of Gungi.
At the same time, Shaiapouf brought forth the reigning world champion of Gungi, Komugi, and presented her to the King.
Neither the Ant King nor Shaiapouf could have anticipated that this blind girl would, to some extent, change the fate of them all.
...
Since nearly all Squadron Leaders had been killed by Ronnel, and most of the Chimera Ant forces had been wiped out by the V5's intervention, the King's palace was now understaffed.
Most of the lower-ranked guards were humans manipulated by Pitou's Nen ability, and they patrolled under the influence of his Nen.
Thus, when Pitou realized that the puppets he had deployed for the first selection round had been eliminated by unknown intruders (Gon and Killua), he found himself powerless to intervene.
...
Meanwhile, in this time of limited manpower, a Chimera Ant soldier bearing the Queen's will and the name of the King arrived at the palace and was received by Shaiapouf.
"Go back and train your ability. Return when you are summoned," Pitou instructed calmly, his sharp eyes observing the hesitant expression on the groundhog-like Chimera Ant.
"The King is extremely busy right now and has no time for an audience. Even if we were to deliver your message, you likely wouldn't trust us, the Royal Guards, to do so accurately."
"Go back for now. I will introduce you when the King is available."
After a moment of contemplation, the groundhog Ant—acknowledging his own distrust of the Royal Guards—bowed slightly before turning to leave.
His companion, a yak-like Chimera Ant, had refused to accompany him, harboring deep resentment toward the King for killing the Queen. The two had parted ways at the border of East Gorteau.
...
Watching the groundhog Ant disappear from sight, Shaiapouf clenched his fists tightly.
"A name? The King is the one true ruler of this world! He doesn't need a name to distinguish himself from the common rabble!"
Lowering his head slightly, a boundless killing intent spread through the palace corridors.
"Once the selection is over and the King's army is complete, that ridiculous name—along with that foolish Ant—will be erased from existence!"
A manic glint flickered in Shaiapouf's eyes.
"I will never allow the King to be reduced to a mere mortal! Once he unites the world, the very mention of the name 'Meruem' shall be forever forbidden!"
As Shaiapouf schemed, oblivious to what was unfolding, the fateful match between Komugi and the Ant King was about to begin.
...
Meanwhile, Morel and Knov had already started their operations in the capital city of Peijin. Gon and Killua had joined forces with Knuckle and Shoot, making their way toward the city.
Ronnel and Meleoron were also en route. Peijin was on the brink of chaos—an inevitable storm brewing on the horizon.
Realizing that the King's forces, aside from the Royal Guards, were severely lacking, Morel and the others revised their strategy.
After regrouping with Gon's team, they decided that Knov would once again infiltrate the vicinity of the palace to establish an entrance and exit through his 4th-Dimensional Apartment.
Their plan was to use this pathway to launch a direct assault on the palace—three days ahead of schedule.
Once this decision was relayed to Netero, preparations began in earnest.
The battle between the Hunters and the Chimera Ant King had begun in silence.
"So they've decided to move the schedule up?"
On the outskirts of Peijin, after reading a message from Gon on his phone, Ronnel casually tossed it to Meleoron.
"Seriously? We told them we'd be there soon. Can't they wait a little longer?" Meleoron grumbled as he scanned the message.
Ever since they had crossed the border into East Gorteau, they had been in regular contact with Gon's team, assuring them of their imminent arrival.
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Fanfic is completed on patreon.com/FanficsHub (799 chapters in total)