However, Knov's physical and mental state made Morel's heart sink.
Morel still acknowledged Knov's strength.
Although Knov's Nen ability was of the support type, it involved space manipulation—an advanced and dangerous field. If used offensively, its power was not to be underestimated.
Knov possessed a unique space-based cutting technique called Scream. It exploited the opening and closing of his Hide and Seek (Fourth-Dimensional Apartment) to attack enemies. By positioning a target so that their body was partially inside the space and then suddenly closing the portal, he could sever them instantly using spatial force.
If Knov were truly weak, Netero wouldn't have brought him along, and Morel wouldn't treat him as an equal.
Compared to him, even Chimera Ant Squadron Leaders ranked three to five wouldn't be able to approach him easily.
The only reason a powerful fighter like Knov had collapsed so utterly was because the difference in strength was simply too overwhelming.
As a result, Morel reevaluated the power of the Royal Guards and questioned Gon and Killua again in detail about their first encounter with Neferpitou.
After analyzing Knov's perceptions, Morel pieced together an assessment of the three Royal Guards.
Among them, Neferpitou was responsible for surveillance, boasting the largest Nen range of the three, covering the entire palace.
Shaiapouf's En could only extend across the second-floor dormitory, where the King played Gungi, barely reaching the staircase connecting the first floor.
Then there was Menthuthuyoupi, positioned as both an assassin and a warrior—an offensive type responsible for vigilance and combat.
Shaiapouf, in contrast, played the role of a strategist and support unit. His intelligence and analytical skills made him the tactician of the Royal Guards.
His Nen abilities, Spiritual Message, granted control and manipulation capabilities—perfect for a mastermind.
Although Shaiapouf had yet to display his full Nen abilities, Morel could roughly infer his combat style based on his cunning nature.
By examining the responsibilities of Neferpitou and Shaiapouf, Morel could predict the function of Menthuthuyoupi, the only Guard they had yet to face directly.
"He should be a combat-type specialist, right?" Morel muttered, taking a long drag from his cigarette.
"If the Chimera Ant King is the monarch, then his three guards each have distinct roles. Shaiapouf, the minister, oversees governance and problem-solving. Neferpitou, the commander of internal affairs, ensures the King's personal safety."
"And then there's Menthuthuyoupi. In any kingdom, alongside officials and advisors, you need a general—a battlefield warrior."
"If my guess is right, Youpi is the brute force of the Royal Guards—stronger than both Pitou and Pouf in raw power. But, in turn, he likely lacks Pouf's intelligence and Pitou's level-headedness. He's probably an impulsive fighter, driven by instinct rather than thought."
"If that's the case, maybe we can use this as a weakness…"
Considering his team's Nen abilities, Morel brainstormed a variety of counter-strategies.
In the end, as an experienced Hunter, he had to rely on Gon and Knov's accounts of their encounters with the Royal Guards. Using their descriptions of Pitou and Pouf's En sizes, Morel refined his understanding of Youpi's likely strengths and weaknesses. His analysis had an accuracy rate close to ninety percent.
Indeed, compared to Pitou and Pouf, Youpi was little more than a living tank—a walking shield built for absorbing damage and smashing through enemies.
His insect genes only enhanced this role, giving him an unparalleled edge in durability and sheer force.
Morel wasn't entirely sure his analysis was correct, but he felt confident in its likelihood. He began explaining his thoughts to Gon and Knuckle.
And so, the team continued strategizing in Knov's apartment, waiting for the arrival of Ronnel and Netero.
Once they arrived, the final attack would begin.
...
Shaiapouf's Growing Anxiety
Lately, Shaiapouf's mental state had been deteriorating.
He was already a naturally anxious and obsessive type, prone to overthinking. Combined with his fanatical devotion to the King, his emotions often spiraled into extremes.
The King had been indulging in Gungi, treating it as a mere distraction, but Shaiapouf saw it as a dangerous influence corrupting His Majesty's judgment.
Determined to fulfill his King's wishes and solidify his rightful rule, Shaiapouf had painstakingly arranged a series of opponents—the national champions of various games—to entertain the King and allow him to accumulate victories.
At first, everything went according to plan.
The King's genius was staggering. He needed only three to five games to completely crush each champion.
This only deepened the King's contempt for humans.
Shaiapouf was elated—everything was progressing as it should. Soon, the King would defeat the final Gungi champion. With this complete, they could begin selecting their elite royal army and march toward global conquest!
But then—
Something unexpected happened.
The last champion was not like the others.
A blind, unkempt girl, lacking manners or refinement, had somehow become the greatest obstacle in the King's path!
Shaiapouf was forced to admit that this slovenly girl's skill in Gungi was astonishing.
She wasn't just good—she was born for this game.
For the first time, the King struggled. Repeatedly.
And then, before Shaiapouf's horrified eyes—the King lost an arm!
Blood splattered across the board.
Shaiapouf panicked.
He tried to intervene, only to be sent flying by the King's tail whip.
"Do not disturb my game."
The King's voice was icy cold.
Shaiapouf refused to back down. Even if it meant dying, he would not let this madness continue!
Just as the King's murderous intent turned toward him—
The girl spoke.
And in that moment…
Everything changed.
------------
Fanfic is completed on patreon.com/FanficsHub (799 chapters in total)