Colt and Penguin left, dissatisfied. They had not gotten the answer they wanted.
Colt could not understand Neferpitou's attitude. In his view, the Chimera Ants resource-gathering operations were facing serious obstruction, and if Neferpitou stepped in, the problem could easily be resolved. Why refuse to act? A second Royal Guard had already been born, and with the division leaders present in the nest, was the Queen's safety not assured? Why did Neferpitou behave this way?
And it seemed the newly born Royal Guard carried the same indifference.
Penguin glanced back, patted Colt on the shoulder, and sighed. "Don't think too much about it, Colt. Let's just focus on our own tasks."
"But…" Colt was still unwilling. "If they stepped in, the collection would go much smoother, and we'd lose far fewer soldiers."
"They don't see us as their kind," Penguin replied. "In their eyes, our lives aren't lives. Our deaths mean nothing to them. No matter how many of us fall, they won't care. Don't place your hopes in them."
Colt frowned. "When the King is born, if they still act like this, the King will surely punish them. Just because they are Royal Guard, they think their high status allows them to treat us this way. Chimera Ants shouldn't be like this. Neither the Queen nor the King would want to see it."
Penguin looked back once more. "Let's hope so."
As for the King's attitude, Penguin could not know. He had not been born, his consciousness not yet awakened. The Queen's stance, however, was unmistakable—she valued the King's gestation above all else. The deaths of the lesser Chimera Ants meant nothing to her. Once Neferpitou's orders were given, the rest of the Ants could only work harder to capture humans, kill them, and bring their bodies back as food for the Queen. No matter how far they had to travel. No matter the risks they had to face.
For the King, they had no choice.
..............
.....
.
Meanwhile, the number of Chimera Ants sent into Morel's dimensional space by Knov grew steadily, and more fell to Netero's hands. Corpses piled high in the corner. Another portal opened, and a Chimera Ant was pushed through.
The Ant immediately noticed Netero at the center and the heap of bodies to the side. His expression darkened. "Humans… so it really was you. An old geezer like you, and yet you've already slain so many of my comrades. Damn you. What are you trying to do?"
Netero flexed his wrist, his calm eyes on the opponent. "You Ants treat humans as food. Surely you must allow us a little resistance in return. That's only fair, isn't it?"
The Ant scoffed. "Mere food…"
Netero shrugged. "I thought we could exchange a few words, but it seems you've no interest. Well, who would want to waste time talking with a nagging old man anyway?"
In the next instant, Netero's figure flickered. He reappeared before the Ant and struck. A single punch. Nothing fancy. As though training in the dojo, or shadowboxing in the snow.
Bang!
The blow landed squarely. The Ant's torso burst apart at the stomach, his body severed in two, upper and lower halves flying to opposite corners.
Netero drew back his fist, as if he had done nothing more than a simple exercise. For him, killing such an Ant truly was that simple.
Knov turned to Morel. "Morel, anything unusual in the nest?"
"Nothing discovered," Morel shook his head. "The defenses there are tight. I haven't found a safe path close enough yet. Oh, and Biscuit just contacted me."
Knov raised his brow slightly. "Biscuit?"
"That's right."
"She's coming here?"
"No. It's about Gon and Killua."
Knov recalled. "Those two kids on the NGL border?"
"That's them." Morel nodded. "They're worried about Kite, and they want to take part in the operation against the Chimera Ants. They asked Biscuit to help get through."
Knov's brow furrowed. "With their strength, they're nowhere near ready."
"I think so too," Morel said, "but we should at least ask Chairman Netero. Knov, I'll go speak with him."
Knov nodded, and with a thought he opened a spatial portal. Morel stepped through.
"Chairman Netero."
He relayed Biscuit's message.
"Killua and Gon want to join the extermination of the Chimera Ants?"
"Yes."
"What do you think, Morel?"
"Both Knov and I believe their strength is insufficient."
"But I think it's worth giving them a chance," Netero said. "Before that, Morel, you plan to bring your two disciples, correct?"
"Yes."
"Knuckle and Shoot are fine choices, especially with their abilities. Even against stronger opponents, their skills can prove highly effective, and they can work together well."
Knuckle's ability consumed the opponent's aura, driving them into bankruptcy and forcing them into Zetsu. Shoot's could seal parts of the enemy's body, and if a vital point was sealed, it could cripple the opponent entirely.
"Gon and Killua both appear to be straightforward combat types. Let them spar. The winner may participate in the mission; the loser will forfeit the right. Their strength may not be enough yet, but don't underestimate them. Their rate of growth is astonishing. After all, one is Ging's son, and the other a member of the Zoldyck family."
He paused. "By the way, Morel, do you have any word on Ron?"
Morel shook his head. "None."
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