"Is that so?"
Hearing this, Bloster was the first to sigh in relief.
Originally, he was merely living in a separate location. While it was essentially a form of imprisonment, it didn't actually restrict his movement. The land he was confined to was the size of an island—it was far from the worst fate.
"Don't take a step outside..."
Even though she knew she had no say in the matter, Hina pouted at the verdict, her face showing an aggrieved expression.
She wasn't trying to rebel or cause trouble. She was just tired of the monotonous life of the ants and the dullness of their nest. She had only wanted to see the outside world.
"Don't worry, the island has many cities, and plenty of interesting humans. You'll find it more exciting than you think."
Ronnel nodded slightly as he reassured her.
"Really?" Hina's eyes lit up.
"At the very least, you won't be bored."
"That's great! I accept this arrangement!"
She flashed a wide grin, revealing her small, sharp canine teeth, then lifted her arms above her head in excitement. She was already looking forward to her new life.
"Alright, next—"
"Wait a minute!"
Before Morel could continue with the arrangements, a heavy voice cut in.
Surprised, Morel turned to see the chameleon-like Meleoron, who had been silent up until now, suddenly standing and staring firmly at Ronnel.
"I have a request."
Ronnel's gaze shifted to him. "What is it?"
"Your strength is immense. I want to ask you—to kill the Ant King!"
His words sent shockwaves through the group.
Morel nearly choked on his cigarette. Knov's glasses almost slipped off. Knuckle and Shoot, who had barely calmed down from their grief, gaped in shock. Even Welfin, still mourning the death of the Queen, turned his heads sharply.
"Hey, hey, hey! What the hell are you saying?!"
Bloster, recovering from his own shock, yanked on his companion's arm with hisclaws, trying to keep him from making things worse with the humans.
"I know exactly what I'm doing."
But Meleoron was unwavering. His gaze never left Ronnel, who remained calm and unreadable.
"I implore you—please kill the Ant King, Meruem!"
"Is he insane?" Hina tilted her head, glancing at him.
"No... we're insane," Bloster muttered as he slumped to the ground, looking utterly defeated.
"I can sense your determination," Morel acknowledged, his voice heavy. "But why are you so desperate to kill the Ant King? Give us a reason."
"Is it revenge?" Knov glanced at the silent Queen.
"Yes!" Meleoron nodded, his voice resolute. "But not for the Queen—for my father!"
"???"
The others exchanged confused glances as Meleoron took a deep breath and began to explain.
He spoke of his connection to the penguin-like Chimera Ant, Peggy—how Peggy had been his father, how he had been devoured by the Ant King.
A heavy silence followed his words.
Morel took a long drag from his cigarette, exhaling a slow stream of smoke.
"So that's your reason."
"Yes." Meleoron's gaze never wavered from Ronnel. "But that's not my only request. I know you won't let the Ant King live—I want you to take me with you. I want to join the extermination team!"
"And afterward, I'll accept any punishment. I'll go to the island of exile. I know my strength is insignificant, but I still want to contribute in any way I can. Please!"
He bowed deeply to Ronnel.
Ronnel regarded him for a long moment before finally speaking, a small smile playing on his lips.
"I can see your resolve. But the truth is, your strength is too weak. We don't need you."
Meleoron trembled at the blunt rejection.
He knew he wasn't strong—even among Chimera Ant squadron leaders, he was nothing special. But hearing it so directly still stung. Just as he clenched his fists, ready to beg again—
"However," Ronnel continued, "if you can develop an ability suited for this battle, then it might not be impossible."
"An ability?"
"Yes. Go to the island first. Once you're there, someone will guide you on what to do."
Meleoron hesitated.
Ronnel chuckled. "What, you think I'm lying to you? What would I even gain from deceiving you?"
Realizing that Ronnel had no reason to trick him, Meleoron finally nodded and stepped back toward Bloster, who still looked shaken.
"Alright, everything here is settled. I'll coordinate with Greed Island later so they can enter the game through normal channels."
Ronnel handed a game console—one that Ging had sent him—to Morel.
"Understood," Morel replied. "I'll take care of it."
That included bringing Bloster, the others, and Colt there.
As for the baby in Colt's arms…
Ging had smuggled baby Gon into the game using the alias. There was no reason Colt couldn't do the same.
"Well then, I'll leave it to you."
Ronnel nodded at Morel, then turned and walked toward the passage.
"I plan to adjust my physical condition over the next few days. I'll contact you when I'm ready."
With that, he disappeared into the passageway.
The moment he stepped inside, his speed surged.
"Before facing the Ant King, I need to prepare. I have to refine my abilities, adapt, and master every ounce of my strength. This will take time… but it's necessary."
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Fanfic is completed on patreon.com/FanficsHub (799 chapters in total)