Ronnel sprinted at high speed, his thoughts racing as he processed his situation. Soon, the exit passage came into view.
"Only by completely calming my mind can I perceive coordination and speed up the process. But if I'm too calm, I might become less aware of danger... I guess I'll need to ask Shizuku and Bisky for help."
In this world, the only people Ronnel truly trusted were them.
With his decision made, he immediately leaped out of the Chimera Ant nest and shot toward Dolly City, kicking up a cloud of dust in his wake.
Meanwhile, at an ancient ruin—
Boom!
Ging casually raised his hand, knocking away a barrage of flying arrows aimed at him.
"Smart, monster-like creatures? Chimera Ants? Kite mentioned taking Gon to investigate these things. I didn't expect them to develop intelligence. Seems like something serious is going on... even Ronnel is involved. Should I go take a look~?"
A contemplative expression crossed Ging's face, but his movements remained effortless as he leaped to safety before the floor beneath him collapsed.
"Eh, forget it. With Ronnel there, things shouldn't get too out of hand. Gon hasn't triggered any life-threatening warnings. As for Kite, that guy has absolute death resistance, so there's a good chance he'll survive~"
"As long as you don't die, what's the problem…"
Muttering to himself, Ging ventured deeper into the ruins.
...
Inside the Chimera Ant Nest
"Alright, now that Ronnel is gone, it's time for us to leave too."
Sensing that Ronnel's aura was fading into the distance, Morel slung his giant pipe over his shoulder and spoke to his two apprentices.
Meanwhile, Knov was overseeing the medical rescue team, coordinating with doctors.
Their mission was complete. Now, they had to ensure the safe return of the medics.
There was, however, a minor complication—an old squid-like Chimera Ant had expressed a desire to accompany the doctors to Medical University to study advanced medicine. After some deliberation, Knov firmly rejected the request.
"The doctors at the university are some of the most valuable professionals across the six continents. If something were to happen to them, I can't take responsibility."
Hearing this, the squid old man sighed but accepted the decision. Instead, he proposed another idea.
"Then I'll go out and travel."
He spoke with conviction. "You don't need to concern yourselves with my safety. Just treat me like any other Chimera Ant soldier out there. If I die at the hands of humans, then that is my fate."
Morel and Knov fell silent, watching as the squid old man packed his belongings and walked out of the passage.
"No matter what, nothing can shake my pursuit of medicine."
Morel exhaled a deep puff of smoke, watching him go. "A craftsman, huh~"
Knov shook his head slightly. "A Chimera Ant wanting to become a doctor..."
There was a tinge of pity in his voice.
"Alright, enough of that. Let's focus on the task at hand."
Pulling himself together, Morel turned his attention back to their remaining responsibilities. Knuckle and the others helped the medical team secure the area, while Morel surveyed the few Chimera Ants left.
Bloster, Colt, and the others had no intention of resisting, particularly Colt, who was solely focused on protecting the infant in his arms.
As for the others…
"I plan to leave as well."
The groundhog-like Chimera Ant stepped forward, explaining his decision.
"I'm going to find the King and deliver Her Majesty's final words to him, along with the name she gave him."
"I want to fulfill the Queen's last wish."
Morel regarded the loyal soldier for a moment before giving a small nod, silently granting his approval.
Even when the groundhog gave his reasons for refusing to surrender to humanity, Morel didn't force the issue.
However, as the groundhog prepared to leave, Morel left him with a parting remark.
"If that's the case, then next time we meet, we might be enemies."
"I'll be ready~"
With that, the groundhog left, following the squid old man into the outside world.
Morel stood there, gazing at the now-empty chamber, his thoughts drifting between the nature of humans and Chimera Ants.
...
At the Nest's Entrance
"Should we go?"
After overseeing the final preparations, Morel slung his pipe over his shoulder, preparing to leave. But just as he was about to step out, he noticed something.
A lone figure stood at the entrance of a passageway—a Chimera Ant resembling a koala, dressed in a black suit, with a gourd of liquor in one hand and a pistol on his waist. His aura carried an unmistakable sense of solitude.
"That's one of my former commanders. He's strong, but his behavior is... odd. I could never quite figure out his true thoughts."
Meleoron narrowed his eyes at the familiar figure.
"Oh? A strange Ant? What, is he here to pick a fight?"
Knuckle immediately tensed, adopting a defensive stance.
"Relax. I was asked to escort someone here, that's all."
The koala took a swig from his gourd, then lazily gestured toward the passageway with its mouth.
Curious, the group turned their gaze toward the entrance—where they spotted a shadow hesitating by the wall.
Sensing their attention, the figure flinched, then cautiously revealed half of their body.
"An Ant...?"
They all stared in confusion at the unfamiliar Chimera Ant—a red-headed being with an otherwise human-like physique.
"Wait... is that Shidore?"
Bloster narrowed his eyes before recognition dawned.
"She was one of my soldiers. Ever since she was born, she seems to have retained memories and personality traits from her human life. Because of that, she's always been timid, never leaving the nest."
"So basically... she's a human trapped in the body of an Ant?"
Hearing this, Knuckle and the others relaxed slightly.
Colt, standing at the back, felt an odd sense of familiarity as he looked at Shidore...
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Fanfic is completed on patreon.com/FanficsHub (799 chapters in total)