The creature's appearance was almost understated.
A black vest hung over a teal-green torso; long earlobes brushed against his shoulders, and those blood-red eyes—cold, reptilian—radiated a quiet, natural terror.
He was the tavern's second visitor from another world who carried the mark of "villain."
Meruem.
From the world of Hunter × Hunter.
King of the Chimera Ants.
Born of a queen who devoured humans and beasts alike, each meal fusing their genes until she gave birth to him—the apex of all life in her world.
And yet… this "king" was still just a newborn, not even a month old.
Still, everyone in the room—Holy Master, Demon Dragon, Keisha—could sense the monstrous power rippling beneath his skin.
They didn't look worried.
Just… curious.
To them, he was merely a strong ant.
But Gray Wolf trembled so hard his fur stood up.
"Welcome, Mr. Meruem," said Ronn with a friendly smile.
"Hmm?" The chimera's crimson eyes narrowed. He took a seat at the bar.
"You know my name?"
"Your mother told me," Ronn replied calmly. "She said it means 'the light that illuminates all things.'"
In truth, he'd hesitated to use it—"King" was the only title the ants ever used for him—but names mattered. Meruem sounded more human, more personal.
Meruem nodded slowly.
Since his birth, his soldiers had called him only King.
But just before coming here, he'd spoken with a young human girl—a genius at strategy games—and learned the meaning of having a name.
A name made you a person, not just a symbol.
He wanted that.
But suspicion flickered across his face again.
"How do you know that? No humans were there when I was born."
"Your mother told me," Ronn lied lightly, voice steady.
Meruem frowned, about to press further—
when a playful voice cut in.
"Your drink, enjoy~"
Lucoa appeared at the counter without warning, setting a bottle before him.
The king's eyes turned cold.
"Who permitted you to interrupt me?"
With a low hiss, his tail lashed up—needle glinting, poised to strike.
The tavern froze.
The Holy Master and his son inhaled sharply.
Even Keisha arched a brow, half-impressed.
Such nerve… may the angels bless his soul.
But the strike never landed.
Lucoa's eyes opened—golden pupils splitting into hypnotic, otherworldly rings.
For a heartbeat, their gazes locked.
And the world collapsed.
Meruem felt the very air crush around him—mountains pressing on his chest, blood boiling, organs folding into dust. His limbs stopped obeying him. Only his thoughts remained his own.
It was absolute domination.
For the first time since birth, the Chimera King felt fear.
A primal, marrow-deep terror born not of reason—but of species.
His will to fight simply… vanished.
Lucoa smiled gently, voice soft as silk:
"Little one, the moment you choose to attack, you choose sin~"
"But since you're still a baby, I'll let it slide. Once."
She leaned closer, whispering, "Next time, not even Ronn can save you~"
Ronn's mouth twitched. Excuse me? I can't what?
Alright, lady—tonight, I'm the one hanging you upside down.
Lucoa giggled. "Oh, you'd try? Fine. I'll visit tonight."
Ronn's face went pale. She can read minds now?
"Don't overthink it," Lucoa hummed. "I've lived too long; thoughts are easy to read."
Then, with a wink, she turned and sauntered off, tail swaying.
Ronn watched her leave, heart pounding with an uneasy premonition.
If she and Taotu ran into each other tonight…
No. No, no, no. He'd just stay with Rem. Safer.
And… cherries.
The crushing aura faded.
Meruem slumped forward, gasping, his body drenched in sweat.
It had been less a battle than a glimpse of God—
and the terror of knowing he would never compare.
He reached for the bottle Lucoa left behind and drank straight from it.
Niúlánshān, the label read.
One swig burned down his throat.
He exhaled, trembling—but calmer.
"This wine is… good," he murmured. "And I like the name you gave me. Thank you."
Ronn smiled faintly.
"You seem very attached to names. Was there… someone who taught you their meaning?"
He knew, of course.
He was asking about Komugi.
If the Ant Queen gave Meruem life,
and Ronn gave him a name,
then Komugi—the fragile, blind human girl—had given him a soul.
"She was human," Meruem said quietly.
"She played military chess. She beat me—many times."
His voice shook slightly.
"When I saw her wounded by an eagle, I realized how weak she was…
and it confused me. How could someone so frail be so… strong?"
He fell silent.
For the first time, the mighty Chimera King looked small—haunted by feelings he didn't yet understand.
Born from everything in nature, yet missing the one thing that defined humanity:
heart.
And now, because of a single girl, it was starting to grow inside him.
Ronn exhaled softly.
Even monsters fall silent before gentleness.
Keisha, who had been listening, leaned forward with curiosity.
"Tell me, Meruem," she said, eyes gleaming with analytical light,
"do you want to defeat that girl at military chess?"
Meruem froze.
According to their promise, if he ever won—Komugi would die.
But now…
He thought of her frail hands hovering over the board,
her trembling voice,
her laughter—quiet, unafraid.
His chest tightened.
Did he really want her to die?
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