Hunter: I became stronger even after I died.

Chapter 449 The Ant King is actually my experience pet?

The pitch-black water surface was like an infinitely stretching piece of dark silk, with ripples slowly spreading from the center to the unreachable distance.

Moro stood on the water, and tiny ripples spread out beneath his feet.

He stared at the ant king, who looked completely confident.

Are you so sure I won't go back on my word?

Perhaps the king ant does have his own set of standards for judging others. After all, as the king of chimeric ants, he is born with wisdom and insight that surpasses that of ordinary people.

Ultimately, he has been in this world for less than a month, and his understanding of so-called "human nature" is still too shallow.

It should be understood that once Moro fulfills the agreement, he must relinquish a portion of his manifested power.

This means that if the Ant King's consciousness is separated out using Nen as a carrier and not retrieved for a long time, it is equivalent to being downgraded from Lv.104 to Lv.103.

It can also be understood that Moro used this as a price to obtain an ability that could break through the limitations of the human race.

But this price...

If Moro is ruthless and black-hearted enough, he can simply break the agreement and suppress the Ant King forever under this black water, out of sight, out of mind.

Perhaps it is precisely because the Ant King does not understand this that he is able to remain so composed.

That's what Moro thought.

The Ant King seemed to see through his thoughts and said calmly:
“Life energy, in your human understanding, is called ‘qi’, right? I know very well how you should fulfill the agreement, and I understand that doing so will weaken your qi, but your current qi… is telling me that you will not break your promise for this price.”

"..."

Moro raised an eyebrow in surprise.

So it was clear all along...

Moro remained silent for a moment.

The Ant King looked at him, his tone still calm: "If you want to break your promise, there's nothing I can do. The weaker party is meant to be exploited."

The weak should obediently endure being plundered and oppressed.

These are the most basic operating rules of the biological world.

This understanding seems to have been deeply ingrained in the genes of the ant king.

In his view, weak humans are essentially no different from poultry, belonging to the category of those who can only be plundered.

As for compassion and tolerance towards the weak...

The ant king might not have had such feelings before encountering wheat.

Even though meeting Xiaomai did change his perception to some extent, his tolerance and compassion for the weak were limited to Xiaomai alone.

The Ant King holds the same view when it comes to himself.

So even if Moro really breaks the contract, he might be unwilling, but he will eventually accept it.

Because this is the law of the jungle.

The King Ant can accept any outcome.

However, Moro had no intention of breaking the contract.

"Meruem".

Without responding to what the Ant King said, Morrow simply uttered a name.

The Ant King, puzzled, asked, "What?"

"This is the name the queen ant gave you."

"..."

The ant king paused for a moment.

"Meruem, is that... my name?"

He muttered to himself in his consciousness space.

next moment.

Consciousness was withdrawn from the black water space.

Moro looked ahead at the houses and stepped inside.

As soon as I stepped across the threshold, the sound of my cane rapidly tapping the ground reached my ears.

Immediately afterwards, Xiaomai's wary voice came from inside the house: "Who is it?"

Her hearing was very sharp; she heard footsteps long before Morrow even entered the room.

Although international conservation organizations have taken over the aftermath of East Godot and are discussing territorial demarcation and resettlement with neighboring countries.

But the situation in East Godot remains unclear until everything settles down.

The wheat was placed in towns near the capital, and the temporary security measures were not enough to give people complete peace of mind.

However, the placement of the wheat was the responsibility of Nob.

Given his consistently thorough approach, he naturally had proper arrangements in place for security.

However, Xiaomai herself was unaware of these things.

“It’s me, Hisoka.”

Moro subtly moved his throat muscles, adjusting his voice to the type he used when he was with Wheat.

"Ah, Mr. Hisoka! How did you know I was here?"

Upon hearing the familiar voice, the wariness on Xiaomai's face vanished instantly, replaced by surprise.

"I asked around."

Moro made up a casual excuse to brush it off, then asked with concern, "Wheat, how have you been lately?"

"It's pretty good, but without the military chess set, time seems to pass very slowly. Also, the food the army delivers is free, which makes me feel a little embarrassed, hehe."

As Xiaomai spoke, she smiled shyly.

Despite being a renowned champion of military chess, her living conditions did not improve as a result.

Even the prize money he won after winning the championship was basically used to help support his family.

So she felt a little embarrassed to be able to enjoy the food and other necessities she needed for free.

Upon hearing this, Moro smiled silently and placed the military chess set wrapped in a cloth on the coffee table in the living room.

"Mr. Hisoka, please come in and have a seat. I'll make you some tea."

When Xiaomai heard the sound of something being tapped on the coffee table, she suddenly remembered the matter of entertaining guests and hurriedly went to the kitchen, leaning on her cane.

She has lived here for a while and is quite familiar with the layout.

"Do not bother."

Moro spoke up to stop him.

But Xiaomai insisted on making tea.

After a while.

Xiaomai carefully carried the teacup and slowly walked towards the living room.

Moro stood up, took the teacup from her, gently placed it on the coffee table, and then turned to help her sit down in the chair opposite him.

"You are clearly a guest, yet I have to trouble you even to serve me tea... I am so useless."

Xiaomai whispered somewhat shyly.

"You're too kind, Xiaomai."

Moro smiled.

As he spoke, he unwrapped the package on the coffee table and took out the chessboard and chess pieces.

When he put the chess set back on the coffee table, the pieces collided with each other, making a crisp sound.

The sound immediately caught Xiaomai's attention.

She knew that voice all too well.

This is the distinctive crisp sound of the pieces colliding in the game of Junyiqi.

"Mr. Hisoka, was that a military chess set you just placed on the coffee table...?"

"Yes, I brought this especially for you."

Moro smiled.

"Thank you, Mr. Hisoka!"

Wheat was both surprised and touched.

But soon, through this set of military chess pieces, she couldn't help but think of the Commander-in-Chief, who had been missing until now, and a trace of worry crossed her face.

Moro noticed the subtle changes in Xiaomai's expression, but said nothing. He simply pushed the chessboard in front of her and asked, "Xiaomai, may I borrow your cane to take a look?"

"what?"

This request surprised Xiaomai, but she immediately replied, "Of course."

As she spoke, she picked up the cane that was leaning against the chair and handed it to Moreau.

Moro took the cane, thanked him, and then used his index finger to gather a cluster of Nen energy like a flame, carefully engraving the character "神" (divine) on the surface of the cane to preserve Nen energy.

He would use a portion of his manifested energy as a vessel for the Ant King's consciousness, and then seal this portion of energy within the wheat's cane through the word "God".

In this way, the queen ant can remain with the wheat in some form.

However, whether the Ant King can achieve even the most basic chess-playing ability depends on his own will and ability.

All Morrow did was provide him with a platform full of possibilities.

If the King Ant's obsession is strong enough, then the existence of thought will naturally respond to him.

Before long, Moro carved the last word "God" and gently handed the cane back to Xiaomai.

Although Xiaomai had some doubts, she didn't ask any further questions.

She gently placed her cane back in its place, then reached out her right hand, picked up a chess piece she hadn't touched in a long time, and a hint of hesitation flashed across her face.

She really wanted to play chess.

With this thought in mind, Komugi mustered her courage and said, "Mr. Hisoka, could you...?"

"wheat."

Moro interrupted her at this moment, his tone apologetic: "I have some things to take care of, I'll come see you another day."

"That's it..."

Xiaomai silently swallowed the invitation to play chess, sniffed lightly, then smiled and nodded, saying, "Then you can go ahead and get busy."

"Well, take care."

After Moro finished speaking, he simply got up and left.

Hearing the noise, Xiaomai also stood up and said softly, "I'll see you off."

"No need." Moro walked quickly, and before Xiaomai could react, his footsteps had already faded into the distance.

Xiaomai stood there blankly for a moment before slowly sitting back down in her chair.

Her right hand gently stroked the chess piece, her face revealing her disappointment.

A game of chess ultimately requires two people.

However, the naturally optimistic Xiaomai quickly adjusted her mood.

Even playing chess alone is better than having no pieces to play.

Xiaomai hummed a tuneless melody, her upper body swaying slightly to the rhythm, while her fingers skillfully placed the chess pieces one by one on the chessboard.

After setting up the chess pieces, she began playing the game alone.

Perhaps because she was thinking of the Commander-in-Chief again, she unconsciously recreated the unfinished chess game from that day.

The next move should have been made by the commander-in-chief.

But that game of chess also ended there on that day.

Xiaomai slightly opened her eyes, as if she could see the unresolved chess game quietly laid out before her.

Outside the houses.

Moro stood quietly in the shadows of the corner, watching from afar the cane beside Wheat inside the house.

On the surface of the staff, the character "神" (god) was emitting a faint white light, the light flickering and changing, as if some kind of consciousness was struggling within it.

That's exactly what happened.

The king ant is trying his best...

It attempts to break free from the form of pure energy and desires to manifest a real body.

However, this desire to prioritize without distinguishing between primary and secondary goals is ultimately futile.

This is an impossible dream.

Even if the Ant King's will is strong, he is ultimately just a small part of the manifestation of his power that Moro kindly separated, and his nature determines his limit.

Xiaomai didn't notice anything unusual about the cane beside her, but gradually felt a sense of loss.

She slowly put down the black chess piece in her hand, ultimately not making that move for the Commander-in-Chief.

The ant king's consciousness, residing within the divine character on the cane, seemed to sense her current mood, and the flashing of light became even more rapid.

He relinquished his obsession with physical manifestation.

Returning to the purest desire, that is...

Playing chess against wheat.

As long as this game can be finished, just one game...

Will suffice.

Everything else no longer matters...

Perhaps it was this pure intention that allowed the manifestation of the Ant King's consciousness to finally extend from the character "神" (god), converging in the air into a phosphorescent blue-green halo.

The halo flickered, yet it vaguely revealed a blurry but persistent face.

"wheat."

The Ant King's voice rang out from within the blue-green phosphorescent aura.

Xiaomai was startled by the voice, then said incredulously in a soft voice, "Is that the Commander-in-Chief?"

"It's me, let's play chess..."

"Ah, um!"

As always, Wheat didn't ask any questions and simply accepted the Ant King's sudden appearance and his offer to continue the game.

The eyes of the Ant King appeared in the center of the phosphorescent light. He looked at the wheat on the other side of the chessboard and said, "Remember, my name is Meruem. From now on, you don't need to call me Commander-in-Chief anymore."

"Yes, Lord Meruem."

Wheat smiled and then gently reminded him, "Now it's your turn to make your move."

"I know."

Meruem stared at the chessboard, his tone filled with long-lost anticipation: "I've already thought this through."

The king is placed in danger, while the minister remains in his position.

This seemingly counterproductive step might actually steer the battle in a more favorable direction.

This was a response that Meruem had already devised.

He picked up the shogi piece and moved it forward without hesitation.

"4-8-8, checkmate."

The chess piece was placed, and the voice was firm.

As soon as Meruem finished speaking, that move clearly appeared in Xiaomai's mind.

This was not the best step, but it was completely unexpected.

For some reason—

At that moment, her eyes welled up slightly.

Meruem stared intently at the chessboard, but waited in vain for Wheat to make a move, only hearing faint sobs.

He looked up in confusion and saw that Xiaomai was sniffling softly, tears silently streaming down her face.

"Why are you crying?"

Meruem was puzzled.

Xiaomai laughed and cried at the same time, her voice choked with sobs: "I just... I feel so happy."

"..."

Meruem silently gazed at Komugi's face, which was devoid of sexuality yet utterly sincere.

Are you happy...?

Perhaps this indescribable feeling in my heart right now is what Xiaomai meant by happiness.

However, all of this was far too short-lived.

Meruem hesitated for a moment, but ultimately did not reveal the truth that he could only play this one game with her.

"Is my move putting you in a difficult position?"

"Yes, Lord Meruem is improving very quickly, and he'll soon surpass me."

As Xiaomai picked up the chess piece, she already had a plan in mind.

Meruem's pride made him dismissive of Wheat's praise, and he was about to speak when he saw her make a swift move.

"clatter."

With a soft click of the chess pieces, a rainbow-like luster appeared on her fingertips.

However, Meruem's gaze was not drawn to the dazzling Nen, but instead fixed in shock on Komugi's move.

This is the only one.
This completely dismantled all of his subsequent moves.

"Just one step...?"

Meruem deeply appreciated Wheat's unparalleled skill on the chessboard.

No, she only started to get stronger at this moment.

"I lost."

Meruem's feelings were complex and hard to describe.

There was both intense admiration and deep regret.

I admire her strength, but I regret that my own end is near.

"wheat."

"Ok?"

"Could you call my name again?"

Meruem's form began to gradually become transparent.

"Yes, Lord Meruem!"

Wheat responded crisply as she happily rearranged the chess pieces.

Meruem watched her busy hands silently, a hint of indescribable bitterness flashing across his eyes, which appeared in the phosphorescent light.

Let's stop here...

It is enough.

Meruem thought to himself.

In the last moment before his consciousness faded, his gaze slowly moved from the chessboard that had been set up, and finally settled on Xiaomai's face.

"Lord Meruem, let's play another round."

Just as his body was about to completely disintegrate, Xiaomai's words suddenly cleared his already blurred vision.

Ok?
Meruem was slightly taken aback, and suddenly noticed the brilliant Nen flowing from Komugi's body, which swirled around like wisps of smoke and slowly merged into his dissipating form.

This power originating from wheat,
That is to leave him in the world.

Outside the houses.

Moro took it all in.

"Is the size of that group... increasing?"

Moro was surprised to see that Meruem's Phosphorescent Form had grown significantly larger.

More importantly, although this was a miracle caused by wheat, Morrow could clearly perceive it...

The enhanced psychic power was still completely under his control.

This means that if you withdraw this energy at this moment, it's equivalent to investing 10 points of manifest energy but withdrawing 11 points.

If this enhancement can continue...

So wouldn't Meruem, who was left here, become an AFK experience baby that could automatically accumulate experience points?

"Let's observe further."

Moro shifted his gaze slightly, landing on the dazzling Nen energy flowing around Wheat.

He knew very well that the Ant King had traded the ability to play a short-term game of Go for the price of only being able to finish this game.

But I didn't expect——

The awakening of wheat's consciousness shattered this destiny destined to vanish.

(End of this chapter)