The Zero Hand of the 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva is the complete infusion of Netero's martial arts.
It is the culmination of his entire life's learning, essence, and understanding of martial arts he has mastered, delivered in one powerful blow.
When he strikes, it signifies that one side in the battle is destined to fall.
As the dust settles, Chairman Netero, having exhausted all his strength, collapses awkwardly to the ground. He gasps for air, blood oozing from various parts of his body. His eyes are hollow, and his body resembles a withered tree.
His chest, like a deflated balloon, gasps violently as if signaling the end of his life.
"Ho ho ho, this is far more powerful than I expected."
Netero laughs intermittently, resembling an old man whose life is nearly spent.
"Looks like that bean really helped me recover quite a bit."
He speaks while panting for breath.
"Otherwise, the power might have been a little weaker, and that wouldn't have been pretty..."
Netero feels this is the strongest attack his current condition can deliver.
However, amidst the smoke, a dark green figure slowly emerges.
His body is slightly damaged, but it doesn't affect his ability to stand firm while his breath remains steady. Such an attack is merely a superficial injury to the Ant King.
Of course, it isn't entirely without impact, as evidenced by the blood flowing from the corners of the latter mouth, indicating he has indeed suffered some damage.
"Your strike... Was really impressive."
The Ant King gives this heartfelt evaluation, acknowledging that it's rare for someone to cause him harm.
Looking at Netero, who is on the verge of exhaustion, the Ant King feels a deep respect for this esteemed martial artist.
However, he regrets that he was born as the king of the Chimera Ants, standing at the pinnacle of life from birth.
He is the product of long evolution, his wisdom far surpassing that of humans and, thus, beyond human competition.
"So the outcome of this battle was decided before it even began."
The Ant King speaks calmly.
"All efforts are futile."
"I have made a new decision."
"I will no longer use humans to breed Chimera Ants because I now realize that humans have a strong sense of self-awareness."
The Ant King continues: "This self-awareness severely hinders the ant species' rule. Through our battle, I've come to understand this better..."
The Ant King, moved by the realization, begins to think further: "I will create a special zone, allowing humans to live permanently. When selecting humans for consumption, I will consider both quantity and quality. So, your lone battle wasn't entirely in vain."
"According to our agreement, may I know my name?"
After quietly listening to the Ant King's thoughts, Netero remains silent for a moment. Then, he suddenly raises his frail head and smiles.
"I'm not... Fighting alone."
With eyes that have long since lost their light and vitality, Netero gazes directly at the Ant King.
"Don't underestimate humanity, Meruem."
"Eh?!"
Hearing this name, the Ant King is suddenly taken aback.
"Meruem, that's your name."
"Meruem..."
When Netero says the Ant King's name, the other party doesn't have time to reflect on it.
He simply watches the person in front of him, who should have already lost, with confusion.
"Meruem, it seems you truly don't understand..."
Netero, understanding the Ant King's confusion, doesn't mind explaining in his final moments.
"Humanity's infinite evolving malice!!"
In an instant, a chilling cold spreads across Meruem's body. His brain goes into overdrive, flashing countless danger signals in front of him.
For the first time, Meruem feels a chilling sensation in his limbs; his heart begins to race, and his usual expression of indifference cracks.
At that moment, for the first time, he understands what fear truly feels like.
Initially, he thought that the old man, having expended all his energy and waiting for death, would say: "I lost."
But now, the twisted expression on the latter's face says something.
What truly terrifies Meruem now is not the present but what Netero will do next.
"If there is hell..."
Netero raises his remaining arm, his fingers coming together. "Then I'll see you there!!"
With those words, his fingers shoot toward his heart.
"If your heart stops beating, this will trigger immediately."
This was the warning Netero had received from the doctor who installed the bomb in his heart before the battle.
The bomb, low-budget and small, is devastatingly powerful. If the technology is advanced enough, it can be mass-produced in a short time, making it favored by dictatorial nations.
Its explosion creates a distinct smoke formation, and it's referred to as the Miniature Rose, making it known as the Poor Man's Rose.
It had bloomed 10 times over in more than 250 countries, taking away the lives of 5,120,000 people.
After one attack by terrorists that killed 110,000 people, nations jointly signed an international treaty to abolish the use of this bomb.
However, for political reasons, more than 80% of the countries that possess the bomb did not dispose of or ban the use of the pre-existing bombs. Currently, hundreds of thousands of Miniature Roses remain, waiting for the right time.
Netero had already implanted one of these bombs in his own body.
When his heart stops, the bomb will activate. By raising his fingers, Netero has made his choice.
He will end his life in exchange for the Ant King's defeat.
But…
"Your decision seems a bit hasty, Chairman."
At this time, a light laugh suddenly echoes on the battlefield.
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