The Peak Potion X One Week

"This is a Toxin."

Kevin's voice was calm and even, as if he were holding a bottle of water.

"It's Gene-Targeting Toxin that I painstakingly formulated by analyzing genetic samples from the captured Queen and a large number of other Chimeric Ant soldiers."

"Its core principle is that no matter how many genes the Ant King incorporates from other organisms, or how powerful or perfect it becomes, its most fundamental Chimera Ant genetic structure, which originates from the Ant Queen, remains absolutely unchanged."

"Just like the original, unchangeable source code of life."

"And the effect of this potion," Kevin said, gently shaking the vial of liquid that emitted an ominous glow, "Is to precisely destroy and disintegrate this core source code. It's like placing a deadly explosive device on the foundation of a towering building."

Netero's eyes were piercing, his sharp gaze seeming to penetrate the glass tube.

He carefully examined the seemingly ordinary-looking potion, which contained a deadly potential.

To poison.

It is always the case that the weak overcome the strong; it is the most insidious yet also the safest method.

Although he wore the "Poor Man's Rose," intending to perish together with the Ant King at the last moment.

But the most devastating aspect of this bomb was the pervasive and potent poison that spread after the explosion.

The solution Kevin is proposing now has the same core idea as his.

"Can you guarantee that you'll be able to precisely inject the drug into the Ant King's Iron Wall body through some means?"

Netero's voice carried a hint of inquiry; this was the most crucial question.

Otherwise, even the most potent poison is nothing but a mirage, utterly meaningless.

The reasoning is very simple.

If Netero can easily break through the Ant King's defenses, then he will undoubtedly win this battle and will not need to prepare so many backup plans.

If even the defenses cannot be breached, then simply delivering this deadly toxin into the opponent's body will be a huge problem that requires racking one's brains to solve.

"Of course, there's no need to worry about that; I have my own methods."

Kevin brandished the Toxin in his hand, a cold, confident smile playing on his lips.

"Moreover, my method is precise and uncontaminated, while your method of mutual destruction is too crude and has too wide an impact."

Tsk!

Netero snorted unhappily, his gray beard seemingly twitching, but ultimately he didn't utter a word in rebuttal.

He chose "the Poor Man's Rose" for one and only reason, and for the most important reason, that it would not interfere with his battle at all!

It allows itself to give its all in this ultimate battle, to fight to the very last moment and enjoy the thrill of the peak showdown.

As for whether the methods were "refined" or "clean," that was simply not within the scope of this martial arts fanatic's consideration.

He came with the intention of challenging a formidable foe honorably, using all his knowledge and skills, rather than from the outset plotting how to poison his opponent with underhanded tactics.

Therefore, you will definitely be the first one to go in the subsequent plans.

Kevin put away the Toxin, his expression serious, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"I'll take over once you're truly exhausted and unable to continue. So I hope you won't just detonate the bomb and take everyone down with you after you're 'out of strength.' Otherwise, all my efforts and preparations will have been for nothing."

These words made Netero even more unhappy; his gray eyebrows stood up like steel needles, and the veins on his forehead throbbed.

"You brat! Nobody wants to die for no reason! This old man isn't done living yet!"

He glared at Kevin, his eyes sharp as knives, then his tone became unusually serious.

"But Kevin, you have to be prepared. If you fail—"

Netero's voice carried an unquestionable, resolute determination.

To be honest, he rarely warned others to be careful of death so solemnly.

At that moment, he developed a strong interest in Kevin.

He wanted to see just how far this exceptionally talented and resourceful young man could go.

He would feel incredibly sorry if he were to perish here.

Because the other party is too young, their potential is unfathomable.

"If you fail and cannot stop the Ant King —then I will not hesitate to activate the Rose!"

At that time, the three of us will perish together, and this area will be reduced to scorched earth.

"This is the destination I've chosen for myself, and also the one I've prepared for the worst possible outcome."

This is the last line of defense, not to be shaken. Since you insist on getting involved in this fight to the death, you must bear this risk.

Kevin had, of course, anticipated Netero's almost cold-blooded announcement.

He nodded calmly, his deep eyes showing no wavering or fear, only a quiet determination.

"Don't worry, I'm also afraid of dying. After all, I'm still so young, with a bright future ahead. I've had enough of living with you."

The old man who has seen through the illusions of the world is different.

He even cracked a lighthearted joke in an attempt to ease the tense atmosphere.

And he genuinely has that confidence.

"What did you say?! You brat!"

These words struck a nerve with Netero, instantly breaking his defenses and making him so angry he almost jumped up.

Kevin interrupted him abruptly, and with a flick of his wrist, another vial appeared in his palm as if by magic.

Netero's angry rebuke came to an abrupt halt, his gaze instantly drawn to the strange potion in Kevin's hand, unable to look away for even a moment.

The appearance of this potion was unlike any he had ever seen before; it was full of mystery and allure.

The entire glass tube was a deep, rich, blood-red color, like molten ruby. In the golden sunlight of the morning, the viscous liquid flowing inside the tube shimmered with a dazzling and captivating luster.

Even more miraculously, countless tiny particles, as fine as dust and shimmering with diamond-like brilliance, seemed to be suspended in the blood-red liquid, slowly rising and falling, drifting up and down like a galaxy in the vast universe, Flowing Light.

Even from a distance, simply by looking at it, Netero's extremely keen senses could clearly capture the magnificent, pure aura emanating from it, an aura that seemed to awaken the very essence of life and ignite dormant passion.

A surge of emotion welled up within him, making his long-dormant blood flow faster and his heart pound.

Netero's instincts told him so.

This is what he needs.

That's what his intuition said.

"Peak Power" potion.

Kevin's voice carried a hint of solemnity, as if he were introducing a rare treasure.

This potion was a unique product, painstakingly crafted by combining various rare materials brought back from the Dark Continent and employing advanced pharmaceutical techniques.

Only one piece was produced.

Its principle comes from the analysis of Rejuvenation Potion.

Although it is essentially a product of Succession Ceremony, it always needs a suitable medium in order for the effects of the Succession Ceremony to be infused into it.

Moreover, the Rejuvenation Potion is also one of the ingredients used in the combination, and the effect is quite good.

However, making only this one is not because there isn't enough material, but because there's no need to make more. Just keep one as a souvenir or for use in a critical moment.

"Its working principle is very simple and brutal: during the drug's effect, any life form, regardless of its current state of aging or weakness, will be forcibly regressed and elevated to its most perfect and prosperous peak state ever achieved in its life course!"

"In other words," Kevin said, looking directly into Netero's eyes, which had suddenly become incredibly intense, as if burning with the flames of war.

"Once you inject this potion, for a short period of time during its effects, you will once again transform into the spirited and invincible number one you were in your youth!"

Kevin has studied this medicine carefully.

For him, his "peak" moment is usually the present or the closer future.

Because he is still growing rapidly, and his potential is far from being exhausted.

He has not yet entered a recession.

Therefore, this medicine is useless to him and may even bring unnecessary burdens and side effects due to the forced regression, which would be a loss.

Even products that barely reach the threshold of A-rank potions are not perfect.

It's just that it's more like a complete Nen ability now.

"Its side effects are: after the effects of the drug wear off, the user will fall into a state of deep weakness and extreme fatigue, lasting for at least twenty-four hours. During this time, they will be extremely vulnerable."

"How long does the drug's effect last?"

Netero pressed on impatiently, his voice carrying a barely perceptible hint of urgency and longing.

"Oral administration lasts about 15 minutes. However, if administered via direct injection, it can last for half an hour. Therefore, 1"

Kevin emphasized this in a serious tone.

"You only have half an hour of peak time at most! You must finish the battle within this golden time!"

Netero slowly extended his hand, etched with the marks of time yet still steady and powerful, and solemnly accepted the jewel-like potion from Kevin's hand, a potion that seemed to contain the miracle of life.

His gaze was fixed intently on the flowing red galaxy within the tube, his knuckles turning slightly white from the pressure.

That place contained the ultimate battlefield he was seeking: a battlefield where he could give nothing back and burn everything to the fullest.

After a long silence, with a mountain breeze blowing between them, Netero slowly raised his head to look at Kevin, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

There was heartfelt gratitude, a solemn sense of facing the ultimate challenge, and an uncontrollable, Volcano -like, boundless desire for the upcoming battle that would push the limits.

Ultimately, it culminated in a weighty promise.

"Kevin —I'll remember this favor."

One week later.

Temporary outpost outside the Royal Palace.

Kite leaned against an ancient tree with half its crown cut off, gazing intently at the distant outline of the Royal Palace, which loomed in the morning mist like a lurking beast.

Compared to a week ago, it seems to have changed little, still standing imposingly, exuding a chilling sense of oppression.

He took out his phone, and the screen lit up, displaying the latest received messages.

"Gon and his team have done a great job, doing their utmost to create chaos—but recently the situation has been gradually sorted out by the enemy, and some of the misled citizens are beginning to regroup and surge towards the Royal Palace."

His voice was low and tinged with worry, "Our time may really be running out."

The latest news on the phone screen naturally came from Gon and Qi's group, who were continuing to cause trouble on the periphery.

With Gon and his companion, along with the surrendered Chimeric Ant, launching attacks everywhere, the speed at which the people gathered was indeed greatly slowed down.

However, human resources are ultimately limited.

The country's military command system has not been completely paralyzed. After the initial chaos and being caught off guard, like a wounded beast, it has begun to lick its wounds, restore order, and start to recover some of its functions.

Although Gon and his friends continued their relentless sabotage efforts in an attempt to slow down the process, their efforts were less effective and they were clearly losing momentum.

Beside him, Morel, with his signature huge Pipe dangling from his mouth, wisps of smoke curling around him, also stared at the Royal Palace, his brows furrowed on his rugged face, his expression unusually hesitant.

"It seems we have no choice but to launch a frontal assault," he exhaled a puff of smoke, his voice muffled. "Those Chimera Ant are on high alert, not allowing any of our reconnaissance methods to penetrate the core area of the Royal Palace."

Whether it was the agile and mobile Purple Smoke Machine Soldier he controlled, or the Nen puppet spies that Men Qi had meticulously constructed.

Anyone who dares to cross the invisible boundary of the Royal Palace and step inside will be instantly and cleanly eliminated by Neferpitou with lightning speed, leaving no trace.

As long as they didn't enter the Royal Palace grounds, even if they swaggered along the outer walls of the Royal Palace, Neferpitou simply watched coldly and ignored them.

This clear-cut stance couldn't be clearer: if you want to fight, then fight openly and honestly!

They will wait in the Royal Palace.

"Unexpectedly, at this critical moment of life and death, we seem to be doing nothing."

Nobu, wearing his slightly worn Newsboy Cap, leaned against the cold rock, his face appearing even more gaunt in the shadows, his tone tinged with self-deprecation and helplessness.

His original plan was to use the "Four-Dimensional Apartment" to silently open a portal deep within the Royal Palace.

The more doors you open, and the closer they are to the core, the more proactive and safer you will be in battle.

To his surprise, the other side gave him absolutely no chance, leaving no opening whatsoever; their defenses were so tight that it was almost despairing.

Just then, a loud cry came from the sky.

A Nen Aura Lion with an astonishing wingspan slashed through the sky, descending with a whooshing sound, and landed steadily on the open ground in the center of the stronghold.

Men Qi and Melusina nimbly leaped down from the Griffin's broad back, landing lightly beside the group, creating a gentle breeze.

"How's it going? Any new changes today?"

Morel looked up at Men Qi as she approached and asked.

Men Qi simply waved her hand helplessly, snapped her fingers, and the majestic Griffin formed from Nen Aura behind her vanished into thin air like a phantom.

"There are fewer cocoons hanging on those Flesh Tree now," she pointed towards the Royal Palace. "They're also accelerating the incubation of troops, but essentially—the defensive layout and the distribution of guards within the Royal Palace haven't changed significantly."

His tone carried a hint of weariness from the fruitless investigation.

Their daily routine now involves Men Qi conjuring a lion, which carries them high above the Royal Palace to conduct reconnaissance and gain a detailed overview of the entire Royal Palace.

Over the course of several days, they had basically observed the activity patterns and stationed locations of the Royal Guards within the Royal Palace.

Several times, he even met Neferpitou's cold gaze from high above, as if invisible sparks were flying in the air.

The only regret is that we never got to see the Ant King.

However, they had already laid out a dense network of Nen ability or technological informants throughout the vast area surrounding the Royal Palace.

Therefore, if the Ant King really leaves the core area of the Royal Palace and moves outwards, it should theoretically be detected in time.

Based on Melusina's keen perception.

Every now and then, she could indeed catch a glimpse of a terrifying thought, so vast it was suffocating, as Abyss as it was, emanating faintly from the deepest part of the Royal Palace, like the breath of a sleeping beast.

Therefore, the Ant King should still be firmly seated in the Royal Palace and has not left.