Meruem's name meant "the light that illuminates everything," and the "Grudge Bestowal" item he gave Gelman shared a similar quality.
"Sacred Moonlight Sword"—a greatsword that had to be wielded with both hands.
When used, it radiated a cyan holy light in the darkness, making it look exceptionally beautiful.
Gelman put away the Sacred Moonlight Sword, took one last look at Meruem's corpse, and leaped into the air.
After a few steps across the rubble, he had jumped out of the abandoned underground testing ground and landed on the surface.
Looking back, the collapse of the testing ground gradually subsided. Most of it had been buried beneath rocks and soil, making it a hasty grave for the Chimera Ant King.
A shrill cry rang out overhead.
Following the sound, Gelman looked up and saw the Zoldyck Family's Dragon Bird Magical Beast circling above him. It had brought him to this battlefield.
Three figures leaped from the Dragon Bird Magical Beast's back and landed steadily and lightly beside Gelman.
They were, of course, Netero, Zeno, and Silva.
Netero walked over, patted Gelman on the shoulder, and smiled.
"You did it. Well done."
Zeno and Silva nodded to Gelman as well.
Gelman's victory that night was, in truth, the best possible outcome.
But seeing him actually defeat Meruem—the ferocious King they hadn't even wanted to approach, and one Netero had been unable to beat—was still an incomprehensible shock.
Gelman didn't respond.
After some time out of combat, the Silver White Halo had turned into the Dark Crown. Combined with the Contempt Armor's corrosive effects, he was now enduring unbearable pain in both body and mind.
Because he had fought in this state for too long, escaping the Dark Crown and Contempt Armor would now take an hour, not half an hour.
Gelman didn't