And at that moment, outside the cave.
On screens across H Country, Country R, and the entire world, this scene was being broadcast live.
When Bell appeared atop the Ant Queen's corpse, the whole world fell silent.
When Ma Dong-wook's shield was shattered with ease and his arm was severed, the whole world gasped.
When the five S-Class Hunters froze beneath Bell's pressure, the whole world felt a bone-deep chill.
But when Bell approached the invisible Min Se-jun, ready to deliver the final blow—
Humanity's reactions began to divide.
In the central square of Seoul, H Country.
Tens of thousands had gathered beneath the giant screen.
Just hours earlier, most of them had been caught up in the excitement of "Dagger Squad storming the ant nest." When news came that "the Ant Queen had been killed," some had even set off fireworks, while others embraced and wept.
But now, everyone stood frozen in place.
Just like the S-Class Hunters on the screen: stiff, trembling, and despairing.
"No... please..."
A young girl covered her mouth as tears silently streamed down her face.
Her older brother was a B-class Hunter, stationed at the Jeju Island front line, where he provided logistical support.
Just yesterday, he had told her over the satellite phone:
"Once Dagger Squad kills the Ant Queen, this war will be over, and I'll be able to come home."
But now...
"Doctor Min... Chairman Baek... Miss Cha..."
A middle-aged man fell to his knees, clutching his head and groaning in anguish.
His daughter had been badly injured in a monster tide three years ago. Min Se-jun had personally saved her life.
Ever since then, Min Se-jun had been the man's hero, someone he thanked in his prayers every day.
But now, the hero in his heart was about to die