The entire palace had been divided into three battle zones.
Only Knov and Palm had not joined the fight.
The two of them were responsible for transporting the hypnotized humans into Hide and Seek.
For the Chimera Ant Extermination Squad, whether fighting or rescuing people, every second counted.
At this moment.
The central courtyard palace.
Upon the throne.
Meruem put down his book.
Beside him, all kinds of books were piled up like mountains.
These books were not mere decorations; he had already finished reading some of them.
As he read, Meruem paid no attention to the sounds of commotion and Nen fluctuations coming from outside the hall.
Instead, the footsteps approaching from the main doors made him set aside the book he had been reading halfway through.
He slowly raised his eyes and looked toward the doors at the front of the hall.
Netero, dressed in a Heart Character Battle Suit and with his head and beard shaved clean, strode across the threshold and entered the magnificent hall.
What had truly made Meruem put down his book was the surging fighting spirit Netero was giving off.
That nearly tangible fighting spirit was as dazzling as the sun.
Even without looking directly at it, one could clearly feel its existence.
Tap, tap-tap—
Rhythmic footsteps echoed through the vast hall.
Netero was enveloped in seemingly motionless Nen, his eyes brimming with resolve as he looked at Meruem atop the throne.
He saw the mountain of books beside Meruem, and he also saw the enormous aura surrounding him.
With that single glance, he took in two pieces of information.
Meruem—
Was actually learning knowledge in such a humanlike manner?
And compared to over half a month ago, Meruem's Manifestation Aura had become even stronger, and not by just a little.
By Netero's