The King's Curiosity, the Bald Man's Secret

Meruem's figure appeared in the center of the cabin like a ghost.

His dark golden skin gleamed with a cold, Ko luster beneath the dim lights, while purple patterns flowed slowly across his body like living creatures.

Two pairs of translucent butterfly wings behind him fluttered gently, stirring up a chill wind laden with a thick stench of blood and faint purple-black scale powder.

His gaze swept across the room.

It passed over Zeno, whose face was deathly pale and whose Nen was taut throughout his body; over Netero in the medical bay, barely clinging to life with Zetsu in his eyes; and over the petrified butler and chef.

Finally, it settled on the bald man seated at the dining table with his back to him.

Saitama was facing away from him, focused on the last piece of tiramisu on his plate. His spoon dug into the soft cake, wrapped it in rich cream, and delivered it to his mouth, Hatsu a satisfied sigh from him. He did not even turn his head, as though the calamity king capable of destroying the world behind him simply did not exist.

The entire cabin fell silent.

Everyone held their breath, their hearts pounding wildly. They thought that in the next second, blood would splatter everywhere and the Ant King would tear the bald man apart.

But Meruem did not attack.

As he watched Saitama's back, a rare trace of curiosity flashed through his golden pupils.

He had seen countless fearful gazes, heard countless furious roars, and witnessed countless Zetsu struggles. But he had never seen anyone like this—someone who had clearly sensed his presence, clearly knew he had come to kill him, yet could still eat cake without a care in the world.

As though, in this bald man's eyes, a piece