Just as Odin formed his Aura Bullet, a deep heartbeat came from the Queen's body.
Thump-thump-thump-
Each beat was louder than the last, and the entire room shook.
Neferpitou's expression changed from fear and concern to fervor. "The King is about to be born!"
Odin's Observation Haki sensed Meruem's aura rising rapidly.
Meruem, the Ant King, was forcing himself awake.
When the emerald egg inside the Queen's abdomen cracked, the entire room fell silent.
The crack stretched from top to bottom with a series of sharp snaps, like branches breaking.
As the crack widened, the intricate patterns on the eggshell peeled off piece by piece, falling to the floor with faint pattering sounds.
Neferpitou dropped to one knee facing Meruem.
Her knee struck the floor with a loud knock.
Her cat ears flattened, and her tail lay motionless against the floor.
The egg split open completely.
A hand reached out from within.
It was not a Chimera Ant's forelimb. Though covered in a carapace, it was shaped like a human hand.
Its five fingers were slender, its nails neat, and its pale green skin was coated with fluid.
Meruem stepped out of the egg and stood before them.
His appearance differed greatly from that of the other Chimera Ants. His head was shaped like a crowned cap, his eyes were blood-red, and his earlobes were long.
His powerful tail resembled an enormous syringe, and his sturdy body was dark green and blue-green.
He looked down at his hand, clenched it into a fist, then relaxed it.
Then he raised his right hand before his eyes, turning it over to examine the back before turning it again to look at his palm.
His pale purple eyes swept over everyone present.
Neferpitou remained kneeling, her expression somewhat excited.
Menthuthuyoupi was still fighting