"Did you see that? Korudol just led a group of humans into the nest."
"Of course I saw it! I'm not blind. Judging by how aggressive they looked, they can't be here for anything good."
In a dense forest near the Chimera Ant nest, a male murloc-like Ant resembling a yaksha and a rather delicate-looking female Ant with mermaid-like features spoke in hushed tones.
"Do you think Korudol bringing so many humans inside has anything to do with that terrifying aura we felt from the lair earlier?"
"I'd say it's likely related."
The older brother, a murloc-like Ant, stroked his chin, contemplating in the sunlight.
These were the Ortho Siblings, Chimera Ants with half-fish features. They were army captains who later defected to Leol. Though they usually trusted each other, they often argued over disagreements.
In the original story, they encountered Killua in the Republic of East Gorteau and used their Nen ability, Death Game, to cause him significant trouble.
Death Game required both of them to cooperate:
The younger sister would create a badge with Nen and attach it to the target.
The older brother would throw darts in a designated space, which would then strike the corresponding location on the enemy's body.
Since the darts were materialized Nen constructs, they couldn't be blocked or dodged. However, if the final dart missed, it would rebound and injure the older brother instead.
During their battle with Killua, they managed to wound him, but Killua, familiar with the mechanics of darts, calculated the final dart's trajectory. He caught it before it could land, pretending to be hit.
Ultimately, Killua defeated the duo. Even as they lay dying, they were still bickering with each other.
Because of their aquatic nature, the Ortho Siblings weren't well-suited to the warm, dry environment of the Chimera Ant nest. They often sneaked out in search of cool, damp places to relax.
Today was no different. After slipping out to play, they returned only to sense the overwhelming, oppressive aura radiating from the nest, sending shivers down their spines.
Timid by nature, they hesitated to go back inside, their uncertainty leading to yet another argument. They only fell silent when they saw Korudol arriving with Morel, leading a group of humans inside.
Hidden within the dense forest, they watched the group enter.
"Doesn't Leol despise humans?" the younger sister asked in a hushed tone after some time had passed without any disturbance from the lair.
"Then why would Korudol bring so many humans inside? And they didn't even look like food..."
"Who knows?! But one thing's for sure—something's happened in the nest!"
The older brother suddenly lifted his head from his musings, his expression grave.
"Huh?!"
"That terrifying presence we felt just now, combined with Korudol leading humans inside—it's very possible that the humans have taken over our nest!"
"No... that can't be possible, right?!"
The younger sister gasped, barely able to contain her shock.
"Keep your voice down! Don't forget—the passage Korudol used is the one Leol controls, and it's guarded by many who despise humans."
"Korudol must have known that, yet he still led the humans through that way. And after they entered, there were no signs of a struggle. That means something's definitely happened in the nest. Even those who hated humans must have submitted!"
"But... but—"
The younger sister still found it hard to believe, but before she could voice more doubts, she noticed a peculiar gleam in her brother's eyes.
"Sister, do you want to visit the human world?"
"???"
"Look, something major just went down in the nest. If we go back now, we might get caught up in it. Why not take this opportunity to leave and enjoy ourselves in the human world instead?"
"That way, by the time we return, whatever happened in the nest might already be resolved!"
"But... what if Leol and the others come after us later?"
The younger sister wavered, clearly tempted but still hesitant.
"We'll just say we got captured by humans."
The older brother smirked.
"Remember how Chiona disappeared? They said he was killed by humans. If we're questioned, we'll claim we were being hunted by humans and barely managed to escape!"
The more he spoke, the more convinced he became. His voice grew more animated as an idea suddenly struck him.
"Or better yet, let's not come back at all. Let them assume we died at the hands of humans, just like Chiona!"
His words sent a jolt through his younger sister, who still held onto the Chimera Ant instinct of loyalty to the Queen.
"How could we do that? Our duty is to serve Her Majesty—"
To hell with Her Majesty!
The older brother, who had never been one for following orders, felt nothing but disdain for the Queen ever since regaining memories of his past life.
Before his sister could finish, he cut her off impatiently.
"Stop overthinking it. Are you coming or not? If you won't, I'll go alone!"
"I..."
The younger sister hesitated, torn between instinct and desire.
"Don't forget, the human world is full of all kinds of delicious food. Don't you want to try the delicacies the Queen once tasted?"
"I'M IN!"
That was the final push she needed. Gritting her teeth, she finally caved.
"But let's be clear—I'll come back once I've had my fill of fun!"
"Yeah, yeah, whatever you say~!"
With that, the two siblings set off covertly toward the east, eager to leave behind the desolate nest and enter human civilization.
To the east of NGL lay the Republic of Rokario, with the closest city being the very place Gon and Killua were currently staying.
After another round of intense training under Bisky, Gon and Killua had challenged Knuckle again—only to lose once more.
They watched as Knuckle and Shoot followed Morel into NGL, leaving them no choice but to return to the city, burdened by the sting of failure...
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Fanfic is completed on patreon.com/FanficsHub (799 chapters in total)