But logically speaking…
However, it was clear that Neferpitou didn't understand this at all.
It only considered everything Killua said from the perspective of a Chimera Ant.
And so, the conclusion it reached was…
It's very likely!!
Neferpitou's throat moved slightly as she put herself in the other side's shoes, trying to imagine the situation from their perspective.
If it were on the opposing side, it would absolutely take such actions!!
Especially considering the human in front of it, who appeared to be a cold-blooded killer!!
They would definitely do anything, whatever it took, to defeat the king, to bring down his majesty.
Neferpitou couldn't help but let its thoughts wander, imagining the scenario…
"Letting his majesty fall into danger? How could I allow that?!!"
"No! That absolutely cannot be permitted!!"
Just thinking about the possibility that the death of this human girl might trigger an emotional reaction in the king… which could lead to a huge mental shock and then be exploited by these humans… and that physical harm might follow as a result…
A double blow like that would deal unimaginable damage to the king.
Neferpitou absolutely could not allow something like that to happen!!
But at the same time, she couldn't allow herself to be completely restrained here.
If the king returned to it injured, Neferpitou would undoubtedly go completely berserk, charging out without hesitation.
It also couldn't just sit by and watch the king be harmed in front of its eyes and do nothing.
So, after an intense mental struggle, finally…
"I can stay here quietly..."
Neferpitou said in a low voice. It had no choice but to accept this condition.
But…
"But I also can't just sit still if I see his majesty being harmed in front of me, or even if I find out that he is... being attacked..."
This was Neferpitou's final bottom line: "If I see, or even just know, that his majesty is being harmed... Even if that means this girl dies because of me, I will break this agreement, and I will go to him!!!"
If Komugi's death ends up affecting the king, that would be something to deal with later.
But if the king is being harmed right now, then as one of the royal guards, her fundamental duty would not allow her to just stand by.
Its entire purpose, everything it existed for, was based solely on the king's safety.
And Killua understood this all too well.
"No problem."
He agreed readily: "Likewise, in exchange, we'll keep our eyes on you here."
Being able to keep one of the royal guards bound in this place and unable to interfere with the battlefield was the best possible result.
Weakening the enemy's fighting force was the greatest contribution they could make.
As for Neferpitou threatening to leave if she learns the king is harmed…
With just the two of them, they'd be powerless to stop it anyway.
All they could do was buy as much time as they could.
If everything went according to plan, Lan would've already taken the king and Chairman Netero far away for battle.
If the commotion from that fight didn't reach here, maybe, just maybe, they could keep Neferpitou trapped here.
Then, the rest of the extermination team could take care of Menthuthuyoupi and Shaiapouf.
If that all worked out, then their mission would be considered a success.
It all seemed... almost too perfect.
"So, is this good enough?"
Nearby, Gon was already prepared to take action at any moment.
But now... It seemed like maybe, just maybe... they wouldn't have to fight at all.
"Yeah. For now, it's fine."
Killua gave a slight nod. At this point, things were just agreed upon verbally.
No one could say for sure what would happen next.
Just like how, before they broke into the palace, they had no idea… that they would find a human girl here, one that meant so much to the Ant King.
This was one of those unexpected developments; just like Kite had said, battlefield changes in an instant.
All they could do was remain vigilant and adaptable.
Especially considering that Gon's father and Knov were also somewhere in this palace.
Who would win between Netero and the Ant King was still unknown.
But since Lan was here, Killua believed there was no doubt about the outcome on this side.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have been so casual about letting Gon and him walk straight in.
Gon and Killua simply sat down on the floor of the room, watching as Neferpitou began treating Komugi.
The entire room and the surrounding space fell into absolute silence.
Meanwhile, over in the central tower's throne room, the air was filled with Shaiapouf's scales, almost blanketing the whole area.
When facing an attack, all living things usually respond with a mixture of alertness, determination, and confidence.
Shaiapouf narrowed his eyes, observing the man in front of him who remained completely calm and composed.
"From this man... I see none of those emotions."
"Calm, composed, even... indifferent."
"This kind of indifference... How is that possible?!"
Shaiapouf couldn't believe it. Yet his scales couldn't detect any mental fluctuations from this man.
Even trying to probe with words to shake the man's emotions yielded nothing.
The feedback from his scales told him it was all useless.
This opponent was someone entirely different from anyone he'd ever faced.
Shaiapouf's internal alert level shot through the roof.
Not only was he unable to disturb the opponent's emotions, but his own mood was also being thrown off.
And in that moment…
Boom!
The brilliant wings on Shaiapouf's back burst into radiant beams of light.
In an instant, they wrapped around his entire body, completely concealing him, not revealing a single inch.
After all, Spiritual Message wasn't his only Nen ability!
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