In response to Guysha's query, Meruem's eyes conveyed an overwhelming sense of confusion and bewilderment as he continuously drank glass after glass.
Throughout this time, fleeting images of Komugi frail figure kept invading his thoughts. Feelings of helplessness, confusion, and pain surged, triggering an emergence of humanity within Meruem's heart, a facet that had never existed before.
After a while, perhaps due to the influence of alcohol or the latent humanity within him, amidst the attentive gazes of Ron, Guysha, and others, Meruem uttered in a measured, chilling tone:
"I want to defeat her..."
"But I don't want her to perish!"
"In her, I sensed human consciousness for the first time—a different essence."
"The moment I saw her 'bruised' by an eagle, I felt overwhelmed by humanity."
"I'm also uncertain about myself..."
Meruem's voice trembled slightly, torn between his human and animal nature, exposing his vulnerable heart to the open air.
For the first time since his birth, he realized that power wasn't about absolute violence or senseless annihilation of life—it was about protection. Witnessing Mai's injuries made him recognize her significance and instilled a desire within him to shield her.
"Has the human nature within me triumphed over the animalistic one?" he pondered.
Guysha furrowed her brow slightly, remarking in a composed tone, "It appears the young girl warmed your heart."
Ron nodded in agreement, stating, "He's a genuinely pure soul. This purity makes him the sole individual in this world who sees the radiance within Mai and cares for such a fragile being."
Likewise, Komugi was perhaps the sole individual who perceived the radiance emanating from Meruem's essence.
Maybe...
A fundamentally pure Meruem wasn't fit to be a king from the start. But he had no say in the matter. Ever since his birth into this world, his subconsciousness echoed, "I am the king of the world!"
"Radiance?" Meruem looked at Ron with confusion. "My name signifies the light that illuminates everything, yet I can't see the light..."
"I am a king, but who am I? What am I destined for?"
Having discovered the tavern's true power, Meruem no longer perceived himself as an invincible king. Instead, he sought to communicate and listen, yearning to discover his true self through the words of others.
Guysha spoke gently, "View things from your ant colony's perspective. You are the light that dispels darkness and illuminates the ants. Born during the darkest period of the ant colony, you'll guide them from darkness and peril towards a brighter future."
Ron halted for a moment and added, "You are not defined by... You're simply Meruem, that's all."
Hearing these words, Meruem paused briefly. The perplexity etched on his face gradually faded away. Finally, the inner question found its answer.
At that precise moment, Guysha and Ron exchanged a glance, sharing a knowing smile that implied a deep-seated understanding, as if they had known each other for years.
Observing this, Rem, Ram, and others around couldn't help but become wary. Lucoa chuckled softly, "Oh, if this continues, there won't be many bullets left in the gun."
Tohru, placing his hands on his hips, remarked plainly, "Ron dislikes ancient women who have lived for ten thousand years!"
This banter caused Rem to smile faintly, even though she remained vigilant.
However, Lucoa, momentarily stunned, registered the implication behind the term "lived for ten thousand years." An old woman?
After pondering deeply with Meruem, the tavern returned to its original ambiance. In the vast expanse, the clinking of wine glasses echoed, alongside Shendu and his son's banter. Meanwhile, intermittent sounds of fighting and howling emanated from outside.
Meruem slowly set down his wine glass and began to speak:
"Boss, do you believe humans can peacefully coexist with chimeric ants?"
"I strive to create a fair and perfect world!"
Throughout, Meruem remained dedicated to exploring how he could evolve into a worthy king. With an active commitment to learning, exploring, and experiencing.
Ron shook his head slightly in response, "You'd do well not to entertain such naive thoughts."
"Remember," he continued, "Any species that poses a threat to humans, unless domesticated like dogs, will be viewed as a threat and humans will instinctively seek to eradicate it. It's human nature."
Shendu and his son regarded Meruem with contempt. To them, he was akin to a demon—a being born with a ferocious and violent nature, possessing the strongest power, yet striving for 'equality' in the world. They found his intentions to protect the weak without oppressing them ludicrous.
"I understand," Meruem replied calmly. Finishing the last sip of wine, leaving payment on the table, he rose to depart.
"Please visit again," Ron sighed, bidding farewell with a smile, hoping for another encounter with Meruem.
He was both fortunate and unfortunate—living only thirty-eight days. Fortunate for encountering Komugi, the blind girl who humanized him.
"I'll be back often. I've learned a lot from you and her," Meruem expressed before leaving.
As he exited the tavern, he disregarded Rayleigh and Akainu's presence, disappearing into the sunlight.
In a fleeting moment, Meruem envisioned a girl with closed eyes, eagerly greeting him: "[Commander-in-Chief, you're back.]"
"It's time to play chess. Go and set up the board," she added.
"By the way, my real name is Meruem!"
At that moment, Meruem's lips curled into a faint smile, marking his first genuine smile from the depths of his heart.
At that moment, a visitor interrupted the atmosphere in the tavern.
Guysha, filled with curiosity, asked, "I wonder what fate awaits him?"
"What will become of the ant clan?" she inquired further.
Ron replied softly, "Perhaps their tale concludes in demise."
"Though, some ants might survive. They exist within a cycle of growth through consumption, seeking personal advancement at the cost of aggression and bloodshed."
Guysha nodded thoughtfully, contemplating Ron's words deeply.
The tavern's door swung open forcefully. Akainu's body was hurled in by Rayleigh, crashing onto the floor with impact.
"Thank you, Shendu. Returning your Talisman now. I'm off!" Rayleigh swiftly departed.
The assembled group turned their attention to the battered Akainu lying on the ground. His injuries were severe, notably on his face and kidneys. Fortunately, the fusion with the Second Generation divine body facilitated visible healing of his wounds.
"Rayleigh truly targeted those kidneys," Ron remarked, receiving nods of agreement.
Weakness in that area often leads to a disdainful attitude towards others excelling beyond oneself.
Suddenly, the tavern's doorbell chimed again.
*jingle*...
The interruption hinted at the arrival of another visitor.