Chapter 25: Chimera Ants - His Arrival

Kai went to the coordinates his grandfather Zeno Zoldyck sent, but it took him a week or two because he was far away from the destination. He was currently in the Yorbian continent, where he had been exploring the kingdom of Loria and the empire of Raxus.

He needed to go to the Hunter Headquarters, which was located in the Azian continent, where the Chimera Ants had invaded. He had to travel by land, sea, and air, using various modes of transportation, such as trains, boats, and airships.

He had to cross different terrains and climates, such as mountains, deserts, and jungles. He had to face some obstacles and delays, such as bad weather, traffic jams, and checkpoints. He had to hurry and make his way to the Hunter Headquarters as fast as he could.

Kai arrives at the Hunter Headquarters, which is a large and impressive building located in the Azian continent. The building is made of glass and steel, with a modern and futuristic design. It has many floors and rooms, each with a different function and purpose. It has a lobby and a reception, where visitors and guests are welcomed and registered, a conference hall and a briefing room, where meetings and presentations are held and conducted, a large library and a museum, where books and artifacts are stored and displayed, cafeteria and a lounge, where food and drinks are served and enjoyed.

It has a gym and a training room, where physical and mental exercises are done and practiced. It has a hospital and a laboratory, where medical and scientific services are provided and performed. It has a hangar and a garage, where vehicles and equipment are kept and maintained. It has a security room and a control room, where surveillance and communication are monitored and operated. It has many other facilities and amenities, which make it a comfortable and convenient place to stay and work.

Kai meets the other hunters in the briefing room. They are a varied and skilled bunch, with different backgrounds, specialties, languages, ages, genders, clothes, personalities, expressions, hatsu's, weapons, goals, and motives. They are all hunters, who love and do the same job.

Zeno: "Kai, I'm glad you made it. You look good." He smiled warmly as he saw his grandson walk into the briefing room. He was wearing a black leather jacket over a dark green shirt, and a pair of gray cargo pants with black boots. He had a pair of silver tonfas strapped to his waist, and a black backpack that contained his assembled sniper rifle. His hair was short and spiky, and his eyes were bright and sharp. He looked like a young and handsome version of Zeno, with a touch of his own style and flair.

Kai: "Thanks, Grandpa. You look good too." He grinned back as he hugged his grandfather. He was wearing a white suit with a black tie, and a pair of black shoes. He had a pair of round glasses on his nose, and a pair of earrings on his ears. His hair was long and sleek, and his beard was neatly trimmed. He looked like an old and wise version of Kai, with a touch of his own elegance and charm.

Zeno: "Come, let me introduce you to some of the hunters who will be joining us on this mission. They are some of the best and the brightest in the Hunter Association."

Kai: "Okay, Grandpa. I'm looking forward to meeting them."

Zeno: "This is Netero. He is the chairman of the Hunter Association and the leader of this mission. He is also one of the strongest and most respected hunters in the world." He gestured to a man who was standing next to him. He was wearing a black suit with a white shirt, and a pair of black gloves. He had a pair of golden earrings on his ears, and a pair of golden bracelets on his wrists.

His hair was short and white, and his eyebrows were thick and bushy. His face was wrinkled and scarred, but his eyes were bright and lively. He had a smile that was both friendly and mischievous. He looked like an old man who had lived a long and adventurous life, but still had a lot of energy and spirit.

Netero: "Hello, Kai. I've heard a lot about you from your grandfather. You have quite a reputation as a hunter and an adventurer."

Kai: "Hello, Chairman. It's an honor to meet you. I've heard a lot about you too. You're a legend among hunters and a hero to many."

Netero: "Thank you, Kai. You're very kind. I hope we can work well together on this mission and just call me grandpa Netero." Netero laughs while stroking his beard with his right arm.

Kai:"All right Grandpa Netero and i look working together with you too. I hope we can succeed and save the world."

Zeno: "This is Morel. He is a sea hunter and a master of smoke manipulation. He is also one of Netero's closest friends and allies." He pointed to a man who was standing behind him. He was wearing a blue coat with a white shirt, and a pair of brown pants with black shoes. He had a pair of sunglasses on his forehead, and a pair of headphones on his ears. His hair was long and black, and his beard was thick and curly. His face was rugged and handsome, but his expression was serious and stern.

He had a pipe that was emitting smoke in his mouth, and a giant pipe that was his weapon in his hand. He looked like a man who had spent a lot of time in the sea, but also had a lot of skill and experience.

Morel: "Hi, Kai. I'm Morel. Nice to meet you."

Kai: "Hi, Morel. I'm Kai. Nice to meet you too."

Morel: "You're Zeno's grandson, right? You look a lot like him."

Kai: "Yeah, I'm his grandson. And yeah, I guess I do look like him."

Morel: "Well, that's a good thing. He's a great hunter and a great man. You should be proud of him."

Kai: "I am proud of him. He's my grandfather and my mentor. He taught me everything I know."

Morel: "That's awesome. He taught me a lot too. He's one of my role models."

Kai: "Really? That's cool."

Morel: "Yeah, really. He's cool too."

Zeno: "Meet Knov, the infiltration hunter who can bend space to his will. He has a sharp mind and a calm demeanor, but don't let his gentle appearance fool you. He is one of Netero's most loyal and capable allies, and he will do whatever it takes to complete the mission." He pointed to a man who was standing behind him. He has short blond hair that frames his face, blue eyes that sparkle with intelligence, and a thin mustache that gives him a refined look. He usually wears a dark suit and tie, with a white shirt and a pocket square.

Knov: "Greetings, Kai. I'm Knov. A pleasure to meet you."

Kai: "Greetings, Knov. I'm Kai. A pleasure to meet you too."

Knov: "You're Zeno's grandson, huh? You have quite a potential as a hunter and an assassin."

Kai: "Yeah, I'm his grandson. And yeah, I guess I do have some potential."

Knov: "Well, that's impressive. You have quite a talent for nen and hatsu."

Kai: "Thank you, Knov. You're very skilled too. Your space manipulation hatsu is amazing."

Knov: "Thank you, Kai. You're very observant. Your dragon eye hatsu is impressive too."

Kai: "Thanks, Knov. You're very flattering."

Knov: "No, I'm just being honest."

Zeno: "This is Shoot, the beast hunter who can control and launch his own body parts. He is a master of manipulation and emission, and he can create a floating cage to trap his enemies. He is also one of Morel's students and disciples, and he has a strong sense of duty and justice." He pointed to a man who was standing behind Morel. He has long black hair that covers his right eye, a scar on his left cheek, and a bandage on his nose. He wears a green jacket with a fur collar, a white shirt, black pants, and brown boots. He also carries a backpack with his weapons inside.

Shoot: "Hello, Kai. I'm Shoot. It's nice to meet you."

Kai: "Hello, Shoot. I'm Kai. It's nice to meet you too."

Shoot: "You're Zeno's grandson, aren't you? You have quite a courage as a hunter and an adventurer."

Kai: "Yes, I'm his grandson. And yes, I suppose I do have some courage."

Shoot: "Well, that's admirable. You have quite a spirit for fighting and exploring."

Kai: "Thanks, Shoot. You're very brave too. Your manipulation and emission hatsu is awesome."

Shoot: "Thanks, Kai. You're very kind. Your dragon fist hatsu is awesome too."

Kai: "Thank you, Shoot. You're very generous."

He also meets some of his old friends and acquaintances again, such as Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio, who greet him warmly and catch up with him.

He is especially surprised to see his twin brother Killua, who suddenly dashes towards him with a hug. However, Kai is quick to dodge his brother's embrace and ruffles his hair playfully, making Killua pout and complain.

Gon: "Kai! It's so good to see you again! How have you been?"

Kurapika: "Yes, it's been a long time. You look well."

Leorio: "Hey, Kai, welcome back! You've grown a lot since we last met."

Kai: "Thanks, guys. I'm glad to see you too. You all look great as well."

Killua: "Kai! I missed you so much!" suddenly runs towards him.

Kai: "Whoa, watch out!" reflexively dodges and immediately ruffles his hair.

Killua: "Hey, stop that! That's annoying!"

Kai: "Haha, sorry. I couldn't resist. You're still so cute and innocent."

Killua: "I'm not cute or innocent! I'm a badass assassin and hunter!"

Kai: "Sure, sure. Whatever you say, little brother. So, what have you guys been up to? Have you improved your skills and nen?" asks the question to them after ruffling Killua's hair.

Gon: "Yeah, we have. We've been training a lot and learning new things."

Kurapika: "We've also been working on our goals. I've been hunting down the Phantom Troupe and recovering the eyes of my clan."

Leorio: "And I've been studying to become a doctor and helping people in need."

Kai: "That's awesome. I'm proud of you guys. You've come a long way."

Killua: "What about you, Kai? What have you been doing?"

Kai: "Well, I've been traveling around the world and exploring different places. I've also been honing my nen and fighting skills. But what about you guys? have you improved since I last saw you?"

Killua: "Of course I have. I've learned a lot from Bisky and Alluka. I've also developed new abilities with my nen."

Gon: "Me too. I've been training with Wing and Zushi. I've also unlocked my potential with my nen."

Kurapika: "I've also improved my nen and skills. I've mastered the Scarlet Eyes and the Emperor Time. I've also learned new techniques with my chains."

Leorio: "I've also improved my nen and skills. I've learned how to use my nen to heal and scan people. I've also learned how to fight with my fists and a knife."

Kai: "Wow, you guys are amazing. You've all grown so much. I'm impressed."

Kai was then summoned by Zeno, who informed him of his assignment. He was to join a team led by Morel, along with him were Knuckle, the beast hunter and the master of interest manipulation, and Meleoron, the chameleon chimera ant and the master of invisibility. They were to infiltrate the palace and take down the royal guards.

Zeno: "Kai, I have a mission for you. You are to join Morel's team and infiltrate the palace. Your target is the royal guards."

Kai: "The royal guards? You mean those powerful chimera ants?"

Zeno: "Yes, those. They are extremely dangerous and must be eliminated. Morel will brief you on the details."

Kai: "I understand. When do we leave?"

Zeno: "As soon as possible. The others are waiting for you outside."

Kai: "Alright. I'll be ready in a minute."

Zeno: "Good luck, Kai. And be careful."

Morel then leads Kai to his team's vehicle, where Knuckle and Meleoron are waiting. He introduces them to Kai and explains their roles and abilities. He also outlines their mission and their strategy. Meleoron then shares his story and his race with them. Kai listens attentively and learns more about the Chimera Ants.

Morel: "Kai, this is Knuckle and Meleoron. They are your teammates for this mission."

Knuckle: "Hey, nice to meet you. You're Zeno's grandson, right?"

Meleoron: "Hello, I'm Meleoron. I'm a chimera ant, but I'm on your side."

Kai: "Hi, I'm Kai. It's a pleasure to work with you. You're a chimera ant?"

Meleoron: "Yes, I am. But I'm different from the others. I used to be a human, until the Queen ate me and gave birth to me again."

Kai: "That's…incredible. How did that happen?"

Meleoron: "It's a long story. But basically, the Queen is a creature from the Dark Continent, a place beyond this world. She came here and started eating humans and animals, and incorporating their genes into her offspring. That's how she created the chimera ants, a hybrid race of different species."

Kai: "I see. And what is her goal?"

Meleoron: "Her goal is to create the King, the ultimate being who can rule over everything. She succeeded in giving birth to him, but he killed her and left with his royal guards. They are now in the palace, preparing for something called the Selection."

Kai: "The Selection? What is that?"

Meleoron: "It's a process where they will gather millions of humans and feed them to the King, so he can absorb their nen and become stronger. They also plan to create more offspring with the King's genes, and spread them across the world."

Kai: "That's horrible. We have to stop them."

Morel: "That's why we're here. Our mission is to infiltrate the palace and take down the royal guards. They are the King's strongest protectors, and they have incredible nen abilities. We have to eliminate them before they can interfere with our allies."

Kai: "Who are our allies?"

Morel: "They are Netero, Zeno, Gon, Killua, Knov, Shoot, Palm, and Ikalgo. They are also part of this operation, and they have their own roles and targets."

Kai: "I see. And what are our roles and targets?"

Morel: "Our role is to use Meleoron's ability to sneak into the palace undetected. He can make himself and anyone he touches invisible and undetectable by nen. He can also hold his breath and stop his heartbeat, making him completely silent."

Kai: "That's amazing."

Meleoron: "Thanks. But it has a limit. I can only use it for as long as I can hold my breath. If I breathe or talk, it will deactivate."

Kai: "I understand. So we have to be very careful."

Morel: "Exactly. And our target is Pouf, the second royal guard. He is a butterfly-like chimera ant who can manipulate his cells and create clones of himself or others. He is also very loyal to the King and very cunning."

Kai: "I see. How do we fight him?"

Morel: "We don't. We avoid him as much as possible. Our goal is not to kill him, but to distract him and keep him away from the King and our allies. We will use Knuckle's ability to do that."

Knuckle: "That's right. My ability is called Hakoware, or Potclean in English. It's a nen beast that looks like a cute doggy bank. It can attach itself to anyone I punch with my aura, and start charging them interest on their aura."

Kai: "Interest on their aura? What does that mean?"

Knuckle: "It means that every 10 seconds, their aura will increase by 10% of what they owe me. And every time they use their aura, they will pay me back some of what they owe me. But if they ever run out of aura before paying me back everything they owe me, they will go bankrupt and lose their nen for a month."

Kai: "Wow, that sounds very powerful."

Knuckle: "It is, but it also has some drawbacks. First of all, I have to punch them with my aura to activate it, which means I have to get close to them and risk getting hit by their attacks. Second of all, I can only use it on one person at a time, which means I have to choose my target carefully and stick with them until they go bankrupt or I cancel it myself. And third of all, it doesn't work on people who have more aura than me or who can hide their aura well."

Kai: "I see. So it's not a surefire way to win, but it can give us an advantage."

Knuckle: "Exactly. And that's what we need against Pouf. He has a lot of aura and he can split it into many clones, making it hard to track him down and hit him. But if we can manage to attach Hakoware to one of his clones, we can force him to either waste his aura or lose his nen. Either way, we can keep him busy and away from the King and our allies."

Kai: "I get it. That sounds like a good plan."

Morel: "It is. But it's also very risky and difficult. We have to be very careful and coordinated. We have to trust each other and work as a team."

Kai: "Don't worry. I trust you guys. And I'm ready to do my part."

Then suddenly Kai asked a difficult question to them.

Kai: " what we should do if we are to split up and faces a royal guard alone?"

The other hunters looked at Kai with surprise and concern. They knew the royal guards were the strongest and most loyal servants of the king, and facing one alone would be a suicide mission. They wondered why Kai would ask such a question, and what he was planning to do.

Morel: "That's a very unlikely scenario, Kai. We're not here to fight the royal guards, we're here to distract Pouf and keep him away from the king. Our priority is to avoid any unnecessary confrontation and focus on our target."

Kai: "I know, Morel. But we have to be prepared for anything. The palace is crawling with chimera ants, and we don't know what they're capable of. What if one of us gets separated from the group and runs into a royal guard? What if we have to face Youpi, the most powerful and brutal of them all?"

Knuckle: "That's why we have our abilities, Kai. We can use them to escape or stall them until we regroup. We have Meleoron, who can make us invisible and undetectable. We have Morel, who can create smoke soldiers and hide us in his smoke. And we have you, who can use your lightning strike and dragon fist to deal some damage and shock them."

Kai: "I know, Knuckle. But we have to be realistic. Our abilities are not enough to defeat them, only to delay them. And they are not stupid, they will figure out our tricks sooner or later. We have to be ready to face them head on, if it comes to that."

Meleoron: "That's why we have our courage, Kai. We can use it to face them with dignity and honor. We are hunters, after all. We are not afraid of death, only of failure. We have a mission, and we will do whatever it takes to accomplish it."

Kai: "I know, Meleoron. But we have to be smart. We can't just throw our lives away for nothing. We have to make sure our sacrifice is worth it. We have to make sure we give our allies a chance to succeed."

Morel: "That's why we have our strategy, Kai. We can use it to make the best of our situation and maximize our chances of survival and victory. We have a plan, and we will follow it as closely as possible. We will stick together as much as we can, and communicate with each other as much as we can. We will use our strengths and cover our weaknesses. We will adapt to the circumstances and improvise if necessary."

Kai: "I know, Morel. And I trust you guys. I'm sorry if I sounded pessimistic or doubtful. I just wanted to make sure we are on the same page and ready for anything."

Morel: "Don't worry, Kai. We understand where you're coming from. And we appreciate your concern and honesty. You're a good friend and a good hunter."

Knuckle: "Yeah, Kai. You're awesome and cool. And you have a badass ability that can shock anyone."

Meleoron: "Yeah, Kai. You're amazing and handsome. And you have a beautiful smile that can melt anyone's heart."

Kai: "Thanks guys. You're making me blush."

Morel: "Alright, enough with the compliments. Let's get serious now. We're about to enter the palace soon. Go and get ready."

Kai feels a rush of excitement as he gets ready for the upcoming showdown. He zips up his black leather jacket over his dark green shirt, and tugs on his gray cargo pants with black boots.

He fastens his silver tonfas to his waist, and slings his black backpack over his shoulder. Inside, his sniper rifle is assembled and loaded, waiting for the right moment to strike. He runs his fingers through his short and spiky hair, and flashes a confident smile. His eyes are bright and sharp, like Zeno's, but with a hint of his own flair and charm. He looks like a young and handsome assassin, eager for action.

He takes a deep breath and tries to calm his nerves. He knows he will face some of the most dangerous creatures in the world, so he activates his two hatsu's: dragon fist and dragon eye.

With dragon fist, he can enhance his physical strength and speed, and unleash powerful punches that can shatter rocks. With dragon eye, he can see the aura and movements of his enemies, and predict their attacks and weaknesses. He also taps into his developed ability, lightning strike, which allows him to imbue his attacks with lightning, adding extra damage and shock.

He runs through some combat scenarios in his mind, visualizing how he will use his skills to take down the chimera ants. He imagines striking them with his lightning-infused tonfas, dodging their claws and fangs with his enhanced reflexes, and finishing them off with a devastating dragon fist. He clenches his fists and grits his teeth, determined to survive and protect his teammates.