Chapter 1

This story takes place in an alternate universe in which Meruem and the Royal Guard successfully fend off the Hunter Association and acquire the NGL and other smaller surrounding countries. Meruem and Komugi continued their games of gungi on the side for the next 4 years, alongside a casual sexual relationship, while also expanding the UI, or the United Illuminant, the new name of the NGL. The UI was transformed into a democratic socialist country, with ants being commonly elected because of the strong cultural belief in natural brute strength and intellect.

Shaiapouf sat in his chair just around the corner from the room Meruem and Komugi played their game, he stalked them and took frequent glares at Komugi from his book.

Indeed he hasn't become a true king yet, and the possibly of him becoming one is small now. Shaiapouf thought to himself as he skimmed through the words of his book. But, the expansion of the United Illuminant has not been as fast as it possibly could be, and the people seem to agree. He turned the page as he pretended to read. But alas, our king is still our king, whether he moves slowly and methodically, or runs like a stallion.

But, that girl. Shaiapouf's eyes widened with anger, he lifted the book to hide them. She is the antithesis of a strong leader. So narrow minded, meek, the sole reason for the lethargy at which are nation crawls.

Shaiapouf watches as Meruem makes his next move. Suddenly, something changes, Meruem changes his posture, so does Komugi. He looks at her as words escape his mouth. Shaiapouf lifts his head to listen, he no longer hid his interest in the situation.

"I... lost." Komugi muttered as she shook in front of the board. She grabbed her skull and turned her head side to side in an attempt to understand the situation. "I... well..." Komugi said before standing up as she glared at Meruem with her blind eyes.

"That's it, Supreme Leader, I'm finished." Komugi said with a shaky voice. "Allow me to..."

"What's the matter, Komugi? You knew I'd win someday." Meruem said.

"It's time for me to... you know." Komugi said before her face relaxed into a dead glance. "...die." Shaiapouf looked in awe and Meruem lowered his head unsure of what to say.

"Ok." Meruem said. Shaiapouf jolted out of his chair and gawked at Meruem. "Shaiapouf?" Meruem gazed at Shaiapouf, still sat down on the ground next to the gungi board.

"M-My King!" Shaiapouf said. "She said-"

"I know." Meruem said. "Don't make me repeat myself. She'll die tomorrow." Komugi stood in front of Meruem with a blank face.

"Thank you, Supreme Leader." Komugi said as she bowed down. She walked out of the room with her cane.

"Pouf." Meruem said. "Do you feel it?"

"Feel what, my King?" Shaiapouf asked.

"The feeling that weighs down on my heart." Meruem said. "For I have to break a promise."

"What do you mean, my King?" Shaiapouf asked.

"She won't die, I can't let her." Meruem said.

"But what is a King that doesn't keep his word?" Shaiapouf replied. "How will Komugi react? Will she even continue to play?"

"It's true that once the promise is broken, she will be worse at the game." Meruem said. "Her covenant will be broken, eliminating her hatsu."

"So what is your plan, my King?" Shaiapouf said.

"We have to change her mind." Meruem said. "We have to change her."

"I.." Shaiapouf began to speak. Meruem stood up and walked past Shaiapouf.

"Where's Pitou?" Meruem asked.

"I believe they're a representative at Zone 4." Shaiapouf responded.

"We must summon them." Meruem said.

"You think they can..." Shaiapouf asked before he trailed off.

"They have to, Komugi's life depends on it." Meruem responded.