Law had gathered more detailed intelligence.
He relayed the information in a calm, orderly manner.
After listening to Law's report, Netero stroked his beard in silence.
Two months… that was the timeframe experts gave for the King's birth.
Although it was unclear when the Chimera Ants began building their nest, this timeframe still held some reference value.
In Netero's plan, if a direct assault was possible, they would launch one immediately and eliminate the Queen.
If a direct assault wasn't feasible, they would utilize Morel's and Knov's abilities to gradually weaken the Chimera Ant's forces, then swallow them whole.
Plans needed adjustment based on evolving intelligence. Using Dafifi as a reference point, it was clear the Chimera Ant soldiers were not weak, making a direct assault a very unwise choice.
Netero fell deep in thought. Meanwhile, Morel looked at Dafifi and asked gravely, "Were they really that difficult to deal with?"
He was familiar with Dafifi, so he understood Dafifi's strength.
That's precisely why he asked again.
Dafifi couldn't help but glance at the calm-faced Law, then turned to Morel with a sigh. "You see the state I'm in."
The intelligence had been provided. The Chimera Ants' physical constitution and Manifested Aura Capacity were not inferior to those of a top-tier Hunter.
Using him as a reference, they were stronger than him.
The most troublesome aspect wasn't that the Chimera Ants knew how to develop Nen Abilities, but their near-beast-like instinctual mastery of Ryu.
Freely manipulating Aura, combined with incredibly resilient bodies, was enough to leave even the most offensive Enhancement-type Nen Users with no clear opening.
Hearing Dafifi's self-deprecation, Morel scratched his head, his gaze shifting to Knov.
Another member of the Chimera Ant Extermination Team, Knov wore a sleek black suit and had neatly combed short black hair.
He had a scholarly appearance and wore glasses.
Being chosen by Netero was testament to his strength. Moreover, his [Hide-and-Seek] ability held indispensable tactical value.
Noticing Morel's gaze, Knov adjusted his glasses but didn't comment.
'A Nen User's strength wasn't solely determined by the quantity of their Manifested Aura.'
'Intelligence was for reference only... Besides, combat wasn't limited to frontal assaults.'
These thoughts remained in Knov's mind.
He wasn't familiar with Dafifi but knew Dafifi was Morel's friend. Speaking certain truths might cause offense.
Thus, he chose silence.
Law calmly observed everyone present, his gaze eventually settling on Knov.
Hide-and-Seek.
Law's impression of this ability was extremely deep. As a spatial ability, he believed Knov's Hide-and-Seek completely outclassed Kuro's Pocket Dimension.
He had always wanted a similar ability, but such a unique ability like Hide-and-Seek wasn't something one could simply develop at will.
"Is there something on my face?" Knov suddenly looked at Law.
Law replied calmly, "No."
Knov quietly watched Law, seemingly waiting for him to continue. When Law said nothing more, he shifted his gaze back to the deep-in-thought Netero.
Law didn't mind. A flicker of contemplation crossed his eyes.
'Hide-and-Seek...'
'This ability seemed tailor-made for an environment like the Dark Continent.'
'I wonder if Knov had any interest in the Dark Continent.'
During this informal meeting discussing the Chimera Ants, Law's thoughts inadvertently strayed from the main topic to the Dark Continent.
'No… focus on the main task.'
Law silently suppressed his wandering thoughts and, like Knov, looked at the contemplative Netero.
Perhaps sensing everyone's gaze, Netero slowly looked up, emerging from his thoughts. He said seriously, "First, locate the nest. Then we'll decide our strategy."
"That seems to be the only way," Morel nodded.
Knov added, "So, we depart immediately?"
"Without delay," Netero smiled.
Thus, Law and the other three left the town, heading for eastern East Gorteau.
Dafifi and Ponzu stayed behind. Later, Wayne and Pokkle would come to assist them.
The journey from the western forest to the town took three days because of the injured Dafifi and the weakened Ponzu.
Now, with Law, Netero, Morel, and Knov… all elite fighters, they naturally wouldn't travel at a leisurely pace.
They each moved at their fastest speed.
Instantly, Morel and Knov stared dumbfounded as Law and Netero shot ahead like the wind, mercilessly leaving them behind.
"The Chairman really is... spry for his age," Morel muttered, a bead of sweat on his forehead.
"Instead of marveling, we should pick up the pace," Knov said gravely.
The two ran side by side across the vast plain.
Far ahead, Law and Netero had shrunk to two tiny black dots.
"This is my top speed. How about you?" Morel asked awkwardly.
"Same."
Knov's eyes remained calm.
After a moment, he asked, "What's that person's background?"
"You mean Law?" Morel asked.
"Yes."
Knov stared at the distant black dots.
"He's Zodiac [Monkey]," Morel replied.
A hint of helplessness flashed in Knov's eyes. He said no more, focusing on the journey.
,,,
Night fell.
Law and Netero, leading the way, simultaneously halted, waiting for Knov and Morel to catch up.
"About thirty kilometers in that direction is the approximate location where I found Dafifi," Law said, pointing.
Netero nodded, then looked back the way they came. "At their speed, they'll probably take about three more hours to catch up."
Hearing this, Law scanned the silent forest surroundings and said calmly, "Before they catch up, do you want to stretch your limbs a bit?"
"Unfortunately, we can't alert the enemy just yet," Netero shook his head.
On the way, they had intermittently noticed Chimera Ant squads heading out or returning, each time bringing back a batch of humans.
Eliminating those few Chimera Ant squads wouldn't be difficult, but it would alert the enemy.
Law said nothing more, found a spot, and sat on the ground.
After a while, Law looked at Netero and asked, "Old man, have you... installed something inside your body?"
"Installed something?"
Netero looked puzzled.
Seeing Netero's reaction, Law's eyes flickered slightly.
'Not installed yet...'
"It's nothing."
Law averted his gaze, thinking to himself: 'At this point in time, Netero hasn't installed the Poor Man's Rose yet?'
'But that made sense. Before taking action, Netero didn't fully understand the Chimera Ants' true capabilities. What reason would he have to install the Rose?'
Netero watched Law, his eyebrow raising slightly, sensing Law was withholding something.
Three hours later, just as Netero predicted, Morel and Knov caught up. Their breathing was still relatively steady, suggesting they hadn't pushed themselves too hard.
Night had fallen, but there was no need to rest.
They could maintain over ninety percent of their condition even after three days without sleep.
The team continued. This time, Law and Netero didn't maintain their top speed.
The forest at night was eerily quiet. The team advanced discreetly, arriving at the location where Law had rescued Dafifi.
All around, large swaths of trees had been severed. The corpses of over a hundred Chimera Ants remained where they fell.
Seeing the bodies and the many trees with smooth, clean cuts, Morel and Knov couldn't help but glance at Law.
During the intelligence exchange, they knew Law had eliminated over a hundred Chimera Ants, but the details weren't specified. They didn't know if the process was easy or difficult.
Now, seeing the traces left at the scene, Morel and Knov could vaguely imagine the blurred picture.