Chapter 3. The Power of King (I)
I'm wrong and right at same time. Apparently my prediction is correct, the Grimm reach them first before me. That was to be expected actually seeing they're closer than me, even with my speed it still going to take time to cover that distance
However I also wrong, it didn't take even a minute for me to arrive in the location, and I can arrive earlier before the Grimm. The reason I'm not is because I was having trouble traveling at such speed, my balance apparently still a bit off when I goes very fast so I was... Tripped few times in my way to here
I make mental note to train my body by using it full strength after this matter done. Seriously, it would be embarrassing as Hell if I got tripped by my own feet or tail in middle of fighting
Anyway, here I am now, watching the people that I sense fighting for their life, right on their top as I crouched on the branch that big enough to handle my size. From four people -three men and one woman- only three that seems still alive, one of them got ambushed by black werewolf-like creature that I assumed as Beowolf and now got mauled by them while the other three-
Correction, only two -three if you count the baby that woman carry- seems will survive, one of them just tripped and...
I flicker my eyes to the fallen man, Grimm started to surround him and he crawled, he cried to his companion for help but they hesitate. Of course they would be, had I'm in their position when I was Human I would react just like them
The current me though, I... While I found it disturbing but... It was like when I found that I just ate Human, it is not bother me that much. Despite there is Human being about to be mauled and eaten alive by a beast, I simply feel nothing but slight disturbance
Logically speaking, if I want to make my plan become better, the best move is to let that man die. But not just him, let the other died too, save only the woman who carrying her baby, the more people I rescue, the more problematic it will be. I only need one, and that woman will be a good target because she have her baby to protect so she will be more easy to persuade
...
But...
...
"Not today..." I muttered under my breath
In future, I believe I will shed blood, many bloods, I'm not naïve, stupid or even kind enough to not do that after all, and there will be time I see someone died in front of me in the future, be it by my own hand or another while I stand watching without any speck of emotions
But I will not let blood shed without my permission. These people... I believe what happened to them right now has relation with the Hunter that I kill yesterday, and I clearly indebted to them
Saving them is the least thing I could do, even if I will use them in the end
Wordlessly I thrust my tail, it rippled through the air and piercing the Beowolf's back that pounced and about to finish the tripped man
My stinger pierce through the thick muscle and bone armor of the Beowolf as if they were made from wax
The World seems frozen for a second when it happen
I can see how the man that inches away from dead making expression that look like a fish and the Beowolf that surrounding them also freeze for a few seconds, seems surprised at the sudden intervention
The one that have my stinger on it chest meanwhile stop from moving. It bestial head then slowly looked down and if it capable to make an expression I would guess it was confused why there stinger come out from it chest
Then I move my tail upward, cleaving the Grimm as easy as stabbing it and the creature dissipated into ash in that instant
I jumped lightly from my place, landed in the ground with small noise, my tail waving once as I slowly stood to my full height
I heard gasp from the people behind me but I pay them no attention, my eyes solely locked to the Grimm that surround us. I expand my En briefly, shrouding ten meters around me. It seems there still few that hide behind the trees, the total of all Grimm is fifteen, the number increased huh? Well, their negative feeling probably attract more Grimm so...
My musing was cut by one Beowolf that howled and lunged at me. I did not panic or move in instant as in my eyes it movement wasn't that fast, I simply let it get close to me before I sidestepped, avoiding the attack and give one hand axe punch to it
My fist meet the helmet of the Grimm head and shatter it into pieces, I also felt I crushed whatever inside it head as the creature slammed to the ground, creating small crater with the size of it body in there
Just after I did that I sense three Beowolf charging at me from behind, in response I lashed my tail, I focused my stinger forward and slice them without much resistance
After that I move to my left, taking small leapt I covered the three meters distance between me and one Beowolf, my fist quickly planted to it chest and I feel it bone and flesh grind into pulp under my strength. With small push, I send the creature away, smacking it fellow that behind it and make them thrown to trees
My left hand quickly raised, just in time to grab one of Beowolf's claw that almost strike me. I briefly glanced at the dark furred creature before I twist it hand like a screw. It let out howl of pain and fell to one knee in submission. I did not let it for long as I raise my leg and kick it in face
The strength of my kick and my grip make the Grimm torn apart, it twisted hand still gripped under my left hand while it body got blown away and crashed to trees as well
I toss away the hand that started to dissipated into ash. What do you know? They're more fragile than I thought. Anyway five down, ten more to-
I lashed my fist to my right, crushing the jaw of the Beowolf that lunged at me, at same time I also move my tail and swipe away the three Beowolf that coming from behind me. Then I sidestepped and avoid the Grimm that trying to grab me, I let it pass through before my left hand move and caught it leg that still in air
I spin and throw the Grimm to another that close to me, bringing down two of them simultaneously and at same time I also move my tail, swiping another Grimm that trying to attack me and send it crashed to nearby trees
Four left...
I stare at the remaining Grimm, two is visible while the other two still hiding, apparently they started to learn that even with overwhelming number and attacking at same time it didn't do any good
Well if they're not coming then I will
I rushed to one of them, too fast for them to react. I put quite strength behind my fist and launch it, my punch this time not shatter the Grimm's body anymore, no it vaporize, blowing the dark creature head in instant
Then my other hand lunged, grabbing the other Beowolf's claw. I widen my leg and begin to spin, dragging the Grimm with me, I put moderate amount of strength in my arm and then I throw it to where the last Grimm hiding
The sea of trees before me parted as the Beowolf I thrown crashed to another, both Grimm soar through the trees like just fired by cannon, splitting and destroying tree after trees that stand in their way of flight
I stare at the destruction that created by my thrown for a moment, my sharp eyes let me caught ash that appear from the distance, confirming that both Grimm has dead
I tilt my head a bit, staring at where the woman and men stood and I found they stare at me with mixture of awe and shock, no doubt astonished by watching me destroying the whole Grimm
I did not even bother to focus on them, instead I look pass through them. My En caught something unusual coming from behind them after all so I walk through them without saying any word
It come out from the sea of trees and I heard the Human behind me let out gasp and whimper
It was big, bigger than the Beowolf I just killed, it stand about three meters or close to four perhaps, just like other Grimm it has white bone plate on it various body parts, mainly the chest, and it also has rib-like armor around the abdomen. It has humanoid hand and nails instead of claws, and they are thick, muscular, and look so powerful
It face though...
"You're uglier than I thought." I said aloud in dull tone
Beringel... The Gorilla Grimm... It face is really ugly. Half of it is look like a face that just melted, especially it mouth. Seriously, the one I watched in Volume 4 really didn't do any justice to how it looks in real life
As if understanding my insult, the Beringel roared while pounding it bony chest. Then it charged at me and deliver powerful horizontal swipe
I ducked, and quickly I move my tail upward, the stinger pierce through it thick hand and muscle as if it was paper. Then with simple twist of my body, I pull apart it hand, tear it from the Grimm body
The Beringel let out roar of pain as it raise it stump, I did not even give it chance to move as I throw the hand I just torn apart and smacked it face, then my stinger move forward and pierce it right thigh and I pull it apart as well, creating shower of crimson that splatter over everywhere
I twirl and extend my fist and deliver punch to the dying Grimm chest, destroying the bone plate that cover it chest and flung it dozen meters away, sending it crashing back to the trees
I stand properly and crack my neck while wave my tail once, my En still spread around and this time I found nothing close to us
Well... That was... That was...
Easier than I thought to be honest...
I was expecting I will freeze in middle of fight or something like that but... I was not. I was perfectly calm and able to analyze and calculate things properly. Perhaps it because I knew there big difference between me and those Grimm, I'm far more powerful than them so I don't feel I need to worry
Even Beringel who look so strong is almost like a... Harmless puppy...
I need to be careful with this... This feeling is good make no mistake, it made me able to fight easily despite my movement is awkward and simple. With calm mind and strength that overwhelming, even army of Hunter will be nothing against me
To be honest, I can understand why Meruem so confident and unafraid of anything, the power he have, the superior perception... Truthfully, I feel like I can walk over this World without any effort
However this feeling is also what make Meruem got killed in very first place
And I have no intention to end like him
I turn around stared at the people who huddle together, the man and woman fussing over the one that got tackled by the Beowolf moment ago after they snapped from their awe
The first alive Human I have seen ever since I arrive in this World. They both look like from Asian surprisingly, I was expecting them to be like Caucasian seeing RWBY originally is America Anime after all so...
And that woman... She is young, I don't think she is mother, a big sister then? Or friend of some family?
"It's okay, Cain, it's okay." The man who healthy whispered
I look over to the injured man, I caught smell of his blood -it smell like fish for some reason- and narrowed my eyes. Injured huh? Well, it not like I didn't see that coming since I come down a bit late but...
While the man comforted his friend, the woman keeping her gaze on me, she was shaking slightly with wide eyes, no doubt taken back by my appearance
"Step aside." I ordered as I approach them
The man snap his gaze on me, I can see he clearly nervous and taken back by my order, I did not paid attention to them and move closer, they both make a room for me as I kneel to the level of the injured man who breathed heavily
I look at his bloodied chest and shoulders, wordlessly I grab his shirt and tore it open, making him let out yelp but I ignore him and observe his injury, I maybe not expert but I do know emergency treatment in case things happen
There three diagonal scars spread from his chest to left side of stomach, I touch the wound lightly and give small push, eliciting hiss from him. It is not deep, it was shallow, there is many blood because it hit big area. However same thing can't be said to injury on his right shoulder, there is hole that quite deep in there, almost like a bite marks
If I recall the Grimm pinned him down before I interfere
"How fortunate, your injuries not hit anything fatal." I informed "But if it is not treated soon you will die because of blood loss."
"I... I see..." He rasped out, he was pale and his lips also start to loss their color, a sign of losing too much blood
I only grunted before I started to stand, I turned to the man with neutral expression and he flinched under my gaze "Close his wound, don't let anymore blood go out." I said
Then without giving him any chance to reply I turned around and start to walk away
"W-Wait!"
I paused, I tilt my head and look back at the woman who call me, the man meanwhile started to close his "What?"
I need information, yes, however I don't want to looks that I'm the one who need them, if I did then they will be the one who hold the higher ground and they could tried to do something behind me
Let them the one that beg
"You..." She gulped, her body shaking slightly as she clutch her baby "A-Are you a Huntsman?"
"No."
"Ah..." She is nervous, I can tell it take a lot of her just to speak like this. The man also keeping an eye on me despite he is treating his friend "Please help us! We don't have anywhere else to go and no one can protect us." She begged "I... I have money with me! I can pay you! Just... Just help us!"
"I'm not interested in your money." I replied flatly "Why are you running anyway?"
"Our village... Our village got attacked by bandit." She said with small tremor "We... We were barely able to get out just when it started."
Bandit attack? Now that was surprising, what the odd of...
No... No way... No fucking way
Oh who am I talking to, of course it is. There is always something like this happen to those who got reborn or transferred to another World, why I should be surprised
Damn it
"Bandit attack?" I inquired, my eyes briefly glanced up, to the sky where sun already started to raise "At this early?"
"They come before the sun raise, when people still sleeping." She explained "Please, help us..."
I want to press more but she seems not comfortable with it... Not to mention if I keep pushing it will make me look care as well
"He will die." I said, giving pointed look to his friend that injured "There is nothing but forest around us, no proper food, no medical tools that can be used. He will succumb to his wound." And judging by his eyes that closed, he already unconscious now
That make her glanced at her companion, her friend meanwhile snapped his gaze at me, his eyes that filled with wariness and concern now contain irritation as well
"Are you saying we should abandon him?!" He demanded
"Do not make assumption, Human." I replied coldly, my eyes peering over him and he flinched visibly, wow, am I that scary? "I just stating fact, I telling this so it won't become troublesome in future. The decision is in your hand in the end."
The man clench his fist and look down, face show nothing but troubled expression as he stare at his injured friend. Meanwhile the woman glance at them before looking at me again, surprisingly the baby she carried seems not crying, as matter of fact now I notice it, it doesn't even make any sounds
... Could it be... A trap? Trap to lure me? The village probably suspicious why their Huntsman not return from their patrol and thus decide to spring trap to call out whoever responsible for that
But...
I observe them once again, this time with more careful. I stare at their dirty and disheveled cloths, the woman even still wearing night gown for the top, and her hair also disarrayed
There possibility that this is trap, but the chance of this is genuine also high. One of their friends died, and the other injured, their appearance also quite appropriate for those who run away, and that baby is not a doll, I sense it living after all. Not to mention it was stupid to send helpless people go out to lure unknown monster out here, and there is no ambush party for me as well so...
Well... If this is trap then it's very convincing one but...
"What do you suggest, sir?" She asked
"Go back to the village." I answered
"W-What?!" She sputtered, looking at me with shocked expression "B-But! There's bandit in there!"
"I will come with you." I said plainly "I will take care of the bandit, in return, I want everything."
She stiffened, so do the man behind her "E-Everything?"
"Access to your village." I said "Everything it has, library, communication device, food, information, contact." I listed casually "You give me those, and I will save what remain of your village."
Both man and woman show shocked expression at my demand, I can sense there slight fear from them as well
"You... You want to take over our village?!" She asked
"I'm not." I answered neutrally "I have no interest to take your village, I just want information and place to live. I will be only there for few days, I will leave before Huntsman come to your place." I explained "So how about it?"
The woman bit her lower lip, obviously contemplating my offer, searching for the pro and con
"Wendy, you are not seriously considering this aren't you?" Her friend asked, voice grim and filled with disbelief
"Be quite Cloud." The woman, Wendy, said to him. She focused her gaze back to me once again, her eyes meet mine and I did not blink, I keep my eyes on her as well "What... What guarantee you won't make things worse?"
"If I wanted it, you and your companion would be dead already." I replied plainly
"... Why? For what reason you want access to our village? We don't have much to offer to be honest."
"There's nothing special with your village, what I want is simply a knowledge about something common and yours happen to be the closest one." I said "Beside, it is me who should be asking, let just say you say yes, what guarantee you will be able to give me what I want?"
"I am the daughter of village chef." She declared "My father will gladly accept your offer, I don't think it will be much problem after all if you able to save my village."
"I can't save them all obviously, the assault already started." I replied "And you shouldn't be worry about me fail to defeat them, you should worry how you will clean their blood later." I stated nonchalantly before I shook my head "It doesn't matter. I don't care about what you think, now I know there's village near here, I'm going there anyway." I told her and turned around "If you follow me, consider you accept my offer, but if not then it doesn't matter. One way or another, I will get what I want."I said as I began to walk away
I'm being honest in here. It was one matter to come to village but it was another to goes to one that in middle of assaulted. I will get information more from there than them, and it also more easy. I can't afford to waste time in here, can't let the bandit to get everything obviously
"Wait! Wait!" She shouted "I accept your deal! We will go back with you to the village!"
I briefly tilt my head back so I can look at her "Good, then I will make sure you all safe, just hide when we arrive so you not become burden by got targeted, I will clean them all." I ordered
"O-Okay." She nodded tentatively "B-By the way, what's your name, sir?"
I about to answer but paused when the question registered to the deep of my consciousness
...
...
...
My name...
I am... Leonard Evans. Son of the Hendry Evans and Lily Evans, big brother of Amy Evans and little brother of Samuel Evans
Or at least I supposed to be...
I'm no longer Leonard Evans obviously, I don't even look like my former self! Nothing from Leonard Evans can be found on me. Heck, my species even different for God's sake! I'm not a Human anymore!
And I also already did one of the most heinous crime for Human... Eating fellow Human...
I'm no longer can be Leonard Evans, no... What I am now...
"Meruem." I said "Meruem Evans."
What I am now, is a new person... Meruem... I am Meruem, the King of Chimera Ant, the pinnacle of evolution of my species, King that born to rule and conquer the World, but I still going to keep my last name
To remind me... That I was a Human before this... So I do not end like my predecessor who underestimate Human's potential to do malice...
It was planned... Far from yesterday, far from this month dare he said
This assault is not something that planned just recently, it must take at least a month or even more. They must be has observe their village and activity for quite time to able execute stealthy and well timing attack like this
They come when the village defense and guard at their weakest, not just that they also destroy the communication device they had and sabotage their airship, preventing them from make contact to the Mistral for reinforcement
Not end in there, somehow they also manage to poison few Huntsman that rest in here for tonight, rendering them useless and become too weak to fight their invasion
Naturally that shouldn't be problem, even if weakened the Huntsman should have no problem fighting against bandits. But what make it into matter is the bandits were too much, their numbers simply too overwhelming and they have good equipment as well
The guards while good but they not trained to take down bandits, it is different matter to fight being that have intelligence and not after all. They and the weakened Huntsman manage to take down few but in the end it still not good enough
He is also one of guards, as village chief it just his duty to defense the village if it got attacked after all, but he is not that good to be honest, his Aura reserve is small and he not very good at fighting as well, only enough to defend himself
So naturally, he also taken down like the others, and here he is now, laying in the ground, beaten and very close to jaw of death. Even by now he barely able to keep himself conscious and aware of his surrounding
"Huh? Still conscious? You're not bad old man."
He open one of his eyes that uninjured, his vision is blur and hazy due to the headache he suffer but he still able to see a bit clear
A man at his early thirty with brown skin and wild hairstyle, clad in gray vest that topped over black he also wore leather pants with small part of it that torn. Contrary to how bandit should look like, the man is not bad looking, he have face that would make women blush if they see him smile
The chef of the village sure his daughter would have crush on this guy had he not the one who responsible for invading his village
"You're more durable than the Huntsman that was here." He chuckled "I guess it was to be expected from chief village, defending your village until the end huh?" He said with grin
He will spit on this man face if he could, alas, he barely conscious so he cannot
"Anyway, I will end this with quick." He draw out his gun and aim it to the village chief head "No pain for you, take it as sign of respect that you show so much determination to protect your people."
The chief glared at the man, even in face of death he did not show any fear or hesitation, he did still have strength to curse him though in his mind, and he happily do that. Hopefully this man die painfully in his end!
'Wendy... I hope you're fine.'
His daughter, his sweet little girl that he warn when this happen. Hopefully she was fine out there, God knew she is all he have other than this village, the last legacy of his wife
As the bullet pierce through his head, Lazarus last thought was the face of his smiling wife and daughter
The leader of the bandit, Julius, stare at the dead body for a moment then twirl his gun and put it back to his pocket. He feel no remorse to the dead chief, he already pass that long time ago
In this World the Strong Live and the Weak Die after all
He glanced at the village that in disarray and have their shops robbed by his men. There's nothing lot left to be honest, most of things already got stolen by the first wave that now on their way back to their camp, his band is only clean what remain
Their raids have to be fast after all, not because they afraid to reinforcement but rather it was the Grimm. Fighting Grimm is useless and wasting energy, they don't have anything and killing them resulted nothing as well since their bodies turned into ash after they died
Not to mention once they come there will be horde that waiting, the risk was too big
This assault itself is actually done in hurry. They already have their eyes on this village for two months of course. Stockberry Village despite is village that often visited by Huntsmen is also village that quite far from Mistral, true it has proper guard and Huntsmen that protect the place but it is not without flaw
And recently Huntsmen from Mistral is busy, that is why the number in this place only few
They already start their operation for a while, sabotaging the goods and planting mole in their staff that handling communication system. It was done with very careful and slow, that was how they play after all to ensure they success raiding this village
Originally the assault should happen in next few weeks or so, however that was change quickly when they found the Huntsman that assigned by Mistral's Council dead yesterday
Seeing the village is defenseless and the corpse pretty much show he look like mauled by some kind of monster, the village chief decide they will make contact with Mistral after proper discussion with everyone in next day -which is today since the body founded last night- and get group of Huntsmen to investigate this case properly
They can't have that obviously, they were being subtle infiltrating this village, but if they got team of Huntsmen with proper investigating skill, their discreet act can be found out and this village will guarded more
So they decide to fasten the schedule and assault at this early, before the sunrise, when everyone not in their guard. They even make sure to take a risk and poison the Huntsmen that was staying for moment directly
Thankfully they succeed and this is the result
"Boss, we done loading the last stuff."
He broken out from his stupor and turned to see one of his subordinate reporting to him. He give grunt of acknowledgement and nod "Good, then we should go after the first group then." He said as he started to walk to regroup with everyone
The first group that leave take main necessity like foods, medicine, and money. The also finishing off those who escape so their panic not attracting Grimm too soon, they don't need those creature to come and ruin everything after all
The second group, his group, is responsible for taking stuff that remain and not main necessity. Like weapons, cloths, and device that can be used to improve their tribe further, and also the remain of foods and medicine that not picked
The reason why they split into two is because the first group need to kill those who escaping and also so they not travel with too much people. It easier and faster to move in Anima's land with small number after all giving the environment nature that rocky
Not to mention it also safer, smaller number mean lesser panic if things happen during their travel
"Alright, everyone here?" Julius asked to his people who already packed
"Not everyone, sir." Someone from the group answered"Jeff and his two friends still somewhere in village."
"What?" Julius blinked "What are they doing?"
"Well... They found few villagers that hiding, many of them women and children so..."
Julius frowned, those idiots, really? They did that now? Didn't they know that they have only little time?
Oh make no mistake, he knew there few of villagers that still hiding in the village however he doesn't care, neither his leader. They have their priority after all, taking goods to feed themselves, they kill only if it's necessary. It's no stranger for them to left survivor sometime, this is also to increase their reputation as well. In Anima, that kind of thing is important since after all
Or they could left them to Grimm, they would make a good distraction after all while they leaving
What make him upset is those boy decide to have fun instead of doing their jobs! He will report this to big boss for sure!
"Go call and tell them that they need to finish it, now." Julius barked to one of his men "We have to finish this fast, the Grimm will be here soon." He said to them "Speaking about Grimm, where John and Barry? They supposed to keep an eye for them."
"If you speaking about those two who lazying at the entrance gate then you not need to think about them anymore."
A new and unfamiliar male voice make the bandits tensed, they all turned their attention -few even prepare their weapons just in case- to where the voice come from, and blinked when caught sight of figure that speaking
He have humanoid appearance that look like mix of Human and insect, he have earlobes that quite long and green exoskeleton covering his whole body that is slim and yet also muscular. There is also tail sprout out from his back with giant stinger attached to it
"What the hell are you?" Julius murmured under his breath. He has seen many things, strange things that even categorized as abnormal but this one is strange in their own level
A Faunus? Insect Faunus perhaps? But there is no way... His appearance is closer to real animal than Faunus that only part of...
"I already take care of them." The creature stated "So do the one who assaulting villager."
"Taking care?" Julius whole body tensed as he hear that "What are you..."
"I will give you one chance, leave the goods you stolen here and go, I won't pursue if you do that."
There silence after he said that
It lasted for a few seconds before it broken by a laugh, laugh that come from the bandit's side. Majority of them laugh aloud at his declaration
Julius did not laugh though, he keep his eyes locked to the creature with wary and tension
There's something about this thing that set his alarm. For some reason he can tell what this creature felt, even if it was abstract but it still clear what it is
Confident
To him, they're nothing... This creature sincerely believe that he could take them down despite they outnumber him vastly
And it make Julius very wary
"Listen here you freak with mushroom head." One of bandits step forward, chuckled with mirth "Honestly? I don't know what kind of joke you, try to say but pal, you're really good jester." He stated as he sneered "But if you want to live then the best would-"
"Move away trash, I'm talking to your leader."
The bandit stopped, his eyes narrowed and his nostril flare, he snarled and raise his sword
"You fucking freak!" The thug growled as he approach the Chimera Ant with glare "I don't know what are you and I-"
He did not able to finish his words
The moment he enter Meruem's range, the Chimera Ant tail already lashed out and slammed to the bandit. The force of his attack so strong despite it look so plain, enough to send the talking bandit away and crashed to nearby house as if he got launched from cannon, and said the moment he did, he broke through the house and crashed to another one. And another one. And another. And another one
...
...
...
...
...
Silent...
There complete silent for few seconds as the bandits mind processing what just happened. Almost simultaneously, all of their heads turned to the direction where the poor fellow moment ago
A sounds that mimicking explosion blared from the distance, from where the direction the bandit crashed not long after that, it about thirty to fifty meters at least
"That nine down." Meruem spoke, voice bored and plain "Twenty more to go."
After he said that, all bandits immediately open fire, they all load their guns and launches barrage of bullets, be it one that enchanted by dust or normal one. Multiple colors joined into one and assault where the Chimera Ant stand, creating another explosion
"Stop!" The leader ordered after a moment of shooting, and his men did as he ordered, he narrowed his eyes and glare at where the creature is
What the hell are they facing? That thing just knock Kenny to thirty meters at least with single attack! Not throw or launch him with something, but only using his tail! He knew that Huntsman is absurd and bullshit but that? That was another thing!
Without doubt Kenny is as good as dead, Aura or not, nothing can survive after got hit by that amount of strength. He is sure whatever remain from Kenny's body won't look good on eye
"Boss..." One of bandits called him "Should we-"
Whatever he going to said was cut off by gust of wind that blowing the smoke that appear from the explosion, dissipating them into nothingness, and reveal their enemy
Who is much to their horror, appear unharmed
"It hurts... But not that much to be honest." Meruem declared "Almost like standing in sandstorm." He stated "Unpleasant." He squint his eyes, the black pupil narrowed into slit, and it send chill to the bandit's leader spine
Monster... What they face is not men or Faunus or a Grimm, but a Monster given form...
"FIR-"
The monster moved
He was fast, the ten meters distance between them covered in less than second as he jumped at them, the bandits did not even get any chance to attack. The poor one who in Meruem's path found themselves meet face to face with his fist and their neck snapped under his mighty strength
The Chimera Ant tail moved afterward, he did not hold back, he swing it with full might like before and sending group of bandits to the air, it almost like watching empty bottle that swatted by Human's hand
What happened afterward can't be described as battle, it was massacre
Make no mistake, Meruem doesn't know how to fight, he know how throw fist and kick due to in his young he has unique time but that's it. If facing against opponent who has experience and know how to swing punches and kicks back, he would lose
However that knowledge how to throw punches and kicks apparently more than enough to save him now
The body of King of Chimera Ant is far superior than Human. Not just in term of durability, speed and strength, but mind as well. His perception increased to the level that would make him able to see bullets that fired by high caliber rifle. Combined with his strength and speed, it wasn't hard for him to become force to be reckoned with
Not to mention he fighting a lot of people at same time
Under normal circumstance it should be bad situation for someone to fight a lot of people at same time, however with Meruem's strength that capable to put down man even with Aura using only one hit and exoskeleton that can survive even blast of nuclear, it wasn't much of problem
Meruem realize this, that is why he charging to middle of enemies, this also so he can make them reluctant to fire their weapons due to fear of friendly fire, forcing them to engage him in close combat, something that he have huge advantage of
Not to mention the people he fight against doesn't have much of teamwork and coordination, they are too much in panic since they fight unknown monster
Meruem sidestepped sword that come down to him, easily avoid it and he backhand the attacker almost casually, sending them sprawling to the ground, judging by how he heard brief "crack" before, it safe to assume that bandit jaw just dislocated
Then he slapped out an axe that almost caught him from behind using his tail, and after that he move his tail and wrap the bandit, without turning, he throw it to another that tried to attack him as well, knocking them down together. And at same time he tilt his head to avoid piercing movement from sword before he give high kick to the attacker, snapped his head painfully and throwing him backwards in a stereotypical arc like something out of a movie
'Some more sturdy than I thought and some is weaker. I need to control my strength better.' Meruem thought with scowl as he knock the bandit away
Until now all his attack did not use full strength -save for the tail attack when he knock over that poor bandit, true he did put pressure and power behind his attack but if he wanted it, he still can give more pressure to his strike
Meruem had feeling if he put everything -complete with Nen enchantment- he has in that kick before the bandit head would torn out from his body, even that kick should do the trick but it didn't happen thankfully to Aura
Truly Aura is quite something to able protect them like this
If he is against normal Human... It wouldn't even last for more than thirty seconds
Meruem leaned back, pulling his head and avoid swing of sword that almost hit him, he take two more steps back to dodge more that coming. Some manage to graze him but he feel nothing other than scratch from dull nail, he keep focused on his enemy and plan his next move
Briefly he recognize him as the leader of these hooligan but it doesn't matter. The moment he dodge one swing and the next one about to come, he intercept it. His right hand smacked the blade, the steel did nothing against his body, then faster than the bandit can anticipate, Meruem enter his space and deliver upper hook straight to his stomach
The punch landed and sunk smoothly, as if the bandit body was a water despite there Aura supposed to protect him and he gagged, saliva mixed with vomit come out from his mouth unconsciously, the blow even strong enough to make him float in air for a second
Not ending it in there Meruem give finishing touch by lashed his left hand that opened into palm and smack the man chest strongly, enough to hurl the bandit away like a baseball being thrown
Another loud sound created as the leader of the bandits head crashed to the earth, blood spew out from his mouth and nose as he struggled to stay conscious
Fucking hell! Nothing can be done against that thing! He was too fast and too powerful! Bullets that able to punch hole in steel bounced from his exoskeleton! Blade that enchanted by dust did not even make him stop! Even Semblance that allow them to manipulate Dust that almost similar like Schnee's and supposed make him off balance not working! Anything they shoot was shrugged as if they're a pebble!
He let out heavy breath as he push himself. Gods, they're done, like really done. No chance of winnig, he have to flee, the other probably already dead or dying, it doesn't matter which one is, HE have to get OUT from here! That monster only hit him two times but he feels like got hammered by truck! Great Gods!
That thought was being cut as suddenly a feet slammed down to top of Julius head, burying the bandit leader face further into the dirt and even strong enough to create small crater around it
"Hmm? I was expecting more to be honest."
Meruem says that while have his foot on top of the bandit, his face show expression of boredom as he push the man head further too the ground
The fight, if it could be called that, not even last more than five minutes and the result already clear. Bodies of bandit sprawled everywhere, some of them stuck on the roof of house, some buried beneath one, and some also planted firmly on the ground
Judging by how their bodies that look broken and bend in unnatural angle, and bloods that flowing out, it safe to says that majority of them no longer live, those who did probably got crippled in some way
And that was to be expected truly. Aura may protect from attacks, but bludgeoning force still able to affect them. Meruem's strength that capable to destroy a building with one move is more than enough to hammer through their protection
Though he did have few bruises spot in here and there, but to be honest it wasn't bad at all, it more feels like got punched lightly by someone repeatedly instead of barraged by bullets and blades
And those wound also already started to heal for some reason
"Well, I shouldn't expect more from Human." Meruem stated "Even with Aura, you're still only a man." He declared "And a man, cannot defeat me."
The pressure from his feet increased and Julius gasped, he feel his face pressed further to the ground, enough to make his head become more hurt and he realize with horror what about to happen
"W-Wait! Wait! Don't do this! I-"
SPLAT!
"Oops." Meruem said nonchalantly "I'm sorry but I don't listen to beggar."
With that he lift his bloodied foot from the corpse and the moment he see that he instantly regret his decision. Maybe he should use his stinger instead his feet, look how dirty it is now! Ugh!
Well it doesn't matter, it already happened so...
"Is... Is it over, sir Meruem?"
Meruem turned and see familiar woman peeking over from one of ruined buildings. He swing his feet once to throw away the blood in there and grunted
"There's no bandits anymore in this village."
His En already spread since the beginning, it cover half of the village -it is not big place after all but it safe to say that his En can cover more area than Neferpitou- and he did not found anyone that have Aura on them
Those who have Aura actually come different in his radar, there's something flaring around them, almost like a cloak that shrouding people, that is why he able to tell which one is the bandit and villager
"Really?" Wendy asked, sounded relieved at that news
"Yes." He grunted "How about your father? Did you find him?"
At that the Chimera Ant saw the woman flinched, her expression soured and she clench her fist while looking down to the ground
It doesn't need genius to figure out what happened
And to be honest, that was actually expected, Meruem knew it would end this way. The chance of Wendy's father survival is low seeing his stature as village chief and one of guards that protect this place after all
Meruem's eyes narrowed when he see blur of dark from far in sky, seems getting closer. He slowly pull back his En in order to make it easy to shape, after he consider it small enough, he make it into something that similar like watchtower flashlight instead of surround his 360 like he always did. This so he can make his En reach longer distance and he spread it forward to where the black blur come
"Go take the villager and hide around here, the biggest building preferably." He ordered
"Eh?" Wendy blinked "What? Why?"
"The Grimm is coming." He answered "There about fifty of them, that not include the Nevermore or other Grimm in sky." Frankly he was surprised that they just come now. There is so many of them, few even big one judging by the void that filling his En
The battle still not over yet
Wendy paled in instant hearing that, Grimm! Of course they would come! The negativity this village produce is like a bacon to them!
"T-That many?!" She squeaked "S-Shouldn't we run? I-I mean! Sir Meruem, I know you're strong but..."
"You should not fear about my life, worry about yourself and make sure the villager not having negative thought too much." Meruem ordered as he started walking "And don't worry about Grimm will attacking you." He tilt his head and look over his shoulder "I will-"
"You will protect us." Wendy finished for him, making the Chimera Ant blink. The daughter of village chief smiled, strained it was but it still sincere "I know, you will protect us."
Meruem narrowed his eyes, slightly taken back by the woman faith on him, however he didn't said anything and merely turned back to the front with grunt
"Yes."
Meruem doesn't know it, but when he shroud the villager inside his Nen through En, his intention to protect them from harm was relayed very clear. The villager doesn't know or realize it as well, however it still give effect and comforting them. In middle of despair and darkness after having their village pillaged, burned and their beloved people killed by their fellow Human or Faunus, his unconscious intention to keep them safe was like a light that shine and bring hope of salvation
The Chimera Ant stepped forward, already he can sense the darkness that come from his front and the villager moving behind him, huddling together and looking for safe place. His purple eyes stared at the numerous black blur in the sky, some even bigger than the other
He felt the ground beneath him tremble slightly, indicating a horde of Grimm was very close now, and their number is overwhelming, more than fifty and possibly seventy
He will be lying if he said he not nervous, he did. Facing army of monster, Gods! He just arrive in this World for what?! Less than twenty four hours! And he going to fight against creature of darkness -literally- that make any wild animals on Earth like a harmless cockroach!
And yet... There is no fear inside him...
He was nervous when facing against the bandit moment ago, there was twenty person after all for God's sake! And he was alone, only by himself, against group that equipped with weapons fully!
But he also not afraid to them... Not at all, and come out as victorious in the end
Now he was faced with similar situation, but his enemies would be far more dangerous than before. Not just their number is doubling but he doubt those bandit can handle those Grimm that coming
'I am... Strong. I am... King.'
He chanted that words inside his mind, he didn't truly believe what he said but it was mean to be a comforting words. A reassurance that he is strong, powerful, he is no longer his former self after all, he is King of Chimera Ant, Meruem
And so like the King he know, he show no fear but calmness, he tensed his muscle and legs, falling into stance of fighting, purple aura tinted with dark blue seep out from his whole body as he strengthen himself
And instead whimpering in fear, he let out laugh when see gigantic gorilla-like creature burst out from the forest, roaring loudly while pounding it chest as if declaring war and have countless Beowolf, Ursa, Creep, and Boarbatusk making their way to him and following it lead
Sorry it take a week to update this one, I was on trip for a job and have to left my personal belonging
So how is it? This chapter I mean? I promise action in last chapter and damn well I did! Chapter filled with many fight! Our Protagonist, Meruem Evans now is his name, is badass don't you think?!
Now, now before you protest that he is too powerful, I want to say that you're right. I can't deny the MC is powerful, he mean to be one after all, if I want him to be weak, I won't reincarnate him to Meruem's body!
However you must know that in reality despite having power, Evans is not as strong as Meruem. If it was Meruem who fighting, those bandit won't even last for a minute against him. Evans meanwhile still inexperienced and can't use his power to the maximum level. He know how to kicks and punches, but he is not as flexible or agile as Meruem, the difference is very big
If we put Meruem against Evans, the former would butcher him, even if they have equal power because Meruem knew how to use his strength fully and able to control it very much better than Evans. It will be like matching a civilian against soldier while both of them wielding equal guns
Yeah, it was that big I assure you. Beside, the enemy he face is not strong, they're not proper Huntsman save for Julius who have some experience but even he can't do much since Evans fighting in middle of them, he can hit friend if he not be careful and apparently when he engage him he got pummeled badly by Evans since he already too much in panic
Evans still have a lot to learn with his power, like really a lot if he want to reach Meruem level
By the way, thanks RavenNox for the information. However I still going to call Nen for Evans technique. This is so it not become confusing. And while I do love the idea to make RWBY and HXH in the same World but I can't do that, I don't know much about HXH after all so things will become very complicate x.x
Speaking about Aura, I just read review from LordofAnt, and my dear reader, you are absolutely correct in that part. He consume Aura User of RWBY, and truthfully effect of Aura can be replicate by Nen user. Obviously Aura is easier to use than Nen, and that what Evans gain after he ate them. His Aura -Nen is technique to control them actually, I only say Nen in story to make people not confused- synthesis with RWBY Aura and make them become more easy to use, that is why he able to use Nen so easily
Good job bro/sis in guessing that! Here have a cookie! XD
Anyway, I guess this is it for now, it already long enough. I hope you love this chapter! Next one will be the battle against Grimm and Meruem next act! Stay tune and keep reading if you curious about it! And don't forget to give this story Favorite, Follow, and Review
Ja Ne! XD
