The Nature Of Intelligent Creatures Who Have Developed Emotions

"Are you the last force that humans can send?"

This was the Ant King's own understanding: "Well, a few more wouldn't matter."

In terms of strength, the Ant King didn't think there was anyone in humanity who could defeat him head-on.

But, as the elderly human martial artist had said, humanity's malice was something he hadn't considered.

To achieve their goals, they could resort to any means necessary.

And they had the capability to do so with their advanced technology, weapons, and more.

Although at first, the Ant King didn't believe these things could inflict meaningful damage on him, that only applied to certain firearms. 

For the most part, he didn't fully understand them.

Thus, even facing this human opponent again, he was more concerned about this aspect of humanity's power.

As for other abilities, like the treatment used on the elderly human martial artist…

"That gray bean that helped the old man recover... That was from you, wasn't it?"

The Ant King spoke calmly. Though it was a question, his tone was certain.

"Yes, it's mine."

Lan nodded slightly, acknowledging it.

"You're quite skilled in healing..."

The Ant King finally offered a generous response: "If you're willing to submit now, I can spare you..."

"This is not a joke."

The Ant King spoke seriously.

"I know."

Lan understood that the Ant King never joked. If he said something, he was serious about it.

Moreover, Lan also understood the Ant King's real reason: "You're concerned about Komugi, aren't you?"

Lan hit the nail on the head, exposing the Ant King's true feelings.

In response, the Ant King lowered his head slightly.

However, he didn't deny it. The fact that he didn't deny it was, in itself, an admission.

"Given the surprise attack today that left Komugi severely injured, nearly dying..."

Lan said slowly: "You're worried, or rather, afraid."

"Afraid that Komugi might be targeted again in the future, that these assassination attempts could lead to an accident."

"You're the Ant King, the supreme ruler of the Chimera Ants, so of course, you're not afraid of these so-called attacks that would hardly faze you."

"Even your elite royal guards probably wouldn't need to care much about such attacks."

"You may not need to worry, but clearly, Komugi does."

"If this were earlier, perhaps you didn't know about Komugi's significance to us."

"But now, everything is clear. Komugi, who holds special meaning, is now within our sight."

"If humans can no longer tolerate your existence and insist on a fight to the death..."

"They will resort to any means, even the most despicable ones."

"You've already experienced Netero's malice, so you know what humans are capable of."

"They will definitely target you through Komugi."

"Luckily, Komugi wasn't severely harmed this time, and there is still hope for recovery."

"But what if the next surprise attack is even more intense?"

"Even if you protect Komugi with all your might, it's hard to cover everything when facing unexpected situations."

"Then, a good healing ability is something you urgently need."

"Not the slow process of healing from Neferpitou, but something that works instantly..."

Lan, with each word, laid bare the true emotions the Ant King had hidden in his heart.

No matter how much the Ant King denied it, Komugi was different for him.

Even the Ant King hadn't realized it yet.

Everything he was doing now, all of his actions, were already considering Komugi.

He unconsciously prioritized Komugi's well-being.

Even when facing a human who wanted nothing more than to kill him, assassinate him, and end his life, if it benefited Komugi, he could generously accept it.

"This is Senzu Bean. If you eat it, as long as you still have a breath left, no matter how severe the injury, it will heal you, bringing you back from the brink of death and restoring your body to its former state."

Lan held out a small, gray-green bean, showing it to the Ant King.

And as Lan spoke, the Ant King slowly lifted his head.

As Lan explained, the light in the Ant King's eyes gradually began to shine with interest.

"As for Chairman Netero, he only recovered so quickly after eating the Senzu Bean I gave him..."

Lan had revealed the answer the Ant King was most eager to hear, the very thing he wanted.

If he had this bean for Komugi, then in a critical moment, it could truly save her life!

"With this bean, she can hang on to her last breath and recover quickly..."

"Even if she doesn't recover immediately, as long as she doesn't die, it can prevent her from falling into mortal danger."

"Then, Neferpitou can use her healing abilities to heal her at the fastest possible speed..."

Numerous thoughts began to race through the Ant King's mind.

With this bean, it would be the perfect protection for Komugi!

"It seems like you really want it..."

Lan noticed the change in the Ant King's expression and realized this was the Ant King's lifeline.

Everyone, even beings like the Ant King, will inevitably show weakness when they have something they care about.

This is the nature of intelligent creatures who have developed emotions, a situation they must face!