The next morning, at the noisy and chaotic spectator stands of the 200th floor of the Heavens Arena.
Germain, Shizuku, and the others took up an entire row of seats, and under the introduction of Wing, the current representative of the "Shingen-ryu," they began watching the match.
As for the host's passionate shouting and the cheers from the surrounding audience, they automatically filtered them out.
Germain was looking for a teacher for Killua and Gon, and naturally, it had to be someone warm-hearted and patient like Wing. At the moment, there was no one more suitable than him.
Currently, the one participating in the match on the 200th-floor arena was none other than Wing's disciple—Zushi.
The boy, with thick eyebrows and big eyes, about the same age as Killua and Gon, was struggling fiercely in the match.
However, Killua and Gon had no intention of underestimating Zushi. In fact, they keenly noticed that Zushi's combat power and resilience were extraordinary.
Perhaps, that was the "Nen" Germain had mentioned.
Killua and Gon easily accepted that "Nen abilities" were real.
Especially Killua, who had learned strange techniques like "Limbs Bend," "Snake Movement," and "Silent Step." He was fully capable of accepting even more advanced abilities.
Even so, upon seeing Zushi and his opponent's sharp attacks and defenses, they couldn't help but be secretly surprised.
But Germain, Shizuku, Wing, and Kurapika, the experienced ones, were seeing far more than what Killua and Gon had noticed.
Wing adjusted his glasses, watching the tense battle on the arena with a rather troubled expression.
"Last year, when you all went to the Kakin Empire, after I carefully stored the Scarlet Eyes of Kurapika's clan, I brought Zushi to the Heavens Arena."
"After half a year of effort and baptism, Zushi has made a significant breakthrough in Nen ability, different from when he was at the estate."
"This allowed him to smoothly reach the 200th floor. But after this point, he has been stuck here."
"After the 200th floor, all of Zushi's opponents are Nen users. If he hadn't learned Nen in advance, he probably would have been severely injured in these battles."
"Even with all preparations in place, Zushi here has only won one and lost two, still far from reaching his goal of becoming a 'Floor Master.' There's a long road ahead."
When Killua heard Wing's words, he couldn't help but glance over.
The "Floor Master" refers to someone who occupies a separate floor above the 230th level in the Heavens Arena, a title reserved for the strongest fighters, known for their undeniable strength and fame.
Originally, Chrollo and Hisoka were supposed to become the "Floor Masters" here, and they were going to engage in a life-and-death battle. However, that was definitely no longer going to happen.
To challenge and replace a "Floor Master" of a certain level, one must first win 10 battles above the 200th level, thus earning the qualification for the challenge.
However, if a person has already lost 4 battles, they lose the challenge qualification, and all previous results are reset.
Zushi's record above the 200th level was one win and two losses, not the best start.
However, Killua didn't mean to mock Zushi.
Though he couldn't fully understand what "Nen" was, he could tell that both Zushi and his opponent were far stronger than him.
If Zushi could only manage one win and two losses here, then there was no need to mention himself and Gon.
Killua quietly muttered to himself, surprised that the 200th level he hadn't continued to challenge years ago was such a terrifying and dangerous place. He had underestimated the Heavens Arena.
Gon, relying on his wild instincts, also frowned in concern.
Kurapika, on the other hand, appeared relatively calm.
He had been through several life-and-death battles much more intense than what was happening now, so he wasn't afraid of this kind of competition.
But being a cautious person, he didn't voice any opinions and silently wondered whether he could become a "Floor Master."
In contrast to them, Shizuku seemed much more excited.
Though she didn't show much expression, the way she tightly gripped the betting ticket in her hand said everything.
The situation on the field wasn't favorable for Zushi, so Shizuku began to pray to the gods. She took the inverted cross hanging from her neck and whispered a prayer.
Afterward, she tilted her head, adjusted her seemingly heavy black-framed glasses, and muttered into Germain's ear.
"Zushi looks like he's about to lose. If I place a few bets on his opponent now, is it too late?"
Wing, sitting on the other side of Germain, awkwardly adjusted his glasses with his index finger.
Shizuku, as Zushi's teacher, I'm still here. Is it really appropriate for you to speak like this?
Still struggling with his "negative trait: Terrible Gambler," Germain answered without hesitation.
"It's too late. The dealer definitely won't let you place any more bets now."
"Then am I going to lose for sure?"
"Not necessarily. Zushi still has a chance. Even if he loses, it doesn't matter. You're not lacking money right now."
"Hmm… that's true... Alright, whatever."
Wing, who had been listening to this conversation, couldn't help but cough lightly a few times.
I'm still here! Can't you see me?
The situation turned around soon after.
Zushi won by accumulating points, meaning he won with a "TKO (technical knockout)."
After the match, with his face bruised and swollen, Zushi happily ran down the corridor on the 200th floor to find his teacher Wing and Mr. Germain.
"I won! Teacher Wing, Mr. Germain, Miss Shizuku, Kurapika, I won!"
Zushi had been under a lot of pressure recently. With a record of two wins and two losses, it felt like he had just managed to gasp for air after almost drowning.
The next 90 days were his "protection period," during which he didn't have to compete. This meant he could use the time to heal and build up his strength.
As long as he made good use of these 90 days, Zushi was confident about winning the next match.
To his surprise, the first person to respond to his joy and pride was Shizuku.
Shizuku gently patted Zushi's bald head in approval, nodding, before retracting her hand.
"Well done."
Zushi looked at Shizuku in confusion. He remembered that he wasn't very familiar with her—why was she the first one to praise him?
But no matter what, Zushi still politely bowed to express his gratitude.
After tucking the restless edges of his pants back into his slacks, Wing smiled and gave Zushi a few encouraging words, telling him not to feel pressured moving forward.
Then, he stepped aside and introduced Zushi to the others.
"Zushi, you already know Kurapika, so I don't need to introduce him. These two are Killua and Gon; they're about the same age as you."
"From now on, Kurapika, Killua, and Gon will be staying with us at the 'Heavens Arena.' Killua and Gon will also be learning 'Nen' alongside you."
"Don't let their age fool you. They've already obtained their 'Hunter License' this year and are 'Professional Hunters' now."
Zushi stared at Killua and Gon, surprised. After he processed the information, he bowed deeply to them.
"I'm Zushi! I'm currently aiming to become the 'Heavens Arena's Floor Master,' and I'm also preparing for next year's 'Professional Hunter Exam.' Please take care of me!"
Killua and Gon exchanged glances, then quickly bowed in return, introducing themselves.
"I'm Killua (I'm Gon), please take care of us!"
Germain planned to leave Kurapika, Killua, and Gon at the 'Heavens Arena,' letting Wing look after them and giving them each their respective tasks.
Wing readily agreed.
As long as Kurapika becomes the 'Heavens Arena Floor Master,' he can return to 'Greed Island' to join Melody in the 'Dark Continent Affairs.'
Killua and Gon, on the other hand, had more flexibility. Their first task was to learn the 'Basics of Nen' here and then face the 'real final test' in the 'Professional Hunter Exam.'
If they can become "Floor Masters," they'll be able to go directly to "Greed Island." However, they'll be there as players, continuing to level up.
Besides that, even if they don't become "Floor Masters," as long as Killua and Gon can secure three victories on the 200th floor, they'll be able to leave and look for their own clues on how to reach "Greed Island."
Wing adjusted his shiny glasses, watching the quickly growing bond between Killua, Gon, and Zushi, silently shaking his head.
In his judgment, Kurapika, Killua, and Gon were all geniuses handpicked by Germain, the cream of the crop.
Kurapika's current development was clear proof of this.
Wing was happy to be their mentor and felt a sense of joy for Zushi as well.
Although Killua and Gon were just beginning to learn "Nen," being personally sent by Germain meant their potential had to be on par with Kurapika's.
As Killua and Gon, who were already half a year behind, started to show signs of catching up, Zushi, you must withstand this pressure. Don't be afraid. Your hard work and effort will surely bear fruit.
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