The evening breeze lifted the pinkish-purple hair at her temples. Light and shadow mingled in her eyes as she wondered what she was thinking about. Back when Morin had been with her in Meteor City, he had vaguely spoken to her about the direction in which Nen abilities could be developed. It was precisely because of Morin's guidance that Machi had so quickly formed an idea of how to develop her ability. Now that she knew what path lay ahead of her, her heart could not help but stir.
"Really, no matter where I go, I'm still influenced by you..."
In the distant sky, the sun was gradually setting, signaling the end of another day.
"I wonder where you are now. With Paku by your side, you probably won't feel lonely, right?"
"You must have guided Paku in developing her ability, right? When we meet again, I'll have to see it for myself."
"I'll compare myself with Paku and see whether the ability you personally guided her to develop is stronger, or whether the one I figured out myself is better."
From the neighboring room came Uvogin and Nobunaga's loud laughter and shouts, pulling Machi's thoughts back slightly.
Yet a rare, fierce fighting spirit burned in her eyes.
At Heavens Arena, if there was anyone having the most fun and improving the fastest, it was undoubtedly Uvogin.
He had been born for battle.
His bold, savage style of fighting on the arena, where every punch landed with solid force, might have been bloody, but it had also won him a huge number of fans.
Before reaching the 200th floor, Uvogin had not felt much. He had bulldozed his way upward with ease, and it had not been satisfying at all.
But after reaching the floors above 200 and encountering Nen users, Uvogin finally felt as though he had entered another world. The blood throughout his body nearly boiled.
Although there were plenty of failures who had barely survived their Initiation, there were also quite a few genuine Nen experts.
Uvogin was almost constantly absorbing knowledge, experience, and techniques related to combat.
He was also the first among the three to clearly define and begin training his own Nen ability.
In Uvogin's words, he was determined to become the man who trained Enhancement Nen to its peak.
The clearest proof of that was his ability, Super Destruction Fist.
According to the rules and conditions he had set for himself, Super Destruction Fist was simply a right straight punch infused with Nen power.
However, because of Uvogin's conviction and pure willpower, Super Destruction Fist was far more powerful than an ordinary Nen-infused right straight.
Moreover, as Uvogin's studies and training improved, the power of his Super Destruction Fist would continue to increase until it became as powerful as a missile.
But that was not his final goal. Uvogin swore that one day, he would train his fists until they possessed the power of an atomic bomb.
Nobunaga was doing well too. Other than being unable to use weapons before reaching the 200th floor, forcing him to fight with hand chops in irritation, he had nothing else to worry about.
Above the 200th floor, he finally picked up his katana and began his career of cutting people down.
Also, it was worth mentioning that, in order to shut Uvogin up—
He specifically bought ten chickens, brought them into the room, and slaughtered them one by one in front of Uvogin.
From then on, the nickname "the guy who has never even killed a chicken" completely left him...
Pakunoda's Departure
Aside from Machi, Uvogin, and Nobunaga's trio, Chrollo's side had also gained quite a lot, not only in the development of Nen abilities but also in finding companions.
Although Chrollo had never specified where the companions he sought had to come from, they all tacitly agreed that the Troupe's members had to be born in Meteor City.
It was not only because only those from Meteor City could understand their way of doing things, but more importantly because of the pride and dignity ingrained in the bones of Meteor City's people.
In short, while Morin trained under Biscuit, Chrollo and the others had not stopped moving forward either.
Everyone in the Troupe was pursuing their own growth in their own way.
And just like that, more than half a year passed in the blink of an eye.
In the blink of an eye, the year 197 arrived.
During this period, Biscuit had truly acted as a teacher. She diligently led Morin and Pakunoda through every famous dangerous region across the Six Continents.
During that time, Biscuit had also used Morin's Treasure Map Paper to search out all the beautiful and rare gems nearby.
Those abundant gains made this Gem Hunter feel as though she was living in happiness every day.
Naturally, the happier Biscuit was, the more pleasing Morin looked to her, and the more enthusiastically she trained him.
Logically speaking, with so many dangerous natural environments, let alone half a year, even a full year might not have been enough to overcome a single one.
But relying on his absurd talent, as well as learning-enhancing support items like the Genius Helmet, Morin had forcibly completed the goal within just over half a year.
And the result of that was...
"You're planning to leave?"
Morin looked at Pakunoda, who stood before him and had submitted her resignation, then asked softly,
"Why?"
"Because I can no longer keep up with your pace, Vice-Leader."
Pakunoda still had her arms folded across her chest. Unlike her usual calmness, however, a faint smile rested on her face.
"My original purpose in following you, Vice-Leader, was to find a direction for developing my Nen ability. Now, I've already gained an understanding of how I should develop it."
"Not to mention that during this time, I've received quite a bit of instruction and learned a great deal about Nen abilities."
Pakunoda had clearly already made up her mind.
"My goal has been achieved, so there's no need for me to keep lingering here."
"I have my own life and plans as well. I want to try venturing into the outside world on my own."
"I see..."
Pakunoda had already put it that way, so Morin could not really say anything more.
After all, Pakunoda truly could no longer keep up with him. Not everyone had talent and items as absurd as his.
As Morin grew stronger, the places he went would become increasingly dangerous.
If Pakunoda continued following him, she might fall into danger someday in the future.
It was precisely because he had considered that point that Morin said nothing more.
He merely took out two items from his Four-Dimensional Pocket.
"Consider these farewell gifts from me."
A large eraser and a strange yellow pencil.
At the end of the pencil was a ring with a human face growing from it.
Item: Face Eraser, Eye and Nose Brush. Effect: The Face Eraser could erase a person's facial features. The Eye and Nose Brush could draw on a face and turn it into anyone's face.
They were among the items he had drawn through check-ins over the past half year.
They could alter a person's face and features.
Compared with beauty filters that could only enhance photographs,
These directly changed the face itself, making the results far more immediate.
"Your nose is a little too broad. If I erase it a little,
you'll look much more delicate."
Morin smiled as he spoke, gently rubbing the Face Eraser across Pakunoda's face.
Pakunoda had a figure that could be called devilish, but she lacked the face of an angel.
The biggest reason was her somewhat eye-catching, slightly large hooked nose.
There was such a thing as flawed beauty in this world, but if one could be beautiful to the utmost degree, why should there be flaws at all?
Using the Face Eraser, Morin helped Pakunoda completely correct the last part of her appearance that was less than ideal.
Although she was only fifteen now and her hooked nose had not yet become obvious,
The earlier it was corrected, the more beautiful her face would become in the future.
Pakunoda did not stop Morin's movements. She simply allowed him to work on her face in silence.
She believed Morin would never do anything to harm her.
"Take care."
After finishing, Morin put away the Face Eraser, gave Pakunoda a big hug, and softly whispered into her ear.
"Mm."
Her voice was barely audible, like the buzz of a mosquito.
Time seemed to stop for a moment before the two slowly separated.
"Then I'll be leaving first?"
After leaving behind those words, Pakunoda smiled, turned around with great composure, and walked away without the slightest hesitation.
People born in Meteor City never put romance first.
"What's wrong? Feeling melancholy?"
Biscuit appeared from nowhere.
Seeing Morin stare at Pakunoda's departing back for a long time, she could not help covering her mouth and chuckling.
"Your little girlfriend left. Feeling sad, aren't you?"
"She isn't my girlfriend."
Morin shook his head.
"And you still say she isn't?"
Biscuit clicked her tongue. "Don't tell me you don't understand how she feels about you?"
Morin fell silent.
*
This Year's Hunter Exam
People from Meteor City never put romance first, which also meant they never hid their feelings. If they liked someone, they liked them. If they hated someone, they hated them.
Life in Meteor City was already difficult enough. If they had to suppress even their feelings, then what difference would there be between them and the walking dead?
Of course Morin could sense Pakunoda's feelings gradually changing during this period.
Especially since girls of fourteen or fifteen were often more mature than others. It was precisely the age when adolescent hormones were stirring.
Morin could vaguely sense what Pakunoda was thinking, but for now, he had no plans to develop things in that direction.
How old was he, anyway?
After drinking the Age Spring Water, he was still only thirteen years old???
Thirteen was an age that would get him arrested! It was the same for boys and girls!!!
"Forget it. We old folks can't really understand you young people's affairs."
Biscuit spread her hands and let out an exaggerated sigh.
"After all, I'm already old. You're all still in your prime. Being young is wonderful."
"Is that so?"
Morin glanced sideways at her. "Then don't use my Age Spring Rope anymore. Keep maintaining the dignity of a senior."
"Hey, hey? How can you stop an old senior who wants to blend in with you young people and rediscover the world? You're crushing an old senior's hopes, you're—"
"Enough, enough!"
Morin rubbed his temples with a headache.
Over the past half year, Biscuit had occasionally asked Morin for Age Spring Water to reduce her age.
Of course, she also understood moderation and knew not to overindulge.
Before you continue