Martial Arts X Contemplation

Sixteen rings were simultaneously engaged in combat.

Some rings were fiercely contested, while others saw the conclusion of battles in an instant.

Moro intently watched the events unfolding on one particular ring.

The two individuals clashing appeared to be martial artists well-versed in a specific style, their movements revealing a clear offensive and defensive strategy.

After observing for a while, Moro discerned that one combatant excelled in leg techniques, while the other favored punches.

However, after about a dozen exchanges, the one specializing in leg techniques began to gain the upper hand.

"Truly impressive."

Initially intrigued, Moro found his heart stirred after watching for a dozen rounds.

As the two fighters on the ring struck, their movements were powerful and decisive, possessing an aura that suggested they intended to kill their opponent with the next blow.

Moreover, their techniques clearly possessed the precision to exploit weaknesses directly.

This was certainly not something achievable overnight; it undoubtedly required arduous effort.

If these two individuals also understood "Nen"...

What kind of spectacle would unfold on the ring then?

As Moro contemplated this possibility, the situation on the ring suddenly reversed.

The one who had been dominating with leg techniques was caught off guard when the punch-focused fighter unleashed a burst of power. He endured a whip kick, seizing an opportunity to close the distance and land a direct punch to the opponent's heart.

This single punch turned the tide, causing his opponent to collapse to the ground.

Upon witnessing this, Moro's pupils constricted.

He noticed the aura above the head of the leg-focused fighter dissipating.

At that very moment, the referee on the ring recognized the severity of the situation. After checking the fallen participant's breathing, he immediately called for the emergency medical team waiting at the sidelines.

The victor of the match merely glanced at his fallen opponent before looking away, displaying an indifferent demeanor as if it were none of his concern.

This was the brutal reality beneath the cheers and applause.

Every participant who resolved to step onto the Heaven's Arena stage had to be prepared for the possibility of death during their duels.

This aspect bore a certain resemblance to the Hunter Exam.

The Hunter Association, which administered the Hunter Exam, maintained a relatively detached attitude towards the phenomenon of candidates dying during the tests.

Candidates who registered for the Hunter Exam were also fully aware of the dangers of the path ahead.

Heaven's Arena was no different.

Participants not only had to be mentally prepared but also sign waivers absolving the arena of responsibility in case of death.

Furthermore, the battles on the ring were by no means mere performances for spectators.

If one encountered a particularly vicious opponent, they could only blame their own misfortune.

However—

Fatalities during the preliminary rounds were still relatively uncommon.

This was because the use of weapons was prohibited on the ring from the preliminary rounds up to the 200th floor.

Additionally, the preliminary rounds had a time limit of three minutes.

If neither combatant could decide the victor within three minutes, the referee would determine the winner based on their respective performances.

Therefore, in most cases, participants would counter each other's moves, avoiding a fight to the death.

It was relatively rare to see a situation like the current one, where two participants specializing in lethal martial arts were matched on the same ring.

Furthermore, their strengths were nearly equal, compelling one of them, driven by extensive combat experience, to decisively seize that fleeting opportunity to win the duel.

Perhaps the punch-focused fighter had anticipated the possibility of killing his opponent when he threw that punch, but he would not have hesitated in the slightest.

This was a pure martial arts practitioner.

Not just in a place like Heaven's Arena, a paradise for combat, but even if they met anywhere under normal circumstances...

Once martial artists formally challenged each other, it was often a situation where both skill and life were on the line.

"I could defeat him with ease."

Moro's gaze followed the victor who had already descended from the ring.

"But if he had awakened his Nen ability..."

Watching the man walk into the passageway, Moro sighed.

"I wouldn't stand a chance."

After a brief silence, Moro leaned back in his chair, his brow furrowed.

Physical prowess—

He had never truly engaged with it, neither before encountering Nen abilities nor after learning them.

But undoubtedly, physical prowess was a crucial component in Nen ability combat.

However, someone with no proficiency in physical combat could face a martial artist who had spent countless years rigorously training in martial arts and physical combat, without any pressure, provided they had awakened Nen.

If a priority order had to be established…

Then, was Nen more important, or were martial arts and physical combat more important?

Moro thought of the battle between Killua and Zushi in the original work.

At that time, Killua didn't understand Nen yet, but he could achieve one-sided suppression with his footwork and physical combat. However, if Zushi had developed a Nen ability, it would have been difficult to say.

Afterward, Moro thought of Bisky again.

This first-class Nen user, who had been deeply involved in Shin-Kage-Ryu for decades, didn't need a combat-type Nen ability. With skill alone, she possessed terrifying combat power.

So, what was the answer…

Moro was momentarily bewildered.

Then, he inexplicably thought of Feitan's elusive speed attack ability.

Compared to the Nen ability of "Unforgivable," Moro felt Feitan's speed attack ability was more troublesome.

Could one truly cope with such a speed attack style based solely on Nen cultivation?

Headache.

Moro raised his hand and rubbed his temples.

If it weren't for the Phantom Troupe, he wouldn't have had to delve into this kind of thing, nor would he have to bear the sense of urgency from time.

The future he had focused on before…

Was to use basic Nen abilities as capital for self-preservation, and then earn an inexhaustible amount of money through the antique business.

Having money and not dying easily, such a future… how wonderful it would be.

But the Phantom Troupe had destroyed all of that.

"Attention, contestants number 2688 and 2792, please proceed to Ring C. Attention, contestants number 2688 and 2792, please proceed to Ring C…"

The broadcast announcement within the venue interrupted Moro's thoughts.

2792 was his number.

Moro collected his thoughts, stood up, and walked towards the ring.

He soon arrived at the side of Ring C and saw contestant number 2688. She was a woman wearing a tight-fitting outfit and a long ponytail.

The woman with the long ponytail also saw Moro and frowned slightly, seemingly finding him too young.

"Both contestants, please enter the ring."

The referee gestured for both to step up.

Moro and the woman with the long ponytail climbed onto the ring.

"The matches on the first floor focus more on combat performance. Please display your abilities to the fullest within three minutes."

The referee explained the rules as usual.

"Then, begin!"

The referee then quickly announced the start.

The woman with the long ponytail moved at the sound, stepping on the ground and swiftly circling behind Moro with a light gait.

Sorry, little brother…

The woman with the long ponytail raised her palm and struck towards the back of Moro's neck.

This scene was observed by some contestants in the audience.

They were people who had paid attention to Moro before, and now seeing Moro show no reaction to the woman's attack, their reactions varied.

Bang.

A dull thud echoed from Ring C.

This was followed by the sound of the woman with the long ponytail gasping for air, her hand retracting as she wore a pained expression.

What's going on?!

Everyone who saw this scene showed surprise, and then they saw that the boy, who looked no older than sixteen, not only showed no reaction but even wore…

A contemplative expression?