Promotion to the 200th Floor, Wing Arrives

Heaven's Arena, 185th Floor, Ring C.

The audience's cheers surged like a tidal wave.

On the ring, Leo withdrew his fist as his opponent Muldort's massive body crashed to the floor, kicking up a cloud of dust.

"It's happened! Mr. Leo lands another beautiful KO, ending Mr. Muldort!"

The commentator's voice boomed across the entire floor through the loudspeakers.

"Congratulations to Mr. Leo on advancing to the 190th Floor! After returning to the ring following more than half a month away, Mr. Leo is clearly even stronger! It looks like he'll charge all the way to the 200th Floor with a perfect record!"

Leo turned and stepped down from the ring. The referee handed him his promotion ticket—the 190th Floor.

As he passed the stands, his gaze inadvertently swept across the front row.

Two familiar figures came into view.

Sophia sat on the left, her blue hair striking beneath the lights. She was intently looking at the notebook in her hands, seemingly recording something.

And several seats to her right sat... Wing.

The mild-mannered Enhancement-type Nen user who, in the original story, taught Gon and Killua the basics of Nen.

Wing looked somewhat younger than he had in the manga, his features still slightly boyish. He wore plain grayish-white casual clothes, sitting upright with a focused expression.

Noticing Leo's gaze, Wing turned his head, offered a friendly smile, and nodded slightly.

Leo nodded back, his thoughts racing.

Zushi isn't here. He's alone. He must have come to train at Heaven's Arena—going by the original timeline, he'll probably meet Zushi here. Looks like that gem will come in handy...

Leo withdrew his gaze and headed toward the contestants' lounge.

He decided to reach the 200th Floor today—quickly.

In the stands, Wing watched Leo leave and murmured to himself.

"Master was right. Heaven's Arena really does have quite a few capable opponents."

He recalled Biscuit's reprimand before he had left.

The petite two-star Gemstone Hunter had planted her hands on her hips and pointed at his nose as she scolded him.

"Wing, you may have decent talent, but you're far too lazy! I don't even know why you're an Enhancer—with your personality, bringing out the full potential of Enhancement would be harder than getting you to clean your room! Just look at how sloppy you are!"

All Wing could do at the time was laugh awkwardly.

"Go to Heaven's Arena."

That was what Biscuit said in the end.

"It's the most suitable place for you right now. Forcing out your potential through real combat is better than slacking off at my place. I won't be coming with you, so train properly on your own!"

Wing smiled. Indeed, for an Enhancer, growing through battle was the fastest path.

He rose from the stands and headed for the registration desk on the first floor.

Two hours later, Leo was resting with his eyes closed in the 190th Floor lounge when an announcement sounded.

"Mr. Leo and Ms. Sophia, please proceed to Ring B on the 192nd Floor!"

Leo opened his eyes, somewhat surprised.

It was her—Sophia, the blue-haired female fighter.

Though they had crossed paths a few times, Leo knew her strength well—a normal person who could not use Nen, yet had fought her way above the 190th Floor through superb fighting techniques and sheer determination. She was certainly worthy of respect, but he would not hold back.

Ring B, 192nd Floor. Sophia was already standing on the ring.

She had changed into a blue martial arts uniform. Some bruises still remained on her face, but her gaze was exceptionally resolute.

Seeing Leo step onto the ring, she took a deep breath and spoke first.

"I know you're very strong. But... I won't give up. Please don't go easy on me."

Leo raised an eyebrow slightly. This woman was rather stubborn.

"Don't worry. I won't hold back."

He answered seriously.

"But I can let you make the first move."

Sophia said no more. She took her stance, lowered her center of gravity, and fixed him with eyes as sharp as an eagle's.

The next instant, she moved—lunging forward at no slow speed.

As she neared Leo, she shouted and whipped her right leg high toward his head!

Leo shifted aside and easily avoided the kick.

He could tell that the force and angle behind it had been honed through years of training, but before an absolute gap in speed and strength, technique had limited meaning.

He did not want to drag this out. The instant Sophia withdrew her leg, Leo threw a right punch—using only sixty percent of his strength, lest this woman die pointlessly by his hand.

His fist struck Sophia in the chest.

"Puh!"

Sophia's eyes widened as she spat out a mouthful of blood. Her body flew backward like a kite with its string cut, tumbling straight off the ring and collapsing limply.

The referee immediately jumped down to inspect her. A few seconds later, he looked up and announced.

"Contestant Sophia has lost consciousness! Contestant Leo wins by KO! He advances to the 200th Floor!"

The stands erupted into a clamor mixed with astonishment and regret.

Some cheered Leo's strength, while others applauded Sophia's tenacity.

As Leo stepped down from the ring and passed the unconscious Sophia, he said quietly, "All flash, no substance."

It was both an assessment and a warning—without Nen, excessively pursuing flashy moves would only expose one's weaknesses. But Sophia could no longer hear him.

He headed for the elevator and pressed the button for the 200th Floor.

Heaven's Arena's rules stated that after reaching the 200th Floor, a contestant had to register that very day. Otherwise, they would be deemed to have forfeited their qualification and would need to start over from the first floor.

"Ding—"

The elevator doors opened.

A mixed aura instantly washed over him. It was the "trace" left behind by Nen users who had gathered, fought, and trained here for years.

Residual Nen aura mingled in the air, forming an invisible, oppressive pressure.

Unlike the simple noise of the lower floors, the atmosphere on the 200th Floor was more restrained—and more dangerous.

Leo's expression remained unchanged as he stepped out of the elevator.

He followed the signs toward the registration desk.

Along the way, he could feel several gazes cast at him from the shadows—watchful, appraising, amused, or malicious.

The veterans of the 200th Floor were observing their new "prey."

As Leo approached the registration counter, quiet conversation drifted over from behind him.

He did not turn around, but he could tell from the footsteps—three people, roughly twenty meters away.

"Hehe, another newcomer."

A hoarse male voice chuckled softly.

"Another easy win. I let you guys have the last few, but this one is mine. My preparation period is almost up."

The other voice carried a metallic rasp.

"Looks like he can use Nen too."

"So what?" The first voice—Tuba—was unconcerned.

"Who here can't use Nen? We've survived the trials of the 200th Floor. A rookie like him has no idea what kind of people are left standing here."

The third person casually chimed in.

"Fine, Tuba. Just take it easy and don't kill him. We want a win too."

Tuba waved a hand. "Got it."

Leo arrived at the counter.

"Welcome to the 200th Floor, Mr. Leo."

The receptionist handed him a form.

"Please sign and register here. This floor uses a 'combat declaration system,' and we have prepared a ninety-day 'battle preparation period' for you."

She began explaining the rules in detail, her tone steady and clear.

"During this period, you may choose any day to fight freely. After each battle, you will receive another ninety-day preparation period."

"Of course, if you do not participate in any battle within ninety days, you will be awarded one loss."

"To clear this floor, you must achieve ten victories. If you lose four matches before obtaining ten wins, you will lose your qualification to advance."

"Once you have won ten matches, you will be eligible to challenge the 'Floor Master'..."

Leo quickly scanned the form. The rules matched those described in the manga.

He checked the option marked "available to fight at any time" and signed his name.

"Then please proceed to your assigned private lounge, number 2079, to rest. Once your match date is set, we will notify you immediately."

The receptionist put away the form as Tuba also arrived beside the counter.

He was a man around thirty years old, roughly one meter eighty tall, with a dark gray metal glove covering his left arm.

He wore what appeared to be a friendly smile, but there was not the slightest hint of mirth in his eyes.

Tuba picked up a form as well, filled it out, and likewise checked "available to fight at any time."

After finishing, he looked at Leo with a smiling expression.

"Little brother, you don't mind if I join in too, do you?"

Leo looked at him, the corners of his lips lifting into a faint smile.

"I don't mind. Do as you like."

He withdrew his gaze, turned, and left the registration desk, heading for his assigned room on the 200th Floor.

Tuba watched Leo's retreating back, and his smile slowly turned cold.

He licked his lips, a bloodthirsty gleam flashing in his eyes.

"Newcomers... should act like newcomers."

Deep in the corridor, Leo's figure disappeared around the corner.