The Four Major Principles of Nen

Sophia turned to Leo and bowed deeply.

"Don't celebrate too soon."

Leo's expression remained calm.

"This is only the first step. Ten is the most basic technique. You still have much to learn."

He gestured for Sophia to sit down, then pulled over a chair himself and began a systematic explanation.

"Nen training is divided into four fundamental principles, known as the Four Major Principles."

Leo explained patiently.

"Ten: keeping aura within the body, like a suit of aura armor wrapped around you—you've already learned it. It is the foundation of all foundations."

"The other three are Ren, Zetsu, and Hatsu."

"Ren: instantly releasing the aura gathered within the body, increasing its intensity and output."

"Zetsu: concealing one's aura, completely cutting off the flow of aura and erasing one's presence. It is used to recover stamina or hide."

"Hatsu: releasing the aura cultivated through Ren according to one's will. This is the core of Nen abilities' endless variety. Every Nen user will eventually develop their own unique Hatsu—their personal ability."

He paused, allowing Sophia to absorb the information before continuing.

"The Four Major Principles are not isolated. They can be combined to create more powerful advanced techniques."

Leo's voice was not loud, yet every word was clear as he gradually laid out the vast system of Nen abilities before Sophia.

"'Concealment'—an application of Zetsu: using Hatsu in a state that makes it difficult for opponents to notice.

"Gyo—an application of Ren: concentrating aura intensely in a specific part of the body, such as the eyes, allowing you to see through an opponent's Concealment. This is a basic combat skill.

"Shu—an application of Ten: wrapping Nen around an object in contact with you to enhance its properties. For example, turning an ordinary sword sharp enough to cut through iron like mud.

"En—a high-level combination of Ten and Ren: expanding your aura outward with yourself at its center, allowing you to sense intruders within its range.

"Ken—a high-level combination of Ten and Ren: the most important defensive and reinforcing state in battle. It wraps the entire body in far more aura than usual, greatly strengthening both offense and defense. A qualified Nen user must be able to maintain Ken for at least half an hour. It is the fundamental stance that combines offense and defense.

"Ko—a high-level combination of Ten, Zetsu, Ren, Hatsu, and Gyo: instantly concentrating 100 percent of your aura into a single point and releasing it! Its power is immense, but the risk is equally high. The concentrated point possesses unrivaled offensive and defensive strength, but every other part of your body has zero Nen defense in that instant! Never use it unless you are certain you can hit your opponent."

Sophia listened, utterly absorbed. Her eyes went from initial confusion to growing brightness, then filled with shock and reverence.

This half-day explanation had opened a door for her into the hall of true power.

She took a deep breath and bowed solemnly.

"This is... truly eye-opening! I never knew the world of Nen abilities could be so vast and profound!"

"I have learned so much, Master Leo! Thank you a thousand times for your guidance!"

Her voice was filled with sincere gratitude and a thirst for knowledge.

"All right, that concludes the basic theory. The rest is for you to put into practice, experience for yourself, and hone through countless trials."

After saying that, Leo took a sheet of paper and a pen from nearby, quickly drew a hexagon, and labeled its six vertices: Enhancement, Emission, Transmutation, Conjuration, Manipulation, and Specialization.

He pointed at the diagram and began explaining.

"Enhancement: strengthening the inherent properties of yourself or your weapons. I belong to the Enhancement type."

"Emission: aura can retain its power outside the body and be sent far from it. It releases the body's aura outward. Emitted aura can change shape, attack enemies, or carry out commands."

"Transmutation: changing the nature or shape of the aura you produce. Any ability that alters Nen's properties uses this type, but no matter how it changes, it still retains the nature of 'energy.'"

"Conjuration: transforming your aura into whatever you desire—making aura tangible and material. You can use aura to create real weapons for attack."

"Manipulation: injecting your Nen into a target in order to control it. For example, injecting it into another person's body allows you to control them."

His finger landed on the final point.

"As for Specialization... it is very special. Any Nen ability that does not belong to the other five types falls into this category. Specialist abilities are usually mysterious and unpredictable. Occasionally, someone from another type may also become a Specialist through acquired effort."

With that, Leo rose, took a glass from the table, filled it with clear water, then plucked a small leaf from the potted plant by the window and gently placed it on the surface.

"This is Water Divination. It can determine which type you belong to."

He placed the glass on the table.

"Now, hold your hands loosely around the sides of the glass, then activate your Nen—slowly pour your aura into the water."

Sophia took a deep breath and moved before the glass.

She loosely held the sides of the glass with both hands, closed her eyes, and tried her best to summon the Nen aura she had only just learned to control, still unstable as it was.

A few seconds later, the water in the glass began to ripple.

Then something strange happened—the leaf floating on the water slowly became transparent before their eyes, and then... vanished.

Leo was slightly surprised. "A Specialist, huh."

He explained, "If you are an Enhancer, the water volume will increase; if you are a Transmuter, the water's taste will change; if you are an Emitter, the water's color will change; if you are a Manipulator, the leaf will move; if you are a Conjurer, crystals will appear in the water... Any reaction outside those five belongs to Specialization."

He looked at Sophia, his expression turning serious.

"That makes things a little troublesome. You will have to explore the development of your ability yourself. I can't offer you specific advice—Specialist abilities are too individualistic, and outsiders find them difficult to guide. Still, I suggest you first master the Four Major Principles before considering the development of your personal ability."

Sophia nodded solemnly.

"Mm, I'll train hard and strive to improve my strength as soon as possible. I won't make you lose face!"

Her gaze was firm, carrying the focus and determination of someone who had found her direction.

Leo nodded, then pointed to the clock on the wall.

"But before that... you have five hours left to register. Go to the reception desk on the 200th floor now and complete the procedures."

His tone was stern.

"Remember—before you have fully mastered the Four Major Principles, do not register for any matches. Fights on the 200th floor are completely different from those below. Without a solid foundation, you will die very quickly."

"And don't talk about becoming my disciple until you can win a match."

Sophia nodded forcefully.

"I understand!"

She quickly put on her shirt, bowed deeply to Leo once more, then turned and walked toward the door.

As her hand gripped the doorknob, she paused and looked back.

"Mr. Leo... although you are unwilling to take me as your disciple, in my heart, you are already my teacher. I will repay this kindness through my actions."

Leo did not respond. He merely waved his hand.

The door closed softly. The lounge returned to silence.

Leo walked to the window and looked at the brilliant lights of Heaven's Arena outside.

The night grew deeper. This giant tower was like a beacon that never went out, drawing countless moths in pursuit of power.