Sophia turned to Leo and gave him a deep bow.
"Don't celebrate too soon."
Leo's expression remained calm.
"This is only the first step. 'Shu' is the most basic technique. There is still much more for you to learn."
He gestured for Sophia to sit down, then pulled over a chair himself and began a systematic explanation.
"The cultivation of Nen is divided into four fundamental principles, known as the Four Major Principles."
Leo spoke in a calm, measured manner.
"Shu: keeping aura within the body, like a suit of aura armor wrapped around your entire body—you have already learned it. It is the most fundamental of fundamentals."
"The other three are Ren, Zetsu, and Hatsu."
"Ren: instantly releasing the aura gathered within the body, increasing its intensity and output."
"Zetsu: concealing your aura, completely cutting off its flow and erasing your presence. It is used to restore stamina or hide."
"Hatsu: releasing the aura cultivated through Ren according to your own will. This is the core behind 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 form more powerful advanced techniques."
Leo's voice was not loud, but every word was clear as he methodically laid out the vast system of Nen abilities before Sophia.
"'In'—an application of Zetsu: using Hatsu in a state that makes it difficult for your opponent to notice.
"'Gyo'—an application of Ren: concentrating aura intensely in a certain part of the body, such as the eyes, allowing you to see through an opponent's In. This is a fundamental combat skill.
"'Shu'—an application of Shu: wrapping Nen around an object you are touching to enhance its properties. For example, it can make an ordinary sword sharp enough to cut through iron like mud.
"'En'—an advanced joint application of Shu and Ren: expanding aura outward with yourself as the center, allowing you to detect intruders within its range.
"'Ken'—an advanced joint application of Shu and Ren: this is the most important defensive and enhancement state in battle. You envelop your entire body in far more aura than usual, greatly enhancing both offense and defense. A qualified Nen user must be able to maintain Ken for at least half an hour. It is the foundational stance that integrates offense and defense.
"'Ko'—an advanced joint application of Shu, Zetsu, Ren, Hatsu, and Gyo: instantly concentrating one hundred percent of your aura into a single point and releasing it! Its power is tremendous, but the risk is equally great. While that concentrated point possesses peerless offensive and defensive strength, every other part of your body has zero Nen defense at that moment! Do not use it lightly unless you are certain you can hit your opponent."
Sophia listened, utterly absorbed. Her gaze went from initial confusion to growing brightness, then filled with shock and awe.
This half day of instruction 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 immensely for your guidance!"
Her tone was filled with sincere gratitude and a thirst for knowledge.
"All right, that concludes the basic theory. The rest is something you must put into practice, experience for yourself, and hone through relentless training."
After saying that, Leo retrieved a sheet of paper and a pen from beside him. He quickly drew a hexagon and labeled its six vertices: Enhancement Type, Emission Type, Transformation Type, Conjuration Type, Manipulation Type, and Specialization Type.
He pointed to the diagram and began explaining.
"Enhancement Type: enhancing the inherent properties of yourself or a weapon. I belong to the Enhancement Type."
"Emission Type: aura can retain its power outside the body and be sent far away from it. It releases the body's aura outward. Emitted aura can change shape, attack enemies, or carry out commands."
"Transformation Type: it can alter the properties or shape of the aura you produce. Any alteration of Nen's properties uses this type, though no matter how it changes, it still retains the nature of 'energy.'"
"Conjuration Type: it can transform your aura into whatever form you desire—materializing and giving substance to aura. You can use aura to create real weapons for attack."
"Manipulation Type: it can inject your Nen into a target and control it. For example, injecting it into another person's body allows you to control them."
His finger fell on the final point.
"As for the Specialization Type... it is very special. Any Nen ability that does not belong to the other five types falls into this category. Specialization abilities are usually mysterious and unpredictable. Occasionally, someone may even transform from another type into the Specialization Type through acquired effort."
With that, Leo rose, took a glass from the table, filled it with water, then plucked a small leaf from a 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 channel your aura into the water."
Sophia took a deep breath and moved closer to the glass.
She loosely held the sides of the glass with both hands, closed her eyes, and tried hard to stir the Nen Aura she had only just mastered, which was still unstable.
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... disappeared.
Leo was slightly surprised. "So you're a Specialization Type."
He explained, "If it were Enhancement Type, the volume of water would increase; for Transformation Type, the water's taste would change; for Emission Type, the water's color would change; for Manipulation Type, the leaf would move; for Conjuration Type, crystals would appear in the water... Any reaction outside these five belongs to the Specialization Type."
He looked at Sophia, his expression turning serious.
"This is going to be a little troublesome. You will have to explore the development of your ability yourself; I cannot offer you specific advice—Specialization abilities are too individualized, and outsiders find them difficult to guide. But I suggest you first master the Four Major Principles before considering the development of a personal ability."
Sophia nodded solemnly.
"Yes, I'll train hard and improve my strength as soon as possible. I won't bring shame to you!"
Her eyes were resolute, holding the focus and determination of someone who had found her direction.
Leo nodded, then pointed at 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 formalities."
His tone was stern.
"Remember—before you have fully mastered the Four Major Principles, do not register for any matches. Battles 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 secure a win."
Sophia nodded vigorously.
"I understand!"
She quickly put on her shirt, gave Leo another deep bow, then turned toward the door.
When her hand reached the doorknob, she paused and looked back.
"Mr. Leo... although you are unwilling to accept 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. Silence returned to the lounge.
Leo walked to the window and looked at the brilliant lights of Heaven's Arena outside.
The night grew darker, and the giant tower stood like an eternal lighthouse, drawing countless moths in pursuit of power.
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