Commission, Sparring with Wing

A day later, on the 190th-floor arena.

Wing's opponent was a jujutsu fighter skilled in joint locks. The two grappled for several minutes.

In the end, Wing landed a precise palm strike on his opponent's jaw, ending the match.

The referee raised his hand and announced that he had qualified to advance to the 200th floor.

Applause rose from the stands, though it was not particularly enthusiastic—Wing's style was steady but not flashy, not the kind that could set the entire arena ablaze.

He gave a slight bow, stepped down from the ring, and entered the competitors' corridor.

The corridor was dimly lit, and the air carried the mingled smell of sweat and disinfectant.

Wing adjusted his glasses as he considered the registration procedures for the 200th floor.

His thoughts were interrupted by a voice. "Hello, my name is Leo."

Wing stopped and turned toward the source of the voice.

At the corner of the corridor stood a young man dressed in white and black, wearing a friendly smile.

Wing recognized him—the newcomer who had killed Tuba with a single punch and caused quite a stir on the 200th floor.

He pushed up his glasses, a hint of wariness flashing through his eyes.

"I know you. You're very strong."

Leo spread his hands, indicating that he meant no harm.

"Thanks for the compliment. You don't need to be so guarded around me. I'm not here to challenge you to a match."

He paused.

"However, I have a presumptuous request and would like your consent."

Wing frowned.

He had encountered plenty of people like this at the arena—some wanted to recruit him, some wanted to test him, and some simply wanted to pick a fight. He had no desire to get caught up in any trouble.

"I'm sorry."

Wing's tone was calm but firm.

"I have no intention of agreeing to any request from you."

With that, he stepped forward, intending to walk past Leo.

Leo awkwardly scratched the back of his head. Were Nen users from orthodox backgrounds all this wary?

Satotz had been like that, Mizai Istom had been like that, and now Wing was the same.

Dealing with Goreinu had been much simpler instead.

But the opportunity was right in front of him. He could not give up so easily.

"Wait!"

Leo called out to Wing, who was about to leave.

"I mean no harm. I know your master is Biscuit, and she's very powerful. As for how I know that... it wouldn't be convenient for me to tell you."

Wing stopped.

He turned around, and his eyes sharpened behind his glasses.

"You investigated me?"

"Not investigated."

Leo shook his head.

"I just... know a few things. I want to commission Ms. Biscuit for something. It isn't anything dangerous. As for the specifics, I'd like to discuss them with her alone."

He took a small velvet pouch from his pocket, untied the drawstring, and poured out a gemstone.

It was a red gemstone the size of a pigeon's egg. Even in the corridor's dim light, it refracted a dazzling brilliance.

It was as if flames flowed inside the gem. As light and shadow shifted, fine storm-like patterns could faintly be seen swirling within it.

"I know Ms. Biscuit likes collecting gemstones."

Leo held the gem in his palm.

"The payment for the commission will be this Red Storm."

Wing's attention was drawn to the gemstone.

Though he was no gem expert, he had spent enough time around Biscuit to recognize that this gem was extraordinary—its color, clarity, and cut were all flawless. Even an amateur like him could sense its value.

He immediately found himself in a difficult position.

Should he refuse? His master really was obsessed with collecting all kinds of gemstones.

If he refused, and she later learned that someone had offered such a precious gemstone as payment for a commission, yet he had turned it down without even asking her...

Wing could practically imagine Biscuit standing with her hands on her hips, furiously scolding him.

"You idiot disciple! That's Red Storm! It's worth so much Jenny! And you just turned it down for me?!"

He scratched his hair and sighed.

Seeing his hesitation, Leo took the initiative to offer him an out.

"You can contact your master first and ask her. If she refuses, I absolutely won't keep bothering you."

It was a reasonable suggestion.

Wing considered it for several seconds, then took out his phone from his pocket.

He walked farther down the corridor and dialed the number.

The call connected after three rings.

"Wing?"

Biscuit's voice came through. There was some noise in the background, as if she were at a market.

"Didn't I tell you to train properly at Heaven's Arena? What, did you slack off again and call to complain to me?"

"No, Master." Wing lowered his voice.

"I met someone at the arena named Leo. He... knows who you are and said he wants to commission you for something. The payment is a gemstone called Red Storm."

There was silence on the other end for two seconds.

"Leo? Never heard that name before."

Biscuit's voice turned serious.

"How does he know about me?"

"He said it wouldn't be convenient for him to say," Wing relayed honestly.

"But he doesn't seem hostile. He only wants to make a commission. He said he wants to discuss its contents with you alone."

"Red Storm..." Biscuit murmured.

"I remember there are fewer than ten of those gemstones left, and every single one is recorded. What quality is the one he has?"

Wing looked at the gemstone in Leo's hand and described it.

"It's the size of a pigeon's egg, with patterns inside that look like flowing flames. Under the light, you can see markings like a storm... It's very beautiful."

"Tch." Biscuit clicked her tongue.

"Sounds like the real thing. Fine, I happen to be nearby taking care of something. I can get to Heaven's Arena in a week."

"Perfect timing. I'll check your training progress while I'm there—if you've been slacking off, just wait for your beating!"

Wing shrank his neck.

"I-I'll train seriously."

"Then that's that. Tell him I'll see him in a week. He can choose the location."

The call ended, and Wing returned to Leo with a complicated expression.

"Master agreed. She'll arrive in a week. She said she's going to check my training while she's here... I really haven't been slacking off lately."

The last sentence sounded like he was talking to himself, carrying a trace of guilty unease.

Leo smiled and put the gemstone away.

"No problem. Then I'll await Ms. Biscuit's arrival in Lounge 2079 on the 200th floor."

Wing sighed helplessly.

He had originally been living freely on his own at Heaven's Arena, but now his master was coming to inspect him. He would have to train desperately over the next week, or he would definitely get lectured.

Leo saw what he was thinking and made a suggestion.

"If you need one, I can be your sparring partner. An opponent of comparable strength is the most effective for training and improvement."

At those words, Wing's eyes lit up behind his glasses.

He did need real combat experience—especially against an opponent from the Enhancement type like himself.

After watching Leo's match, he could tell that this young man's strength was unfathomable. If they could spar...

"That works." Wing nodded.

"I'll register on the 200th floor first, then we can spar. But let's be clear—it's only sparring. We stop short of going all out."

"Of course." Leo smiled.

The two headed toward the elevator together.

Wing completed his registration for the 200th floor and received his room number—2115, on the same floor as Leo's 2079.

They arrived at Wing's private lounge.

The room's layout was similar to Leo's, though the training area had more complete equipment, and several open martial arts books were piled in a corner.

They entered the training room and stood facing each other.

The floor was covered with specially made shock-absorbing mats, while the surrounding walls were reinforced with soundproof material.

Wing adjusted his glasses.

"How do you want to do this?"

Leo shrugged. "You're the host. Your call."

"You're an Enhancer too, right?" Wing confirmed.

Leo nodded.

"Then let's keep it simple." Wing took off his jacket, revealing his lean, capable upper body.

"No Nen. We'll just have a light spar. I want to see your fundamentals."

"No problem."

Leo also removed his training jacket and rolled his shoulders.

The two took their positions in the center of the training room, five meters apart.

The air fell silent, broken only by the low hum of the air-conditioning system.