Return to Heaven's Arena, Taking Sophia Along

After returning from Kante City to Association headquarters, Leo began a regular cycle of hunting down wanted criminals.

The Hunter information website became a tool he checked every day. Selecting targets, analyzing their movements, making plans, and setting out to carry them out—the entire process gradually became familiar through repeated practice.

Not every target was as easy to locate as Jerma.

Most wanted criminals were more cautious. They hid their identities, frequently changed hideouts, and even created false trails to mislead their pursuers.

Leo spent two full weeks tracking a C-rank target—a Enhancement-type Nen user responsible for multiple armed robberies and assaults. His strength was mediocre, but he had strong counter-surveillance instincts.

In the end, Leo cornered him in an alley near a black market the man frequented.

The battle held no suspense. Leo ended it with two punches, and the other man did not even have time to fully release his aura.

Photograph, upload, confirmation, escort—Leo had become exceptionally proficient at the process.

The first successful arrest was followed by a second, then a third.

Leo gradually figured out the behavioral patterns of different kinds of criminals.

Violent types tended to return to familiar areas, greedy types were easily lured by high-value targets, while cautious types left themselves multiple escape routes.

He also learned how to use the Hunter License's authority to pull surveillance footage, check communications records, and even pressure local police into cooperating.

But the hunts did not always go smoothly.

During his fourth operation a month later, the target was a Transmutation-type Nen user who specialized in using his ability for fraud and kidnapping.

Based on the intelligence, Leo lay in wait at a bar the target often visited for three days before finally seeing him appear.

However, just as Leo was about to make his move, the target seemed to sense something—perhaps a warning from some lookout in the bar, or perhaps instincts cultivated through years of crime.

The man suddenly threw a smoke bomb, smashed through the rear window, and fled.

Leo immediately gave chase.

This wanted criminal was skilled at disguising himself and escaping.

The target darted through the alleyways, constantly changing his appearance and clothes, even using his ability to mislead Leo.

Leo spent two full days crossing three districts before finally cornering him inside an abandoned apartment building.

With nowhere left to run, the man chose to make a desperate final stand—throwing himself at Leo with the determination to die together.

There was no room for mercy.

A heavy punch empowered by Ko tore through the man's chest, and the battle ended within ten seconds.

A distinct warmth spread from the tattoo on the back of Leo's hand.

[Level: 42 (28%)]

This was the first time Leo had killed someone during a pursuit since becoming a Hunter.

He stood beside the corpse, took a photo, and submitted his report with the note: "Target resisted fiercely. Killed."

After returning to the Association and handling the follow-up matters, Leo's communicator rang.

The caller ID read: Sophia.

After he answered, the familiar female voice came through, unable to suppress its excitement and anticipation.

"Master Leo! I've successfully won three matches! As agreed..."

Leo raised an eyebrow slightly.

He truly had not expected Sophia to meet the condition so quickly.

He had personally experienced the brutality of Heaven's Arena's 200th floor. For a newcomer who had only learned Nen for a little over half a year to win three matches there—her strength and luck both had to be quite good.

"You were faster than I expected."

Leo said.

"I thought it would take at least another six months."

"I've trained every day for the past few months!"

Sophia's voice brimmed with pride.

"Other than eating and sleeping, I've spent every moment training! I wanted to prove that I'm qualified to follow you!"

Leo thought it over.

Sophia's growth rate had indeed exceeded expectations, and the perseverance and resolve she had shown deserved recognition.

Taking her along would let her gain practical combat experience while also giving him an extra helper—though she might not yet count as combat power, she could at least handle some supporting work.

More importantly...

Leo remembered the rules for Hunter promotion.

To advance from one star to two stars, one needed to make "significant contributions" in multiple fields.

Training a disciple who became a one-star Hunter should count as one of them.

He could plan ahead and have Sophia take the Hunter License exam when the time came.

"Alright."

Leo finally said.

"I'll keep my promise. Wait for me at Heaven's Arena. I'll head back there within the next couple of days."

The journey back to Heaven's Arena went smoothly.

It was only that Leo now had two additional "defeats by default" on his 200th-floor record—he had not competed within the ninety-day preparation period, so he automatically lost.

He had expected that. After all, he had spent most of the past few months outside hunting wanted criminals.

He first went to the registration desk and signed up for matches again, indicating that he was "ready to fight at any time."

Then he headed straight for Sophia's room.

The instant she opened the door and saw Leo, Sophia's eyes lit up.

"Master Leo!"

She looked more capable than she had a few months ago. Her blue hair had been cut shorter, her skin had taken on a healthy wheat-colored tan from long-term training, and her gaze held a little more steadiness.

"I'm very pleased that you earned three victories."

Leo walked into the room and looked around. The training equipment was neatly arranged, and a handmade training schedule hung on the wall. Everything showed the owner's serious attitude.

"It proves that your efforts during this time were not wasted. Very good."

Sophia nodded vigorously.

"Since you want so badly to follow me."

Leo turned to face her, his expression becoming serious.

"I can agree to your request. But there are several conditions."

"Please tell me!"

"First, you must obey my command in every operation. In battle, during infiltration, during retreat—at any time, my orders take highest priority. You may ask questions, but only after the operation is over."

"No problem!"

Sophia stood perfectly straight.

"Whatever you tell me to do, I'll do it!"

"Second, your current strength is still insufficient to handle dangerous targets independently. At first, you will mainly be responsible for intelligence gathering, perimeter watch, and logistical support. You will only be allowed to participate in combat after safety is confirmed."

"I understand!"

"Third."

Leo paused.

"Any progress on developing your ability...?"

At the mention of this, an excited expression appeared on Sophia's face.

"Yes! I've already found a direction! Give me a few more months, and I should be able to complete the creation of my personal ability!"

Leo was somewhat surprised.

Specialization-type ability development was difficult to begin with. Many people spent a long time without finding a suitable direction.

For Sophia to define her path in such a short time, she must have put in unimaginable effort.

"Not bad."

Leo nodded.

"I don't have much experience with Specialization-type abilities, so I can only let you explore it on your own."

"But remember, the core of your ability must suit your true nature. Don't forcefully design it just for the sake of pursuing power."

"I'll remember!"

Leo stayed at Heaven's Arena for ten days.

During that time, he met Wing once and briefly exchanged updates about their respective situations.

He spent the rest of the time guiding Sophia—helping her organize the knowledge she had already learned, correcting some minor errors, and strengthening her foundation.

On the tenth day, it was Leo's turn to fight.

His opponent was an Emission-type Nen user. The moment the match began, he crazily fired aura bullets, attempting to suppress Leo with firepower and keep him from getting close—he had clearly studied recordings of Leo's previous battles.

But the current Leo was no longer the same.

He could not even be bothered to dodge. Maintaining Ken, he steadily advanced through the dense barrage of aura bullets.

The aura bullets, which were strong enough to shatter concrete, struck his body without even making him pause.

The Emission-type fighter's expression changed from confidence to shock, then from shock to despair.

Leo walked up to him and threw one punch.

The match was over.

It was clean and decisive, almost to the point of seeming perfunctory.

But that was the gap in strength—when basic attributes overwhelmed an opponent to a certain extent, skill and tactics became almost insignificant.

Leo secured his third victory.

He still needed seven more to reach ten wins, but he was in no hurry.

The date became February 28th, early morning.

Leo and Sophia met at the entrance of Heaven's Arena.

They both carried only simple luggage—a few changes of clothes and essential equipment.

Sophia looked a little nervous, but even more expectant.

She checked her backpack three times to make sure she had not forgotten anything.

"Ready?"

Leo asked.

"Ready!"

Sophia nodded.

"Then let's go."

The two walked toward the airship station across the street.

The morning sunlight stretched the giant tower's shadow long across the ground. The countless densely packed windows on its body were like innumerable eyes, watching the ambitions and dreams of everyone who entered and left.

Leo did not look back.

There was now a disciple beside him who needed his guidance and protection.

Countless wanted criminals still lay ahead, waiting for him to hunt them down.

And it was time to put the one-star Hunter evaluation on the agenda as well.

The airship slowly rose, leaving Heaven's Arena below.

Sophia leaned against the window and watched the giant tower gradually shrink into the distance as she quietly asked,

"Master Leo, who is our first target?"

Leo opened his computer and pulled up a file.

"Republic of Padokea, Hollen City."

"Target: Schickum. Suspected Nen user. Involved in multiple human trafficking cases, with more than fifty confirmed victims. Wanted threat level: B-."

He turned the screen toward Sophia.

"Your first assignment: before I make my move, find every possible hideout he has in Hollen City and devise at least three surveillance plans."

Sophia immediately sat up straight, took the tablet Leo handed her, and her eyes became focused.

"Yes! I'll complete it!"

The airship cut through the clouds and flew toward the Republic of Padokea.

Leo leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes.