The arena on the 225th floor.
The audience's cheers echoed through the stadium like a tsunami, nearly lifting the roof. Spotlights shone on the center of the ring, illuminating every inch as brightly as daylight.
Hisoka emerged from the fighters' entrance at a leisurely pace, a playing card fluttering between his fingers like a butterfly.
He stopped at one side of the ring and surveyed the roaring stands. His face held no expression-no excitement, no pleasure, only a hollow calm.
The commentator's impassioned voice boomed through the loudspeakers.
"Sorry for the wait, everyone! Today's match-Mr. Hisoka versus Mr. Kastro!"
"Mr. Hisoka has three wins in three matches on the 200th floor, all one-hit knockouts! A terrifying fighter of overwhelming strength!"
"And his opponent, Mr. Kastro-a phenomenal newcomer who fought his way up from the first floor! He advanced with an unbroken winning streak, never suffering a single defeat! Today marks his first match on the 200th floor!"
"Will the established powerhouse continue his domination, or will the dark horse newcomer stun us all? Let's find out!"
Kastro emerged from the other end of the passage.
Dressed in a white robe, with long silver hair, he had handsome features and a sharp gaze. His steps were steady, his breathing deep and even.
The moment he stepped into the ring, he looked at Hisoka across from him, his lips curving into a confident smile.
"So you're my first opponent on the 200th floor?"
Kastro's voice rang clear.
"I'll give this everything I have. I hope you won't disappoint me."
A flicker stirred in Hisoka's previously vacant eyes.
He looked at Kastro as though examining an intriguing new toy.
"Hmm~"
He chuckled, and the playing card stopped spinning between his fingers.
The referee walked to the center of the ring and quickly recited