Boom.
A dull blast erupted across the wilderness.
Uvogin's fist clashed head-on with Kurapika's chain.
The violent shock wave tore up a layer of sand around them.
It left an enormous crater.
Uvogin was driven half a step back.
His arm went numb.
He looked at the blond boy before him.
A trace of surprise flickered in his eyes.
This kid's Nen.
It was far stronger than he had imagined.
Kurapika gave him no chance to catch his breath.
He flicked his wrist.
The chain on his right hand moved like a venomous snake brought to life.
It coiled toward Uvogin from all manner of tricky angles.
Uvogin blocked with fists fortified by Ko.
At the same time, he tried to close the distance.
He knew full well.
Against someone who fought through ranged control.
Once his opponent opened up some distance, he would be on the defensive.
But Kurapika's movements were nimble.
Whenever Uvogin was about to get close.
He slipped away at an uncanny angle.
The battle briefly reached a stalemate.
On a distant cliff.
Luo Ye lowered the Telescope.
He picked up a piece of popcorn and tossed it into his mouth.
"Tsk, tsk."
Luo Ye shook his head as he offered his commentary.
"This foreplay's dragging on a bit."
"They're both testing the waters. Not enough fireworks."
He picked up the Telescope and continued watching the battle.
"Still, that kid Kurapika's pretty good."
"It's barely been any time since I last saw him, and he's improved this much."
"That footwork, that mastery of his chains-you can tell he's put in the work."
"Unlike certain people who only know how to slack off."
As Luo Ye finished, he cast a pointed glance at himself.
Killua listened beside him, utterly exasperated.
This guy.
*He really thought he was