16 arenas hosted matches simultaneously.
Some arenas saw exceptionally fierce battles, while others quickly decided the winner.
Morrow focused intently on the battle unfolding in one of the arenas.
The two combatants appeared to be martial artists adept in specific styles, their offensive and defensive strategies evident in the interplay of their punches and kicks.
After observing for a while, Morrow noticed that one of them specialized in leg techniques, while the other excelled in boxing.
However, after more than a dozen rounds, the one primarily focused on leg techniques gradually gained the upper hand.
"Truly impressive."
What began as curiosity soon turned into a surging excitement as he watched the dozen or so rounds unfold.
The two on the arena struck with ferocious power, their movements resolute, each attack carrying an intensity that suggested they aimed to incapacitate their opponent with the next blow.
Furthermore, their techniques demonstrated a clear precision, capable of directly exploiting weaknesses.
This was clearly not something achieved overnight; they had undoubtedly put in immense effort.
If these two individuals also understood "Nen"...
What kind of spectacle would unfold in the arena then?
As Morrow pondered this possibility, the situation in the arena suddenly reversed.
The one skilled in leg techniques had been dominating, but the other, a master of boxing, suddenly found a burst of ferocity.
He took a brutal whip kick, sacrificing it for a chance to get in close and land a punch directly to the solar plexus.
It was this very punch that turned the tide, sending his opponent to the ground.
Witnessing this, Morrow's pupils constricted slightly.
He noticed the aura above the head of the leg specialist was dissipating.
At that moment, the referee in the arena realized the gravity of the situation, checked the fallen competitor's breathing, and immediately called for the emergency medical team waiting ringside.
The other competitor, who had won the match, merely spared a glance for his fallen opponent before looking away, an expression of detached indifference on his face.
This was the cruel reality hidden beneath the cheers and applause.
Every competitor who steps into the Heaven's Arena ring must be prepared, both mentally and emotionally, for the possibility of losing their life in a duel.
In this regard, it bore some resemblance to the Hunter Exam.
The Hunter Association, which conducts the Hunter Exam, maintains a relatively detached attitude toward examinees dying during the test.
Similarly, examinees who sign up for the Hunter Exam are well aware of the dangers that lie ahead.
Heaven's Arena was no different.
Competitors not only had to be mentally prepared but also had to sign a waiver absolving the arena of responsibility for death or injury.
The matches in the arena were certainly not exhibition bouts for entertainment.
If one encountered a particularly ruthless opponent, they had only their bad luck to blame.
However—
Fatalities in the preliminary rounds were still uncommon.
This was because, from the preliminary rounds up to the 200th floor, weapons were prohibited in the arena.
Additionally, the time limit for preliminary matches was three minutes.
If the combatants failed to determine a winner within three minutes, the referee would decide the victor based on their performance.
So, in most cases, competitors would counter each other's moves, avoiding a fight to the death.
It was relatively rare for two competitors specializing in lethal martial arts to be matched in a single arena, as had just happened.
And coincidentally, the two competitors were so evenly matched that, driven by extensive combat experience, one of them decisively seized a fleeting opportunity to win the duel.
Perhaps the punch specialist had anticipated the possibility of killing his opponent when he made his move, but he showed no hesitation whatsoever.
This was pure martial combat.
Forget Heaven's Arena, a veritable fighting paradise; even if they met under ordinary circumstances anywhere else...
Once a true combatant formally issued a challenge, it usually meant a fight to determine both superiority and life or death.
"I could easily defeat him."
Morrow's gaze followed the winner, who had already stepped off the arena.
"But if he had awakened Nen abilities..."
Watching the person disappear down the passage, Morrow let out a heavy sigh.
"I wouldn't win."
After a brief silence, Morrow leaned back in his chair, his brows furrowed slightly.
Physical combat techniques—
Whether before encountering Nen or after learning it, he had never truly delved into them.
Yet, there was no doubt that physical techniques were an extremely important component in Nen combat.
However, someone with no particular mastery of physical techniques, under the premise of awakened Nen, could effortlessly face a martial artist who had painstakingly trained in martial arts for countless years.
If one had to prioritize...
Then which was truly more important: Nen, or martial arts and physical techniques?
Morrow recalled the battle between Killua and Zushi in the original story.
At that time, Killua hadn't yet understood Nen, yet he managed to unilaterally suppress Zushi using footwork and physical techniques.
However, if Zushi had developed Nen abilities, the outcome would be uncertain.
Morrow then thought of Bisky.
This top-tier Nen user, who had dedicated decades to cultivating Shingen-ryu, possessed fearsome combat power through sheer skill alone, without needing combat-oriented Nen abilities.
So, what was the answer...?
Morrow felt a momentary sense of confusion.
He then inexplicably thought of Feitan's elusive, lightning-fast attack capabilities.
Compared to the Nen ability of "The Unforgivable One," Morrow actually found Feitan's rapid attack capabilities more problematic.
Could one truly cope with such a rapid assault strategy using only Nen mastery?
A headache.
Morrow raised a hand and rubbed his temples.
If not for the Phantom Troupe, he wouldn't need to delve into such matters, nor would he have to endure such a sense of urgency.
The future he had envisioned previously—
Was to use basic Nen abilities as a means of self-preservation, and then earn enough money from the antique business to never worry about finances again.
Rich and hard to kill—such a future... how wonderful that would be.
But the Phantom Troupe had ruined everything.
"Numbers 2688 and 2792, please report to C Arena. Numbers 2688 and 2792, please report to C Arena..."
The announcement over the arena's loudspeakers interrupted Morrow's thoughts.
2792 was his number.
Morrow collected his thoughts and rose, walking towards the arena.
Arriving quickly at the edge of C Arena, Morrow saw competitor #2688: a woman in a tight-fitting suit with a long ponytail.
The woman with the long ponytail also noticed Morrow, her brow subtly furrowing as if she found him too young.
"Both competitors, please step into the ring."
The referee raised a hand, signaling both to enter.
Morrow and the woman with the long ponytail climbed into the ring.
"Matches on the first floor prioritize combat performance. Please exert your full strength within three minutes."
The referee explained the rules as usual.
"Then, begin!"
The referee then swiftly announced the start of the match.
The woman with the long ponytail sprang into action at the signal, her nimble footsteps quickly circling behind Morrow.
"Apologies, little brother..."
The woman with the long ponytail raised her palm, striking at Morrow's nape.
This scene was witnessed by several competitors in the audience.
These were all individuals who had previously taken an interest in Morrow.
Seeing him show no reaction whatsoever to the woman's attack, their immediate responses varied.
Thud.
A dull thud echoed through C Arena.
This was immediately followed by the woman with the long ponytail gasping sharply, retracting her hand with a pained expression.
What happened?!
Those who witnessed this scene all wore expressions of surprise, then saw the boy, who appeared no older than sixteen, not only show no reaction, but even display...
...a contemplative expression?
(End of Chapter)
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