Somewhere in a tropical region of the Azian Continent.
Deep within a dense rainforest, a base camp had been established. Various excavation facilities were neatly arranged, and over a dozen archaeologists and scholars from different fields bustled about. Surrounding the camp were expansive dig sites where ancient ruins were being carefully uncovered. Next to them stood a temporary factory structure housing numerous unearthed artifacts.
Inside one of the tents, Jin sat on a stool, phone pressed to his ear.
"He's growing quite fast."
"A bit beyond my expectations, indeed."
"He and Kite have met? Hahaha, what a coincidence."
"Kite doesn't know? Haha, that silly kid."
"Alright, I understand. I'll find time to swing by soon."
Just then, a loud shout came from outside the tent: "Jin! Hurry! Major discovery!"
"What! Coming! Coming!" Jin quickly ended the call and rushed out.
On the other end of the line, a burly man in military boots and camouflage pants looked at the disconnected phone and shook his head helplessly. He gazed into the distance, where the towering silhouette of Heaven's Arena pierced the clouds...
Ever since Bisky arrived, Kevin had entered the second phase of his training.
During this period, out of curiosity, he participated in two more matches on the 200th floor. However, the gains were minimal compared to his debut. The construction of his Nen ability during combat could even be described as a failure.
Bisky offered her analysis: "Few Nen users who linger long-term on the 200th floor and above of Heaven's Arena are truly strong. Unless you're interested in challenging your way up to fight the floor masters—and I can guarantee most of them don't care at all."
As for the other regular contestants, they were even less noteworthy. Nen ability was a fusion of aura and will. When one's will grew lax, the desire to advance faded, and the body was neglected, all these flaws manifested starkly in their Nen. Overall, Kevin's time at Heaven's Arena had served its purpose.
"You should understand your own ability clearly now," Bisky continued. "When you eventually train in techniques from other Nen types, you'll need to invest more time than others. Fortunately, you don't need to devote excessive effort to physical training and aura control."
For physical training, Kevin had his Digestion Catalyst; it was best to time his workouts for when his body could fully absorb the potion's effects again. As for aura control, it required no special focus; incidental practice during other training was sufficient.
What truly constrained Kevin's growth now were his latent aura capacity and visible aura output. Thus, a series of targeted drills commenced, with Mori joining Kevin for sessions like aura-infused stone breaking, projectile emission practice, and more.
But this intensive phase didn't last forever.
One month later. A hotel room.
Bisky stood with her arms crossed, surveying Kevin and Mori before her.
"You've both trained diligently. You're now officially ready to walk your own paths. But don't slack off. Adjust your training rhythm and methods according to your own habits, and strive steadily toward your respective goals."
With that, she picked up her luggage and donned a wide-brimmed sun hat.
"The treasure auction is about to start. See you later, my disciples."
Under their bewildered gazes, Bisky practically skipped out of the room. All they saw was a hand holding a phone wave from the doorway.
"Call me if anything comes up! Bye-bye!"
Kevin and Mori were left staring at each other.
"Alright," Kevin said, breaking the silence. "Where are you planning to go next?"
Mori didn't hesitate. "I've already formally joined the Shingen-ryu school. After this, I'll probably travel to further refine my martial arts. If possible, I'd really like to take on a disciple someday."
"That really suits you," Kevin said with a smile, then pointed to the corner of Mori's shirt, which was half-untucked again. "But is that really okay?"
"Ah, sorry." Mori hurriedly fumbled to straighten his clothes, trying to look a little less disheveled. "What about you?"
"Me?" Kevin pulled a small notebook from his pocket and gave it a shake. "I've got my list right here. The Hunter Exam isn't until early next year—still over two months away. In the meantime, I plan to keep improving my strength, collecting more materials, and brewing more potions."
"Once I get my Hunter license, I plan to specifically target places like Restricted Zones, Uncharted Territories, and nature reserves to collect materials." Kevin had a clear roadmap for his future. This world was vast and unknowable; he still had no idea where its edges lay. Yet, he had a vague sense that higher authorities were reluctant for the public to focus too much on what lay beyond the mapped world. Hunters, however, seemed to possess a certain privilege of knowledge. Everything would have to wait until he had that license in hand.
Mori nodded in agreement. "Indeed, getting a Hunter license is very necessary." With it, countless obstacles would simply vanish.
"Well then, see you next time."
"Mm, see you next time."
Kevin returned to his rented apartment. Just as he reached the door, his phone buzzed with a new message.
"Kite?"
He'd sent Kite a message earlier, informing him of his promotion to the 200th floor, but had received no reply for a worryingly long time. Reading the message now, Kite explained that his phone had been damaged in a fight. He'd just gotten a new one. Furthermore, he'd found a solid lead on his teacher's whereabouts and was continuing the pursuit. He apologized for not being able to go to the exam venue with Kevin as previously discussed, but promised to meet him there and apologize in person.
"Why so formal?" Kevin muttered, a little amused.
Mito won a match on the 200th floor and then mentioned he was going back home for a while. I hope he brings me good news before the Hunter Exam.
It seemed the only acquaintance left in Heaven's Arena now was little Killua. But Killua was here for training, under the watchful eye of his family.
I should still say goodbye. We're friends, after all. And truthfully, he'd learned a great deal from the boy's combat techniques.
He soon found Killua in one of the training halls.
"Are we sparring again? Where have you been lately? I've gotten a lot stronger!" Killua ran over with a grin.
"I've been training too, you know. Now I can send you flying with one punch." Well, I could probably do that before, too.
"Ha! Stop bragging!" Killua immediately protested, puffing out his cheeks.
Kevin crouched down with a smile. From behind his back, he produced a blue and white baseball cap with a stylized lightning bolt embroidered on the front. He placed it on Killua's head, then vigorously ruffled his white hair. "I'm getting ready to leave, my friend. This hat is my parting gift to you."
"You're leaving?" Killua's indignant expression vanished, replaced by surprise as he looked up.
"Yeah. Friends have to part ways sometimes. But we'll definitely meet again. When we do, I hope you can finally break my 'Immovable Mountain' title."
Though a flicker of sadness crossed his face, Killua managed a smile. "Okay! Next time we meet, I'll definitely be the one sending you flying with one punch!"
"Haha, I'll look forward to it!"
After saying goodbye to Killua, Kevin couldn't help but mutter, "Why do I suddenly feel a chill?" He rubbed the back of his neck, puzzled.
Just then, his phone chimed again in his pocket. He pulled it out. The sender was someone he almost never heard from—Jin.