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Chapter 18: Cooperation
Ronin spread his hands, feigning disappointment. "Sorry then. I prefer to face challenges with my own strength."
Milia disliked pure martial artists and battle junkies.
But she had to admit, only such pure individuals could pull off the kind of "underdog comeback" victories that maximized her profits.
She had been observing and evaluating Ronin since he started making waves in the lower floors.
She was fairly certain he was an Enhancer. That was why she intercepted him today, right as he qualified for the 200th floor.
She needed Ronin, though not desperately. But as she said, it would be a win-win.
"Mr. Ronin, don't be so hasty to refuse," Milia said, composing herself. "Although I can't help much with permanent strength improvement, I can play a huge role in making money, gathering intel on opponents, and blocking outside interference.
"With my help, you can dedicate all your energy to training, which will help you improve faster."
Milia spoke the truth.
While Ronin wanted to be carefree like Gon and Killua, the easiest way to get stronger was collecting Scarlet Eyes.
An agent like Milia had connections and channels.
If he partnered with her, could she help him find the eyes?
Milia saw his hesitation and her eyes lit up. She pressed on. "Two fighters on the 200th floor can have vastly different outcomes. One might earn nothing but a reputation, while the other gains both fame and fortune. That is the difference an agent makes. For the same effort, why not get the richer reward?"
"You've convinced me. What do you want?" Ronin relented.
He had to admit, he wasn't a negotiator.
An engineer who spent his previous life dealing with blueprints and quality checks wasn't cut out for high-level bartering.
Better to stop pretending and ask for the terms.
"Money." Milia's answer was concise.
Ronin saw the intense hunger in her dark eyes. She wasn't lying.
"How do we split it?" Ronin asked. He needed money too. If she was greedy, he'd walk.
"Fifty-fifty. I handle everything outside of your training. You just need to spare some time for necessary promotional activities. Even if you lose in the ring, I guarantee you'll still earn a handsome sum." Milia radiated confidence.
Ronin had the strength, the temperament, and the face of a star.
"Last question. I need intelligence. Intel unrelated to the Arena. Can you get it?" This was the dealbreaker.
"Like what?" Milia didn't commit immediately.
Ronin thought for a moment. "Like... specific collection hobbies."
"Be specific."
"Human organs." Ronin didn't hide it.
Milia pushed up her glasses, looking at Ronin with surprise. After a pause, she nodded. "I can keep an eye out for you. I can even help you buy them if necessary, but you'll have to pay extra."
"Done." Ronin stood up and extended his hand. "Here's to a pleasant cooperation."
Milia stood up as well, glancing at Ronin's large, knobby hand before gently shaking it.
Ronin's gaze lingered on Milia's hand. It was beautiful.
Her fingers were long and fair, painted with pink nail polish, smooth and hairless. The touch was cool and soft, like she had no bones.
Truly a hand more beautiful than the person.
The appreciation in Ronin's eyes sent a chill down Milia's spine.
This guy... does he want to collect my hands?!
She withdrew her hand quickly, hiding it behind her back.
Germaphobe? Ronin wondered.
The rest was simple. They went to her office on the 192nd floor and signed the contract.
Fifty-fifty split. Ronin agreed to photo shoots. Milia agreed to watch the black market for organ trades.
But her main focus would be building Ronin's image and screening his opponents.
The 192nd floor was a massive office district housing agencies, ad firms, and private studios.
Ronin wasn't surprised. He knew the 195th floor had clubs and hot springs.
Heaven's Arena was a self-contained city; anything that made money was welcomed here.
"Most Nen users in Heaven's Arena are wild cards," Milia said, sliding a dossier across the desk to Ronin.
"I know a little about that," Ronin said, opening the file. It contained data on the 200th-floor fighters.
"Good. That saves me from explaining the Six Nen Types. Many fighters here don't even know what a 'Nen Type' is. They survive the initiation attack, unlock their aura, and then develop abilities based on pure delusion without understanding the system. It's stupid."
Milia's tone was mocking. "They treat Nen like a superpower. They think they can do whatever they imagine, ignoring their natural affinity."
Ronin nodded in agreement.
He thought of Kastro, who fought Hisoka. Or the "Newbie Killer Three" who targeted Gon. They all had a half-baked understanding of Nen.
Kastro wasted his immense talent by developing a Double ability (Conjuration/Manipulation) when he was an Enhancer.
To truly understand Nen, the best way was the Hunter Exam.
Passing the exam meant the Association would send a professional to teach you the proper way.
Ronin was curious about Milia. What was her Nen type? Was she a pro Hunter too?
.....
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