Lv.35.
That was Moro's initial assessment.
However, after the enemy blocked the bullets with his body, his aura intensity slightly increased—by about two to three levels.
An ability that strengthens through impact?
Still uncertain, Moro calmly pulled out another handgun and emptied another magazine.
Just like before, the enemy blocked the bullets effortlessly, and his aura increased again, now approaching Lv.40.
But this time, Moro noticed something—
Even after the last ten or so bullets struck, the enemy's aura stopped growing. It had reached a fixed limit.
Based on this information, Moro confirmed his suspicion—
His opponent, Retona, was an impact-based Enhancement user, just like himself.
But compared to Moro's own ability, this guy's power scaling wasn't impressive.
Which meant—
His aura boost likely had no time limit and would persist until his Nen reserves were depleted.
Most importantly, with only a six-to-seven-level gap in raw aura output, Moro wouldn't be at a huge disadvantage in a direct fight.
In the short time it took to empty two magazines, Moro had already gathered enough intel to form a plan.
Retona glanced at the flattened bullets scattered on the ground, then shifted his cold gaze toward Moro—who was still wearing a gas mask—and toward Hisoka, who was smiling silently.
His tone was indifferent. "I don't care why you're here."
As he spoke, he took a step forward and removed his tactical harness.
"The only thing that matters now… is killing you."
Retona didn't bother hiding his killing intent.
The three others in the courtyard reacted differently.
Sambika's expression turned serious—she wasn't suited for direct combat, and facing someone this confident and well-trained made her uneasy.
Hisoka examined Retona like a predator evaluating his prey, showing faint interest.
Moro, however, casually dropped his backpack and discarded his handguns, taking two steps forward, meeting Retona's killing intent head-on.
Seeing this, Hisoka chuckled playfully.
"Moro, you're being so proactive… Are you trying to impress me?"
He was implying that by watching this fight, he could learn more about Moro's abilities.
Hearing Hisoka's words, Sambika instinctively stepped back.
Though she wasn't skilled in combat, she could sense the difference in aura levels—Retona had the stronger presence.
His confidence, combined with his aura strength, created an intimidating pressure that even she could feel.
But Moro, completely unfazed, kept his gaze on Retona and simply stated:
"It's fine. This will end in one move."
"Oh?"
Hisoka's eyes widened slightly, a faint gleam flickering in his golden irises.
Sambika, meanwhile, looked shocked—she didn't understand where Moro's confidence came from.
She hesitated, glancing at Hisoka.
Wouldn't it be safer if Hisoka and Moro teamed up?
Retona, on the other hand, remained expressionless.
He was a battle-hardened fighter, having killed his way to his current position.
He had seen countless arrogant opponents—yet only he had ever stood victorious.
Moro noted Retona's reaction and quietly confirmed something in his mind.
The earlier gunfire wasn't just for testing Retona's ability.
It was also to gauge his mentality and combat tendencies.
If this were a normal Enhancement fight, it'd be a tough battle.
But with my Fraudulent Star…
Moro's ability had a 200% damage amplification effect on impact-based opponents.
In this scenario—
It was the perfect counter.
Without hesitation, Moro raised his palm, gathering his Nen.
A bright green energy formed in his hand, sharpening into a spiked projectile.
Fraudulent Star.
Without looking back, Moro casually threw the Nen projectile behind him.
The green star-like bullet shot past Hisoka and Sambika, zipping toward the air behind them.
Retona narrowed his eyes.
"So, you're a Transmutation-type?"
Seeing the incoming attack, Retona charged forward, his aura flaring aggressively.
If this was a ranged fighter, then closing the distance would guarantee victory.
The moment Retona dashed at Moro, Hisoka grinned.
Moro remained still.
Because that first shot—
Was coming right back.
A split second later—
The Fraudulent Star curved in midair, reversing with double the speed and shooting straight at Moro's back.
Moro tilted slightly at just the right moment—
And let the attack whiz past him—
Directly into Retona.
Retona's expression shifted.
"Tch. If I just block this—"
But the moment the attack hit him—
BOOM!
The explosive impact shattered Retona's Nen defense instantly.
"What?!"
His mind blanked for a moment.
"My aura is stronger! How is this happening?!"
But before he could even process the thought—
A shockwave of energy erupted from his chest.
Blood sprayed into the air.
Retona was sent flying, his body crashing onto the ground, motionless.
Moro glanced at his own hand, noting the increase in his aura level.
Lv.31 → Lv.33.
"…Yeah, he's dead."
Casually, Moro picked up his backpack and slung it over his shoulders.
Sambika stared at him, astonished.
Even though his raw aura was weaker, he had instantly annihilated someone stronger than him.
Did he use a Vow and Restriction to amplify his attack power?
As someone knowledgeable about Nen, Sambika immediately thought of contracts and limitations.
But before she could process it fully—
A low chuckle echoed through the courtyard.
"…Heh, heh heh…"
Sambika felt a chill down her spine.
She instinctively turned toward Hisoka, seeing a dangerous glint in his eyes.
She stepped back again.
Hisoka's gaze was locked onto Moro—
And he licked his lips.
His aura—
Twisted, distorted… changing.
"Ahh… how delightful…"
Hisoka saw more than Sambika did.
He didn't just see Fraudulent Star's double-power restriction.
He saw Moro's insight and confidence.
From the moment he fired those bullets, Moro had already seen this outcome.
That was why he had said—
"It's fine. This will end in one move."
Hisoka's eyes curved into crescent moons.
"…You really are something special, Moro…"
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