Gungi.
Biscuit Krueger's disciple.
So, he's already in Sky Arena at this time?
Moro, slightly surprised, examined the person before him.
A young man with slightly messy black hair, wearing glasses, exuding a gentle and scholarly aura.
One particularly eye-catching detail was his untucked shirt—the way it stuck out made it seem almost deliberate.
But Moro knew Gungi wasn't doing it on purpose.
In fact, it was likely a habit that would never change.
Now certain of the man's identity, Moro became intrigued by Gungi's direct challenge.
If it were any other 200th-floor fighter, Moro would have been thrilled to accept—after all, he was just one victory away from earning the right to challenge a Floor Master.
But this was Biscuit Krueger's disciple.
That changed things.
It sparked a different kind of excitement in Moro.
For a simple reason:
Gungi was trained by Biscuit Krueger.
How strong was he?
Could Moro defeat him?
Would this battle serve as a true test of Moro's progress?
There were too many reasons to be excited.
Why Gungi had suddenly issued a challenge wasn't something Moro particularly cared about.
He could guess—Gungi must have been watching his fights.
"Do you have a master or a martial arts style?"
Before formally accepting, Moro calmly asked.
At the mention of his master, Gungi instinctively straightened his posture, answering solemnly:
"I am a disciple of Shingen-ryu, trained under Biscuit Krueger."
For a martial artist, declaring one's lineage and school was a serious matter.
Moro noted Gungi's posture and tone—he held deep respect for Biscuit Krueger, and pride in his martial arts school.
And rightfully so.
Shingen-ryu was founded by none other than Isaac Netero, the strongest Nen user in history—how could one not be proud?
As for Biscuit Krueger, aside from her obsession with appearing young and her mischievous personality, she was undoubtedly a formidable master—both in strength and as a mentor.
"How about tomorrow?"
Moro agreed to the challenge.
Gungi had no objections.
For almost a month now, he had been watching every one of Moro's fights.
Even though Moro always held back, certain techniques and instincts couldn't be concealed—especially when winning was the priority.
And from those fights, Gungi could tell—Moro was constantly improving at an astonishing rate.
There was no doubt about it:
This boy trained relentlessly.
But what intrigued Gungi even more was Moro's ability to control the battlefield—his ability to always dictate the pace of the fight.
Gungi wanted to see if his own techniques and skills could break that control.
The two of them proceeded to the registration counter and formally scheduled their match.
Afterward, Gungi nodded firmly. "I look forward to our fight."
"Same here."
Moro watched as Gungi turned and walked away.
For a brief moment, he was reminded of Shizuku.
It was interesting.
Gungi had the straightforwardness and determination often associated with Enhancement-type Nen users.
Yet Shizuku, despite being a Manipulation-type user, had developed a similar mentality under Gungi's influence.
Perhaps this was another example of how Nen abilities could shape personality—or, conversely, how personality could change one's Nen category over time.
Back in his room, Moro resumed his daily training.
That evening, a message arrived: his match was scheduled for 4 PM tomorrow.
"Gungi is an Enhancer, trained by Biscuit Krueger. His fundamentals must be extremely solid, and he's likely proficient in techniques like 'Ko' and 'Ryu'…"
"That means in pure close combat, I'll be at a disadvantage—unless I use 'Starfall Concentration.'"
"But if I avoid using 'Shooting Stars' and 'Starfall Concentration,' then my main options will be 'Limb Shift' and 'Tiger Fang True Fist.'"
Lying on the floor, Moro opened his eyes and gradually activated his Aura Nodes.
A month of brutal training had greatly improved his physical coordination and endurance.
Even his Zetsu technique had reached an advanced level.
Of course, for a Transmutation-type Nen user, improving Zetsu wasn't particularly game-changing.
The real breakthrough was what he had learned from Hua Shitou Lang and Kalista—advanced techniques for maximizing body strength output.
Now, combined with his physique strengthened by weight training and Menchi's food supplements, Moro could confidently call himself a true martial artist.
Dinner with Friends
As usual, Moro joined Menchi, Hua Shitou Lang, and Kalista for dinner.
It had become a habit.
Menchi still focused entirely on her food, but she always made sure to give Moro the best portions.
Kalista liked to chat with Moro, but always found ways to sneak in Nen-related questions.
Hua Shitou Lang remained mostly calm and observant, occasionally joining the Nen discussions.
Moro, as always, acted as the group's central figure.
Menchi originally only stuck around because of the Red Jade Bird Knife, but over time, she found Moro's presence oddly comfortable.
She had even grown fond of Hua Shitou Lang and Kalista.
In fact, she had stopped searching for a new weapon altogether.
Every day, she enjoyed premium ingredients, used her favorite knife, ate elite cuisine, and exchanged knowledge with friends.
It was a perfect life.
Her only complaint?
Being stuck in Sky Arena, unable to travel to places like the Dark Continent to hunt for ingredients.
Still, if Moro ever ran out of money, she might volunteer to help him gather ingredients.
Maybe… if that ever happened, she'd even invite him along.
But knowing Moro's obsession with training, she doubted he would waste time on something like food-hunting.
"Tomorrow at 4 PM, I have a match. You guys should come watch."
"Master, is the opponent strong?" Kalista asked curiously.
"Yes." Moro nodded. "He's a Shingen-ryu master. His technique is above ours."
"Shingen-ryu?"
Menchi, while clearing the dishes, was stunned.
"Isn't that the martial art created by Chairman Netero?!"
Hua Shitou Lang and Kalista immediately grew serious.
Moro smirked. "So if we fight purely based on technique, I probably won't win. But I want to experience firsthand how much technique actually matters in a real fight."
Hua Shitou Lang hesitated. "Master, the Martial Arts Olympics start in just a week…"
Moro, already anticipating his concern, reassured him.
"Don't worry. I know what I'm doing."
He then smiled mischievously. "Besides, Gungi challenged me as a martial artist. How could I let my own students lose face?"
Hua Shitou Lang was speechless.
The Match: Moro vs. Gungi
By the next day, Sky Arena was packed with anticipation.
Tickets sold out instantly.
Even Biscuit Krueger showed up, sitting near the front.
She had no interest in Sky Arena fights, but since her student invited her, she came.
Then, as Moro walked onto the stage—
Biscuit grinned devilishly and yelled:
"Moro, darling~! Win this fight, and you'll finally buy me an engagement ring~!!"
Moro almost tripped.
"…This woman is a menace."
Gungi, meanwhile, looked at his master in pure shock.
"…Master… what??"
----------
50 Powerstones? (5 Bonus Chapters)
20 Advance Chapters: patreon.com/milezen