Kurapika's chosen path—what exactly must he bear…
Moro knew all too well.
By letting Kurapika step into the world of "Nen" a few years earlier than in the original timeline…
Would this be an act of forcing growth, or would it ease Kurapika's burden?
Moro couldn't be sure.
But this was what Kurapika desperately sought.
Inside the room.
Moro placed his palm against Kurapika's back. With just a small amount of Nen energy, he easily forced open all of Kurapika's aura nodes.
Opening Nen was never difficult.
The real challenge always lay in the treachery of human nature.
As Kurapika's aura nodes fully opened, an immense surge of Nen burst out like steam.
This kind of newfound power often left people awestruck.
Especially for those who yearned for strength, the sensation was indescribably profound.
However, what Moro saw in Kurapika wasn't excitement or exhilaration from obtaining this power. Instead, he remained eerily calm.
This ability to maintain composure after breaking past his own spiritual barriers—this was Kurapika's true weapon, sharper than any innate talent.
Under Moro's watchful eyes, it took Kurapika less than ten minutes to grasp the technique and slightly close his aura nodes.
The aura that had been wildly escaping now remained on the surface of his skin.
It was impressive—no wonder he was one of the original series' main characters.
Moro mused silently.
Kurapika slowly opened his eyes, curiosity flickering as he studied the thin film of aura enveloping his hands.
So this was the power called "Nen."
He could feel the faint, yet undeniable energy surging through his limbs, much like a heartbeat pulsing with strength.
But this was merely the first step through the gate.
The world of Nen was vast and profound, undoubtedly containing countless techniques beyond his current understanding.
Kurapika clenched his fist lightly.
Moro's gaze swept over the faintly glowing Nen surrounding Kurapika's body, then lingered briefly on his slightly swollen cheek.
There was no need to ask—Kurapika had definitely been in a fight.
"Kurapika, how many matches did you fight today?"
"One."
Kurapika raised his head slightly, looking at the man who had just granted him this power.
Moro said, "Fighters in the arena can compete twice a day. Since it's still early, you should register for a second match and use it to test out your Nen."
"Understood."
Kurapika's eyes gleamed for a moment—an unusual eagerness showing in his expression.
"Ma… Moro, I'll be going then."
"Go. Once you finish your second match, register for the Hunter Exam. Don't come looking for me again until you obtain your license."
Moro's tone was indifferent.
Kurapika froze. "Why…"
The words barely left his lips before he abruptly stopped himself.
He remembered what Moro had said when granting him Nen: I'm only helping you unlock Nen, nothing more.
So even though Kurapika had already started seeing Moro as a guide, as a mentor, he knew Moro didn't reciprocate that sentiment.
That was why he had just barely corrected himself earlier.
After all, as long as Moro remained at Heaven's Arena, Kurapika could continue improving on his own while keeping an eye on him.
But now, Moro was telling him to take the Hunter Exam…
And not to return without a license?
Kurapika didn't understand.
Still, he suppressed the urge to ask.
Because he knew—once Moro made up his mind, questioning him wouldn't change anything.
Kurapika stood in silence for a moment before finally asking, "Can I reach the 200th floor before taking the exam?"
"That's your choice."
Moro looked at him.
Kurapika nodded slightly, then left without further questions.
A short while later.
Kurapika stepped onto the arena platform.
His second opponent of the day was another large, muscular fighter.
However, this time, with just a single kick, Kurapika sent his opponent flying out of the ring.
The match was over in an instant.
The referee was momentarily stunned. He found it strange that Kurapika had been assigned to the 20th floor level when his strength was clearly much higher.
Even Kurapika himself was taken aback by the drastic change in his power.
"So this is the power of Nen…"
As he walked away from the ring, Kurapika's mind was in turmoil.
That kick—it wasn't something his physical strength alone could have achieved.
The core difference was Nen…
So, if he just increased his Nen energy…
Kurapika suddenly felt as though the path ahead had become clearer.
No, wait!
Just before exiting the hall, an image of Moro flashed through Kurapika's mind.
Compared to their first meeting, Moro's physique had visibly changed—he had grown taller and more muscular.
That meant relying solely on Nen training wasn't the best approach.
Kurapika paused in the hallway, deep in thought.
————————
The Next Day
December 8th.
The Martial Arts Olympics officially began.
Moro and Kastro participated in the opening ceremony as representatives of Heaven's Arena.
The crowd erupted into deafening cheers, and bouquets of flowers were thrown toward the fighters.
When the championship prizes were revealed—items such as the Sky Vault Box and Jade Heart—the excitement escalated to another level.
Even those watching via livestream could feel the sheer value of the rewards.
For most people, acquiring just one of these items would be enough to ensure a lifetime of financial security.
Yet the champion would receive seven of them.
Saying people weren't envious would be a lie.
After the opening ceremony concluded, the tournament's match schedules were finalized.
Moro, however, had no interest in that.
Instead, he went alone to the 120th floor.
At that moment.
On the arena stage of the 120th floor, Kurapika was in the middle of a fight against a well-trained martial artist.
Spectators filled the seats, watching the intense battle unfold with anticipation.
Moro observed from the sidelines, noting how Kurapika deliberately suppressed his aura—resulting in him taking a considerable beating.
But rather than blindly relying on his newfound strength, he was actively refining his physical abilities as well.
It was clear that Kurapika understood what he needed to improve.
That level of discipline and clarity… Moro saw a reflection of himself in Kurapika.
"You sure are paying close attention to him."
A voice suddenly came from behind.
Moro turned to see Biscuit standing there.
"Following me?"
"That's right."
Biscuit folded her arms, admitting it openly.
Moro smirked. She really is getting impatient.
Biscuit glanced toward the arena. "So, you helped him unlock Nen?"
Kurapika's poor control of Zetsu made it obvious.
"Yeah."
Moro nodded.
Biscuit took a closer look at Kurapika and remarked, "He's got talent."
Then, tilting her head slightly, she looked at Moro's face with curiosity.
"What's this? Preparing for a two-star Hunter rank already?"
"You're overthinking it. I don't expect anything from him."
Moro replied without looking at her.
Biscuit scoffed. "You're not the type to help people for no reason. You're not just gonna unlock Nen for him and then walk away, right?"
"I was planning to, but I changed my mind."
Moro's gaze shifted downward as he slowly scanned Biscuit from head to toe.
A bad feeling crept into Biscuit's mind.
She just knew—this guy was up to something!
But outwardly, she played along, striking a dramatic pose while backing away, crossing her arms, and coyly saying:
"Oh no~ What are you planning to do to me~?"
Moro chuckled.
At that moment, Biscuit's unease intensified.
Then, she heard Moro's next words.
"Biscuit, let's begin."
"Hm?"
"A fight."
"..."
Biscuit instantly dropped her act, her brows furrowing.
She was certain now—Moro was scheming something.
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50 Powerstones? (5 Bonus Chapters)
20 Advance Chapters: patreon.com/milezen