[36] : Spar with Hyakushiki Kannon, Reunion in Heaven’s Arena!
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...
Slowly opening his eyes and looking at the dojo before him, Mika's gaze remained calm and steady.
Awakening from his meditation, Mika quietly stood up.
At that moment, the energy flowing through him was as vast as the ocean, yet as calm as a windless sea.
It had been over two months since the end of the Hunter Exam.
During this time, Mika had been studying under Netero for over two months.
In these two months, Mika not only mastered the four major principles of Nen but also became proficient in their applied techniques.
"What an enviable talent. In just over two months, I have nothing left to teach you. From now on, your training will rely on your own efforts."
Netero stroked his beard, a satisfied smile on his face.
During this training period, using the excuse of tracking Mika's progress, Netero and Mika engaged in dozens of battles of varying sizes.
From initially being on the defensive to now barely holding his own, Mika's progress in martial arts was as rapid as his mastery of Nen.
Though Mika had yet to meet Netero's expectation of an all-out battle, the thrill of a fight without using Nen was something Netero had not felt in a long time.
This undoubtedly made him very satisfied.
"Thank you for your guidance, Chairman. Without it, I wouldn't have grown so quickly."
Mika was very grateful for Netero's teachings.
Netero was Mika's third teacher, following Yahweh and Sakonji Urokodaki, and Mika would never forget his kindness.
"Haha, I just did what I wanted to do."
"But it is indeed time to part ways. I have left the Association's matters to others for too long. If I don't return soon, they might come looking for me."
With his hands behind his back, Netero casually asked, "Are you heading to the Heaven's Arena next? Finding suitable opponents there won't be easy."
"I have no particular interest in the Heaven's Arena. I'm just going there to find someone."
Two months ago, upon learning of Killua's departure, Gon decided to go to Killua's home.
Concerned for his safety, Kurapika and Leorio followed.
Along with them were Mellie and Airmid.
After spending time together, Mellie and Airmid had come to consider Gon a friend. With their friend in trouble, how could they refuse to help?
Besides, they were still curious about this new world.
Thus, they planned to go on a trip.
Mika, unable to go with them due to Netero's training, had given them his Level 1 longsword for protection.
They agreed to meet at the Heaven's Arena.
Now, with Mika's training completed, it was time to reunite with them.
"I see."
Netero nodded slightly, then smiled.
"Is there anything you want to say before we part?"
Hearing this, Mika's expression became serious. He then earnestly said, "I want to spar with your Nen ability."
"Just as I hoped!"
A smile quickly spread across Netero's face.
With a clap of his hands, a massive golden statue of a thousand-armed Kannon appeared behind him.
Seeing this, Mika's eyes widened.
The overwhelming pressure made his previously steady Nen energy waver.
"This is the Nen ability of the world's strongest man, the Hyakushiki Kannon!"
Mika instantly charged forward, eager to experience the power of the Hyakushiki Kannon firsthand.
...
"So that's the Heaven's Arena?"
Looking at the towering structure in the distance, even Mika, who had seen the Tower of Babel, was filled with curiosity.
Quickening his pace, Mika weaved through the streets and alleys, heading straight for the Heaven's Arena.
However, his speed soon slowed.
Taking in the modern urban scenery around him, Mika found himself reminiscing.
"Come to think of it, I haven't really explored this world properly."
Aside from wandering around the remote island when he first arrived at Whale Island, Mika and his companions had always been in mountains, forests, or isolated islands during the Hunter Exam.
They had never been to such a bustling place.
"It's quite nostalgic."
Looking at the various shops around him, Mika soon saw his reflection in the smooth glass, with bandages on his head.
These were wounds from his recent battle with Netero.
Although most of the minor injuries had healed, some of the more serious wounds still left marks.
"That old man didn't hold back at all."
Remembering that battle, Mika's face darkened.
He had experienced firsthand the terror of the Hyakushiki Kannon.
In short, he had been thoroughly beaten.
"Forget it, no point in dwelling on it. I should go find Mellie and Airmid."
His good mood ruined by the lingering injuries, Mika quickened his pace and soon arrived at the Heaven's Arena.
"By now, Gon and Killua should be on the 200th floor. Mellie and Airmid should be with them."
Heading to the front desk, Mika asked the receptionist for the recent match schedule for the 200th floor. He quickly found Mellie and Airmid's names.
"They both have their debut matches in a week?"
"Looks like I arrived just in time."
With a smile, Mika entered the elevator and pressed the button for the 200th floor.
The Heaven's Arena is the fourth tallest building in the Hunter world, standing at 991 meters with 251 floors. It is a tower primarily for martial arts competitions.
Here, every ten floors is a level. If you defeat your opponent, you gain the right to move to higher floors and face stronger opponents.
The higher the floor, the bigger the prize money. Above the 100th floor, participants are also provided accommodation (with better rooms on higher floors).
Thus, in the Hunter world, the Heaven's Arena is known as the "sanctuary of martial artists," attracting martial artists from around the world.
However, above the 200th floor, there are no ordinary martial artists. It is a world for Nen users.
Upon reaching the 200th floor, Mika quickly found their room after some inquiries.
Standing outside Airmid's room, Mika knocked lightly.
"Who is it?"
"It's me!"
"Mika!"
Upon hearing Mika's voice, both Airmid and Mellie responded simultaneously from inside.
The next moment, the door opened, and Airmid and Mellie appeared before Mika.
"It looks like you haven't stopped your training!"
Seeing the stable aura around them, Mika said with a smile.
"Of course, we've had a lot of fun, but we didn't slack off on the tasks you gave us."
Mellie responded seriously.
Airmid nodded firmly as well.
"That's good!"
Mika nodded slightly, then said seriously, "After your matches this week, let's return to Orario for a while."
...
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