Heavens Arena, the world's 4th highest tower, a literal battle arena where one could test their strength and even earned money for living. Yet, not all of them could reach the highest floor due to the challenges in front of them was far above their level of strength. Only the best amongst best could reach there. And currently, a certain duo was just aiming that goal.
Killua Zoldyck stared at the arena with a nostalgic smile. He had been here under the orders of his parents, but now, he had come here with his friend, no, the best friend to participate again. He wondered how fun it would be.
"Hey Killua, how are we going to enter the arena?"
"For starter, we need to fill the entry form and wait for our turns. Once you beat your opponent, you get your advancement to the top floors."
Killua answered with the arrogance as he had pretty good idea on how it worked. It was his second time here, yet his memory was correct with some exceptions, especially floor 200 or above. As they were going to enter, they heard a girl's voice.
"You seem quite experienced in this topic."
They stopped at their track and moved their eyes on the speaker. Killua was little annoyed on being stopped by the girl. But after giving a second look, he stared at her with surprise.
Blonde hair the reminded him of kurapika, fair complexion, beautiful emerald green eyes and beauty thar reminded him of a...
"...royalty? This girl gives me a vibe of a royalty or something similar to that. Is she related to them?"
With the experience of years in assassination, Killua had developed an instinct that could tell the difference between a normal person and an important person. He could tell that just by watching the body language of the girl. Yet, there was something missing here.
Just why this girl seemed so sure of her safety?
Killua had observed the rich families' children from close, they had a look of fear about their own security. But this girl didn't have any of it. Until his brain sparked with understanding.
The girl, in front of, belonged to some royal family and she was going to be a security candidate. Her presence here indicated the show of strength, that she wanted to demonstrate to her master or mistress.
For now, Killua had this assumption. Whether it was true or not, only time would tell.
His train came to halt when he found Gon, introducing himself to this girl.
"Hello, my name is Gon and this is my best friend Killua. We are hunters."
Honest he was, sometimes Gon could make decisions that even baffled Killua's thought process and planning. After this, Killua would give an earful to his friend about talking to strangers. Especially, the suspicious ones.
The girl wore a typical dress that an ordinary could buy with ease from local bazaar. There was also a hiking bag on her back.
"You are quite straightforward."
Killua gave a mental nod. His friend, Gon, was truly an honest person. Sometimes, way too honest and straightforward in the best way.
"Is it wrong to be straightforward to others? I am just trying to talk with you."
"Talk with me? Hmph. You should have a good reason for such a thing. Otherwise, it sounds pretty creepy."
Gon blinked and then give a thoughtful look before answering back.
"Oh! I do have a good reason."
Killua quirked his brow. Now, he was eager to know Gon's reason for this conversation too.
"Because, I have seen someone as attractive as you. You smell like earth, yet you seem very modern like Killua."
The assassin named Killua, froze like he had heard something really unexpected.
"Fool! She is beautiful that's why you must wary of her!"
Killua mentally scolded him. He wanted to truly say something. Even he found her kinda attractive, yet he controlled his honest words, because he knew that the words Gon had uttered, were similar to that of love confession. He wondered for a second, if that was truly a love confession.
The girl in question, just blinked and then chuckled.
"Hahaha... you are interesting. Do you say these words to every girl you meet?"
Gon shooked his head and replied,
"No. You are the first one whom I said those words. Honestly, you seem very different from other girls. Though I can't put my finger on it. Sorry..."
"Why are apologizing now? Normally, I would beat the crap out of anyone who have said those words. But... your words are genuine and you are kinda... naive too."
"Hey, don't be Killua with me! I may look naive but, I am very intelligent in many things too."
"Oh, what are those things? Care to tell me."
"Those are—"
Before he could say anything, an annoyed voice stopped him.
"Oi Gon, we are not here for this. And you?"
Killua pointed his finger at her and asked,
"You just came here, but didn't introduce yourself."
"Oh, uhhh, apologies. I am Keno Fasris Invern. You can call me Keno."
Killua analyzed her face, her voice and her body posture. She wasn't lying at all. There was no record of anyone with this name. Her presence, now felt, less uncomfortable.
"Oh, nice to meet you Keno."
Gon greeted her with a hand. It was his usual thing, but...
"We have already talked enough, yet you are greeting me now. You are kinda... strange."
"Eh? Really?"
Keno and Killua, both nodded at him. Unbeknownst to them, a clown-faced guy staring at the trio with a sinister smile.
"Another potential one? This generation has some promising fruits. I wonder how tasty she is."
The clown named Hisoka linked his lips in excitement. He was truly in euphoria now.
"I will train them and then wait for their ripening. And then..."
His smile distorted even further, letting his aura leak away. Any living being just ran away from him.
"... I will PLUCK them."