Sixteen arenas were simultaneously hosting matches.
Some fights were intense, while others ended almost instantly.
Moro kept his eyes locked on one of the arenas.
The two competitors facing off seemed to be martial artists who had mastered particular fighting styles. Their offensive and defensive maneuvers were deliberate and strategic.
After observing for a while, Moro noticed that one was skilled in kicks, while the other excelled in punches.
However, after exchanging dozens of blows, the one specializing in kicks gradually gained the upper hand.
"Impressive."
At first, Moro watched out of interest, but after dozens of rounds, he couldn't help but feel excitement stirring within him.
The two fighters on the arena displayed strength and speed with every strike. Each attack was decisive, imbued with an intent to finish the fight with the next move.
Their techniques demonstrated precision, aimed at exploiting any openings.
This level of expertise was clearly the result of intense and prolonged training.
If these two fighters could use Nen...
What kind of scene would unfold on the arena?
Moro was contemplating this possibility when he noticed the situation in the arena change abruptly.
The fighter specializing in kicks had the upper hand, but the one using punches suddenly decided to take a risk. He endured a heavy roundhouse kick to the body in exchange for a chance to get in close and land a straight punch to his opponent's chest.
That punch was a game-changer—the kicker collapsed on the ground, defeated.
Seeing this, Moro's pupils narrowed slightly.
He noticed the aura around the fallen opponent beginning to dissipate.
The referee on the arena quickly realized the severity of the situation and checked the fallen contestant's breathing before immediately calling for the medical team on standby.
The victorious fighter merely glanced at his fallen opponent before looking away, indifferent to his condition.
This was the harsh reality behind the cheers and applause.
Anyone who chose to fight in the Sky Arena knew they needed to be prepared for the possibility of death.
In this regard, the Sky Arena was somewhat reminiscent of the Hunter Exam.
The Hunter Association, which organized the exam, maintained a rather indifferent attitude toward candidates who died during the test.
Similarly, those who signed up for the Hunter Exam knew exactly how dangerous the path ahead could be.
The Sky Arena was no different.
Contestants not only had to be mentally prepared but also had to sign a liability waiver acknowledging the risk of death.
And the matches in the arena weren't mere performances for spectators.
If a fighter encountered a ruthless opponent, they could only blame their bad luck.
However—
Deaths during preliminary matches were relatively rare.
Weapons were banned during matches from the preliminaries to the 200th floor, and preliminary matches were limited to three minutes.
If neither side secured a victory within that time, the referee would determine the winner based on their performance.
As a result, most fighters avoided fighting to the death and instead focused on tactical exchanges of blows.
But this time, the arena had matched two martial artists who were both trained in deadly combat styles.
Moreover, their strength was evenly matched. This pushed one of the fighters, relying on their combat experience, to decisively seize a fleeting opportunity to strike.
The puncher may have anticipated that his move could kill his opponent, but he showed no hesitation.
This was the essence of martial arts—a pure warrior's resolve.
In the Sky Arena, the "Paradise of Combat," this was the norm. Even in other places, when two martial artists clashed...
Most duels between martial artists were not just about winning but also about life and death.
"I could defeat him easily."
Moro's gaze followed the victorious fighter as he walked down the tunnel leading out of the arena.
"But if he awakened Nen..."
Moro watched the man disappear into the hallway and let out a soft sigh.
"I wouldn't stand a chance."
After a brief moment of silence, Moro leaned back in his seat, furrowing his brow.
Martial arts—
Whether before learning Nen or after, he had never received formal training in martial arts.
Yet, it was undeniable that martial arts were crucial in Nen battles.
But how could someone with no martial arts foundation confidently face a martial artist who had spent years mastering their craft?
If he had to rank them by importance—
Which was more vital: Nen or martial arts?
Moro recalled the fight between Killua and Zushi from the original story.
At that time, Killua didn't know Nen, but his superior footwork and martial arts skills allowed him to dominate Zushi.
However, if Zushi had fully developed his Nen abilities, the outcome might have been different.
Moro then thought of Bisky, a master of martial arts with decades of experience in the Shingen-Ryu school.
Bisky didn't need any offensive Nen abilities; her martial arts expertise alone made her a formidable force.
So, what was the answer?
Moro found himself at a loss.
He also thought of Feitan and his deadly speed-focused combat style.
Compared to Feitan's "Pain Packer" ability, Moro was more wary of Feitan's speed-based assault.
Could Nen mastery alone counter such swift attacks?
Moro's head began to ache as he contemplated the question.
If the Phantom Troupe didn't exist, he wouldn't need to delve into this. Nor would he feel the constant pressure of a ticking clock.
His previous vision of the future had been simple—
To gain basic Nen skills for self-defense and earn enough money from the antiques business to live comfortably.
A future where he had wealth and didn't have to fear for his life...
That would have been perfect.
But the Phantom Troupe had destroyed that dream.
"Contestants 2688 and 2792, please report to Arena C. Contestants 2688 and 2792, to Arena C…"
The announcer's voice echoed throughout the arena, interrupting Moro's thoughts.
2792—his number.
Moro put his thoughts aside and headed toward Arena C.
When he arrived, he saw his opponent, contestant 2688—a woman wearing a tight-fitting suit with a long ponytail.
The long-ponytailed woman noticed Moro and furrowed her brows slightly, seemingly surprised by how young he was.
"Both contestants, please enter the arena."
The referee signaled for them to step onto the platform.
Moro and the long-ponytailed woman climbed up.
"Matches on the first floor prioritize performance. Please demonstrate your full strength within the three-minute time limit."
The referee briefly explained the rules.
"Begin!"
The referee quickly signaled the start of the match.
The long-ponytailed woman sprang into action, her steps light as she swiftly circled behind Moro.
Sorry, kid...
She raised her hand, aiming to strike the back of Moro's neck.
This scene caught the attention of some of the contestants in the audience.
These were the people who had been observing Moro since the registration process. Now, seeing Moro remain motionless in the face of the woman's attack, their reactions varied.
Thud.
A dull sound echoed across Arena C.
A sharp intake of breath followed as the long-ponytailed woman withdrew her hand, her expression twisted in pain.
What just happened?!
The spectators were shocked.
Meanwhile, the young contestant—who looked no older than sixteen—stood completely still...
Wearing an expression of deep contemplation.
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Powerstones?
20 Advance Chapters: patreon.com/milezen