Chapter 20: Ascending to the 200th Floor
Heavens Arena, Floor 185, Ring C.
The cheers of the audience surged like a tidal wave.
On the ring, Leo retracted his fist as his opponent Mudort's massive body crashed to the ground, stirring up a cloud of dust on the platform.
"And there it is! Another beautiful KO from Mr. Leo, finishing off Mr. Mudort!"
The commentator's voice echoed throughout the floor through the loudspeakers.
"Congratulations to Mr. Leo on advancing to Floor 190! Returning to the ring after more than half a month, Mr. Leo's strength has clearly grown even stronger! It seems he'll charge all the way to Floor 200 with an undefeated record!"
Leo turned and stepped off the ring, where the referee handed him the promotion slip—Floor 190.
As he passed the spectator stands, his gaze inadvertently swept over the front row.
Two familiar figures came into view.
Sophia sat on the left, her blue hair striking under the lights. She was intently focused on a notebook in her hands, seemingly taking notes.
And sitting a few seats to her right… Wing.
That gentle-natured Enhancement Type Nen user who, in the original story, taught Gon and Killua the basics of Nen abilities.
At this moment, Wing looked slightly younger than in the manga, his face carrying a hint of youthfulness. Dressed in plain gray-white casual clothes, he sat upright with a focused expression.
Wing noticed Leo's gaze, turned his head, and offered a friendly, slight smile with a nod.
Leo nodded in return, his mind racing.
"I don't see Zushi, he's alone. He must be here at Heavens Arena for training—according to the original timeline, he'll likely meet Zushi here. It seems that gem will come in handy…"
Leo withdrew his gaze and headed toward the fighters' rest area.
He decided to reach Floor 200 today—quick and decisive.
In the spectator stands, Wing watched Leo leave and murmured to himself.
"Master was right, Heavens Arena really does have quite a few strong opponents."
He recalled Bisky's admonishments before he left.
The petite Double-Star Stone Hunter had placed her hands on her hips, pointing at his nose and scolding angrily.
"Wing, your talent isn't bad, but you're too lazy! I don't know why you ended up as an Enhancement Type—with your personality, trying to reach the level of an Enhancement Type is harder than getting you to clean your room! Look at your sloppy appearance!"
Wing could only smile awkwardly at the time.
"Go to Heavens Arena for a while."
Bisky finally said.
"It's the most suitable place for you right now. Forcing out your potential in real combat is better than slacking off here with me. I won't be going with you, train properly on your own!"
Wing smiled. Indeed, for an Enhancement Type, growing through battle was the fastest path.
He stood up and left the spectator stands, heading toward the first-floor registration desk.
Two hours later. Leo was resting with his eyes closed in the Floor 190 lounge when the broadcast sounded.
"Mr. Leo and Ms. Sophia, please proceed to Floor 192, Ring B!"
Leo opened his eyes, somewhat surprised.
It was actually her, Sophia, that blue-haired female fighter.
Although they had crossed paths a few times, Leo was well aware of her strength—an ordinary person without Nen, relying on exquisite fighting skills and tenacious will to reach above Floor 190. She certainly deserved respect, but he wouldn't hold back.
Floor 192, Ring B. Sophia was already standing on the platform.
She changed into a blue martial arts uniform, her face still bearing some lingering bruises, yet her gaze was exceptionally resolute.
Seeing Leo step onto the stage, she took a deep breath and spoke up first.
"I know you're very strong. But... I won't give up. Please don't hold back."
Leo raised an eyebrow slightly. This woman was quite stubborn.
"Don't worry, I won't hold back."
He responded seriously.
"But I'll let you make the first move."
Sophia said no more. She assumed her stance, lowered her center of gravity, her eyes sharp as an eagle's.
In the next instant, she moved—lunging forward with a burst of speed.
As she closed in on Leo, she let out a sharp cry, her right leg whipping upward like a lash, aiming for Leo's head!
Leo sidestepped, easily evading the kick.
He could tell the force and angle of this kick were the result of years of rigorous training, but in the face of an absolute gap in speed and strength, technique held limited meaning.
He didn't want to drag this out. The moment Sophia retracted her leg, Leo threw a right punch—holding back forty percent of his strength to avoid killing her outright.
His fist landed squarely on Sophia's chest.
"Pfft!"
Sophia's eyes widened, and she spat out a mouthful of blood. Her body flew backward like a broken kite, crashing off the stage and lying motionless.
The referee immediately jumped down to check on her, looking up a few seconds later to announce.
"Sophia is unconscious! Leo wins by KO! Promoted to the 200th floor!!"
The audience erupted into a mix of gasps and sighs.
Some cheered for Leo's overwhelming strength, while others applauded Sophia's tenacity.
As Leo stepped off the stage, he passed by the unconscious Sophia and muttered softly, "Flashy but hollow."
It was both an evaluation and a reminder—without Nen abilities, overly pursuing flashy techniques would only expose weaknesses. But Sophia could no longer hear him.
He walked toward the elevator and pressed the button for the 200th floor.
Heavens Arena rule: After reaching the 200th floor, one must register on the same day, otherwise the qualification is forfeited, and they must start over from the first floor.
"Ding."
The elevator doors opened.
A mixed aura instantly washed over him. It was the lingering "traces" left behind by Nen users who had gathered, fought, and trained here over time.
Remnants of Nen energy lingered in the air, forming an invisible, heavy pressure.
Unlike the pure clamor of the lower floors, the atmosphere on the 200th floor was more restrained, yet far more dangerous.
Leo's expression remained unchanged as he stepped out of the elevator.
He followed the signs toward the registration desk.
Along the way, he could feel several gazes from the shadows—scrutinizing, assessing, tinged with amusement or malice.
The veterans of the 200th floor were observing the new "prey."
As Leo approached the registration reception, faint conversation drifted from behind him.
He didn't turn around, but judging by the footsteps—three people, about twenty meters away.
"Heh heh, another newcomer."
A hoarse male voice chuckled softly.
"Another easy win. I let you have the last few, but this one's mine. My preparation period is almost up."
Another voice, with a metallic rasp to it.
"He looks like he might know Nen, too."
"So what?" The first voice—Tuba—sounded dismissive.
"Who here doesn't know Nen? We're the ones who survived the baptism of the 200th floor. A rookie like him wouldn't understand what it really takes to stay here."
"What kind of existence."
A third person casually chimed in.
"Alright, Tuba, take it easy, don't kill him. We want a win too."
Tuba waved a hand. "Got it."
Leo walked up to the reception desk.
"Welcome to the 200th floor, Mr. Leo."
The receptionist handed over a form.
"Please sign here to register. This floor uses a 'Declared Battle System,' and we have prepared a ninety-day 'Battle Preparation Period' for you."
She began explaining the rules in detail, her tone steady and clear.
"During this period, you may freely choose any day to participate in a battle. Each battle you engage in will grant you another ninety-day preparation period."
"Of course, if you do not engage in any battles within ninety days, you will be counted as having lost once."
"To pass this floor, you must achieve ten victories. If you lose four times before achieving ten wins, you will lose your qualification to advance."
"Once you have won ten battles, you will be eligible to challenge the 'Floor Master'..."
Leo quickly scanned the contents of the form. The rules matched those described in the manga.
He checked the option for "Available to battle at any time" and signed his name.
"Please proceed to Room 2079, your designated rest area. We will notify you immediately once your battle day is confirmed."
The receptionist collected the form, and Tuba also approached the reception desk.
He was a man around thirty years old, about 180 centimeters tall, with a dark gray metal gauntlet covering his left arm.
A seemingly friendly smile hung on his face, but there was no warmth in his eyes.
Tuba also picked up a form and filled it out, similarly checking the "Available to battle at any time" option.
After finishing, he turned to Leo with a grin.
"Young man, you don't mind if I join the battle too, do you?"
Leo looked at him, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly into a faint smile.
"I don't mind. Suit yourself."
He withdrew his gaze, turned away from the reception area, and headed toward the room assigned to him on the 200th floor.
Tuba watched Leo's retreating figure, his smile gradually turning cold.
He licked his lips, a bloodthirsty glint flashing in his eyes.
"Newcomers... should act like newcomers."
Deep in the corridor, Leo's figure disappeared around the corner.