Chapter 24: Sparring with Wing
One day later, at the 190th-floor arena.
Wing's opponent was a jujitsu specialist skilled in joint locks, and the two grappled for several minutes.
In the end, Wing landed a precise palm strike on his opponent's jaw, ending the match.
The referee raised his hand, announcing that Wing had earned the qualification to advance to the 200th floor.
Applause echoed from the spectator stands, though not particularly enthusiastic—Wing's fighting style was steady but not flashy enough to ignite the entire arena.
He gave a slight bow, stepped down from the platform, and entered the fighter's passageway.
Inside the passage, the lighting was dim, and the air carried a mix of sweat and disinfectant.
Wing adjusted his glasses, pondering the registration procedures for the 200th floor.
His thoughts were interrupted by a voice: "Hello, my name is Leo."
Wing stopped and turned toward the source of the voice.
At the corner of the passage stood a young man dressed in white clothes and black pants, wearing a friendly smile.
Wing recognized him—the newcomer who had blasted Tuba to death with a single punch, causing quite a stir on the 200th floor.
He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, a flicker of wariness in his eyes.
"I know you. You're very strong."
Leo spread his hands, indicating he meant no harm.
"Thank you for the compliment. There's no need to be so guarded. I'm not here to challenge you to a match."
He paused.
"However, I have an impertinent request and would like your permission."
Wing frowned.
He had encountered many such people in the arena—some trying to recruit him, some testing him, and some simply looking for trouble. He wanted no part of any complications.
"I'm sorry."
Wing's tone was calm but firm.
"I have no intention of agreeing to any request of yours."
With that, he stepped forward, intending to walk past Leo.
Leo awkwardly scratched the back of his head. Were all these traditionally trained Nen users so wary?
Satotz was like this, Mizaistom was like this, and now Wing was too.
Dealing with Goreinu was much simpler.
But the opportunity was right in front of him, and he couldn't give up so easily.
"Wait!"
Leo called out to Wing, who was about to leave.
"I mean no harm. I know your master is Biscuit, and she is incredibly strong. As for how I know that… well, that's not something I can share with you."
Wing's footsteps halted.
He turned around, his eyes sharpening behind his glasses.
"You investigated me?"
"Not an investigation."
Leo shook his head.
"I just… know some things. I want to entrust a matter to Ms. Biscuit—nothing dangerous. As for the specifics, I'd prefer to discuss it with her alone."
He pulled a small velvet pouch from his pocket, untied the drawstring, and poured out a gemstone.
It was a red gem the size of a pigeon's egg, still refracting brilliant light even in the dim passageway.
Inside the gem, flames seemed to flow, and as the light shifted, faint, storm-like patterns could be seen swirling within.
"I know Ms. Biscuit loves collecting gemstones."
Leo held the gem in his palm.
"The reward for the commission is this 'Red Storm.'"
Wing's attention was drawn to the gem.
Though not a gemstone expert, having spent so much time with Biscuit, he could tell this gem was extraordinary—its color, clarity, and cut were flawless, and even as an amateur, he could sense its value.
He found himself in a dilemma.
Should he refuse? His master was indeed obsessed with collecting all kinds of gemstones.
If he refused, and she later found out that someone had offered such a precious gem as payment for a commission, and he had turned it down without even asking...
Wing could almost picture Biscuit, hands on her hips, angrily scolding him.
"You foolish disciple! That's the 'Red Storm'! It's worth so many Jenny! And you just turned it down like that?!"
He scratched his head and sighed.
Leo noticed his hesitation and offered him a way out.
"You can contact your master first and ask her. If she refuses, I won't bother you any further."
This suggestion was reasonable.
Wing thought for a few seconds, then took his phone out of his pants pocket.
He walked a short distance down the corridor and dialed the number.
The phone rang three times before it was answered.
"Wing?"
Biscuit's voice came through, with some background noise—it seemed she was in some kind of market.
"Didn't I tell you to focus on your training at Heavens Arena? What, slacking off again and wanting to complain to me?"
"No, Master," Wing lowered his voice.
"I met someone at the arena named Leo. He... knows who you are and says he wants to commission you for something. The payment is a gem called the 'Red Storm.'"
There was a two-second silence on the other end.
"Leo? Never heard of that name."
Biscuit's voice grew serious.
"How does he know about me?"
"He said it's inconvenient to say," Wing relayed honestly.
"But he doesn't seem to have any ill intentions—he just wants to commission you. He said he wants to discuss the details with you privately."
"Red Storm..." Biscuit murmured.
"I remember there are fewer than ten of those gems in existence, and each one is recorded. What's the quality of the one he has?"
Wing looked at the gem in Leo's hand and described it.
"About the size of a pigeon's egg, with flame-like patterns flowing inside. Under the light, you can see patterns resembling a storm... It's very beautiful."
"Tsk," Biscuit clicked her tongue.
"Sounds like the real thing. Alright, I happen to be nearby dealing with some business. I can get to Heavens Arena in a week."
"Just in time to check on your training progress—if you've been slacking off, you're in for a beating!"
Wing shrank his neck in.
"I-I'll train seriously."
"Then it's settled. Tell him we'll meet in a week. He can decide the location."
The call ended, and Wing walked back to Leo with a complicated expression.
"Master agreed. She'll be here in a week. She said she'll also check on my training... I haven't been slacking off lately."
The last sentence sounded like he was talking to himself, with a hint of guilt.
Leo smiled and put away the gem.
"No problem. Then I'll be waiting in Room 2079 on the 200th floor for the good news from Ms. Biscuit."
Wing sighed, looking helpless.
He had been enjoying his freedom alone at Heavens Arena, but now his master was coming to check on him. He would have to train like crazy for the next week, or he would definitely be scolded.
Leo sensed his thoughts and suggested, "If you need it, I can be your sparring partner. A well-matched opponent is the most effective for training and growth."
Hearing this, Wing's eyes behind his glasses lit up.
He did need real combat—especially against an opponent who was also an Enhancement Type.
After watching Leo's matches, he could sense that this young man's strength was unfathomable. If they could spar...
"That works," Wing nodded.
"I'll go register on the 200th floor first, then we can have a sparring match. But let's make it clear upfront—it's just a friendly match, we'll stop at the appropriate point."
"Of course," Leo smiled.
The two walked toward the elevator together.
Wing completed the registration process for the 200th floor and received his room number, 2115, which was on the same floor as Leo's 2079.
They arrived at Wing's private lounge.
The room layout was similar to Leo's, though the training area was equipped with more complete apparatus, and a few open martial arts books were piled in the corner.
Entering the training room, the two stood facing each other.
The floor was covered with specially designed cushioning mats, and the surrounding walls were reinforced with sound-absorbing materials.
Wing adjusted his glasses.
"How would you like to proceed?"
Leo shrugged. "The guest follows the host's lead."
"You're also an Enhancement Type, right?" Wing confirmed.
Leo nodded.
"Then let's keep it simple." Wing took off his jacket, revealing a lean and sturdy upper body.
"No Nen, just a light spar. I want to see your fundamentals."
"No problem."
Leo also removed his training jacket and stretched his shoulders.
The two stood firmly in the center of the training room, five meters apart.
The air grew quiet, with only the faint hum of the air conditioning system.