Ejian Continent, somewhere in a tropical region.
Nestled within the dense rainforest lay a sprawling camp. Various excavation facilities were neatly arranged, with over a dozen archaeologists and scholars gathered here.
Surrounding the camp were vast excavation sites where all kinds of ruins were being carefully unearthed. Nearby, a temporary warehouse stored numerous artifacts that had been discovered.
Inside one of the tents, Jin Freecss sat on a stool, taking a phone call.
"He's growing fast, huh."
"Yeah, it's a bit beyond my expectations."
"He's met Kite already? Hahaha, what a coincidence."
"Kite doesn't know? Haha, that silly kid."
"Alright, I got it. I'll find some time to come by."
Just then, a loud shout rang out from outside the tent: "Jin! Come quick! Major discovery!"
"What! Coming!" Jin Freecss jumped up and rushed out.
On the other end of the call, a burly man in combat boots and camo fatigues shook his head with a sigh. He looked into the distance where the towering Heavens Arena pierced the clouds.
…
Ever since Biscuit arrived, Kevin Carpenberg had entered the second phase of his training.
During this time, Kevin, out of curiosity, participated in two more matches.
However, these two matches didn't bring him nearly as much insight as his first Nen battle.
His attempt to develop Nen could even be called a failure.
Biscuit had said, "Among the Nen users lingering above the 200th floor of Heavens Arena, not many are truly strong.
Unless you're interested in climbing your way up and challenging the floor masters. And even then, I guarantee most of them don't really care."
As for the other contestants, they weren't even worth mentioning.
Nen is the combination of aura and will, the fusion of body and mind. When willpower weakens, when the desire to grow fades, and the body is neglected, these problems quickly manifest in one's Nen.
Overall, Kevin's journey at Heavens Arena was just about over.
"As for your Nen, I think you understand it by now. You'll need to spend more time than others when it comes to learning Nen abilities outside your natural type. Fortunately, you don't have to put too much effort into physical training or aura control."
For physical training, since Kevin could digest potions, it was best to work out only when his body was ready to absorb another dose. That way, the effects would be maximized.
As for aura control, there was no need to worry too much—he could practice that along the way during other training.
What limited Kevin's growth was his latent and current aura capacity.
So, various specialized training exercises followed one after another. Yungu trained alongside Kevin, doing things like smashing rocks and throwing aura bullets.
But this training didn't last long.
A month later, in their hotel room—
Biscuit stood with her arms crossed, looking at Kevin and Yungu.
"You've both trained well these past weeks. Consider yourselves officially graduated. But don't slack off—adjust your training rhythm and methods according to your habits, and keep moving toward your goals."
With that, Biscuit grabbed her luggage and put on her sun hat.
"The Treasure Auction is about to begin. See you later, students!"
As she spoke, and while Kevin and Yungu stared blankly, Biscuit bolted out of the room. All they saw was a hand at the door waving a phone.
"Call me if anything comes up! Bye!"
Kevin and Yungu looked at each other.
"So, where are you headed next?" Kevin asked Yungu.
Without much thought, Yungu replied, "I've joined the Shingen-Ryu school. After this, I'll be traveling to hone my martial arts. If possible, I'd love to take on a disciple."
"Sounds just like you. But are you sure about this?" Kevin said, pointing to the corner of Yungu's robe.
"Ah, sorry!" Yungu hurriedly fixed his outfit, trying to make himself look less disheveled.
"What about you?"
"Me?" Kevin pulled out a notebook and waved it. "This thing's full of my goals. The Hunter Exam isn't until early next year, and there are still over two months left.
During this time, I'm planning to level up a bit, gather materials, and brew more potions.
Once I get my Hunter License, I'll go to secret realms, wilderness areas, and nature reserves to collect ingredients."
Kevin had a clear plan for the future. This world was vast—he still didn't know where its edges lay.
But Kevin vaguely sensed that the higher-ups didn't want the public to pay too much attention to what lay beyond the known world. And Hunters seemed to have certain rights to that knowledge.
It looked like everything would begin once he obtained his license.
Yungu nodded in agreement. "Yeah, getting a Hunter License is definitely important."
With it, many things would become much easier.
"Well then, till next time."
"Yeah, see you."
…
Kevin returned to his rental apartment. Just as he reached the door, his phone buzzed.
"Kite?"
He had messaged Kite earlier to let him know he had reached the 200th floor, but hadn't heard back in a while. He'd been worried something had happened.
The message said that Kite's phone had been destroyed in battle, so he hadn't been able to reply until he bought a new one. Now, he was following a lead on his teacher's whereabouts and had gone to investigate.
He apologized for not being able to accompany Kevin to the auction, but said he'd meet him at the venue and apologize in person.
"No need to be so formal," Kevin said with a laugh.
"Mito said she's going home after winning a match on the 200th floor. I hope she brings back good news before the Hunter Exam."
That left only Killua among his acquaintances at Heavens Arena. But Killua had come here for training, and his family was keeping an eye on him.
"I should say goodbye—after all, we're friends." Besides, he'd learned quite a few combat techniques from Killua.
Before long, Kevin found Killua in the arena.
"Want to spar again? What have you been up to lately? I've gotten way stronger!" Killua laughed as he ran over.
"I've been training too. I can probably knock you out with one punch now." Though honestly, I could before.
"Ha! Don't talk nonsense!" Killua shouted defiantly.
Kevin smiled and crouched down, pulling a blue-and-white baseball cap from behind his back. There was a lightning bolt symbol in the center. He placed the cap on Killua's head and ruffled his hair.
"I'm heading out, buddy. Consider this my goodbye gift."
"You're leaving?" Killua's defiant expression shifted as he looked up.
"Yeah. Friends eventually part ways. But we'll definitely meet again. By then, I hope you'll break my 'Immovable Mountain' title."
Although a little sad, Killua smiled and said, "Next time we meet, I'll punch you into the sky!"
"Haha! I'll be waiting!"
After saying goodbye, Kevin muttered, "Why does it suddenly feel so chilly?" He rubbed his neck in confusion.
Just then, his phone buzzed again.
He looked down—it was a message from someone he'd barely heard from before.
Jin Freecss.
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