Bisky and Wing, who had been tending to Zushi's injuries, immediately looked up when they heard that familiar voice. Zushi's face was red and swollen, and he barely managed to open his eyes.
Shizuku, standing nearby, blinked rapidly as if trying to process what she just heard.
...
251st Floor, Heavens Arena
"Looks like things are finally getting under control," Shalnark sighed in relief as he watched the screen, flashing a small smile at the two beside him.
Kalluto nodded in agreement with Shalnark's assessment.
Machi let out a quiet sigh. "I'd rather not see all my money go to waste."
...
Yorknew City
"Tch. Him again. That guy really sticks his nose into everything," Feitan scoffed.
Phinks, standing beside him, simply shook his head. "Not that it's a bad thing. At least now we can show the world that the Phantom Troupe is leagues ahead of some nameless group that just popped up."
...
Kukuroo Mountain
"Oh?! From the looks of it, this might be even more exciting than the finals!"
After shooting a quick message to an old friend, Milluki's eyes lit up. He immediately rummaged through his drawer, pulling out his stash of top-tier snacks and drinks. With a satisfying pop, he cracked one open, leaned back comfortably, and turned his attention to the massive 360-degree screen in front of him.
Like watching an immersive movie, he focused on the broadcast with eager anticipation.
...
A Road to Heavens Arena
A lone figure covered in dust suddenly stopped in his tracks as his phone rang.
"Oh, right. I almost forgot—he's there too."
A gust of wind swept through, tilting the Arabian-style hat on his head just enough to reveal a very familiar face.
"Then I don't have to worry," Ging muttered, adjusting his hat. "With him around, the old man should be fine."
He scratched his cheek lazily. "Besides, if even he can't handle it, there's no point in me going, huh? Guess I'll just cheer from the sidelines. It's all on you now."
...
Heavens Arena, Top Floor
Jed stood still, gazing at the three descending figures without any change in expression.
"So, you've finally arrived?"
With a sharp whistle of wind, the three landed.
Boom!
"Ow!"
Two familiar voices groaned in unison. Jed ignored the two brats sprawled on the ground and focused on the figure standing in the middle.
"Owww," Gon and Killua groaned, rubbing their bruised backsides.
"You two aren't hurt, are you? If not, then get lost already."
Ronnel barely spared them a glance before smacking both of them on the head.
"This isn't a place for kids."
Earlier, when Ronnel had been soaring toward the top of the tower, he spotted Gon and Killua being pulled out of a window. Without hesitation, he adjusted his flight, stuck to the wall like a gecko, and grabbed each of them by the collar before they could plummet.
Now, after a firm landing, the two boys were still reeling from the rough ride. Supporting each other, they wobbled away while Ronnel stood tall, his focus locked on his opponent.
Once again, the battlefield was cleared, leaving only two figures facing each other.
"Wait a second... isn't that the champion from the last Battle Olympia?"
Someone watching the live broadcast suddenly recognized Ronnel, and soon, the internet exploded with discussion.
Because the upcoming tournament needed more hype, the organizers had used Ronnel in their promotions. Even though he had disappeared for two years, many people still remembered him.
"Yeah, I remember now! His name is Ronnel! Guess not every contestant in this tournament is just some no-name nobody!"
"Let's go, Ronnel! Knock that lunatic down!"
As the excitement in the arena built, more and more people placed their hopes on Ronnel.
...
Battle Olympia Arena
Sitting cross-legged in the ring, Gaki smirked as he sensed the shifting atmosphere. The audience's excitement was almost tangible.
"Hah. These ignorant fools really think he stands a chance against that person?"
Disdain was clear on Gaki's face.
"So what if he's a so-called 'champion'? Just because he's the best among the weak doesn't mean he's strong. A general picked from an army of dwarves is still just a dwarf."
Back in the contestant waiting area, Gaki had already eliminated Zushi's original opponent with a single move. Zushi himself had fared slightly better—enough to make Gaki's nose bleed, but not much more.
Now, as he stared at the ring's current landlord, he could only scoff.
"This actually works in my favor. Once the fight starts, they'll finally understand what true despair looks like."
A dark glint flashed through Gaki's eyes.
Giving someone hope—only to utterly crush it—was the best way to break them.
...
Hunter Association Headquarters
The phone on Beans's desk rang sharply. It was a government hotline—one that had never rung before.
He answered it immediately and rushed off to an emergency meeting.
Inside the Association, chaos loomed. With no clear leadership and Netero's condition uncertain, tensions were rising, and the usually orderly headquarters felt eerily unstable.
...
Vice Chairman's Office
Pariston remained seated, completely unfazed by the commotion outside. Instead of taking charge, he simply smiled, watching the unfolding events on his screen.
His calm, unreadable gaze made it impossible to discern his true thoughts.
...
Heavens Arena, Top Floor
Ronnel tilted his head slightly, glancing at Netero's bound figure with an amused smirk.
"Old man, what the hell happened to you? You're looking pretty rough."
His tone was light, but his eyes were sharp as they flickered toward Jed, the real threat standing before him.
The battle was about to begin.
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