In the blink of an eye, three more days passed. On this day, Takeru and Umaru finally laid eyes on this world's fourth-tallest structure: a 251-story, 991-meter-tall combat-focused tower...
"Umaru, from now on, we'll likely be training here," Takeru said to Umaru, gazing at the towering building.
"Mhm," Umaru nodded with determination.
Meanwhile, in parallel Hunter Worlds, Yukino and the others had also made their way to Heavens Arena, each using their own methods. After all, there was a clear side mission here, and none were willing to give it up easily.
However, lacking funds, people like Hachiman had only managed to arrive around this time.
Yukino and Ui, possessing Hunter Licenses, were already challenging floors around the 120s...
Now, 18 days had passed since everyone entered this world, meaning only 12 days remained before they would have to leave.
Upon entering, Takeru and Umaru saw a long registration line...
Unlike the Hunter Exam, Heavens Arena didn't require particularly difficult conditions. One simply had to defeat their opponent. And the higher one climbed, the more money they could earn...
Based on Takeru's memory of what Killua once mentioned, by the time Killua reached the 200th floor, he had accumulated nearly 200 million jenny, which is a substantial sum, considering a valuable Hunter License sold for about the same price...
"Welcome to Heavens Arena. Please fill out your personal information on this form." After a relatively long wait, it was finally Takeru and Umaru's turn...
The receptionist politely handed two forms to Takeru and Umaru and spoke gently.
Takeru quickly filled out a simple registration.
"Mr. Nara Takeru is contestant number 1405. Ms. Doto Umaru is contestant number 1406. On the first-floor arena, you will be called by these numbers. Please make sure to remember them! Please proceed inside," the receptionist said, gesturing for them to enter.
Inside, a chaotic crowd greeted them. The first floor had 16 rings labeled A through P.
Currently, all sixteen rings had ongoing matches, and the stands were packed with people cheering loudly...
Soon, over twenty minutes passed, and Takeru was called...
"Contestants number 1326 and 1405, please proceed to Ring B for preparation!"
Hearing the announcement, Takeru walked toward the ring. Since weapons weren't allowed below the 200th floor, Takeru had stored his sword and shield in his inventory...
"Eh? It's a pretty boy!"
"Haha, this is no place for you! You should run while you still can!" Some spectators jeered as Takeru stepped onto the ring.
Takeru remained expressionless, calmly observing the muscular bald man before him. Compared to Hanzo, this man was merely strong in appearance but weak in reality...
"During first-floor matches, contestants will be judged based on their performance. Please demonstrate your strength within the three-minute time limit. The match... begins now!" The referee announced with a wave.
"Kid, you're out of luck. But this isn't a place for kids. Let me knock you out with one punch!" The muscular man cracked his knuckles and threw a heavy punch at Takeru.
Takeru didn't dodge. He simply stepped forward and gave a gentle push. The man instantly flew back as if hit by a truck, slamming into the wall and getting stuck there...
"How could that kid have such strength?!" Some spectators exclaimed in shock.
"Contestant 1405, you may proceed directly to the 50th floor for your next match!" Seeing Takeru effortlessly defeat his opponent, the referee gave him a deep look before handing him a ticket.
"Thanks," Takeru said with a smile, accepting the ticket.
Soon, it was Umaru's turn. Like Takeru, she knocked her opponent flying with one punch and received a ticket to the 50th floor...
"In Heavens Arena, up to the 200th floor, levels are divided into units of ten floors. So, a 50th-floor contestant can advance to the 60th floor with one win. Conversely, one loss will drop them to the 40th-floor level," The elevator attendant explained patiently to Takeru and Umaru.
"I see, thank you," Takeru nodded in appreciation.
"Also, if you reach the 100th floor, you'll be assigned a private room," The attendant added kindly, noting Takeru's politeness.
"Is that so? We understand," Takeru smiled.
Takeru and Umaru then followed instructions, exchanging their winning tickets for money at a counter. A first-floor win earned only 152 Jenny, roughly the price of a juice...
Winning on the 50th floor, however, earned 50,000 Jenny. Higher floors offered exponentially more, with the 100th floor offering over 1 million...
Since Takeru and Umaru had won their first matches so easily, they would likely have another match soon...
After waiting in the rest area, Takeru soon heard his number called.
"Contestants 1405, Takeru, and 796, Yamada, please proceed to Ring A on the 56th floor!"
"That was quick. I'll wait for you on the 60th floor then," Takeru said lightly.
"Mhm, go ahead," Umaru nodded seriously.
Soon, Takeru arrived on the 56th floor and headed toward the ring. Unlike the first floor, the 56th had only one ring...
Upon arrival, Takeru saw a man dressed like a bosozoku (motorcycle gang member) already waiting.
Facing the intimidating bosozoku, Takeru remained calm and stepped into the ring.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for waiting! Next up are Takeru and Yamada! Both displayed outstanding performances in their first-floor matches, rising directly from the first to the 50th floor in one go. Please enjoy their exciting match!"
"Takeru achieved an instant victory with a single push. Yamada, through relentless attacks, also defeated his opponent without taking damage. Now, place your bets! Based on odds, Yamada has the advantage, likely due to his more imposing physique!"
The commentator provided an enthusiastic play-by-play.
"This match follows a three-minute, three-round points/knockout system. Begin!" The referee soon announced the start.
"Haha, kid! Let me show you the strength of the Yamada-gumi boss!" Yamada sneered, bursting forward with surprising speed. He threw a powerful double-fisted punch aimed at Takeru's head.
But facing his attack, Takeru merely glanced at him, then pushed him away with even greater speed.
"Oh! Takeru uses his signature push again, sending Yamada flying! Yamada is unable to continue! The winner of this match is Takeru!" The commentator shouted excitedly as the referee confirmed the result.
After winning, Takeru headed to the 60th floor to exchange his ticket for money...
Not long after, Umaru also successfully defeated her opponent, advancing to the 60th floor and earning 50,000 Jenny.
Since the 60th floor didn't offer private rooms yet, Takeru and Umaru used their earnings to rent a room nearby...
Normally, two matches per day were the limit for each contestant, so Takeru and Umaru wouldn't have another match today.
After discussing with Umaru, Takeru decided to work on developing his Nen Abilities alone at the inn.
Umaru, however, chose to stay at the arena to observe matches, aiming to gain more combat experience...