Moro swiftly concluded his match.
The second match, scheduled for 2:00 PM, featured Hua Shidoulang against Orion.
The third match was set for 5:00 PM.
All three matches were to be completed within a single day.
The entire tournament was planned to conclude before the New Year, aligning with the commencement of the Hunter Exam.
Given that Netero serves as both the head of the examination department and the final examiner, he must be on standby during the Hunter Exam period.
Therefore, the Martial Arts Olympics organizers typically coordinate with Netero's schedule to ensure his presence at the finals.
After leaving the arena, Moro returned directly to his room.
Hua Shidoulang was already in preparation mode; before his match began, Moro and the others aimed to avoid disturbing him.
In the luxurious quarters on the 244th floor:
Moro continued his training, striving not to waste any time.
After a while, there was a knock on the door.
It was Menchi, carrying a large bag.
"Qin Dao!"
Upon entering, Menchi extended her hand toward Moro.
Moro, puzzled by Menchi's assortment of tools, handed over Qin Dao.
Without a word, Menchi took Qin Dao and headed to the kitchen.
Moments later, sounds emanated from the kitchen.
Moro glanced over to see Menchi meticulously cleaning Qin Dao with various tools and liquids, her demeanor solemn.
"..."
Moro was speechless.
She had come specifically to "sanitize" Qin Dao—a typical Menchi move.
Shaking his head slightly, Moro left Menchi to her peculiar hygienic ritual and resumed his immersive training.
Two to three hours passed.
Exhaling deeply, Moro removed his weighted gear and damp shirt.
As he prepared to shower, he noticed faint sounds still coming from the kitchen.
"Is she still at it?"
Quietly approaching the kitchen, Moro saw Menchi still cleaning Qin Dao, her movements slow yet precise.
Had she been at this for hours?
Moro's expression grew quizzical.
He didn't understand but chose to respect her process.
Tiptoeing away to avoid disrupting Menchi's peculiar behavior, he continued with his routine.
By 1:00 PM:
Menchi was still cleaning the knife.
Moro, exasperated, decided against informing her and left for the competition floor alone.
Ding.
The elevator doors opened.
Stepping out, Moro sensed a gaze upon him.
Looking toward the source, he saw Kurapika rising from a chair near a vending machine.
"Waiting specifically for me?"
Approaching, Moro addressed Kurapika.
Kurapika nodded slightly.
"How long have you been waiting?"
"Since your match ended."
"..."
After a brief silence and a slight shake of his head, Moro said:
"Take note of my contact number. In the future, if you need anything, call directly. If I don't answer, leave a message."
"Understood!"
Kurapika's eyes gleamed as he quickly retrieved his phone to save the number Moro provided.
Moro selected the most expensive drink from the vending machine.
As a floor master, he enjoyed complimentary access to all facilities in Heaven's Arena, including vending machines.
Clunk.
The drink dropped to the bottom with a thud.
Retrieving it, Moro handed the beverage to Kurapika and asked:
"Are you leaving?"
"Yes, I wanted to inform you before departing. Also, I've earned enough to repay you for the Yorknew auction ticket. Please provide an account number so I can transfer the funds immediately."
Kurapika held the drink, his expression resolute.
Moro intended to decline but, seeing Kurapika's determined gaze, provided his account details.
Without hesitation, Kurapika used his phone to transfer the ticket money, then sighed in relief.
Moro checked his phone, gave it a casual shake, and said:
"I've received it."
"Good."
Kurapika smiled warmly.
Moro regarded him and softly advised:
"I won't see you off. Good luck with the Hunter Exam."
Kurapika nodded emphatically.
Moro smiled, turned to leave, but then paused.
"Would you like some advice?"
"Yes."
Kurapika responded softly.
With his back to Kurapika, Moro earnestly said:
"Whether it's the Hunter Exam or your future endeavors, always act within your means. Remember... while opportunities are rare, they aren't singular along a long journey."
"I understand."
Kurapika looked at Moro's back, a hint of hesitation in his expression.
Moro waved without looking back and headed toward the arena.
Watching Moro's departure, Kurapika ultimately kept his thoughts to himself.
Only after Moro disappeared into the corridor did he tighten his grip on his bag's strap and enter the elevator.
The Hunter Exam...
He was determined to pass!
Inside the arena:
Half an hour remained before the second match.
Yet, the spectator seats were already filled.
Moro and Karista sat in the front row, with an empty seat beside them reserved for Menchi.
"Isn't Menchi coming to watch?"
Karista glanced at the empty seat, puzzled.
Moro pondered briefly, opting not to mention Menchi's hours-long knife-cleaning session, and casually replied:
"Perhaps she's dealing with some time-consuming ingredients."
"That makes sense."
Karista nodded in agreement.
At 2:00 PM:
Amidst roaring cheers, Hua Shidoulang and Orion entered the arena from opposite sides, converging at the central stage.
From their entrance, the audience erupted in thunderous applause.
Moro's gaze immediately fixed on Orion.
A martial artist by training and a long-time denizen of Heaven's Arena, Orion's muscular build nearly burst from his attire.
Sporting a buzz cut, rugged features, and a prominent scar extending from his mouth to his jawline, Orion exuded intensity.
Upon entering, Orion unleashed his aura without restraint, seemingly indifferent to any pre-match energy expenditure.
Moro observed Orion's aura field closely.
"Level 50 to Level 55."
He estimated.
In terms of aura volume, Orion stood at the pinnacle of Heaven's Arena.
Among the floor masters Moro had encountered, only Orion's aura surpassed the rest.
However, aura volume is but one facet of overall combat strength.
When differences are minimal, victory often hinges on the precision of Nen ability utilization.
Nonetheless—
For pure Enhancement types, factors like aura volume and physical resilience carry more weight.
Typically, Enhancement users reach their peak potential in the later stages.
In contrast, other Nen types can leverage "skill" advantages earlier on.
Moro had been aware that he lacked the time to await such a peak, prompting him to focus on skill advantages and operational flexibility.
His inherent traits leaned toward Manipulation, facilitating his current path.
Hua Shidoulang epitomized the Enhancement type.
Given his training duration, facing a seasoned Nen user like Orion posed significant challenges.
Yet, Hua Shidoulang's formidable talent had propelled him swiftly, earning him his place here.
Amidst the deafening cheers, Hua Shidoulang and Orion ascended the stage.
Throughout, Orion's aura remained unabated.
This demeanor subtly pressured the referee.
To Hua Shidoulang, it felt like provocation.
"Enough with the damn rules—let's start already!"
Orion glanced at the referee, shouting impatiently.
The referee, feeling the weight of Orion's oppressive
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50 Powerstones? (5 Bonus Chapters)
20 Advance Chapters: patreon.com/milezen