Chapter 38: Reaching The 200th Floor
For the next few days, our pace was driven by routine: train with Gon and the others, discuss our agency's preparations, trying to talk with my mobile contacts, research with my new laptop, and fight our matches in the tower. The only events that took us out of that routine were when we went out to explore the city, and when I met up with Wing to do some training with him.
Now that I had given him the ability to grow even further as a Nen user and martial artist, he needed to train to do so, and fighting a talented opponent like me was the best option available. This also benefited me, as it would get me out of the mediocre battles I was having in the Heavens Arena and prevent my hand-to-hand combat skills from getting rusty, so it was a win-win situation.
Even Nicholas benefited from this, as when he found out I would be seeing Wing again, he stubbornly insisted on accompanying me to watch us fight. Unlike most fighters above the 200th floor of Heavens Arena, Wing and I are Hunters truly skilled in the use of Nen, so watching us fight was a great learning experience and motivation for Nicholas.
Regarding our performance in Heavens Arena, as we climbed the floors, the opponents grew more skilled and experienced, each with their own unique fighting style. One particularly challenging fight was on the 150th floor against a stunning female fighter
She had purple hair that shimmered under the stage lights, her peach skin was as smooth as butter, and and her attire consisted of a skin-tight unitard with traditional black slippers. She was strikingly beautiful but also dangerous.
In our match, she used a strange fighting style. She moved with incredible coordination and rhythm, her movements were balanced and acrobatic, and her attacks were agile and quite unpredictable; it was like seeing a combination of the Wing Chun and Capoeira fighting styles.
She lasted longer than any opponent I had faced before in the tower, with her dodge and attack maneuvers being more stimulating and instructive than the crude, unskilled fighting I had been having.
But either way, once I adapted to her timing and became able to perfectly synchronize my movements with hers, I finished the fight just like I had with my previous matches; with a single hit.
Still, it was the best fight I had had in Heavens Arena so far. Not only was it a great opportunity for learning and refining my techniques, but also, despite feeling attracted and excited by the beauty of that girl, this fight proved to me that I could fight effectively against women without these details affecting my performance, which was a concern that had been bothering me up until that point.
The only thing that annoyed me about this encounter was the last commenting from the girl named Cocco:
Date: May 23th, 2011
Finally, after days of continuous battles and relentless training, today Nicholas and I will have our last fights before advancing to the 200th Floor. As we enter at our respective rings, the atmosphere is different, filled with an air of anticipation and tension as the commentator girl encourages the public.
Our final fight to reach the 200th floor is against seasoned fighter with some reputation. named
Ryu and Ken. They are tall, muscular men with a calm demeanor and have a reputation for being tough opponents, which makes them slightly arrogant.
With these words from the commentator, and some cocky comments from our opponents, the referee gives the signal and the fights begin.
For some minutes, both of us tuck to our strategy of only using our physical abilities and not instantly finish our opponents. For my part, Ryu looks like a competent fighter, using a mix of
punches and kicks to test my defenses and probe for weaknesses with precise and powerful strikes.
However, Ryu proves to be an inferior opponent to the girl from the 150th floor, so I find it easy to overwhelm him even without using Nen.
On the other hand, Nicholas looks locked in a fierce exchange with Ken. His opponent's strikes are relentless and precise, at one point managing to land a powerful kick to Nicholas side, sending him stumbling back. Nicholas grits his teeth, fighting through the pain, and tries to defend himself against the subsequent flur of rapid kicks that forces him to back off.
But through the effort and strategic tactics I have instilled in him, Nicholas's agility and speed eventually allows him to dodge and counter with precision Ken attacks.
Patiently getting their rhythm, we manage to wear Ryu and Ken down, and with a final, powerful kick to the head from both of us, Ryu and Ken are knocked off their feet and fall to the ground simultaneously, unable to continue. The crowd erupts in cheers, and our referees finally declares us the winners.
'We had done it. We have climbed to the 200th floor using only our physical skills and combat strategy. Now, it's time to take our things and head towards the new challenges that await us on the upper floors.'
With that mentality in head, Nicholas and I retreat to our private rooms after the matches and start packing our stuff into our travel backpacks so we can take them to our new accommodations. Once we're done, we meet at the elevator to the 200th floor and press the button to go up there.
"I can't believe we've come this far in just a week. I honestly wasn't convinced about going at such a fast pace at first, but I'm certainly able to see the results of the training and the fights. I no longer see it as impossible that we become Floor Masters in a month." Nicholas comments as we wait inside the elevator.
"I'm glad you've gained confidence, but keep it in check." I respond with a firm look.
"Now we're going to enter the world of Nen battles, which is totally different from what you've seen so far. After all, fighters who have made it this far aren't considered ordinary combatants, and each of them has their own unique style and purpose for being here. Literally anything can happen, so being overconfident is a deadly mistake and we must remain always on guard." I state.
What I say is not a lie, because although I know about the rookies destroyer trio, there are more fighters from the 200th floor. It's even possible that there is someone else like Kastro, who had the skill and strength to face someone of Hisoka caliber.
"Still, it's undeniable that you've considerably improved your physical abilities and Nen handling since we arrived in the city. So from now on we'll level up your training."
"L-Level up the t-training? Are you serious, boss?" Nicholas asks with a frightened face at the notion of increasing the difficulty of his already demanding training.
Shortly after this exchange, the elevator reaches its destination, and exiting it, we follow the signs to the reception. Unlike Gon and Killua, we don't find anyone blocking the corridor, so we manage to get there without any problems.
"Welcome to the 200th floor. Please sign this registration form." The girl at the counter tells us while giving us two forms when we arrive to register. "Would you like to register for a match."
"You have 90 days to prepare to fight, during which you can call me for a match at any time."
"You can fight everyday if you prefer, or wait until the very last minute. It's your decisiron."
"Once you have participated in a match, the 90-day preparation period will be reset."
"However, if they refrain from fighting during that 90-day period, you'll be disqualified and our registration for the 200th floor will be revoked from all the records."
Listening to the introduction that is given to all newcomers by default while we fill the forms with our contact information and consent to not hold Heavens Arena responsible for injuries or death in combat, I quickly jump in. "Miss, the truth is that my friend and I are aiming to become Floor Masters. Could you explain to us how to do that?"
"Of course! To become a Floor Master you need to accumulate 10 wins to complete this division, but if you accumulate 4 loses before getting 10 wins, you'll be disqualified!" She begins to explain passionately.
After you've earned 10 victories, you will earn the right to challenge one of the 21 Floor Masters that Heavens Arena has to offer! Each one has one whole floor from 230 and 250, and if you manage to beat a floor master, you get his floor and become the new master!"
"But that's not all! If you a become a Floor Master, you will get the privilege of advancing to the top floor of the tower to participate in the biennial festival of combat, the Battle Olympia!"
"Wow, the Battle Olympia! It's a huge event that brings together people from all over the world and from all walks of life as its spectators! Boss, aren't you excited by the idea of the fame you could gain if you were the winner of that competition?!" Nicholas adds with the starry eyes characteristic of an anime character excited about something cool.
"I guess it would be interesting to participate, although I'm not really interested in receiving so much attention. Is there something special to gain from winning in such a competition?" I ask the girl, showing feigned disinterest.
'Damn, it seems he's just like the two brats who arrived a little while ago.' The girl thinks before answering reluctantly. "If you are interested in knowing, the Battle Olympia champion can live in the top floor of Heavens Arena. A penthouse 1000 meters above the ground for the best fighter in Heavens Arena. It's a life of unparalleled luxury and honor."
"Yeah, but Floor Masters already have luxury penthouses and a lot of prestige anyway. Isn't there something that is more meaningful for the one on the top floor?" I ask, trying to get more information out of the receptionist.
"Of course there is. The top Floor Master receives rare and valuable prizes galore, ranging from luxury items to real estate and even his own private plane. In addition, the tower will also be responsible for providing him with any service he may request, regardless of its nature or complexity, ensuring that the most appropriate personnel are employed to meet his needs at no cost." She begins to explain.
"But there is still more. The top Floor Master also has many opportunities to network with companies in the world of entertainment, business and even politics. It's even possible to attend exclusive social gatherings of the aristocracy and form a marriage with a member of royalty."
"What do you say to that?! Don't you think those are great rewards?!" The receptionist asks me with a look of expectation at the end of her explanation.
"Hmm, I certainly can't deny it. A private plane, free luxury services and connections with important figures from different businesses around the world. It's only natural that anyone would want to get the top floor for themselves." I say honestly, causing a smile of happiness to appear on the receptionist's face.
"Yes, that's exactly it! I realize that you know how to appreciate a privileged opportunity when it presents itself to you!" The receptionist screams excitedly while banging on the counter glass.
"Uh, yeah, sure." I respond a little startled by her unexpected reaction. "But in any case, that opportunity is still a long way off of us. For now, could you give me more information about being a Floor Master?"
"Hmm, sure, but what kind of information do you want to know? I warn you that I cannot spread personal information about the fighters." The receptionist asks, changing from an excited attitude to an intrigued one.
"No, no, that's not it. I am referring to the benefits and obligations that come with being a Floor Master." I say trying to clarify my intention.
"For example: do Floor Masters also have to comply with the 90-day preparation period like the rest of the fighters? Or what benefits does the title entail apart from having a private floor? Things of that nature are what I would like you to clarify for me."
"Ah, I understand now. Okay, starting with your first question, no, Floor Masters do not have to meet that deadline." She answers starting to explain.
"The 21 Floor Masters are the celebrities of Heavens Arena, so they are not required to participate in fights unless they are challenged by a fighter of the 200th floor who has accumulated 10 wins or by another Floor Master, in which case they will be contacted by the management staff to set the date of the match."
"What if the Floor Master you want to contact is outside the tower for personal or professional reasons?" I ask.
"For the challengers with 10 wins, the management always tries to pick Floor Masters who are present in Heavens Arena to face them, so it wouldn't be a problem in that case. However, if it's a challenge issued by a fellow Floor Master, then several attempts will be made to contact the desired Floor Master using the contact information requested when handing over their private penthouse." She starts to answer.
"After the first attempt to contact him, the wandering Floor Master will have a month to show up for the fight, and failure to do so will result in his interest being called into question, and could lead to problems with tower management, including the possible loss of his title and fighting records."
"Which means you would lose your private accommodation and would have to start over from the first floor to get it back, right?" I ask trying to make the hypothetical situation clear.
"Yes, that's right. Although the circumstances of the situation in question would also be taken into account, so the conclusion could end up being different. In what form it would depend on the interests and disposition of both parties." She responds trying to explain it in detail.
"Now, I will begin to explain the benefits inherent to the title. Although not at the same level as the top Floor Master, the Floor Masters also have many opportunities to come into contact with different companies, either by giving lectures, advising figures or entities of high relevance, or even deciding to establish a martial arts school in their name."
"Not only does this allow them to gain even more prestige and notoriety than they already possess, but it also provides a notable source of income. They can literally become rich and live a life of opulence just by holding this title! Isn't that really amazing?!" She asks, getting excited again.
I remain silent for a moment before answering with a confident smile. "Yes, it is. After hearing that explanation, I really can't wait to become a Floor Master. Nicholas, let's do our best to achieve our goals together." Both he and the receptionist put on a face of joy and emotion when they hear my words.
"If so, then please fill this application to state what day you would be interested in fighting!" She happily asks, handing me the sheet of paper to put the date on.
Picking up the piece of paper, I glance at it while putting on a fake face of indecision. "I don't know which days I should choose. I want to become a Floor Master as soon as possible, so I need to secure opponents as soon as possible. Say... Any of you guys volunteer?" I ask, shifting my gaze to the left of the corridor.
Along with a surprised receptionist and Nicholas, we set our sights on a group consisting of a man with a metal prosthetic peg instead of legs, a man in a wheelchair, and a man with only one arm: The famous rookie crusher trio of the 200th floor.
"We would be delighted. After all, the three of us aim to become Floor Masters too." The man in the wheelchair, Riehlvelt, answers.
"If you're in such a hurry, the three of us can take on both of you. Just tell us when you want to fight." Sadaso, the one with a missing arm, says after.
"As long as it's a date we have free, we will gladly accept your challenge. Ha ha ha." The one with the metal prosthetic peg leg, Gido, laughs.
Faced with these three unexpected visitors, Nicholas approaches me with a distrustful frown on his face. "Boss, I don't think you should get involved with these guys. I have a bad feeling about them." He whispers in my ear, but I just ignore him and point at Sadaso with my index finger.
"I'd like to face you first. Is tomorrow okay with you?" I ask Sadaso, who shows a milded surprised expression along with his two companions.
"I have no problem with fighting tomorrow, but why me among the three of us?" He asks.
"For nothing important. I'm just curious." I say shrugging with an innocent smile.
'Even though he showed his Hatsu in the series, Sadaso was never shown fighting. Even if he is vastly inferior to me, as a die-hard Hunter x Hunter fan I can't help but be curious about his fighting style. That's why I have to face him before gets threatened by Killua on May 29th and leaves Heavens Arena.' I think to myself as the inherent desire of a fan to know everything about their favorite work wells up within me.
Sadaso shares a glance with the other two before turning his creepy smile back to us. "Fine, I'll register to fight you tomorrow if you want." Sadaso answers.
"Sweet." I exclaim, turning my gaze to the receptionist girl. "Excuse me miss, could you please take out four more applications, one for my friend and three for the gentlemen over there?" I ask her.
"Oh, yeah, right now." She responds, taken by surprise and beginning to search for the requested applications.
"We have decided a match, but there are still many to be registered. How about we start debating which days are best for each of us to fight?" I ask the trio while smiling at the opportunity to get three fights out of the way.