Kansai x Fortune

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The atmosphere on the 50th floor of Heaven's Arena was palpably different from the lower levels. While the earlier floors buzzed with amateur competitors and casual spectators, this level exuded a more serious tone. The air was thick with anticipation as seasoned fighters prepared for battles that would test their limits.

An Unexpected Encounter

Illumi accepted the contestant ticket from the referee without a word, ready to step off the ring.

Thud!

A body flew out of the adjacent ring, landing hard on the ground with its neck bent awkwardly backward. The fighter lay unconscious, foam bubbling at the corners of his mouth—a clear sign of a devastating uppercut to the chin.

"Match concluded!"

The referee quickly declared victory after witnessing such an overwhelming knockout.

"Hmm?"

Illumi glanced sideways at the victor: a brash-looking blond boy around his age, sporting a small ponytail at the back of his head. His sharp teeth and fiery demeanor screamed "troublemaker," but there was no denying his talent—he had taken down his opponent in one swift blow.

"What are you looking at?!"

Noticing Illumi's gaze, the blond turned sharply, barking at him with a scowl.

"Temperamental," Illumi muttered under his breath, smirking faintly before walking away from the ring.

"You little punk! Don't walk away when I'm talking to you!"

The blond's ears twitched, catching Illumi's quiet remark. He stormed to the edge of the ring, shouting after the retreating figure.

"If you've got guts, come up here and fight me!"

"Coward... useless trash... bed-wetter..."

Unfazed, Illumi picked up his gray backpack and cast a glance at the shouting blond, who continued hurling childish insults. Without another word, he headed toward the exit leading to the first-floor arena elevators.

"Never expected to meet someone familiar on my first outing."

From the moment he laid eyes on the blond, Illumi had already guessed his identity. That hairstyle, attitude, and raw talent could only belong to one person: Kansai, the future member of the Zodiacs representing "Tiger" in the Hunter universe.

Elevator Ride to the 50th Floor

Upon reaching the designated elevator for contestants on the first floor, Illumi found an attendant dressed in the uniform of Heaven's Arena. She looked mildly surprised to see him approach.

"Excuse me, sir, are you a contestant?"

The attendant bowed politely, her voice warm and professional.

"This is proof."

Without elaborating, Illumi handed over the ticket given to him by the referee. It indicated clearance to proceed directly to the 50th floor.

"The 50th floor... You're quite impressive, Mr. Illumi Zoldyck," she remarked, pressing the button to open the elevator doors. "Please enter."

Illumi stepped inside calmly, followed closely by the attendant. Just as the doors began to close—

"Wait! WAIT!!"

A small figure came sprinting down the hallway, yelling frantically. The attendant reopened the doors, allowing Kansai to squeeze into the elevator just in time. Panting, he thrust his own ticket into her hands.

"50th floor!"

The attendant examined both tickets—one belonging to Illumi and the other to Kansai—and raised an eyebrow.

"How strange... Two kids under ten years old advancing straight to the 50th floor today?" she thought silently.

Kansai noticed her curious expression and followed her line of sight to the corner of the elevator where Illumi stood. His face darkened instantly.

"You! That little brat!"

Rolling up his sleeves, Kansai adopted a menacing stance, clearly itching for a fight.

"Contestants are prohibited from engaging in private altercations," the attendant interjected firmly. "Doing so will result in disqualification and a three-year ban from participating in Heaven's Arena matches."

She offered a suggestion instead. "If you have any grievances, settle them on the ring."

Illumi remained aloof, his eyelids lowered as if utterly uninterested in Kansai's aggression. Her words halted Kansai's movements, though he clenched his fists tightly, glaring daggers at Illumi.

"You'd better wait for me—I'll crush your face on the ring!" Kansai snarled threateningly.

"If you get worked up over every little thing, you won't last long," Illumi replied coolly, further enraging the volatile blond.

Caught between the two tense figures, the attendant decided to diffuse the situation by explaining the rules of Heaven's Arena.

"In this arena, floors are divided into tiers of 10. For example, once you reach the 50th floor, winning just one match allows you to ascend to the 60th floor. However, losing even a single match sends you back down to the 40th tier."

She continued, "Additionally, upon reaching the 100th floor, participants are provided with a private suite. These rooms offer five-star hotel-level accommodations."

Despite her efforts, neither Illumi nor Kansai seemed interested in her explanation. Their gazes remained locked, simmering with hostility.

Ding!

Finally, the elevator arrived at the 50th floor.

"You wait right there!" Kansai growled, shooting Illumi a venomous glare before rushing out of the elevator.

"Childish," Illumi murmured, stepping out with his usual nonchalance. He paid no heed to Kansai's threats; the blond posed no real threat to him at this stage.

Registration and Prizes

Illumi made his way to the registration desk on the 50th floor. After submitting his information, the registrar greeted him warmly.

"Mr. Illumi Zoldyck, please hand over your ticket."

Handing it through the window, Illumi watched as the registrar processed his details on the computer. Moments later, she slid an envelope toward him.

Opening it, Illumi dumped out a few coins—152 Jenny.

"At the first floor, regardless of win or loss, all participants receive enough money for a can of juice," the registrar explained cheerfully. "However, starting from higher floors, losses mean no rewards. But if you win on the 50th floor, you'll earn 50,000 Jenny. Reaching the 100th floor grants approximately 1 million Jenny based on audience size and viewership ratings. And surpassing the 150th floor? A prize exceeding 10 million Jenny awaits!"

"10 MILLION JENNY!!!"

A loud shout erupted nearby, drawing Illumi's attention. It was none other than Kansai, now wide-eyed with excitement, drool trickling down his chin. Completely forgetting about his earlier threats, he shoved his ticket into the registration window.

"Hurry up! Register me—I'm going for 10 million Jenny!"

Meanwhile, Illumi ambled over to a vending machine, inserted his 152 Jenny, and purchased a can of juice. Sipping casually, he left the area, following signs toward the contestant lounge.

Contestant Lounge

Pushing open the door to the lounge, Illumi entered a spacious room filled with training equipment designed for warm-ups between matches. Hearing the door creak open, several seated contestants glanced in his direction. Unbothered, Illumi closed the door behind him and took a seat on one of the benches reserved for rest.

"All extras," he mused inwardly, scanning the room dismissively. None of these individuals appeared particularly formidable.