Unaware of the existence of Nen, yet keenly perceptive of its traces…
Calista only became aware of Nen after clashing with Morrow and witnessing him use her signature Gazelle Steps.
Kastro, on the other hand, had simply observed Morrow in battle, noticing how he seemed to be clad in an invisible armor, like an impervious wall blocking all incoming attacks.
He believed it might be some form of internal energy.
Though he knew nothing about it, he yearned for this unknown power that could vastly enhance combat prowess.
Thus, following his instincts, he arrived abruptly and straightforwardly declared his resolve.
Morrow glanced at Kastro, then at Calista.
Truth be told…
Compared to Calista seeking him out, Kastro's arrival was far more unexpected.
This man, who was supposed to undergo Hisoka's baptism in the future and ultimately die by Hisoka's hand, had now actively sought him out to uncover the secrets of Nen.
Did Kastro's instinct-driven actions inadvertently shatter his own Death Threshold?
Of course, that was only if Morrow was willing to teach him Nen.
And even then, there was no guarantee Hisoka wouldn't target Kastro later.
But…
Morrow's gaze suddenly fixed on Kastro.
He had the power to help Kastro avoid his future Death Threshold, the only question was whether he wanted to.
If he taught Kastro Nen now, would that count as stealing Hisoka's apple?
Noticing Morrow's prolonged stare, Kastro's expression hardened with determination.
He wasn't the type to pester endlessly. He knew Heavens Arena was filled with extraordinary talents, and even if Morrow refused, he could find another way.
But he had already set his sights on Morrow and was mentally prepared to persist for as long as necessary.
Beside them, Calista grew anxious as she watched Morrow and Kastro lock eyes.
She was here first!!!
In her urgency, she didn't even consider propriety, grabbing Morrow's arm, she blurted out:
"Mr. Morrow, I'm willing too… I'll agree to any condition! And, and he's a man, there are some things he just can't do!"
"?"
Both Morrow and Kastro blinked in confusion, turning to Calista.
Realizing her slip, Calista froze, quickly releasing Morrow's arm and stammering, "I-I meant things like cooking and laundry!"
"Heavens Arena has 24-hour laundromats. As for cooking…"
Kastro smiled gently at Calista. "I have a chef's license. I should be able to meet most of Mr. Morrow's needs."
"..."
Calista stared at Kastro in disbelief.
Kastro met her gaze, his smile still warm, but his eyes conveyed unwavering resolve.
An invisible spark crackled between their locked stares.
Both were Martial Artists by trade, well aware of the significance of a master's personal disciple and the value of one-on-one training.
This was the root of their conflict.
Calista never expected a rival to appear out of nowhere, let alone one so direct in stating his intentions.
This was entirely her oversight. Now that she had lost the initiative, she decided to go all out.
"But you're flat-chested."
Calista straightened her upper body.
Kastro's smile instantly froze on his face.
Beauty would only slow down his punches.
That's why Kastro had no interest in women.
Yet as he carefully examined Calista's appearance, setting aside subjective factors, this woman wasn't bad-looking at all.
Moreover, her figure, honed by years of martial arts training, had lost its softness but gained more striking, beautiful lines.
At this point, he could only glance hesitantly at Morrow.
His understanding of Morrow was ultimately limited, and he truly didn't know whether Morrow would be swayed by...
"Let's talk after my next match."
Morrow didn't respond to either of them, leaving just those words before heading to the contestants' lounge.
Kastro knew his place and suppressed his concerns, remaining silent.
Meanwhile, Calista instinctively wanted to say something, but seeing Kastro watching Morrow leave like a dutiful wife, she forcibly clamped her mouth shut.
"I was here first!"
Once Morrow was out of sight, Calista frowned at Kastro.
Kastro slowly shook his head.
"During the preliminary match, when you attacked Mr. Morrow, you ended up hurting your own hand. Thanks to you, I was able to notice Mr. Morrow. What I mean is... I was there that day too. I should express my gratitude to you."
"!!!"
A vein pulsed at Calista's temple.
—--
In the contestants' lounge.
Morrow sat in a chair, deep in thought.
Should he teach Kastro Nen?
He was considering this.
Although he'd conceived the "orchardist plan" after coming to Heavens Arena...
He didn't consider himself that kind of deranged, self-serving perfectionist.
Even if he were to personally cultivate "apples," he'd choose someone he could act against without any psychological burden.
Someone like Tygor, for example.
Morrow had always believed that a person could lower their moral baseline, but they shouldn't lack one entirely.
Judging from the original story's plot, Kastro's nature probably wasn't bad, and Morrow had no intention of applying the orchardist plan to him.
As he pondered, the time for his next match arrived.
Setting aside these thoughts for now, Morrow headed to the arena for his twentieth match since coming to Heavens Arena.
The venue was packed as always.
Nearly all the spectators had come to witness Morrow's ascension to the 200th floor.
That's right.
In the audience's eyes, even before the match began, they were already certain Morrow would win.
Because Morrow had never let them down.
And indeed, that was the case.
Morrow easily defeated his opponent, securing his ticket to the 200th floor.
The spectators, their faces flushed with excitement as they watched Morrow's figure in the ring, shouted his name with all their might.
This wasn't entirely because Morrow had won them considerable money...
They derived a certain spiritual satisfaction from these matches.
Morrow listened to the roaring cheers coming from all directions, loud enough to lift the roof.
When he first came to this city, he couldn't understand this near-fanatical atmosphere and passion.
But during the preliminary match, watching two top Martial Artists fight without holding back had actually made his blood surge with excitement.
So now he could somewhat understand that feeling.
Amidst countless cheers, Morrow walked toward the contestants' passage.
This place called Heavens Arena was just one corner of the entire world.
Yet it allowed him to experience one of life's unmissable flavors. How vast the world is…
So you must live well.
—--
Without any surprise, Morrow spotted Kastro and Calista on the inevitable path to the 200th floor.
"Follow me."
Leaving just those words, Morrow immediately headed toward the elevator.
This time, he got a response.
Upon hearing this, Kastro and Calista instinctively exchanged glances.
The next moment, both forcefully turned their heads away, refusing to look at each other again.