Kurapika was utterly bewildered.
Originally, he had been hesitating outside, debating whether to knock on Morrow's door.
Yet somehow, he had ended up being mistaken for a peeping tom.
And it wasn't entirely his fault for peeking around.
He had only stuck his head out to see what was happening after hearing the sound of the door opening.
Inside the room, Morrow was slightly surprised to see Kurapika here.
Of course, he didn't think Kurapika was dabbling in paparazzi work.
It was just sheer misfortune, showing up at the wrong place at the wrong time and then accidentally stepping on Biscuit's bad side.
He offered a small, silent moment of sympathy for Kurapika before quickly assessing his attire and the mental state reflected in his aura.
Apart from the confusion, the previously gloomy and lifeless aura had vanished from the natural flow of his Nen.
He's grown. And he's taken advice, no longer wearing the traditional Kurta Clan clothing.
"We meet again. Seems you took my suggestion to heart," Morrow remarked, his gaze sweeping over Kurapika's now-common attire.
But Biscuit didn't give Kurapika a chance to speak. She suddenly turned to Morrow and asked, "You know him?"
"Yeah, but it's fine. You can wait a bit longer; you'll probably catch a real one soon enough."
Morrow's expression remained unreadable, as if he couldn't care less about Biscuit's earlier revelation.
Biscuit rolled her eyes at him, hands on her hips. "Fine, then. I was just thinking of cutting ties right away."
"Don't act like you're the reasonable one here," Morrow shot back, deliberately glancing at her.
With a huff, Biscuit turned and walked away, though not without a final reminder, "Think it over. I'm in no rush, anyway."
"..."
Morrow watched her leave, thinking to himself that she was, in fact, the most impatient one here.
How unpredictable life could be.
If this had happened during his earlier period of confusion, he would've been overjoyed to see Biscuit taking the initiative.
But now…
The desire wasn't as strong, yet the opportunity for real combat was rare.
He could use this chance to test his Starlight Convergence ability on Biscuit…
While extracting combat techniques and other information, it was almost certain that Biscuit would notice the ability's effects.
But her earlier lecture about gems had already given him the green light to proceed without hesitation.
No need to rush…
For now, the initiative was in his hands.
Still, it was a bit of a shame.
Biscuit in her loli form was far weaker than her muscular form.
The difference likely stemmed from physical strength, but it probably also had to do with body mechanics and combat techniques.
So, if possible, the muscular version of Biscuit would naturally be the better choice.
However, Biscuit most likely wouldn't reveal her true form just for a training session.
In the original story, only Killua had managed to make her willingly show her real appearance.
As for Morrow, he figured the only way to get Biscuit to transform into her muscular form was…
To beat up her loli form.
At that point, Biscuit would undoubtedly react defensively, shifting into her muscular form to reclaim her dignity.
The only concern was whether she'd lose control and accidentally punch him to death.
And even in her loli form, Biscuit wasn't someone to be taken lightly.
He'd have to assess the situation when the time came. Morrow was lost in thought, completely forgetting the presence of the somewhat restrained blond young man beside him.
Kurapika noticed Morrow seemed preoccupied and suppressed the urge to speak, waiting quietly nearby.
Before long.
Morrow suddenly turned his gaze to Kurapika, who had been standing patiently.
"You came specifically to find me?"
"Yes."
Kurapika admitted frankly and wasted no time stating his purpose:
"I want to become stronger. I want to learn that power called 'Nen'... For that, I'm willing to pay any price."
Without any pretense, the last survivor of the Kurta Clan laid bare his deepest desire.
A flicker of surprise passed through Morrow's eyes as he asked, "So you've investigated Nen abilities."
Kurapika nodded.
He truly knew nothing about Nen, but during his time in Yorknew, Morrow and Kalluto's existence had given him a direction for his inquiries.
However, limited by time and resources, the most he could uncover was that the power was called Nen.
But his goal had always been clear. To find Morrow and ask him to guide him past the threshold.
In return, once he had avenged his people and recovered all his clansmen's eyes, he would offer his life to Morrow.
This was his resolve.
Morrow saw through Kurapika's intentions immediately.
After all, Kurapika was still too young and inexperienced to hide his thoughts.
"Go take the Hunter Exam. As you are now, even if you don't obtain the license, you won't lose your life there. And if you do pass, someone will teach you Nen."
Morrow sidestepped Kurapika's unflinching determination.
Instead, he pointed him toward another path.
Back in Yorknew, Kurapika's state had been too unstable.
That was why Morrow hadn't mentioned this to him then.
As for teaching Kurapika Nen himself…
The thought had never crossed his mind.
If not for his prior commitments to Kastro and Calista, he wouldn't be spending his time and energy on them now.
Keeping one's word.
That was one of the principles Morrow upheld.
But Kurapika was different.
Morrow had never made him any promises.
And in his current plans, there was no room for Kurapika.
He had to complete the final stage of his training in the limited time he had left.
Then, he would focus on resolving the Death Threshold.
If he ever considered taking Kurapika under his wing, it would only be after that.
At Morrow's indirect refusal, Kurapika's eyes dimmed momentarily.
He considered pressing further but quickly dismissed the thought.
Morrow's expression made his refusal unmistakable.
Pushing any further would only trouble him.
"Thank you for your help last time. I'll repay the ticket money soon."
Kurapika bowed deeply to Morrow, then lowered his head and turned to leave.
Morrow silently watched Kurapika's retreating figure.
Though the earlier fragility was gone, an aura of loneliness, as if the world had abandoned him, still clung to the blond young man.
Then Morrow noticed the swelling on Kurapika's cheek, clearly a recent injury.
He had probably already participated in matches at Heavens Arena. Perhaps this was also the reason why the young man could confidently say he would repay the money as soon as possible.
After all, Heavens Arena was indeed a path to quick earnings.
Watching Kurapika's lonely figure gradually fade into the distance, Morrow hesitated.
Well, if it's just Nen awakening...
It wouldn't affect the progress of his plans.
"Come back."
He suddenly called out, staring at Kurapika's retreating back.
Hearing the voice, Kurapika swiftly turned around, the dullness in his eyes flickering with a faint trace of something else.
Meeting Kurapika's gaze, a mix of despair and hope, Morrow wavered for a moment but quickly dismissed his doubts.
Once the decision was made, there was no point hesitating.
Looking at Kurapika, Morrow spoke slowly, "I'll help you awaken your Nen."
"..."
Kurapika's eyes widened at his words, the gloom within them vanishing in an instant.
He was far too sharp.
How could he not know what "Nen awakening" meant?
At this moment, the only thing reflected in Kurapika's eyes was Morrow's figure, as if it were glowing.
He knew...
Whether it was the Morrow from three months ago or the Morrow standing before him now...
Both would be etched into his memory for a lifetime.
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Bonus chapter for 20 power stones.