What burdens Kurapika would bear on the path he had chosen...
Morrow understood it all too well.
Now, by introducing Kurapika to the world of Nen several years ahead of time...
Was it forcing growth, or was it lightening Kurapika's burden?
Morrow couldn't be certain.
But this was what Kurapika desired.
In the room.
Morrow pressed his hand against Kurapika's back, channeling a small amount of aura that effortlessly forced open all of Kurapika's aura nodes.
Nen awakening was never difficult to begin with.
What was truly difficult was the malice in people's hearts.
With all his aura nodes opened, Kurapika's body surged with boiling aura, billowing like steam.
This kind of erupting power, when first manifested, often moved people deeply.
Especially for those who craved strength—the sensation was indescribable.
Yet, the Kurapika Morrow saw showed no excitement or exhilaration at having his wish fulfilled. Instead, he remained remarkably calm.
This temperament, forged by breaking free from mental shackles, would become Kurapika's sharpest weapon in the future, arguably surpassing even his innate talent.
Under Morrow's watchful gaze, Kurapika mastered the technique in less than ten minutes, slightly closing all his aura nodes.
The aura that had been spilling out was now retained just beneath his skin.
Truly befitting one of the original main cast, Morrow thought silently.
Kurapika slowly opened his eyes, curiously examining the thin film of aura coating his hands.
This was the power known as "Nen."
He could feel the subtle sensation clinging to his limbs, pulsing faintly with a sense of strength.
But this was only the first step past the threshold.
The world of Nen was undoubtedly profound, filled with applications beyond ordinary comprehension.
Kurapika clenched his fist lightly.
Morrow's gaze swept over the stable aura enveloping Kurapika before settling on his slightly swollen cheek.
Even without asking, he knew Kurapika had already fought in a match.
"Kurapika, how many matches did you fight today?"
"One."
Kurapika tilted his head slightly, looking at the man who had granted him this power.
Morrow said, "Contestants can fight twice a day. There's still time; you can register for a second match and use it to experience the power of Nen."
"Alright."
A rare glimmer of eagerness flashed in Kurapika's eyes.
"Shi... Morrow, I'll go then."
"Go. After your second match, sign up for the Hunter Exam. Don't come looking for me again until you've obtained your Hunter License."
Morrow spoke with utter calm.
Kurapika froze. "Why..."
He cut himself off mid-sentence.
He remembered Morrow's words when helping him awaken Nen: I'll only awaken your Nen. Nothing more.
So even if Kurapika wished to see Morrow as his guide and mentor, he knew Morrow didn't accept those roles.
That was why he had corrected himself earlier.
For him, as long as Morrow remained in Heavens Arena, he could still grow stronger while chasing after him.
But he hadn't expected Morrow to send him straight to the Hunter Exam...
And not to return until he had his license.
Kurapika didn't understand.
Yet, in the end, he held back from asking, because he knew very well that from the moment Morrow spoke, even if he pressed further now, there would be no meaningful response.
Kurapika fell silent for a moment before asking, "Can I... reach the 200th floor before taking the Hunter Exam?"
"That's your choice."
Morrow looked at him.
Kurapika nodded slightly, bid Morrow farewell, and strode toward the 20th floor.
A short while later.
Kurapika stepped onto the arena.
His second opponent was another tall, burly adult.
But Kurapika only needed a single kick to send his opponent flying out of the ring.
The match ended in an instant.
The referee was startled, surprised that Kurapika had been assigned to the 20th floor.
Kurapika himself was shocked by the change in his own strength.
This is the power of Nen.
Leaving the arena, Kurapika's emotions surged.
The force behind that kick was something his physical strength alone could never have achieved.
The root of it all was Nen...
So, all he needed to do was strengthen his Nen, right?
Kurapika realized that Nen's power could surpass everything, gradually revealing the path ahead.
No!
As he walked down the corridor, an image of Morrow suddenly flashed through Kurapika's mind.
Compared to their first meeting, Morrow's physique was noticeably taller and more muscular now.
This was proof enough that focusing solely on Nen training was unwise.
Kurapika stopped in the middle of the corridor, lowering his head in thought.
—--
The next day.
December 8th.
The Battle Olympia opening ceremony began.
Morrow and Kastro participated as Floor Masters.
Cheers and flowers rained down on the Floor Masters from all directions.
When Heavens Arena presented the championship prizes on stage, the atmosphere grew even more frenzied.
Even viewers watching the livestream could sense the exorbitant value of prizes like the Dome Treasure Box and Corundum Heart through their screens.
For most people, obtaining just one of these prizes would mean never worrying about money again.
Yet the champion could claim all seven prizes at once; any claim of not envying that would be a lie.
As soon as the opening ceremony ended, the tournament schedule was announced.
Morrow paid no attention to such matters, heading alone to the 120th floor.
At that moment.
On the 120th-floor arena, Kurapika was locked in a fierce battle with a sparsely clad opponent.
The surrounding spectator seats were filled with an excited audience, all watching the intense exchange on the stage.
Morrow observed Kurapika, who was deliberately suppressing his aura and thus covered in wounds, his expression softening slightly.
Not lost in the power of Nen, clearly aware of what he needed and wanted.
With such determination, he must already have a clear vision for his future path.
In that moment, Morrow saw his own shadow in Kurapika.
"You seem quite interested in him."
Biscuit's voice suddenly came from behind.
Morrow glanced back at her.
"Following me?"
"Yep."
Biscuit crossed her arms, openly admitting it.
Morrow's lips twitched slightly, thinking she must be desperate.
Biscuit's gaze drifted toward the arena. "Did you awaken his Nen?"
Kurapika was consciously suppressing his aura, but his technique was a mess, after all, this was already the realm of Zetsu.
"Yeah." Morrow nodded.
Biscuit observed Kurapika carefully upon hearing this and said, "Quite talented indeed."
As she spoke, she tilted her head to glance at Morrow's profile and asked with interest, "What, preparing for 'Two Stars' this early?"
"You're overthinking it. I never intended to gain anything from him."
Morrow kept his gaze fixed ahead.
Biscuit clicked her tongue and said seriously, "You're not that altruistic either. Surely you wouldn't just walk away after helping someone awaken their Nen?"
"That was the initial plan, but now I have a new idea."
As he spoke, Morrow slowly withdrew his gaze and instead scrutinized Biscuit from head to toe.
This action immediately sent a jolt through Biscuit's heart.
This guy must be plotting something bad!
Though alarmed, Biscuit put on an exaggerated act on the surface, crossing her arms over her shoulders and quickly stepping back a few paces, feigning shyness as she said:
"Eww, what are you trying to do to me~"
"Heh."
Morrow suddenly chuckled.
Biscuit instantly felt a sense of foreboding.
Then she heard Morrow's next words.
"Biscuit, let's begin."
"Huh?"
"Fight."
"..."
Biscuit shook off her dramatic persona, frowning slightly as she couldn't shake the feeling Morrow was diverting the topic or her attention.