The battle on the arena was changing rapidly.
From the previous situation, the timing of the referee's intervention was debatable.
At that moment, it was Orion's advantage.
After all, the referee could confirm from an observer's perspective that Kastro had lost consciousness, but they couldn't outright determine whether Orion was aware of it.
Thus, Orion insisting on executing a combo in the heat of battle was understandable.
However, once Kastro's body had clearly hit the ground, that was the true moment for the referee to step in, to assess whether Kastro could rise and determine the subsequent scoring.
At this stage, Orion was not allowed to attack.
Yet Orion's violent persona continued to relentlessly pursue Kastro.
It was at this moment that Morrow intervened.
Had Morrow not acted, if Orion's next attack had resulted in Kastro's immediate death, Orion would have been disqualified for a severe rule violation.
The referee naturally wanted to avoid this outcome at all costs.
But given the referee's ability, they had no power to influence the situation.
So Netero stepped in.
To prevent further escalation, he rarely took to the arena, effortlessly halting both Orion's violent assault and Morrow's counterattack.
However, what Netero didn't expect was...
Morrow's killing intent had been so resolute that even when abruptly interrupted by Netero, he still seized the fleeting opportunity to strike.
In that sudden moment of attack, with no time for thought, he decisively unleashed his lethal move.
Amidst his surprise, Netero couldn't help but recall Biscuit's earlier assessment of Morrow's temperament.
Perhaps, in the instant Morrow was sent flying by the attack, his consideration of the "threat" wasn't driven by recklessness but by swiftly eliminating potential danger.
So when Orion was forced to shift his focus to Netero due to the attack, Morrow not only made the opposite decision but also used it to set up his killing move.
To Netero, Morrow's mindset was truly remarkable.
But he couldn't let Morrow act recklessly.
Officially, he had to stop the farce.
Personally, Orion's opening had only appeared because of his intervention.
Thus, he decisively used the "100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva" to obliterate Morrow's Shooting Star and the star-marked cockroach.
Of course.
Before acting, Netero hadn't fully understood Morrow's ability.
He had merely noticed the suspended Shooting Star and a cockroach enveloped in faint aura.
There was no need to consider what effect the two might produce.
Identify the target, then annihilate it at lightning speed.
That was all.
—--
With his killing move thwarted by Netero, Morrow frowned, a flicker of resentment rising in his heart.
In his view, he didn't care about continuing in the Battle Olympia, nor did he need the fame or status of a Floor Master.
But he was absolutely certain of one thing: right here, right now, he wanted to kill Orion, this madman.
And Netero's actions had cost him the chance to send Orion straight to hell.
That was the root of Morrow's resentment toward Netero.
Yet this resentment came as quickly as it faded. Because Morrow didn't view things solely from his own perspective.
As a special guest of the Battle Olympia with deep ties to Heavens Arena, Netero couldn't possibly allow this farce to continue.
Suppressing any potential disturbances was the natural course of action.
Moreover, if one was confident in their ability to kill Orion, there would be no shortage of opportunities.
Understanding Netero's approach, the furrow between Morrow's brows smoothed out as he landed steadily before striding calmly toward Kastro on the platform.
After declaring "That's enough," Netero had been observing Morrow's reaction closely.
Seeing Morrow's fleeting expression change...
The wisdom of age allowed Netero to glimpse some of Morrow's inner thoughts.
Initially, his "impression" of Morrow had come entirely from Biscuit's accounts.
Now that he'd finally met Morrow properly...
Even from this brief interaction, Netero could understand why Biscuit had unconsciously revealed traces of admiration and fondness when speaking of him.
Strong-willed yet clear-headed.
Truly worthy of admiration and affection.
Shifting his gaze, Netero slowly looked toward Orion at the platform's edge and his volatile Nen clone, stating solemnly:
"If there are any issues, feel free to raise them now. I represent the Battle Olympia's review committee and will fairly address every concern competitors bring forward."
"Tch, then I..."
The volatile clone's face twisted as it began to speak, only to be forcibly retracted by the rational primary personality.
"I won't pursue the matter of the match 'intervention.' I only hope this incident won't affect subsequent event arrangements."
Having reabsorbed the volatile persona, Orion spoke composedly.
Even regarding the rule-breaking attempted killing on stage, the rational personality cared little, content to let the volatile side indulge its whims.
But before Netero...
Orion couldn't allow the volatile persona excessive freedom.
Reputation carries weight like towering trees.
In the martial artist world, this old man was undeniably a living legend.
Being a martial artist himself, Orion held deep respect for Netero.
"Naturally."
Netero stroked his beard, chuckling.
The nearby referee, recognizing the situation, promptly announced: "KO! The winner is contestant Orion!"
As the declaration rang out, the stunned commentator quickly recovered, employing various techniques to steer the audience's reactions.
Meanwhile, Morrow seemed deaf to the referee and commentator as he meticulously examined Kastro's injuries.
Critical condition...
But still breathing.
Morrow suddenly looked toward the approaching medical team.
Sensing his gaze, they broke into a sprint.
Upon reaching the platform, they efficiently administered emergency treatment before carrying Kastro away on a stretcher toward the competitor tunnel.
Morrow followed closely behind.
—--
On the platform, both Orion and Netero watched Morrow's retreating figure.
Orion's expression gradually twisted with madness, as if the volatile personality were struggling for control. "When you step onto this stage, I'll crush you like dust, haha!"
This was said to Morrow.
Upon hearing it, Morrow abruptly stopped in his tracks and slowly turned to look at Orion on the stage.
He didn't respond to Orion's taunt.
He simply stared at Orion, calm, unruffled.
Yet, it was precisely this tranquil gaze that conveyed a clear message to Orion, as well as to Netero standing nearby.
Ant.
The madness in Orion's eyes grew even more pronounced.
Meanwhile, a faint smile tugged at Netero's lips.
--------
Bonus chapter for the 60 power stones.