Ronin spread his hands with a look of regret.
"Sorry about that. I still prefer facing challenges with my own strength."
Millia didn't like this type—the pure bruiser, the battle junkie.
But she had to admit that only someone this straightforward could truly complement her abilities and pull off a playing-the-pig-to-eat-the-tiger style comeback.
And only that kind of victory could maximize her profits.
She'd been observing and evaluating Ronin ever since he started making a name for himself in Heaven's Arena.
She was highly confident that Ronin was an Enhancer-type Nen user, and that was exactly why she stopped him today—right when he earned the qualification to challenge the 200th floor.
She needed Ronin—but not desperately.
Just like she said, their cooperation would be a win-win.
"Mr. Ronin, don't reject me so quickly," Millia said, calming herself down.
"I may not be able to help much when it comes to improving your combat strength, but when it comes to making money, gathering intel on opponents, and dealing with outside interference, I can be extremely useful.
"With my help, you can put more of your energy into training—and improve faster."
What Millia said wasn't wrong.
Ronin wished he could be as carefree as Gon and Killua, ignoring everything else—but for him, the fastest way to increase his strength was still collecting Scarlet Eyes.
A top-tier agent like Millia had connections and access.
If he built a good relationship with her—especially as a partner—could she keep an eye out for Scarlet Eyes on his behalf?
Millia noticed the shift in Ronin's expression, her eyes lighting up as she continued.
"Among challengers above the 200th floor, some people fight a match and walk away with nothing but a bit of fame. Others come out with both money and reputation. That's the difference between having an agent and not having one.
"If you're putting in the same effort, why not get a much bigger return?"
"You've convinced me," Ronin said, finally relenting.
"So what do you want?"
He had to admit—negotiation wasn't his strong suit.
As an engineer used to drafting designs and running inspections in a workshop, holding the upper hand in negotiations was tough for him.
So instead of pretending, he decided to get straight to the point.
"Money," Millia replied. This time, her answer was short and direct.
But Ronin could clearly see the intense desire in her jet-black eyes.
She wasn't lying.
She was in it for the money.
"How do we split it?" Ronin asked immediately. That was the key issue.
He needed money too—if Millia asked for too much, he'd have no choice but to walk away.
"Fifty-fifty," Millia said confidently.
"I'll handle everything outside your training. You'll just need to show up for some necessary events now and then. Even if you lose a match in the ring, I can still guarantee you a generous payout."
Her confidence wasn't misplaced.
Ronin didn't just have strength—he also had the looks and presence to become a star.
"One last question," Ronin said.
"I need some information—things unrelated to the Arena itself. Can you get that?"
This was the real test.
"Such as?" Millia didn't agree right away.
Ronin thought for a moment before answering slowly.
"Certain… niche collecting hobbies."
"Be specific."
"Human organs."
Millia adjusted the glasses on her nose, surprise flashing in her eyes. After a brief silence, she nodded.
"I can keep an eye out for that. If necessary, I can even help you purchase them—but you'll need to pay extra."
"That works," Ronin said without hesitation.
He stood up and extended his hand.
"Then here's to a successful partnership."
Millia stood as well. She glanced at Ronin's well-defined hand before carefully reaching out and giving it a light shake.
Ronin's gaze lingered on her hand a moment longer than necessary—because he genuinely thought it was beautiful.
Long, pale fingers coated in pink nail polish. No visible hair. Smooth, delicate skin that felt cool and soft to the touch, almost boneless when ethereal—when he gently clasped it.
A pair of hands more beautiful than most people.
There was obvious appreciation in Ronin's eyes.
But to Millia, that look sent a chill down her spine.
This guy isn't thinking about collecting my hands, is he?!
She subtly pulled her hand back. Still, the motion didn't escape Ronin's notice.
Does she have a cleanliness thing? Ronin wondered.
---
After that, everything went smoothly.
Ronin followed Millia to her office, where they signed a formal contract.
Just as agreed, profits would be split fifty-fifty. Ronin's only obligation was to cooperate with Millia occasionally for photo shoots and promotional activities.
In return, Millia would discreetly keep an eye on organ-collector transactions.
Most of her focus, however, would go toward managing Ronin's public image and selecting his opponents.
Millia's office was located on the 192nd floor of Heaven's Arena.
This level was filled with office space—talent agencies, media companies, and private studios.
Ronin wasn't surprised. He also knew that the 195th floor housed lounges, clubs, and even hot spring facilities.
Heaven's Arena was a world unto itself—almost anything felt natural here.
"Most Nen users at Heaven's Arena are self-taught," Millia said as she slid a file across the desk to Ronin.
She looked at him seriously.
"I know a bit already," Ronin replied, opening the file. Inside were profiles of fighters competing on the 200th floor.
"That's good," Millia nodded.
"Otherwise I'd have to start from scratch and explain things like the Six Nen Categories. A lot of people here don't even understand what 'affinity' means.
"After surviving forced Nen awakening, they never bother learning properly. They just start developing abilities based on their own imagination."
There was a hint of mockery in her tone.
"They treat Nen like a superpower—whatever ability they want, they try to make it happen, without caring whether it actually suits them. It's stupid."
Ronin nodded in agreement.
Several examples immediately came to mind—the trio of rookie killers who underestimated Gon, and even Kastro, who fought Hisoka.
They all had only a shallow understanding of Nen.
As a result, their abilities were either full of flaws—or a complete waste of their natural talent.
If someone truly wanted a complete understanding of Nen, Ronin felt the best option was still taking the Professional Hunter Exam.
With a Hunter License, the Hunter Association would assign professionals to properly guide you.
Pass the exam, and you'd gain a full, systematic understanding of Nen.
What Ronin was curious about now, though, was something else entirely—
Which Nen category did Millia belong to among the Six?
And was she a licensed Hunter herself?