A small town.
Rumors of monsters still swirled among the townsfolk, though fear had diminished over time.
The yard lay in ruins. After the fire, everything flammable had burned to ash. Subsequent heavy rains had washed away the remaining traces, leaving the place desolate.
In the yard, a middle-aged woman sat, her expression hollow. Nearby, a young girl chased butterflies, her carefree demeanor starkly contrasting the somber atmosphere.
The rumors of monsters had brought more travelers to the town, increasing the number of guests staying at the local inn. While business flourished, the woman's mood remained unchanged.
For her, the future was her daughter.
But now, that future was shattered.
No amount of money could bring back what had been lost. Could she marry her daughter off? But to whom? Who would accept someone so damaged?
The woman clenched her fists, her face etched with bitterness.
A figure approached the town—a man clad in black, his gaunt frame radiating an aura of menace.
Ito Hughes came to a halt at the ruins, his sharp gaze scanning the site.
"So, this is the place," he muttered.
Stretching out his hand, he summoned a sinister force. A wisp of black energy emerged from the scorched ground, swirling ominously before him.
"Even the seeds were absorbed?" His voice turned cold. "It seems the trail is completely erased. Tracking the culprit will be impossible now."
His eyes darkened as a twisted grin spread across his face.
"In that case, I'll simply destroy this town again."
A small black seed materialized in his palm, pulsating faintly before taking on the vague shape of a human figure. With a flick of his wrist, Ito Hughes released the seed, leaving it behind as he disappeared into the shadows.
Elsewhere, a young woman glared at the retreating figure of a man, her heart burning with resentment.
"Why?" she whispered, her voice trembling. "You promised me—promised that once my hair reached my waist, we'd be together. And yet, now you're with someone else."
Her fists clenched, nails digging into her palms until blood trickled out. Turning away, she stormed into her home. Sitting at her vanity, she gazed at her reflection, her trembling hand brushing against her long hair.
Memories flooded back, bringing a bitter smile to her lips.
Suddenly, a dark shadow crept across the room and seeped into her body. Her reflection flickered, the woman staring back now bearing a haunting, unearthly expression.
...
Heavens Arena
Kaizen stepped off the airship, his sharp eyes scanning the bustling entrance below. Nina and her friends had already arrived, waiting for him in the coffee shop on the first floor.
Initially, Nina had wanted to greet Kaizen at the airship station, but the trio decided against it. None of them could drive, and the city's crime rate was alarmingly high—especially for young women traveling alone.
Heavens Arena attracted fighters from across the world. While some sought to perfect their combat skills or embark on a spiritual path, others pursued money, power, or simple violence. Many of these opportunists became criminals, preying on the vulnerable.
Despite their strengths, the three women knew better than to take unnecessary risks. Nina had reached the 100th floor of Heavens Arena without even using Nen, Sally was a C-rank Nen user, and Shizuku, though inexperienced with Nen, had survived the harsh environment of Meteor City.
Even so, they opted to stay safe, waiting for Kaizen downstairs.
As they sipped their drinks, Nina's phone buzzed. She answered it eagerly.
"Brother, you've arrived?"
"Yes," came Kaizen's calm reply.
"We're on the first floor," Nina said, her voice bright with excitement.
A young man seated nearby overheard them. His gaze lingered on Sally, his intentions unmistakable as he rose to approach them. Dressed in expensive clothes and oozing arrogance, he had the air of a spoiled playboy.
However, before he could say a word, a tall, imposing figure appeared out of nowhere and clamped a hand over his mouth.
Startled, Sally glanced back but saw nothing as the young man was swiftly dragged away.
Unperturbed, she turned back to her friends.
Outside, Kaizen's car pulled up near the arena's entrance. He stepped out, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he spotted the three women waving at him.
"Let's head up," he said.
The group entered the elevator, pressing the button for the 200th floor.
Nearby, the young playboy from earlier stood frozen with his friend. Both stared at Kaizen in pale-faced silence, recognizing him now.
"That's Kaizen?" the young man whispered, his voice trembling.
"Yes," his friend replied grimly. "And those women with him? They're not ordinary either. Sally alone is a fighter on the 131st floor."
A chill ran down the young man's spine. He gave a nervous laugh, muttering, "I almost got myself killed."
The elevator doors closed behind Kaizen and his companions, leaving the two men to their uneasy thoughts.
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