The sound of a phone ringing broke the silence.
"Ring-ring!"
Gel answered the call. After a brief exchange, she hung up and turned toward Kaizen and Wendy.
"The Fiora team has just arrived nearby. Would you like to head there? The situation in the Taris Kingdom is nearly resolved, so you can return with them if you'd like."
Wendy hesitated, glancing at Kaizen for his opinion.
Kaizen noticed the change in her expression and gave a slight nod.
"That works."
"Good," Gel replied. "In that case, I'll take you to meet them. I need to confirm some details with Fiora's team anyway. Cheryl, continue your work in the meantime."
"Yes, Teacher," Cheryl replied respectfully.
As Gel led Kaizen and Wendy out, Cheryl and the others watched them go until they disappeared from view.
"All right, back to work," Cheryl said, turning back to her experiment.
Kaka, one of Cheryl's students, remained distracted. Thoughts swirled in his mind as she continued her task.
Is Gel's path really the right one for me?
Until recently, Kaka had believed that the Poison Nen was an excellent fit for her. With preparation, the genre offered a high probability of success in combat. However, witnessing Kaizen and Wendy in action had shaken his confidence.
Do I truly enjoy the poison style of fighting? she wondered. And am I talented enough for it? Compared to others, I fall short in poison research.
Having made up his mind, Kaka resolved, After this mission, I'll consult Master Gel about my future.
As the group approached their destination, a familiar figure came into view. It was Dominica, dressed sharply in a tailored suit.
"Dominica!" Wendy greeted warmly.
Kaizen added with a nod.
Dominica smiled back. "Wendy, Kaizen." Then he turned to Gel. "Thank you, Gel."
Gel waved dismissively. "No need for thanks. Let's go over that matter quickly—I'm on a tight schedule."
"Understood," Dominica said. The two stepped aside to discuss matters privately, leaving Kaizen and Wendy to wait.
"Kaizen, tell me about Heavens Arena," Wendy said curiously.
Kaizen obliged. "Heavens Arena is a massive fighting complex, towering with 251 floors. It's the tallest building in the city and one of the largest arenas in the world.
"Anyone can register as a contestant, starting from the first floor. Depending on your performance, you'll be promoted to higher levels. However, most of the lower floors are filled with ordinary fighters. Only from the 200th floor onward do you find Nen users competing."
Wendy's eyes sparkled with interest. "That sounds amazing! Are the Floor Masters strong? Do you think I could become one if I went there?"
Kaizen nodded. "With your strength, it's definitely possible. But be warned—some Floor Masters are exceptionally skilled. A few are even on par with Dominica."
Wendy, a formidable C-level Nen user, had the ability to rise through the ranks easily. Yet Kaizen knew she didn't need to pursue the title of Floor Master. Wendy came from immense wealth and privilege, far exceeding what the average Floor Master could earn. Unlike most Nen users at Heavens Arena, who fought for resources and fame, Wendy's path was already paved with opportunities.
When Dominica and Gel rejoined them, their conversation was finished.
"Kaizen, Wendy—goodbye for now," Gel said.
"Goodbye," Kaizen and Wendy replied in unison.
As Gel departed, she couldn't help but look back.
In every generation, remarkable talents emerge, Gel thought, marveling at the pair. Kaizen and Wendy are among the finest I've ever seen. Their aura, combat experience, and sharp instincts are far beyond their years. They're not just promising—these two are extraordinary.
She turned away, her admiration lingering as she walked.
Kaizen and Wendy soon met up with Dominica's team. Compared to Gel's smaller group, Dominica had brought eight members, making the combined group significantly larger.
With everyone assembled, they prepared for the next stage of their journey.
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