Sophia turned to Leo and bowed deeply.
'Don't be happy too soon.' Leo's expression was calm.
'This is just the first step. Ten is the most basic technique. There is still much for you to learn.'
He motioned for Sophia to sit down, pulled up a chair himself, and began a systematic explanation. 'Regarding the practice of Nen, it is divided into four basic practices, known as the Four Great Principles.'
Leo explained in detail.
'Ten: Keeping Qi within the body, like armor made of Qi wrapped around the body—you have already learned this; it is the foundation of foundations.'
'The other three are Ren, Zetsu, and Hatsu.'
'Ren: Instantly exploding the Qi condensed within the body to increase the intensity and output of Qi.'
'Zetsu: Containing one's aura, completely severing the flow of Qi to eliminate one's presence, used for recovering stamina or hiding.'
'Hatsu: Releasing the trained Qi according to one's will. This is the core of the ever-changing Nen Ability. Every Nen User will eventually form their own unique Hatsu, which is their exclusive ability.'
He paused to let Sophia digest this information, then continued.
'The Four Great Principles are not isolated; they can be combined to form more powerful application techniques.'
Leo's voice was not loud, but every word was clear, peeling back the layers of the vast Nen Ability System and revealing it before Sophia.
'In'—an application of Zetsu: Using Hatsu in a state that makes it difficult for opponents to perceive.
'Gyo'—an application of Ren: Highly concentrating Qi on a specific body part, such as the eyes, to see through an opponent's 'In'. This is a basic combat skill.
'Shu'—an application of Ten: Wrapping Nen around an object one is in contact with to enhance its properties. For example, making an ordinary sword cut through iron like mud.
'En'—a combined advanced application of Ten + Ren: Expanding Qi outward from oneself as the center, allowing one to detect intruders within the range covered by the Qi.
'Ken'—a combined advanced application of Ten + Ren: This is the most important defensive and enhancement state in combat. It involves wrapping the entire body in an amount of Qi far exceeding normal levels, significantly strengthening offense and defense. A qualified Nen User must be able to maintain 'Ken' for at least half an hour. It is the fundamental stance that integrates offense and defense.
'Ko'—a combined advanced application of Ten + Zetsu + Ren + Hatsu + Gyo: Instantly concentrating 100% of the body's Qi into a single point for an explosion! The power is immense, but the risk is extremely high. Because the extreme offensive and defensive power at the concentration point is unparalleled, the body's defense against Nen at all other parts becomes zero at that moment! Do not use it lightly unless you are certain of hitting the opponent.'
Sophia listened, completely enthralled. Her eyes went from initial confusion to gradually brightening, and then filled with shock and awe.
This half-day of explanation opened a door for her leading to the hall of true power.
She took a deep breath and bowed solemnly.
'Truly... eye-opening! So the world of Nen Ability is so vast and profound!'
'I have been enlightened, Master Leo! Thank you very much for your guidance!'
Her tone was full of sincere gratitude and a thirst for knowledge.
'Alright, that's enough for the basic theory. The rest requires you to practice, experience, and temper yourself through countless trials.'
After speaking, Leo pulled out a piece of paper and a pen from the side, quickly drew a hexagon on the paper, and marked the six vertices with: Enhancer, Emitter, Transmuter, Conjurer, Manipulator, and Specialist.
He pointed to the diagram and began to explain.
'Enhancer: Enhances the original properties of oneself or a weapon. I belong to the Enhancer category.'
'Emitter: Qi can maintain its power even outside the body, can be sent to places far from the body, and the body's Qi can be emitted. Emitted Qi can change its shape, attack enemies, or execute commands.'
'Transmuter: Can change the properties or shape of the generated Qi. As long as the properties of Nen are changed, this type of attribute is used, but no matter how it changes, it still retains the property of 'energy'.'
'Conjurer: Can transform the form of one's own Qi into what one wants, i.e., materializing or physicalizing Qi, and can use Qi to create real weapons to attack.'
'Manipulator: Can inject one's own Nen into an object to control it (e.g., injecting it into another person's body to control them).'
His finger landed on the last point.
'As for the Specialist... it is very special. Nen Abilities that do not belong to the above five categories are classified as this type. The abilities of a Specialist are usually mysterious and unpredictable, and occasionally there are cases where one transforms into a Specialist due to Acquired efforts.'
After saying this, Leo stood up, took a glass from the table, poured in clear water, then plucked a small leaf from the potted plant by the window and gently placed it on the water's surface.
'This is the 'Water Divination', which can test which category you belong to.'
He placed the glass on the table.
'Now, bring your hands close to the glass, hold it loosely, and then activate your Nen—slowly inject Qi into the water.'
Sophia took a deep breath and approached the glass.
She held the glass loosely with both hands, closed her eyes, and tried hard to mobilize the Nen she had just mastered, which was still very unstable.
A few seconds later, the water in the glass began to ripple.
Immediately after, a strange phenomenon occurred—the leaf on the water's surface actually slowly became transparent before their eyes, and then... disappeared.
Leo was slightly surprised. 'It's actually a Specialist.'
He explained: 'If you were an Enhancer, the water level would increase; for a Transmuter, the taste of the water would change; for an Emitter, the color of the water would change; for a Manipulator, the leaf would move; for a Conjurer, crystals would appear in the water... and those that do not belong to the above five reactions are classified as Specialist.'
He looked at Sophia, his expression becoming serious.
'This is a bit troublesome. Regarding the development of your ability, you have to explore it yourself; I cannot provide specific advice to you—the abilities of a Specialist are too personalized, and it is difficult for outsiders to guide them. However, I suggest you first master the Four Great Principles before considering developing an exclusive ability.'
Sophia nodded solemnly.
'Mm, I will work hard to Cultivate and strive to improve my strength as soon as possible, so I won't embarrass you!'
Her eyes were firm; it was a kind of focus and determination after finding a direction.
Leo nodded and then pointed to the clock on the wall.
'But before that... you still have five hours to register. Go to the 200th-floor reception now and complete the procedures.'
His tone was serious.
'Remember—before you have fully mastered the Four Great Principles, do not sign up for any matches. Battles on the 200th floor are completely different from those below; without a solid foundation, you will die very quickly.'
'Also, wait until you can win a match before talking about becoming my apprentice.'
Sophia nodded vigorously.
'I understand!'
She quickly put on her jacket, bowed deeply to Leo again, and then turned to walk towards the door.
When her hand grasped the doorknob, she paused and looked back.
'Mr. Leo... although you are unwilling to take me as your apprentice, in my heart, you are already my teacher. I will repay this kindness with my actions.'
Leo did not respond, just waved his hand.
The door closed gently. The lounge returned to silence.
Leo walked to the window, looking at the brilliant lights of Heavens Arena outside.
The night grew darker, and this giant tower was like an inextinguishable lighthouse, attracting countless moths seeking power.