After returning to the Association headquarters from Kante City, Leo began a regular cycle of hunting down wanted criminals.
The Hunter information website became a tool he checked daily; filtering targets, analyzing whereabouts, formulating plans, and setting out to execute them—the entire process gradually became routine through repeated practice.
Not all targets were as easy to locate as Jelma.
Most wanted criminals were more cautious; they would hide their identities, frequently change hideouts, and even create false trails to confuse their pursuers.
Leo spent two whole weeks tracking a C-Rank target—an Enhancer who had committed multiple robberies and assaults, possessing mediocre strength but strong anti-surveillance awareness.
Eventually, he cornered the person in an alley near the black market they frequented.
The battle was without suspense; Leo ended it with two punches, and the opponent didn't even have time to fully release their Nen.
Taking photos, uploading, registering—Leo was already exceptionally skilled at this process.
After the first successful capture came the second, then the third.
Leo gradually figured out the behavioral patterns of different types of criminals.
Violent types tended to return to familiar areas, greedy types were easily lured by high-value targets, and cautious types would leave behind multiple escape routes.
He also learned how to use the authority of his hunter license to access surveillance footage, check communication records, and even pressure local police to cooperate.
But the hunt was not always smooth.
A month later, during his fourth operation, the target was a Transmuter who specialized in using their ability to commit fraud and kidnapping.
Based on intelligence, Leo staked out a bar the target frequented for three days, finally waiting for them to appear.
However, just as Leo was preparing to make a move, the target seemed to sense something—perhaps a hint from an informant in the bar, or perhaps intuition honed from long-term criminal activity.
The person suddenly threw a smoke bomb and broke through the back window to escape.
Leo immediately gave chase.
This wanted criminal was skilled at disguise and escape.
The target wove through the alleyways, constantly changing their appearance and clothing, and even used their ability to mislead him.
It took Leo two whole days, crossing three urban districts, before he finally cornered the person in an abandoned residential building.
In a desperate situation, the person chose to fight to the death—lunging at Leo with the determination to take him down with them.
There was no room to hold back.
Leo delivered a heavy punch augmented with 'Ko,' piercing through the opponent's chest; the battle ended within ten seconds.
A distinct warmth came from the tattoo on the back of his hand.
[Rank: Level 42 (28%)]
He stood next to the corpse, took photos to report it, and added the note, 'Target resisted fiercely; neutralized.'
After returning to the Association to handle the follow-up matters, Leo's communicator rang.
Caller ID: Sophia.
After answering, that familiar female voice came through, filled with irrepressible excitement and anticipation.
'Master Leo! I have successfully achieved three wins! As promised...'
Leo raised an eyebrow slightly.
He truly hadn't expected Sophia to meet the conditions so quickly.
He had personally experienced the brutality of the 200th floor of Heavens Arena; for a newcomer who had only learned Nen for a little over half a year to secure three victories there—this meant her strength and luck were both quite good.
'You are faster than I imagined.'
Leo said.
'I thought it would take at least another half year.'
'I have been training every day for these past few months!'
Sophia's voice was filled with pride.
'Except for eating and sleeping, all my time has been spent training! I want to prove that I am qualified to follow you!'
Leo thought for a moment.
Sophia's growth speed indeed exceeded expectations, and the perseverance and determination she displayed were commendable.
Taking her along on missions would allow her to accumulate real combat experience and provide an extra helper—although she might not count as a combat asset right now, she could at least handle some support work.
More importantly...
Leo remembered the rules for Hunter promotion.
To advance from one-star to two-star, one needed to make'significant contributions' in multiple fields.
Training a One-Star Hunter Disciple should count as one of them.
This could be planned in advance; when the time came, he would have Sophia take the exam for a hunter license.
'Fine.'
Leo finally said.
'I will keep my promise. Wait for me at Heavens Arena; I will return there in the next two days.'
The return journey to Heavens Arena was smooth.
It was just that Leo's record on the 200th floor had two more 'losses by default'—having not participated in a match within the ninety-day preparation period, it was automatically ruled a loss.
This was within his expectations; after all, he had spent most of his time over the past few months hunting down wanted criminals outside.
He first went to the registration desk to re-register for matches, filling out the intention to 'participate at any time.'
Then he headed straight to Sophia's room.
The moment she opened the door and saw Leo, Sophia's eyes lit up.
'Master Leo!'
She looked more capable than a few months ago; her blue hair was cut shorter, her skin had taken on a healthy wheat color due to long-term training, and there was more composure in her eyes.
'I am very happy that you were able to achieve three wins.'
Leo walked into the room and looked around—the training equipment was neatly arranged, there was a homemade training schedule on the wall, and everything showed the owner's serious attitude.
'This proves that your hard work during this time was not in vain. Very good.'
Sophia nodded vigorously.
'Since you want to follow me so much.'
Leo turned to face her, his expression becoming serious.
'I can agree to your request. But there are a few conditions.'
'Please, tell me!'
'First, all actions must follow my command. In battle, in hiding, during retreat—at any time, my orders have the highest priority. You can ask questions, but you must wait until after the operation is over.'
'No problem!'
Sophia stood straight.
'Whatever you tell me to do, I will do!'
'Second, your current strength is not enough to handle dangerous targets independently. In the early stages, you will mainly be responsible for intelligence gathering, perimeter surveillance, and logistical support. Only when safety is confirmed will I let you participate in combat.'
'I understand!'
'Third.'
Leo paused.
'Regarding your ability development... has there been progress?'
Mentioning this, an excited expression appeared on Sophia's face.
'Yes! I already have some leads! Give me a few more months, and I should be able to complete the construction of my unique ability!'
Leo was somewhat surprised.
Developing a Specialist ability was inherently difficult; many people spent a long time without finding a suitable direction.
For Sophia to clarify her path in such a short time, she must have put in unimaginable effort.
'Not bad.'
Leo nodded.
'I don't have experience to guide you on Specialist abilities; you will have to explore it yourself.'
'But remember, the core of the ability must align with your essence; do not force a design just to pursue power.'
'I will remember that!'
Leo stayed at Heavens Arena for ten days.
During this time, he met with Wing and briefly exchanged updates on their recent situations.
The rest of the time was spent guiding Sophia—helping her organize the knowledge she had already mastered, correcting some deviations in details, and strengthening her foundation.
On the tenth day, it was Leo's turn to compete.
The opponent was an Emitter who excelled at using Nen; as soon as the match started, they frantically fired Nen Bullets, attempting to use firepower to suppress Leo and prevent him from getting close—clearly, they had studied Leo's previous combat footage.
But the Leo of now was no longer what he used to be.
He didn't even bother to dodge, maintaining a state of 'Ken' and walking steadily forward against the dense rain of Nen Bullets.
Those Nen Bullets, which were strong enough to shatter concrete, hit him without even making him pause in his movements.
The Emitter's expression changed from confidence to shock, and then from shock to despair.
Leo walked up to his opponent and threw a punch.
The match ended.
It was clean and efficient, even making people feel it was a bit perfunctory.
But this was the gap in strength—when basic attributes crushed the opponent to a certain degree, the significance of technique and tactics became negligible.
Leo secured his third win.
There were still seven matches left to reach the goal of ten wins, but he was not in a hurry.
Time arrived at the morning of February 28th.
Leo and Sophia met at the entrance of Heavens Arena.
Both of them only brought simple luggage—a few sets of clothes and necessary equipment.
Sophia looked a bit nervous, but more than that, she was filled with anticipation.
She checked her backpack three times to ensure nothing was missing.
'Are you ready?'
Leo asked.
'Ready!'
Sophia nodded.
'Then let's go.'
The two walked towards the airship station across the street.
The morning light cast a long shadow of the giant tower of Heavens Arena, and those dense windows on the tower were like countless eyes, watching the ambition and dreams of every person entering and leaving.
Leo did not look back.
Beside him was now a Disciple who needed guidance and protection.
On the road ahead, there were countless wanted criminals waiting for him to hunt them down.
And the one-star assessment for his hunter license should also be put on the agenda.
The airship slowly ascended, leaving Heavens Arena below.
Sophia leaned against the window, watching the gradually shrinking giant tower, and asked softly.
'Master Leo, who is our first target?'
Leo opened his computer and pulled up a file.
'Bartochia Republic, Holun City.'
'Target: Shikem, suspected ability user, involved in multiple human trafficking cases, with over fifty confirmed victims. Wanted danger level B-.'
He turned the screen towards Sophia.
'Your first task: Before I make a move, find all his possible hideouts in Holun City and formulate at least three surveillance plans.'
Sophia immediately sat up straight, took the tablet Leo handed her, and her eyes became focused.
'Yes! I will complete it!'
The airship cut through the clouds, flying towards the direction of the Bartochia Republic.
Leo leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes.