The airship passed through the clouds and slowly landed at the airport in the city where Heavens Arena was located.
Leo walked out of the cabin door, and the familiar outline of the building came into view.
This massive fighting tower still stood towering and majestic, shimmering with a cold, hard luster in the sunlight.
He could no longer remember how many times he had returned here, but this time, his mood was a little different.
The Genei Ryodan had been dealt with, he had been promoted to a Two-Star Hunter, and his initial goal—to become a Floor Master of Heavens Arena—was only one step away.
"Let's go."
Leo said to Sophia and Shizuku behind him.
The three of them walked through the airport lobby, hailed a taxi, and drove towards Heavens Arena.
Twenty minutes later, they stood in front of that familiar building.
Room 2079.
Leo pushed open the door, and the familiar furnishings made him relax slightly.
The sofa, the desk, the city view outside the floor-to-ceiling window—everything was the same as when he had left.
A knock sounded on the door.
"Come in."
The door was pushed open, and Nico walked in.
Leo raised an eyebrow slightly.
After not seeing him for over a month, the changes in Nico were visible to the naked eye.
His originally rounded figure had slimmed down significantly, his cheek lines had become defined, and his gaze was firmer than before.
He was wearing a simple T-shirt and sweatpants, and he looked much more energetic.
"Mr. Leo!"
Nico walked up to Leo and stood straight.
"I am here to report my results from this period."
Leo nodded and sat down on the sofa.
"Sit down and talk."
After Nico sat down, his voice was clear and forceful.
"I have already reached the 100th floor of Heavens Arena."
A flash of approval appeared in Leo's eyes.
The 100th floor.
For a chubby kid who was just an ordinary person three months ago, this achievement was quite good.
It seemed that Sophia's initial training had worked, and Nico himself had been diligent enough.
"I promised you that I would personally guide you."
Leo said.
"Starting from today, I will stay at Heavens Arena for a period of time to guide you with all my effort."
"Once you reach the 150th floor, Sophia will officially take you as her disciple."
Nico's eyes lit up instantly.
He nodded vigorously, his voice trembling slightly with excitement.
"Understood! I will definitely not let you down!"
Sophia, who was to the side, walked over and patted Nico on the shoulder.
"The 150th floor isn't that easy, don't get too arrogant."
Nico nodded repeatedly.
"Yes! Sister Sophia!"
Sophia smiled and turned to look at Leo.
"Master, then Shizuku and I will be leaving first. I happened to want to visit a few places during this time."
Leo nodded.
"Mm. You are free to do whatever you want for the next while. Stay safe."
"Got it."
Sophia waved at Shizuku.
"Shizuku, let's go."
Shizuku nodded and left, following behind Sophia.
When she reached the door, she glanced back at Leo, adjusted her glasses, and then disappeared outside the door.
Only Leo and Nico remained in the room.
Leo stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the city below.
A few seconds later, he turned to look at Nico.
"Pack your things. We are going out for some training for a while."
Nico was stunned, but he didn't ask any more questions and nodded, saying.
"Okay."
He turned and left the room.
Leo looked out the window again, toward the Shimeile Wetland.
That place where he had once trained—now he was going to take someone else there.
Three days later, Kent City Airport.
It was already two in the afternoon when the airship landed.
Sunlight streamed down through the glass dome of the terminal, casting mottled light and shadows on the ground.
Leo and Nico walked out of the airport.
Nico was carrying a bulging travel bag, which contained a change of clothes, dry rations, a water bottle, and some wilderness survival essentials.
His expression was a little nervous, but more than that, it was filled with anticipation.
Leo stopped and turned to look at Nico.
"Alright."
He said.
"The training officially begins."
Nico straightened his body, waiting for instructions.
Leo raised his hand and pointed to the distant skyline.
There, the rolling green was faintly visible.
"Do you see over there? That is Biscayne Forest Park."
Leo said.
"Your first task is to run all the way from here to the Shimeile Wetland. The whole journey is 114 kilometers, and you cannot stop to rest in the middle."
Nico's mouth opened slightly.
114 kilometers... without stopping to rest...
"Huh?"
He made a sound subconsciously.
Leo did not explain, but just slightly released a trace of his Qi pressure.
The pressure weighed on Nico like a physical force; it wasn't heavy, but it was enough to wake him up instantly.
Nico shuddered, immediately stood straight, and answered loudly.
"Yes!"
Leo withdrew his Qi pressure.
"Set off."
Nico took a deep breath, took a step, and started running.
Leo followed behind him unhurriedly, his pace so relaxed that it was as if he were just taking a stroll.
The city's tall buildings were gradually replaced by low bungalows, and even those were left behind.
The view opened up, and rolling greenery covered the land.
On both sides of the road were stretches of farmland, and in the distance were undulating hills.
Occasionally vehicles drove by, and the drivers looked with curious eyes at these two strange pedestrians—one running panting, the other following leisurely.
Three hours later, they had run 50 kilometers.
Nico's breathing became heavy, and sweat from his forehead slid down his cheeks, soaking his collar.
His footsteps began to feel heavy, and each landing was heavier than the last, but he did not stop.
80 kilometers, the sky began to darken, the sun slanted to the west, dyeing the sky orange-red.
Nico's complexion turned pale, his lips were chapped, and his footsteps began to falter, swaying like he was drunk.
He could not stop; he kept that firmly in mind.
100 kilometers, night had completely fallen.
The moon rose, casting a cold, silvery glow.
Nico's consciousness began to drift, and the world before his eyes became blurry.
He didn't know he was running, didn't know where he was, only knowing that his legs were still moving mechanically.
It was all supported by willpower; Leo followed behind him, watching silently.
He did not remind him, did not encourage him, just followed quietly.
This was Nico's first hurdle.
Whether he could overcome it depended entirely on his own willpower.
Ahead, a black outline finally appeared in the night—that was the edge of Biscayne Forest Park, and further ahead was the Shimeile Wetland.
Hope suddenly welled up in Nico's eyes.
That hope was like a flame, igniting the last bit of strength in his body.
He gritted his teeth and charged forward with all his might.
Twenty minutes later, Leo stopped.
"Alright, we're here."
Nico's legs went weak, and he collapsed directly to the ground.
He gasped for air, his chest heaving violently, and sweat mixed with dust flowed down his face in black streaks.
He lay on the ground, not wanting to move even a finger.
Leo looked down at him, the corners of his mouth slightly raised.
"Not bad."
He said.
"You passed."
Hearing this, Nico grinned, a smile that was disheveled but very bright.
Leo looked up ahead.
Under the moonlight, the Shimeile Wetland lay quietly there, shrouded in mist, mysterious and dangerous.
"Rest for the night."
He said.
"Continue tomorrow."