Kastro noticed Vega standing beside him, staring thoughtfully as if he recognized him. Kastro pondered deeply—someone with such handsome features and commanding presence would surely have left a strong impression if they had met before. Even after a long time, Kastro was certain he wouldn't have forgotten.
He also caught sight of the extraordinary sword Vega was holding—an exquisitely crafted and clearly expensive weapon, likely belonging to a martial artist competing in the Sky Arena. Could this man also be here to fight?
After watching Vega hesitate for a while, Kastro finally asked, "Do we know each other?"
Vega froze briefly, then replied, "No, we don't know each other. But I've heard of you—Kastro."
A proud smile spread across Kastro's youthful face. This Sky Arena truly lived up to its reputation as a sacred place for martial artists. Reaching the 150th floor already meant people had noticed him. If he could become the landlord, his name would be known worldwide, and he could even open his own martial arts school to teach his tiger bite boxing style.
Kastro smiled and extended his hand. "I'm Kastro. I'm currently on the 150th floor. My goal is to reach the 200th floor this year, become the landlord, and create my own fighting style."
Vega shook his hand with a chuckle. "I'm Vega Pengellet. With your current strength, you have the potential to climb all 200 floors."
Kastro laughed confidently. "I believe that too. But I don't recommend you try the 200th floor this year," Vega said with a knowing glance.
"Otherwise, when you reach the 200th floor, you'll become prey, facing your baptism by fire. You'll gain something, but the cost will be unbearably high."
Kastro frowned, disbelief showing in his eyes. Though the fighters on the 200th floor were powerful, Kastro believed in his own strength. Even if he couldn't win outright, his tiger bite boxing style ensured he could retreat safely and unscathed.
As a martial artist, challenging stronger opponents meant growth. How could Vega say he'd only be taken advantage of, paying a terrible price? Kastro was not so easily defeated.
Vega noticed the doubt on Kastro's face and prepared to demonstrate why his warning was true.
He gently raised a finger, and suddenly a terrifying aura surged toward Kastro—dark thoughts, fear, death, and malice overwhelmed him. Kastro was frozen in place, his heart gripped by panic; his body refused to move.
"What… what kind of power is this?" Kastro stammered, staring at Vega's outstretched finger advancing toward him.
A deadly warning echoed in his mind: "If you touch it, you will die." Helpless, he could only watch as his fingers involuntarily reached toward his head, standing still as if awaiting death.
Then, with a soft "snap," Vega's finger tapped Kastro's head, and the oppressive aura instantly vanished.
Kastro's legs gave out, and he collapsed to his knees.
Vega smiled warmly at the trembling, sweating, and panting Kastro. "Without this kind of power, you shouldn't attempt the 200th floor. Otherwise…"
Though he left the sentence unfinished, the meaning was clear: you'll only be slaughtered.
"How… how can this be?" Kastro said, pale and shaken, staring at his hands in disbelief.
He had practiced tiger bite boxing for over ten years, yet he didn't even get a chance to strike, let alone fight. His body was completely immobilized, with no resistance at all.
After a moment, Kastro steadied himself and respectfully saluted Vega, who was younger than him. With a cautious expression, he asked, "Please… what was that power just now?"
Kastro couldn't see any aura or Nen, but he felt an undeniable mortal danger emanating from that finger. It wasn't just some fighting spirit—it was a power that could instantly break a person.
Though uneasy, Kastro knew Vega must explain; otherwise, why would he reveal such a dangerous ability without reason?
He also reminded himself not to attempt the 200th floor without that power, because from what Vega said, martial artists on the 200th floor had mastered it.
Vega nodded and began explaining: "The 200th floor of the Sky Arena is very different from the floors below. Anyone who climbs the 200th floor will gain Nen."
"Whether you've learned to control it or not, surviving the first round of battles on the 200th floor grants you Nen."
Kastro's pupils shrank sharply as he grasped the meaning.
Nen was a power of the mind that could be learned. The fighters on the 200th floor all possessed Nen. Without learning to use it, the first round was a battle of life or death.
And it seemed the path to awakening Nen was extremely harsh.
Kastro didn't believe the 200th-floor fighters would kindly teach this power during battles.
Before Kastro could say anything, Vega chuckled, "Want to learn? I can teach you."