Chapter 26: Chapter 26 : Challenge X Three Days X Magician’s Gaze
'What an overwhelming Ren!'
'Damn it, this monster can't be a newcomer!'
"We're screwed..."
The disabled trio exchanged worried glances, their faces betraying growing dread. Today, they had clearly hit an iron plate.
Ash strode toward them with measured, deliberate steps. Each movement amplified the suffocating pressure bearing down on the trio.
Sadaso's face glistened with sweat, drops sliding like wax from a melting candle.
Gido, though his expression was hidden behind his prosthetic metal mask, betrayed his fear through the tremor in his wooden cane and the nervous shake of his prosthetic leg.
Riehlvelt, seated rigidly in his wheelchair, had gone pale as a sheet. The suffocating pressure from Ash's aura was as oppressive as the Ren of the fearsome Floor Masters.
'Impossible,' Riehlvelt thought, his mind racing. 'I investigated everything about him. A month ago, he wasn't even a Nen user, just a brute relying on raw strength to win fights. Could he have been suppressing his power all along? Pretending to be weak to lure us in? Damn it! What a cunning bastard!'
Ash stopped a single step away from them, his piercing gaze boring into their souls. For a brief moment, he stood silent, as if pondering how best to deal with the scum before him.
Though he had claimed not to fear killing them in Heaven's Arena, Ash realized it would be a waste to jeopardize such a valuable place—and potentially anger the organization behind it—over these three. Killing them outright wasn't an option.
But letting them go? That would invite trouble.
Ash remembered how these bastards had kidnapped Zushi to force Gon and Killua into losing on purpose. He wouldn't gamble with the safety of Kai or Elsa. Sparing enemies wasn't in his vocabulary. To truly secure peace of mind, he had to eliminate future threats at their root.
Suddenly, an idea struck him. A plan that would not only test the results of his month-long training but also give him three wins in one sweep.
"I'll give you two choices," Ash began, his voice calm yet carrying an icy edge. "First option: the three of you fight me in the ring at the same time. One versus three. If you defeat me—or even kill me—one of you gets the win. How you divide it is your business. You also get the chance to settle today's grudge. A three-versus-one fight. Your odds are pretty good, aren't they?"
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle before continuing.
"Second option: you leave Heaven's Arena for good. Never set foot here again. If I ever see your faces around this place, I won't hesitate to make you disappear forever."
Ash's eyes narrowed, his tone colder now. "But I can't guarantee your lives once you step out of Heaven's Arena."
The sheer certainty in his words sent chills racing down their spines. It wasn't just the suffocating pressure of his Ren—it was the way he spoke, as though their defeat had already been decided.
Behind him, Kai and Elsa exchanged worried looks.
"Shiro-san, this is dangerous!" Kai said, grabbing Ash's shoulder. "Even if you're confident in your strength, you can't do this. Didn't you tell me that in Nen fights, the right ability can allow even the weak to defeat the strong? If your aura runs out, they'll crush you!"
Elsa nodded, her orange eyes shimmering with concern. She reached for Ash's hand, gripping it tightly. "Shiro, are you sure you can handle this? How much confidence do you really have?"
Ash smiled faintly. "Kai, what I told you is true, but only in rare cases where the gap between fighters isn't massive. Even then, the weak pay a heavy price to win. That situation doesn't apply here. These rotten tomatoes? I have absolute confidence I'll crush them."
He turned to Elsa, meeting her gaze. With a reassuring grin, he added, "I'll show you what I'm capable of. Just sit back and cheer for me."
The trio—Gido, Sadaso, and Riehlvelt—exchanged quick glances. Years of working together had given them an almost telepathic level of communication.
Gido: _This monster's Nen is overwhelming. One-on-one, we'll be slaughtered like chickens. But if we fight together, we have a 50% chance. After we break every bone in his body, I'll—_
Sadaso: _Even if we unite, my gut says we won't win. We should agree to his terms, lower his guard, and run away later. We can return when he's gone._
Riehlvelt: _He's bluffing. His aura can't be unlimited. If we exhaust him, he'll fall. He's just an overinflated balloon waiting to pop!_
Though Ash couldn't read their minds, he didn't need to. Their hesitation, the flicker of hope in their eyes—it was clear they were scheming.
Sadaso finally sighed, feigning reluctance. "Fine. We don't have a choice. We'll take the first option."
But Ash wasn't fooled. His sharp instincts detected the deceit in Sadaso's tone, the quickened heartbeat betraying his excitement.
_They're planning to escape._
Ash's lips curved into a sly smile. Manipulating his aura, he formed three small Nen orbs and flicked them toward the trio.
Startled, they immediately activated Gyo and braced for impact, but the orbs scattered harmlessly against their defenses. Confused, they exchanged puzzled glances—until Ash clenched his fist.
"Aghhh!"
"My heart!"
"Ughhh!"
Each of them clutched their chests, gasping in agony as if their hearts were being crushed by an invisible hand. For two terrifying seconds, their hearts stopped. Only their enhanced Nen bodies kept them from collapsing entirely.
Soaked in cold sweat, the trio looked at Ash as though he were the devil himself.
"What did you do to us?!" Sadaso yelled. "We agreed to fight you! If anything happens to us here, you'll be held responsible!"
Ash sneered. "Only a fool would trust your words. Don't worry—I didn't harm you. I simply planted an oath in your hearts. If any of you try to leave Heaven's Arena before our fight, your hearts will stop the moment you step outside."
He leaned in closer, his smirk growing colder. "There's only one way to remove the oath: kill me. Oh, and if someone else kills me? The oath will enhance itself with my resentment and activate anyway. So don't bother with assassins."
The trio panted heavily, their pale faces etched with despair. They had no escape now.
Sadaso gritted his teeth, spitting, "You'll regret this! Forcing us into a corner will cost you dearly!"
Ash's smile didn't waver. "I'm counting on it."
Ash let out a soft breath and relaxed, his aura pulling back into himself like a tide retreating from the shore.
Nen oath? Yeah, that was just a lie.
What Ash had really done was far simpler—and infinitely more dangerous. He had used his Absolute Order to command their hearts to stop beating for a moment. Just a moment. Sounded like an easy trick, right? Cheap and efficient? Not quite.
The trio weren't just random scrubs, they were Nen users, and their bodies were constantly shielded by Ten, the invisible yet potent barrier of aura that protected them. that simple order drained _one-third_ of Ash's total aura. It was costly, but it's worthy it!
Ash knew if he ever tried it against someone his equal or stronger, it might cost him even more Aura. Still, as far as trump cards went, it was a good one—deadly in the right moment.
He turned his back to the trio, their bodies still rooted in place like statues. He didn't spare them another glance as he walked toward the receptionist's window.
At the counter, the young woman with blue hair stood behind the window, her eyes wide and unfocused. Ash's pace slowed as he approached, his intensity dropping to something softer, calmer. His angelic smile graced his lips.
"Miss," he said, his tone polite but firm, "you saw everything. What are the next steps? And when can we start the fight?"
The receptionist, Rina, blinked rapidly, as though waking from a dream. Her mind struggled to catch up with what had just unfolded before her. This newcomer had forced three veterans 200th-floor fighters into a corner without breaking a sweat. It wasn't just a challenge, it was domination!
His angelic features, paired with that unshakable confidence and the recklessness of his actions, left her utterly dazed.
Was she dreaming?
"Miss?" Ash waved a hand, breaking her trance. His calm voice carried just a hint of amusement.
Rina jolted back to reality, cheeks flushing. "S-sorry, sir... White Emperor. Could you repeat that?"
Ash misinterpreted her reaction, assuming it was the leakage of his Ren that caused her trance. He didn't mind repeating himself.
"I asked about the procedures and when we can start the fight. Unless Heaven's Arena forbids more than two people in a single match?"
Rina quickly shook her head, regaining her composure.
"No, sir, there's no such rule. But..." She hesitated, her professional demeanor struggling against the whirlwind of emotions she felt.
"I doubt there's ever been a precedent for a challenge like this. That said, the management bureau will almost certainly approve. This kind of event is a promoter's dream—exclusive, dramatic, and guaranteed to draw a massive audience."
She paused, considering her words. "However, because of its uniqueness, they'll likely delay the match to maximize profits. They'll need time to market it and ensure it reaches the widest possible audience. My guess is that the fight will be scheduled for no sooner than a week from now."
Ash frowned slightly, the calculation in his eyes betraying his thoughts. _A week? Too long._ He nodded slowly.
"Contact the management. Tell them my deadline is three days. If they can't arrange everything by then, I'll cancel the match."
Rina blinked in disbelief.
"Three days?" The words almost escaped her lips, but she bit them back, professionalism barely holding her exasperation in check.
Why go through all this trouble only to cancel over something so trivial?
She nodded. "I'll ensure your request is taken seriously, sir."
With that, Ash walked away, his expression neutral, leaving Rina to scramble into action.
...
The disabled trio returned to their suite in silence, their steps dragging like condemned prisoners on the way to the gallows. Once inside, they collapsed onto the couches, their bodies slumping like broken marionettes. The weight of their humiliation hung heavy in the room, pressing down on them like an invisible force.
"We underestimated him," Gido said at last, his voice barely above a whisper, as though admitting it aloud made the defeat more real.
"No kidding," Riehlvelt muttered, bitterness lacing his tone. His mechanical wheelchair whirred softly as he adjusted himself, his fingers twitching against the armrest.
Sadaso didn't speak immediately. Instead, he pulled out a tablet, his skeletal fingers moving with eerie precision as he searched for recordings of Ash's previous matches. The cold blue glow of the screen reflected off his face, casting him in an unsettling light.
"We need to figure out how he fights," Sadaso said finally, his voice calm but carrying a sharp edge. "And find his weakness."
He paused, glancing at the other two, his eyes gleaming with an ominous light. "It's a life-and-death match. All means are allowed. We have to prepare for the worst-case scenario."
There was a shift in the room. Sadaso's calm determination, tinged with something unhinged, infected Gido and Riehlvelt. The air grew thick with an oppressive aura, a mix of desperation and something far darker.
"Even if he beats us… even if he kills us," Gido muttered, his voice trembling with a fanatic edge, "we'll drag him down to hell with us!"
Riehlvelt chuckled dryly, a sound devoid of humor, as his fingers tapped against his chair. "This fight's already a loss for us, one way or another. If we win, our reputation's in the gutter for ganging up on a rookie. If we lose, we're finished—dead or crippled beyond repair. Either way, we're screwed."
"So," Sadaso said, his lips curling into a twisted grin, "if this is going to be a losing battle no matter what, the only thing we can do is make sure _he_ loses, too. Not just in the ring—but in a way he can never recover from."
A manic energy began to swirl between them, their broken pride and festering resentment fusing into something dangerous. Nen users weren't like normal people—they danced on the razor's edge between brilliance and madness, where the impossible felt within reach, and the forbidden seemed like the only option.
The three of them leaned in closer, their whispers growing more fevered. Plans began to take shape—disturbing, reckless, and utterly unhinged. Their faces twisted with malice, the gleam of desperation in their eyes giving way to the wild, unpredictable glint of true madness.
Underestimating Ash had been their mistake. Now, they would make sure he made the same mistake with them—and pay the price for it.
...
Rina sat at her desk, she took a deep breath and dialed a number. The line connected with a curt click.
"Manager Onogi speaking," came the gruff voice on the other end.
"Sir, this is Rina from the 200th-floor reception," she began, trying to steady her voice. "We have... an unusual challenge proposal from a newcomer."
"Unusual?" Onogi's voice sharpened. "How unusual?"
"A one-versus-three match! The White Emperor has challenged the three veterans—Gido, Sadaso, and Riehlvelt—to fight him simultaneously in the ring. He's given us a deadline of three days to arrange the match."
Onogi was silent for a moment, then let out a low chuckle. "The White Emperor, huh? That guy's already making waves. This match could be a goldmine."
"Yes, sir," Rina confirmed. "He insisted the fight be scheduled within three days, or he'll withdraw."
"Three days?" Onogi barked a laugh. "Tight deadline, but we'll make it work. Leave it to me."
...
Onogi leaned back in his chair, smirking as he pulled up his communicator. "Marketing team, priority alert!"
The various LED screens in front of him lit up, faces of the marketing heads appearing in boxes.
"What's the rush, Boss?" one of them asked.
"We've got a once-in-a-decade match brewing," Onogi said, his voice brimming with energy. "The White Emperor is taking on the Rookie Crushers trio in a one-versus-three fight. I want this hyped to the heavens. Promo material, highlight reels, teasers—drop everything else. Deadline is three days."
"Understood!" the team chorused.
...
In a dimly lit editing room, a team of technicians worked at blinding speed.
"Get me his debut footage!" one shouted, fingers flying across their keyboard.
Another played a clip of Ash effortlessly knocking out his last opponent. "Slow this down—make the impact really hit. Add some sparks for dramatic flair."
"Add some Epic music," another chimed in.
Screens lit up with scenes of Ash dominating fights. Close-ups of his calm, piercing golden eyes and the stunned expressions of his opponents filled the monitors.
"We need a tagline," a voice suggested.
"How about... 'The White Emperor Takes All?'"
"Perfect. Roll with it."
...
Within hours, Heaven's Arena's official social media platforms were ablaze with activity.
Posters of Ash and the trio filled timelines, with bold captions like:
"Three Days to History: The White Emperor vs. The Rockies Crushers!"
Highlight videos of Ash's fights flooded video platforms, garnering thousands of views. Clips of his matches were shared with captions like:
"Is this the most terrifying newcomer ever?"
some commented :
"He's crazy, but I want to see it!"
"Three-on-one? This guy is either a genius or a fool."
Even unrelated online spaces buzzed with the news, as memes and debates spread like wildfire.
The ripple started at Heaven's Arena but quickly became a tidal wave across the internet.
Within hours, Ash's challenge was the most talked-about topic among fight enthusiasts.
From die-hard fans of the Arena to casual observers, everyone waited with bated breath for the fight that promised to redefine the limits of combat.
...
After a long day observing the intense battles on the 200th floor, Ash, Elsa, and Kai returned to Ash's assigned room.
They gathered around the modest dining table, the aroma of their simple dinner wafting through the air. Elsa absentmindedly poked at her plate, her mind replaying the fierce clashes they had witnessed earlier.
Ash, however, sat in silence. His golden eyes seemed distant, as though he was already strategizing for a battle yet to come.
A sharp knock cut through the quiet, pulling everyone's attention to the door.
Ash rose with his usual calm composure, his steps measured as he crossed the room. When he opened the door, a man in a pristine Heaven's Arena uniform stood there, a stack of neatly bound documents in hand. The employee's face was professional, though curiosity flickered in his eyes as he regarded Ash.
"Mr. White Emperor," the man began, his voice steady. "The management has approved your challenge proposal. Mr. Gido, Sadaso, and Riehlvelt have also agreed to the terms."
Ash nodded slightly, his expression unreadable as always.
The man continued, "The fight is scheduled for three days from now. If you win, you'll earn three official victories, and as a reward, 5% of the total revenue generated by the match will be yours. However..."
He paused, holding the documents out toward Ash. "You're required to sign these papers, indicating your agreement to the conditions. Heaven's Arena will not be held accountable for any injuries or fatalities sustained during the match. Additionally, this will be a no-holds-barred fight—any means can be used."
Ash accepted the documents without hesitation, flipping through the pages with quick yet thorough scrutiny. His expression remained unchanged as he took the offered pen and signed with a single, decisive motion.
"Inform them that I accept," Ash said, handing the papers back.
The employee nodded curtly. "Very well. Good luck, Mr. White Emperor." With that, he turned and departed, the door clicking shut behind him.
Elsa broke the silence first, her voice tinged with concern. "Ash, are you really okay with this? No rules, no safety net... If something goes wrong—"
"It won't," Ash interrupted, his tone calm but resolute. "I knew exactly what I was agreeing to when I issued the challenge."
Kai leaned back in his chair, arms folded across his chest. He studied Ash for a moment, his expression neutral but thoughtful. Ash wasn't one to gamble recklessly, but this felt like a calculated risk with stakes higher than usual.
"Three wins and 5% of the revenue," Kai finally said, his voice steady. "Not bad for one fight. But you've got to be planning something."
Ash's gaze sharpened, a flicker of fire igniting in his golden eyes. "This isn't just a fight," he said quietly. "It's a test. A chance to push past my limits."
Elsa frowned, the lines of worry deepening on her face. "Just promise us you won't do anything reckless."
Ash didn't reply immediately. Instead, he moved to the window, his silhouette framed by the glow of the sprawling city lights beyond. In his mind, a vivid image of the life energy liquid inside the Great Devourer surfaced.
A faint smile touched his lips as anticipation burned within him.
_With this much energy, that ability will soon be realized. Three days are more than enough._
"When I step into that ring," Ash finally said, his voice steady and unyielding, "I'll be ready for anything. And so will they."
The room fell silent, his words resonating like a quiet yet undeniable declaration of his resolve.
...
in a luxurious suite above the 200th floor, water cascaded over a tall, lean man with pale, porcelain skin. he stood naked under the shower, his red-pink hair darkened by the water's weight, clinging to his sculpted cheekbones and jawline. His musculature was deceptively understated—smooth, lithe, but brimming with predatory strength.
On the center of his back, a spider tattoo marked with the number _4_ gleamed like fresh ink, seemingly glued to his skin. As the water streamed down, the tattoo began to peel away, piece by piece, revealing unblemished skin beneath. His lips curved into a half-smile.
He opened his eyes, their piercing yellow hue reminiscent of an eagle's gaze, sharp and unrelenting. They shone with an intensity that could strip the soul bare. Grabbing a towel, he ran it slowly over his body, drying himself without urgency. Naked, he stepped out of the bathroom in all his glory, every movement deliberate, like a predator savoring the calm before the hunt.
Standing before the floor-to-ceiling window, He gazed out at the cityscape far below. The lights twinkled like distant stars, painting the darkness with fleeting illusions of serenity. He breathed deeply, his chest rising and falling in a rhythm that matched his thoughts.
"The Hunter Exam was quite the surprise," he murmured, his voice low and velvety, laced with a chilling hunger. "I found so many delicious green apples, all at once." His fingers traced an invisible line along the glass. "Ah, Gon... Hurry and grow. I want to taste you so badly." His voice cracked into a soft laugh, dark and unsettling. "No... I _must_ wait."
His expression shifted, his face twisting into something almost grotesque. The elegant lines of his features contorted into an unearthly mixture of excitement and madness.
The nearby television screen showed the evening news of Heavens Arena , its glow casting flickering shadows across the room.
"This is an unprecedented event!" the anchor's voice proclaimed. "For the first time in over a decade, a newcomer has reached the 200th floor and issued an audacious challenge: a one-against-three death match! The contenders? Gido, Sadaso, and Riehlvelt—top masters with several wins under their belts. the odds favor the trio. Will the so-called 'White Emperor' live up to his legend?"
Hisoka's head tilted, his interest piqued. He padded over to the couch and sank into it, the leather cold against his skin. The highlights began to play on the screen. The trio failed to hold his attention, but the figure of the White Emperor, His unique White Hair, Sacred Golden Eyes, and Angelic appearance exuding a Sacred and unique vibes, made Hisoka's lips curl into a grin.
With His Maxed Observation Skills and his Instinct developed from fighting countless strong opponent, He Instantly Made a judgment in his heart.
"This White Emperor..." His tongue flicked over his lips. "Looks absolutely... delicious."
The thrill of anticipation surged through him, his heart beating faster. "What a delightful surprise to return to Heaven's Arena and find such a treat waiting. I hope you're worth my time, little kitten. Don't disappoint me."
His laughter echoed through the suite, a haunting sound that promised chaos for anyone unfortunate enough to cross his path.
---Author Notes---
I wrote this chapter manually over seven days whenever I was free. I didn't pay much attention to grammar or any mistakes, so I sent it to ChatGPT for corrections. I found that it altered my writing style significantly, so if you notice any mistakes, please let me know in the comments.
— New chapter is coming soon — Write a review
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone