Morrow had been on Whale Island for over four months.
During this time, he had finally mastered all the basic example constructs in the Divine Script Codex.
With these foundations in place, whether it was improving existing Divine Script or designing compound Divine Script, there would now be clear guidelines to follow.
When designing improvements, it would likely require countless rounds of trial and error to achieve the desired results, but this was the norm for Divine Script.
As for Gon and Killua, after three months of intense training, their progress had been astonishingly rapid. They had completely mastered the three advanced techniques: Gyo, Shu, and In.
Especially Gyo...
With the assistance of the linked drums training, both of them could now skillfully apply Gyo in both offense and defense.
Morrow initially thought the difficulty level of the linked drums was too low.
So he deliberately increased the difficulty, extending the attack duration to five minutes and specifically enhancing the strike frequency of the linked drums.
Unexpectedly, even when he maxed out the difficulty within the existing framework of the linked drums, Gon and Killua could easily neutralize the overwhelming attacks from the linked drums.
Such a rate of improvement was truly astounding.
Not only had their techniques advanced by leaps and bounds, but their growth in aura output also far exceeded that of ordinary people.
Even though Morrow had been mentally prepared, witnessing this result firsthand inevitably gave him the same feeling Tsezguerra had in the original story.
The world is vast, and geniuses are not rare.
But even among geniuses, there are differences.
Gon and Killua were among the very best.
Seeing their training progress so quickly, Morrow began explaining the content about the Nen System and had Gon and Killua test their attributes using Water Divination.
"The Nen System is divided into six types: Enhancement, Transmutation, Emission, Manipulation, Conjuration, and Specialization. A Nen user's innate system cannot be changed, but in extremely rare cases, abilities from any system can transform into Specialization later in life."
In a clearing in the forest, Morrow sat on a tree stump, holding a slender branch.
Gon and Killua stood not far in front of him, postures upright, expressions serious, looking just like two elementary school students attentively attending class.
Morrow used the branch to circle Manipulation and Conjuration on the already drawn detailed diagram of the Nen System, explaining: "Manipulation and Conjuration are relatively close to Specialization, so the probability of transforming into Specialization later in life is very high."
Having said that, Morrow casually stuck the branch into the ground beside him.
"Additionally, innate Nen systems usually only have one, but there are also Nen users who later in life are positioned at the midpoint between two Nen systems. This means they can efficiently master abilities from two Nen systems."
"Teacher, that means..."
Killua's eyes flickered, some ideas about Nen naturally surfacing in his mind. He asked with anticipation: "As long as Gon and I find the right method, we can also become Nen users positioned at the midpoint between two Nen systems?"
Nen users can only perfectly utilize abilities from their own system.
For the two adjacent Nen types, they can only achieve 80% efficiency. Theoretically, the further an ability is from one's innate system, the lower the utilization rate. Morrow had already explained this knowledge to them.
Now, mentioning the concepts of post-natal Specialization transformation and the intermediate point between two Nen Systems further deepened the thoughts about abilities that had emerged in Killua's mind after learning about the Nen System.
That's why he couldn't wait to ask a follow-up question.
Morrow seemed to sense something as he looked at Killua, nodding and saying, "Yes, changing one's position within their system's range usually depends on training methods, living environment, and even the influence brought by physical and mental changes."
"Understood."
A sharp glint flashed in Killua's eyes.
Gon seemed thoughtful but didn't have as many ideas as Killua. After listening to Morrow's explanation, he curiously asked, "Teacher, is your Nen System at the center point?"
"Hmm."
Morrow shifted his gaze to Gon, smiling as he explained:
"My innate system is Emission, but during my training, I developed abilities that combine Emission and Manipulation. As my training methods and volume accumulated, my Nen System gradually shifted to the center point."
After explaining, Morrow leaned forward slightly, clasped his hands together, and let his gaze drift between Gon and Killua.
"That's basically all there is to know about the Nen System. Starting today, you can focus on 'ability development.' I believe with your talents, you'll definitely find the abilities that best suit your Nen Systems."
Hearing Morrow's words, Gon and Killua exchanged glances, both seeing an eager light in each other's eyes.
They had spent months building a solid foundation precisely to welcome this moment.
Gon suddenly lowered his head, looking at his clenched fist as he pondered what ability would be most suitable for him.
Killua's ideas had already taken shape, needing only practice.
Unlike Gon, who immediately began thinking, he was concerned about another issue.
"Teacher."
"Hmm?"
Morrow turned to look at Killua at the sound.
Killua said seriously, "How long did it take you to efficiently master abilities from two Nen Systems?"
"You suddenly ask that... I'll have to think carefully."
Morrow didn't mind why Killua was asking such a thing. After seriously recalling his past, he quickly reached a conclusion and smiled, "About a year and a half. After all, my talent is quite ordinary."
"Huh?"
When Killua heard the time frame of a year and a half, his first reaction was that he might need even longer, and might not even achieve it.
He didn't expect Morrow to add that his talent was ordinary.
This made him immediately droop his eyelids, thinking Morrow was being overly modest.
Seeing Killua's clearly disbelieving expression, Morrow calmly said, "I'm not being modest. In terms of talent, ten of me wouldn't equal either of you."
After witnessing firsthand the growth speed of Killua and Gon in Nen Techniques, and even in aura amount, he truly understood that there are differences even among geniuses.
Compared to geniuses like Kastro and Kurapika whom he had encountered, when placed alongside Gon and Killua, there was a clear gap.
"I don't believe that."
Even with Morrow saying so, Killua firmly refused to believe such a statement.
Morrow smiled wryly, thinking to himself that when you too walk the inevitable path, you'll be able to see this clearly based on the "time gap."
"Killua, Gon, everyone has the qualification to learn Nen, but the innate talent determines the ceiling one can reach; this is something that cannot be changed through effort alone."
"..."
Killua fell silent upon hearing this, while Gon snapped out of his thoughts and looked at Morrow without saying a word.
Meeting their gazes, Morrow said seriously, "Some people become mediocre shortly after mastering Nen, some achieve minor success, and some stand out among the rest. But among thousands, there are very few who shine brilliantly."
As he spoke, Morrow stared at Gon and Killua, whose expressions were gradually turning serious, and smiled. "You two are the latter, possessing fearsome talent and ability. So you must cherish this gift and never slack off at any moment."
"Mm." x2.
Both Gon and Killua nodded heavily.
Perhaps feeling the atmosphere had suddenly turned serious, Killua habitually clasped his hands behind his head and said, "If talent determines the ceiling one can reach, then when you said earlier that your talent is average, you must have been joking, right, teacher?"
"I wasn't joking."
Morrow shook his head slightly and raised his index finger. "From the moment we are born, our innate talent determines our ceiling. It's cruel, but it's reality. However... Nen knows no limits. You'll understand this in the future."
Gon and Killua seemed to grasp it vaguely but still didn't believe Morrow's talent was average.
Morrow didn't continue explaining, because once Gon and Killua began racing ahead on this path, some things wouldn't need explanation; they would find the answers themselves.
Killua didn't dwell on the matter either but suddenly shot a mischievous glance at Gon beside him.
Gon immediately noticed Killua's gaze and grew wary, thinking Killua was up to no good again.
Killua quickly averted his eyes, pretending to be casual, and asked, "Teacher, who do you think is stronger between me and Gon?"
"Ah!"
Gon widened his eyes at Killua but soon turned to Morrow, awaiting the answer.
Morrow rested his chin on his hand, thought for a moment, and replied:
"You two are evenly matched. If I had to differentiate, Gon has slightly better talent, while Killua has superior innate ability. If I had to say which is more important, I'd lean toward innate ability."
In the original story, both Biscuit and Razor had given Killua extremely high praise, with the latter even stating outright that Killua's innate ability surpassed everyone else's.
During his time teaching Gon and Killua, Morrow had also noticed this.
Killua's exceptional innate ability allowed him to progress faster than others naturally after his Nen awakening.
For instance, what took experts like Biscuit until after age twenty-five to achieve, Killua accomplished in just over a year.
"Haha, so I'm stronger!"
Killua's eyes turned cat-like as he leaned toward Gon, laughing triumphantly.
Gon retorted, "No way! Teacher said my talent is better!"
"But teacher values innate ability more, haha!"
Killua put his hands on his hips and raised his chin.
"!!!"
Gon was momentarily at a loss for a rebuttal.
Watching the two argue, Morrow suddenly sensed something and looked in another direction. Mito approached carrying a lunch box, having apparently noticed Gon and Killua bickering in the distance. When her eyes met Morrow's, they exchanged a knowing smile.
—--
That evening.
Killua began putting his ideas into practice. With a solid foundation and theoretical knowledge, he instantly transformed his aura into electricity.
"Success!"
His eyes sparkled with excitement as he watched the electric arcs dancing across his palm.
The training routine with linked drums had long grown tedious for him.
He had been considering asking Morrow for combat training, and now that his ability development was progressing smoothly...
Can't rush this. Need to master it completely first.
Faint traces of electricity flickered deep within Killua's pupils.