With the word "Game Start," the two instantly covered themselves head-to-toe in Ken (Defense) and collided at a speed almost imperceptible to the naked eye. They then continuously used Ryu (Flow) to adjust the amount of Aura in various parts of their bodies for both attack and defense.
For a time, the entire activity room echoed with loud, air-breaking booms.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
Although this was merely a game, and neither used Ko (Attack), the most powerful offensive technique that integrates Ten, Zetsu, Ren, Hatsu, and Gyo, every strike was still incredibly potent. If they were to accidentally hit a wall, the floor, or the ceiling, a large hole would instantly appear.
Initially, Allen was overly cautious when facing Netero, who bore the title of "Strongest Nen User in the World," believing the old man must be far superior to him. But in actual combat, he found that Netero's Aura quantity was only about double his own, and while the Chairman's unarmed combat skills were superb, his own seemed to be not far behind in offensive-defensive transitions. Especially his nerve reflexes, which were definitely superior to the Chairman's.
Of course, this could also be related to the Chairman's advanced age and the fact that he wasn't taking the fight seriously. Regardless, Allen clearly realized that his current self was no longer a weakling, but a powerhouse qualified to face first-rate Nen users, including Hisoka, the Phantom Troupe, and the Zodiacs, with a real chance of victory.
Upon this realization, he immediately let go of his mental and physical restraints. Relying on his max-level Unarmed Combat proficiency (300) honed in the dungeons, as well as the techniques mastered from the original body's memory of training with a martial artist, he fully immersed himself in the game.
For a short period, the two fought to a standstill.
However, Netero's extensive combat experience soon came into play. He seized an instantaneous opening in Allen's attack and landed a kick squarely on Allen's stomach.
Bang!
The latter shot backward like a cannonball, heading straight for the rear wall. Judging by his speed, hitting the wall would undoubtedly instantly blast a large hole through it.
But at that very moment, the Aura surrounding Allen instantly changed. He enveloped his entire back in Ko, then simultaneously used the distinct properties of both Enhancement and Transmutation Nen categories to create a surprising burst of explosive force out of thin air, pushing his entire body back toward Netero.
The next second…
He utilized the acceleration he had generated to launch a powerful punch at the startled old man.
Boom!
Netero was sent flying a dozen meters back, his arms crossed to defend against the blow. At the same time, he injected Enhancement Aura into the floor through his feet, preventing the floor from cracking under the force of the massive impact.
"What did I just witness? What incredible technique! You possess the talent to utilize both Enhancement and Transmutation to 100% capacity simultaneously! That is simply unbelievable!"
After steadying himself, Netero made no attempt to hide his shock. He was especially impressed by Allen's use of the collision between the two distinct Aura properties to create an air burst, then using Ko to defend and leveraging the recoil to launch a lightning-fast counter-attack. Without boundless imagination and talent surpassing the average person, this would have been absolutely impossible. Having lived for over a century, this was the first time he had seen someone develop a technique outside of the Four Fundamentals and Seven Advanced Applications of Nen.
"Yes, that's right. I do possess the talent to fully utilize both Enhancement and Transmutation Nen abilities. But, Chairman, didn't you also instantly reinforce the floor the moment your feet landed? Compared to you, I am still too green," Allen responded matter-of-factly.
In this moment, he finally understood why this Chairman, despite being past his physical prime, was still revered as the strongest human Nen user in the entire Hunter x Hunter world. Aside from objective factors like Aura quantity, a body honed by rigorous training, and the countless battle-forged techniques, reaction speed, and experience, the most crucial factor was his unwavering conviction to perpetually challenge himself.
Despite being over a hundred years old, Netero still retained the youthful dedication of a child, refusing to give up on striving towards ever-higher goals.
Nen is the manifestation of the spirit and will.
When a person possesses such a powerful spirit and will, how could they possibly fail to become a powerhouse?
"Too green? Do you know how long it took me to attain the power I currently possess?" Netero asked with a smile.
"I don't know. Perhaps a few decades," Allen gave a number, though he wasn't entirely certain.
"Forty-five years! I spent thirty-eight years honing my martial arts and physical body to perfection, and then another seven years integrating my martial way with the Vow of Gratitude I infused my Nen with. But you? You've only taken one year to cultivate your Nen from nothing to this extent. Based on talent alone, you should be a much more terrifying monster than I am."
As he finished speaking, Chairman Netero completely dropped his usual playful expression, adopting a look mixed with anticipation, excitement, and craving, practically indistinguishable from Hisoka just moments before.
"Are you complimenting me?"
Allen avoided the old man's piercing gaze, deliberately blinking innocently.
In that instant, he suddenly realized what that fleeting, strange sensation from before truly was. It wasn't an ability, but a desire to surpass the opponent and oneself during combat, regardless of whether one was actively hunting or being hunted.
In short, it was the heart of a True Hunter.
Netero seemed to notice the change in Allen's mental state and smiled. "It seems you've found the answer you were looking for, haven't you?"
"Thanks to your guidance."
Allen bent down and bowed to the elderly man who had enlightened him.
From this moment on, he had completely transformed. In terms of both power and mentality, he was a qualified "Hunter." Of course, this "Hunter" carried a dual meaning. One naturally referred to a Hunter within the Hunter Association, and the other was a Hunter from WoW.
The former is a special professional who explores the unknown and pursues various interests to achieve self-actualization. The latter is a skilled predator who hunts valuable targets, just as Allen had envisioned when he created his Nen Beast, the Red Dragon: to grow ever stronger by seizing and consuming the power of his prey.
"I believe you will become an outstanding Hunter."
Gazing at Allen's bright, no longer confused eyes, Netero nodded with satisfaction, then asked with a knowing smile, "So… shall we continue the game?"
"Absolutely! Although I know I probably can't win the game right now, it's always good to accumulate more real combat experience. Besides, I'm enjoying this immensely."
The moment the words left his mouth!
Allen rushed out again like an arrow leaving the bow, a look of sheer enjoyment radiating from his face as he swung his fist, challenging the powerful old man before him. In this moment, he had abandoned complex thought, focusing intently on just one thing: landing a solid hit on Netero.
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You can read the ahead chapter on Patr if you're interested: p-atre-on.c-om/Overgod [Just remove the hyphen to access normally]