Ten days passed in the blink of an eye.
In the days following the dinner party, Leo spent most of his time Cultivating in his private room on the 200th floor of Heavens Arena.
His total Nen volume was steadily increasing, and he could now stably maintain 'Ken' for 50 minutes.
During this period, he fought one match. His opponent was an Emitter who had recently reached the 200th floor; while their strength was decent, they couldn't last three minutes against Leo.
Eight wins, two losses.
He was only two wins away from qualifying for Floor Master.
Sophia hadn't been idle either. Under Leo's guidance, she further optimized the rules of her 'Duel Arena' ability, making it even more effective in actual combat.
In a battle against an Enhancer veteran, she used the unique nature of her ability to stubbornly outlast her opponent, bringing her record to five wins and one loss.
The one who had changed the most was Nico.
This once-cowardly chubby boy seemed to have undergone a complete transformation under Sophia's rigorous training.
He appeared in the training room punctually at six every morning for weighted runs, basic physical conditioning, and fighting stances—the training plan Sophia devised for him was merciless.
In just ten days, Nico had lost a full ten pounds. His originally round face now had defined angles, and his gaze had become much firmer.
Even more crucial was his mindset.
That day, Leo had given him several million jenny to purchase top-tier computer equipment and assigned him his first task: gather all intelligence related to the Genei Ryodan.
"These people are very dangerous. Be careful while searching and leave no traces,"
Leo had warned at the time.
"If you find anything, notify me immediately."
Nico's hands were shaking when he took the money—not from fear, but from excitement.
He was finally needed; he finally had an opportunity to prove his worth.
After that, aside from training, he spent all his time soaked in front of the computer, his fingers flying across the keyboard as if performing a silent symphony.
On the afternoon of the fourth day, Leo received a phone call.
The caller ID showed Biscuit.
"Hello, Master Biscuit."
"Mm, I'll arrive at Heavens Arena tomorrow."
Biscuit's voice was as crisp as ever, carrying an unquestionable tone.
"By the way, notify that kid Wing. I'm coming this time to inspect your cultivation results. If you dare to slack off... hmph."
Leo gave a bitter smile.
"Understood, I will pass the word to Senior Brother."
After hanging up, he went to Wing's room.
When he pushed open the door, Wing was lying comfortably in a lounge chair with a manga in hand and half a glass of juice nearby.
The afternoon sunlight spilled over him through the window, and his whole being radiated a lazy atmosphere of 'peaceful times.'
"Senior Brother, Master Biscuit arrives tomorrow."
Leo got straight to the point.
Thud.
The manga book slipped from Wing's hand and hit the floor.
He bounced up from the lounge chair as if struck by lightning, his eyes wide and round.
"What?! Tomorrow?! Why is that old master suddenly coming..."
The expression on his face instantly collapsed as he grumbled,
"My beautiful days of slacking off have only just begun..."
Leo shrugged, indicating he couldn't help.
"Master said she wants to inspect our cultivation results. Senior Brother, you... shouldn't have completely wasted your time lately, right?"
Wing guiltily shifted his gaze and leaned over to pick up the manga.
"O-Of course not! I've been persevering with my cultivation every day... probably."
Seeing him like this, Leo already knew the truth in his heart.
"Anyway, see you tomorrow. Good luck."
As he left Wing's room, Leo could still hear mournful sighs coming from behind him.
The next morning.
Five people were gathered in Leo's room—Sophia, Shizuku, Wing, and Nico, who had come along with Sophia.
The weather outside was clear and sunny.
"Master, is Grandmaster Biscuit really that amazing?"
Sophia asked curiously.
She had heard Leo mention this master but had never met her.
"Very amazing."
Leo nodded. "She is a Two-Star Gem Hunter and a master of the Shingen-ryu. Both Senior Brother Wing and I owe our progress to her guidance."
Shizuku sat quietly in the corner, adjusting her glasses. She seemed to be thinking about something, but with her memory, she might forget it the moment she turned around.
Nico was somewhat nervous, constantly adjusting his collar—he had specifically put on clean clothes today, though they still didn't fit quite right.
Wing had two dark circles under his eyes, clearly not having slept well last night.
He would sigh one moment and rub his temples the next, his whole body radiating an aura of 'I'm doomed.'
Knock, knock, knock.
The sound of knocking echoed. Leo went over to open the door.
Two people were standing outside.
In front was Biscuit, still looking petite and cute with her golden twin-tails and pink dress, appearing like a harmless little girl.
But Leo knew exactly what kind of terrifying strength was hidden beneath that appearance.
And behind her—a boy who looked about eleven or twelve years old.
He had short hair, a round face, and clear eyes. He wore a simple T-shirt and shorts, with a small backpack on his back.
He stood perfectly straight, hands pressed tightly against his trouser seams, looking very formal but with a very straight spine.
A little boy? Is it Chiharu? Leo understood immediately.
"Good morning, Master Biscuit."
Leo stepped aside.
"Please come in."
Biscuit nodded and walked into the room.
Chiharu followed behind her, bowing slightly as he passed Leo, his movements as standard as if he'd undergone etiquette training.
The several people in the room stood up simultaneously.
Biscuit scanned the room, her eyebrows lifting slightly.
"Oh? So many people?"
Leo hurried to explain.
"Apologies, Master, I didn't inform you in advance. These are my companions—this is Sophia, my disciple; this is Shizuku, a new member; and this is Nico, a computer expert Sophia rescued who is now following us."
Sophia stepped forward and bowed deeply.
"Greetings, Grandmaster Biscuit! My name is Sophia. I often hear Master mention you!"
Shizuku adjusted her glasses and nodded in greeting.
"Hello."
Nico was so nervous he stammered.
"H-Hello!"
Biscuit's gaze lingered on the three for a moment, looking at Sophia a bit longer than the others, before nodding.
"Not bad."
She didn't ask further and patted Chiharu behind her.
"His name is Chiharu, a promising talent I encountered a few days ago. I originally planned to initiate him myself, but I'll be busy with matters for the next few months, so I brought him here. I want you two to be responsible for teaching him."
Chiharu stepped forward two paces and gave a ninety-degree bow to everyone in the room, his voice loud and clear.
"Hello everyone! My name is Chiharu, I am eleven years old! It is a pleasure to meet you!"
Leo responded with a smile.
"Pleasure to meet you, Chiharu. I am Leo, your Senior Brother."
Wing also managed to squeeze out a smile.
"Hello Chiharu, I am Wing, also a disciple of Master Biscuit."
With the introductions finished, Biscuit got straight to the point.
"Regarding teaching Chiharu, which of you will be responsible?"
Leo said almost without hesitation,
"I think Senior Brother Wing is more suitable. He has a solid foundation and patience, making him perfect for teaching a newcomer. And—"
He paused.
"I'll be quite busy during this period and might not be able to spare much time."
Wing snapped his head toward Leo, eyes bulging and lips twitching, his expression as if saying:
'You little brat, you're setting me up?!'
"T-This might not be great..."
Wing tried to struggle.
"I've also been..."
Biscuit's brow furrowed, and she interrupted before he could finish.
"It'll be you, Wing."
She walked up to Wing and looked up at this disciple who was two heads taller than her, her tone leaving no room for doubt.
"It's good to find something for you to do, lest you continue to waste away."
"But Master, I..."
"Hmm?"
Biscuit's eyes narrowed.
Wing instantly shut his mouth. He knew this expression of his master's all too well—if he dared say another word, what followed wouldn't be a verbal lecture.
"...Yes."
He accepted dejectedly.
Leo held back his laughter at the side, his shoulders shaking slightly.
Biscuit nodded with satisfaction and said to Chiharu,
"Starting today, you will live with Wing. He will initiate you into the Shingen-ryu."
Chiharu nodded vigorously, his small face solemn.
"Yes! I will study hard!"
With that settled, Biscuit turned to the main topic.
"Alright, time to inspect your cultivation results."
She looked toward Sophia and the others.
"Sophia and the rest can come along too."
Leo nodded.
"Alright, Master. I originally intended for them to observe as well."
"Mm."
Biscuit said briskly.
"To the training room."
The group moved to the adjacent training room.
It was spacious, the floor covered with specialized shock-absorbing mats, and the surrounding walls were reinforced, enough to withstand high-intensity sparring.
Biscuit walked to the center of the area and beckoned to Wing.
"Wing, you first. Let me see if you've actually been cultivating diligently during this time."
Wing's body stiffened, and he walked up with a long face.
He knew he couldn't hide, so he could only bite the bullet and go for it.
The two stood five meters apart.
"Master, please guide me."
Wing assumed the Shingen-ryu starting stance, Nen slowly covering his entire body.
Biscuit didn't speak; she just stood there, hands hanging naturally at her sides, not even mobilizing her Nen.
But it was precisely this casual posture that put immense pressure on Wing.
"Here I come."
The moment the words left her mouth, Biscuit moved.
It wasn't very fast—at least in the eyes of the observers, her movements were clearly visible.
But Wing's expression changed instantly. He almost simultaneously stepped back, arms crossed to protect his chest!
Bang!
Biscuit's small fist slammed into Wing's arms.
Amidst the dull thud of impact, Wing slid back two meters, a jolt of sharp pain radiating from his arms.
"Reaction was slow,"
Biscuit evaluated, her figure charging forward again.
The next two minutes became a one-sided teaching battle.
Biscuit's attacks were unadorned—straight punches, side kicks, palm strikes.
There were no fancy abilities, just the most basic Taijutsu combined with exquisite Nen application.
Yet every strike precisely hit the weak points in Wing's defense, and every movement perfectly sealed off his evasion routes.
Wing struggled to parry, his Nen switching rapidly between 'Ken' and 'Ko', but he was always half a beat late.
Bang! He took a punch to the chest, retreating with a muffled groan.
Bang!
His side was kicked, causing him to stagger two steps.
Bang!
The back of his neck was lightly tapped by a hand-sword—had it been a real battle, this single blow would have been enough to knock him unconscious.
The onlookers were dumbfounded.
Sophia's eyes were wide.
She knew Biscuit was strong, but she hadn't expected her to be this powerful—she had seen Wing's strength, and he was definitely a top-tier fighter on the 200th floor, yet before Biscuit, he was like a child just learning to walk.
Shizuku adjusted her glasses, showing a rare expression of contemplation.
She was analyzing Biscuit's fighting style, while Nico was completely stunned, his mouth open wide enough to fit an egg.
Chiharu clenched his fists, his small face flushed, eyes full of admiration—is this the Shingen-ryu School he was to join?
So strong!
The fifth minute.
Biscuit ducked low and lunged, her left hand parrying Wing's defense while her right fist lightly pressed against his abdomen.
It wasn't a heavy blow, but the Nen penetrated through his body.
Wing's body stiffened, and he sank weakly to his knees, clutching his stomach and retching.
"Finished."
Biscuit withdrew her hand and shook her wrist, her face full of dissatisfaction.
"Hmph, I told you I'd be coming to inspect. One look and I can tell you haven't been cultivating seriously during this time."
Wing struggled to climb up, his forehead covered in cold sweat.
"I-I know I was wrong, Master..."
"Embarrassing."
Biscuit was merciless.
"Step down."
Wing limped back to the sidelines and sat down next to Leo, looking like a deflated balloon.
Leo patted his shoulder and whispered with a laugh,
"Senior Brother, I told you before—slacking off is one thing, but you should at least find some time to practice."
Wing rolled his eyes at him, having no energy to argue.
Biscuit stood in the center of the field and looked at Leo.
"Your turn,"
she said.
"Come, let me see how much progress you've made during this time."
Leo retracted his smile and stood up.
In that instant, the air in the training room suddenly grew heavy.