"The victor will be determined by the Heaven Arena's scoring rules. Killua, you've been to the Heaven Arena, so you should understand the rules," Silva stated.
Killua nodded. "Father, explain it to Loki."
"No need. I have a general understanding. Mr. Silva, you'll be the referee," Loki said, showing no concern about Silva favoring Killua.
"Very well," Silva agreed.
"Killua, go get 'em! Loki, good luck!" Gon shouted from the sidelines. Since it wasn't a life-or-death fight, he wasn't worried and was excited to watch.
Kurapika and Leorio, while friendly with Killua, remained silent. Cheering for either would seem biased. They both believed Loki would win. Killua was impressive, but Loki had been granted Hunter status without completing the trials, demonstrating exceptional strength and talent. They believed Loki had the edge.
"Then, let the match begin!" Silva declared, waving his hand between them.
Initially, Killua didn't attack, gesturing for Loki to go first.
Loki smiled. "Very well. I'll make the first move. Be careful!"
"Bring it on!" Killua responded.
Silva thought Killua had already lost by not attacking first. Loki's current strength was beyond Killua's, though Killua would eventually surpass him.
Loki accelerated, attacking with a simple grab. He used only strength and speed, no Nen.
Killua easily dodged with a jump.
"Is that all you've got, Loki?" Killua asked.
Loki smiled. "My turn."
Killua found Loki's casual demeanor infuriating.
"Be careful yourself," Killua said.
Swish!
Killua's speed surpassed Loki's, turning into a black shadow and charging towards him. This was a test, not his full speed.
He approached Loki, who remained motionless.
'He's not dodging? Hmph!' Killua was angered by this perceived underestimation.
'I'll show him!'
Killua increased his speed and force, striking Loki's neck with a hand chop.
He chuckled. 'Let's see you get knocked out! You dare challenge the Zoldycks…'
Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through his arm. His face contorted.
Clang!
Killua felt like his arm hit steel, a metallic clang echoing. He leaped back, clutching his arm, his face flushed with disbelief.
'How? His body is so hard… like steel.'
"Ouch… ouch…" Killua winced, trying to suppress his pain.
Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio were stunned. They hadn't expected Killua's speed, and they saw Killua hit Loki, yet Loki was unharmed, while Killua seemed injured.
Silva, the only one who saw clearly, watched Loki intently.
'Such a technique…'
'He tensed his muscles, using no Nen, to achieve steel-like defense. How did he learn such a refined technique?'
If Loki developed this himself, it was even more astonishing.
"If combined with Nen…" Silva imagined the scene. Nen provided strong defense, like a weightless bulletproof vest. Combined with this technique, the defense would be greatly enhanced.
'But there seems to be a flaw,' Silva noted, observing Loki. After releasing the defense, Loki turned to Killua.
'Perhaps he can't move while using this technique?'
It made sense. Tense muscles would easily break the defense if he moved. Strengthening his movements while maintaining this defense might be possible.
Indeed, the kid chosen by the Hunter Association Chairman. This technique alone is something that not just anyone can think of, and even if they did, not just anyone can learn it.
'It takes exceptional talent and perseverance. The hardship involved is unimaginable.' Silva now felt Killua's training wasn't strict enough.
"Are you alright?" Loki asked with a faint smile, which Killua took as mockery. "Fine. Again."
"Good. Let's continue."
Killua frowned. 'His defense is too strong. I can't win with brute force. I need to find his opening and strike.'
Silva watched. Killua wasn't rushing. He needed to find Loki's weakness. Loki, shrouded in his white cloak, seemed to have openings everywhere, but attacking would lead to the same result.
'Body Flicker!' Killua used the same technique as Netero's ball-grabbing game. Loki had seen it before. The first time, it was amazing. Now, he saw through it easily. It was a technique to create afterimages with footwork to confuse the opponent's movement. Loki, with awakened Nen, wasn't fooled.
Loki waited for Killua's attack.
'Looking for my weakness? I'll give you one.'
Loki subtly shifted his foot. Killua noticed.
'His left leg is slightly back, his right side forward. His right side is stronger, so his left side leans back. The weakness is on the left.'
Killua attacked from behind, using his full speed and power for a decisive blow.
Silva shook his head. 'He fell for it, Killua!'
'He lacks combat experience!'
But Killua didn't think so.
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