Chapter 53: A Weakling

Hey, guys, there will only be one chapter today.

I've been quite busy lately, I hope you understand! Thanks!

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It had been a few days since Raymond decided to tweak his plan slightly, and now he found himself standing before the towering structure of the Heaven's Arena.

The area in front of the arena was bustling with activity, filled with people in black suits and sunglasses who seemed to be securing the area for a VIP.

All eyes turned to Raymond, who stood at the center of it all with curiosity.

"Who is he?"

"I don't know, probably a rich heir or something?"

Despite the unusually long line today...

"Welcome, Master!"

Among the first few hundred in line were all his people. With a chuckle, he made his way towards the registration booth.

"Hello, how can I assist you?"

The booth lady asked with excitement as Raymond responded, "I registered a while back. I'd like to step into the ring again."

"Oh? Um, what was your name again?"

"Raymond. I remember using just my first name back then," Raymond replied.

She nodded and entered his name in the Heaven's Arena system.

"...!"

However, her eyes immediately widened, and she turned to Raymond with a look of shock.

"Oh? You recognize me?"

"Yes, I've heard of you before. You've got 9 wins on the 200th floor already, and we're still counting them, given... your unique situation..."

They had to alter a certain rule because of the man standing in front of her, so of course she knew who he was.

"Umm..."

She glanced at the special note under his file, confirming that his wins were still valid.

"So, if you're up for it, you'll need to head straight to the 200th floor to continue fighting. Are you okay with that?"

"Sure thing, that makes things comvenient."

Raymond nodded, noticing the clerk visibly relax, which made him chuckle.

"Alright, please wait a moment. We'll have someone guide you to the 200th floor. You can register for a fight there..."

Another staff member approached and gestured for Raymond to follow her, leading him to the 200th floor after he told his men to stay there.

Arriving at the familiar, lengthy corridor, Raymond couldn't help but smile slightly as he followed the staff member to the registration booth on the 200th floor.

There, he found another clerk with sleepy eyes who nodded in acknowledgment as she turned to him.

"I heard about your situation from my colleague. Would you like to immediately sign up for a fight? Just keep in mind, you only need one more win to challenge the floor masters..."

"I see, sure, I'll register myself. And would it be possible to use my full name this time? It's Raymond Celestia."

"Sure thing, Raymond Celestia it is..."

The sleepy clerk replied with a nod, making the adjustment without even questioning it.

Raymond's eyes sparkled with cunning light at this development.

With his tenth win approaching, his name would undoubtedly catch the attention of the Ten Dons, who had been eager to uncover the face and identity of the mastermind behind the Celestia Consortium.

"Well, currently we don't have anyone else signed up for a match, so you might have to wait a bit until another fighter registers. Are you alright with that?"

Raymond nodded in agreement, "Yeah, sur--"

"I'll sign up then," a voice interrupted his sentence.

Raymond turned to see a man wearing a red robe and a conical hat, with a breathing mask and a metal prosthetic peg leg.

"Perfect timing!"

The clerk exclaimed with her still sleepy eyes and tired face as if trying to sound excited. She then turned to Raymond, "Would you mind facing off against fighter Gido?"

"..."

Raymond simply nodded in response, and the clerk swiftly registered their fight to be scheduled soon.

"Alright, your match is set for tomorrow. Be sure to arrive at least half an hour early!"

She instructed, addressing both Raymond and Gido, who nodded in agreement.

"Are you new around here?"

Gido suddenly asked.

Raymond shook his head, "Not really..."

Gido's eyes gleamed with excitement behind his mask. He had been hoping for an easy win, and now he spotted Raymond registering for a fight.

He quietly observed this new face, silently assessing him from the sideline.

Quietly observing the newcomer, Gido took in Raymond's attire, which seemed more suited for a businessman than a martial artist or fighter.

Based on appearances alone, Gido assumed Raymond wouldn't be much of a challenge.

"Well, then you're in luck. For your first fight, I'll go easy on you," Gido said, his voice tinged with amusement beneath his mask.

Raymond's response that he wasn't entirely new led Gido to assume he had been in the arena for quite sometime before he made it to the 200th floor.

"He took quite a while to get here, so he can't be that tough," Gido thought, a spark of happiness twinkling in his eyes.

He couldn't help but feel a surge of delight, thinking his guess about Raymond being a lightweight might be right on the mark.

"Oh, really? You'll go easy on me? That's very kind of you. I appreciate it," Raymond replied with a warm smile, his words dripping with sincerity.

"Good, that's how you should be responding to my favor..."

Gido couldn't help but feel a sense of smug satisfaction at Raymond's response.

Little did Gido know, Raymond's eyes weren't even smiling along with his lips.

"Well, then, good luck in your preparation, newbie."

Gido spoke as he slowly made his way toward his room in slow steps with his metal prosthetic peg leg.

"..."

Raymond watched in silence as Gido sauntered away, disappearing into the long corridor.

Shaking his head, Raymond's expression reverted to its usual nonchalant demeanor as he stepped into the lift, heading back to the ground floor.

Emerging from the lift, Raymond arched an eyebrow as he spotted Sakujiro among the crowd with his men around him like how a loyal subordinate should.

They quickly secured the area, respectfully bowing as Sakujiro approached Raymond.

"How did it go?"

Raymond inquired, knowing Sakujiro had been personally training Sin, whose abilities they would soon require.

For the past few days, Sakujiro had been rarely seen and only showing up for crucial reports that required his personal attention.

With a rare small smile softening his typically stoic expression, Sakujiro nodded, "We've made it. Though, he can only make it last for about 10 minutes if he pushes himself to the limit, but its range is already within your requirements..."

"Hmm, I see. 10 minutes should enough, don't worry..."

Raymond responded with a satisfied smile.

Sakujiro then led him towards the car as Raymond prepared to tackle the rest of his busy day, with a string of meetings awaiting him.

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