Chapter 58: The Dream Witch

Today, Heaven's Arena was packed with excitement as word of the newly qualified fighters challenging the Floor Masters quickly spread.

The atmosphere was electric with anticipation.

"Hey, did you hear? Those newbies are taking on all the Floor Masters at once!"

"No way! That's insane! Who are these guys?"

The buzz of conversation filled the air as spectators from all over the arena gathered to witness the unprecedented event.

The corridor leading to the big monitor was bustling with energy as spectators gathered to catch a glimpse of the action.

"Look at all these people!"

"It's like everyone's here for Raymond's fight!"

Killua and Gon marveled at the sea of faces filling every available seat, eager to witness the spectacle unfolding in the arena.

They had just caught wind of Raymond's presence at Heaven's Arena when news of his challenge to the 250th Floor Master spread throughout the arena like wildfire.

After confirming it was indeed the Raymond they knew of, they wasted no time in making their way to the arena to catch the showdown.

"But isn't his opponent a renowned fighter too?"

Zushi added to the conversation, sparking a lively debate about the match-up and whether Raymond's opponent stood a chance against him.

Zushi was skeptical as he had never heard of the person they were discussing.

He was firm in his belief that the Floor Master of the 250th was the ultimate powerhouse of the Heaven's Arena.

Even though everyone wanted to watch all the matches by staying at the corridor, each arena was still full of people excited to see the fight up close.

Wing shook his head as he glanced at the kids, then scanned the arena. His attention sharpened when he spotted a man with thick glasses in the crowd.

"Hmm, he's not challenging the floor master, too, is he?"

Wing became cautious as he noticed Sin, one of the new fighters on the 200th floor who was qualified to challenge the floor master.

He was accompanied by a group of men in matching black suits and sunglasses, seemingly taking charge and spreading out across the arena.

"Ladies and gentlemen!"

Wing sensed something brewing as the announcer's voice echoed throughout the arena.

"Welcome to another thrilling night at Heaven's Arena! I'm your host, Lyn, and tonight's showdown is going to be absolutely epic!"

The crowd erupted in cheers, anticipating the epic battle that was about to unfold.

"And now, making his grand entrance, the man whose legend forced Heaven's Arena to rewrite its rulebook - give it up for Raymond Celestia!"

"Raymond! Raymond! Raymond!"

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, chanting Raymond's name with excitement as he made his way into the arena.

The announcer's voice brimmed with excitement as she exclaimed, "Get ready, everyone! Raymond Celestia is back to steal the show and reclaim his glory!"

Raymond scanned the lively crowd as he strolled confidently towards the arena.

With a nod from the referee, Raymond flashed a smile, signaling his readiness to take on the challenge.

"Facing off against Raymond, we have the enigmatic Floor Master of the 250th floor! Introducing Cassandra! She's maintained an unbeaten streak shrouded in mystery, leaving everyone wondering just how formidable she truly is."

As the announcer's words echoed, a young woman in a flowing purple kimono, her hair and eyes a matching shade of purple, lazily stepped into view.

She appeared half-asleep as she ambled towards the arena.

"Tonight, she's taking center stage to uphold her title against Raymond Celestia!"

While the crowd and announcer buzzed with excitement, Cassandra appeared rather nonchalant.

With a bored yawn, she glanced at Raymond, "Let's make this quick so I can go back to sleep..."

Her words drifted lazily to both the referee and Raymond.

The referee felt a bead of sweat trickle down his forehead at Cassandra's remark, but Raymond just laughed it off.

"Okay, everyone! With both fighters in position and raring to go, let the show begin!"

With deliberate steps, the referee walked off the stage as he caught Raymond's curious gaze.

Then, with a sudden raise of his hand, he bellowed, "Let the match begin!"

The excitement in the air was palpable, echoing not only on the 250th floor but resonating through every level from 230th to the top.

With all battles kicking off simultaneously, anticipation ran high.

But to everyone's surprise, Raymond and Cassandra remained motionless, turning the cheers into a hush of uncertainty.

"What's going on?"

"Are they just standing there?"

"Well, this is quite disappointing..."

Confusion and disappointment washed over the arena, with spectators exchanging puzzled glances as Raymond and Cassandra remained motionless in the ring, leaving everyone wondering what was happening.

"Hmm? Aren't you going to make a move?" Cassandra inquired, tilting her head cutely to the side.

Raymond shook his head with a smile.

"Not just yet," he replied, glancing at the time on his wristwatch.

Cassandra blinked in confusion at Raymond's hesitation, then asked again, "Are you waiting for something?"

"Yeah, kinda," Raymond admitted.

"Do you want me to kick things off?"

Cassandra sighed, "Please. I'd rather be in my cozy bed on the 250th floor."

"I doubt you'll be napping there after this," Raymond retorted.

"Huh?"

Cassandra's drowsy expression shifted as her sleepiness began to fade.

She furrowed her eyebrows, "You seem confident in yourself..." 

"No, that's what I should be asking. Are you confident in beating me?"

Raymond responded with a light smirk

"Hmm, annoying guy," Cassandra scoffed childishly, her playful demeanor shifting as the sleepiness in her eyes vanished.

She was easily provoked by Raymond's simple banter, her lips forming a pout of irritation.

Suddenly, she opened her hands wide, a determined glint in her eyes, "You asked for this, go die!"

With a swift motion, a wave of Nen gathered in her outstretched palms, pulsating with a vibrant purple hue.

As she focused her aura, her body began to shimmer, gradually transforming into a swirling mist of purple energy.

The mist expanded rapidly, engulfing the entire arena in a surreal haze.

Raymond found his line of sight obscured, the mist distorting his surroundings and leaving him disoriented in its ethereal embrace.

"Hey, look! Cassandra's getting in on the action!"

"About time! This is what we came for!"

"Yeah, I was starting to nod off!"

"Alright, things are getting spicy now!"

The previously quiet crowd erupted with renewed energy, their enthusiasm returning as they eagerly watched the unfolding battle in anticipation.

As the mist began to clear, the anticipation in the crowd grew to a fever pitch.

They eagerly awaited the reveal of the fighters, but as Cassandra's mist dispersed, their excitement turned to confusion and disbelief.

"...???"

"What in the world?"

"Did anything even happen?"

In the arena, Raymond and Cassandra remained in the same positions, seemingly unaffected by the mysterious mist that had enveloped them moments before.

Meanwhile, Sin, leading a small team of bodyguards from the Celestial Force, signaled for the others to stay alert and be ready to act if needed.

He observed the arena, noticing that both fighters appeared to have a distant look in their eyes.

"So, she's the Dream Witch, huh?"

Sin muttered to himself, "Looks like they were both in the dreamland at the moment..."

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