Chapter 5
Ron opened his eyes.
A vast amount of aura began to gather before him.
The butler and maid outside couldn't help but steal glances in his direction.
Even Maha Zoldyck sensed it.
After a while, Ron opened his eyes again.
An invisible crystal ball materialized in front of him.
This was Ron's Nen ability: Ultimate Intent of the Observer. (T/N: It will be referred to as "Observer" or "Intent of Observer" in the future.)
"As long as I observe, this crystal ball can absorb the characteristics of the surrounding area. When enough characteristics are gathered, I will be able to create a corresponding Nen beast."
"The more unique the area, the more powerful the Nen beast I can create."
Ron's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"This represents the Contract and Restriction."
"It requires specific conditions to create a Nen beast."
"Let's begin with the Zoldyck estate."
"After absorbing its characteristics, what kind of Nen beast can I create from this prestigious assassin family's estate? What strength will it achieve?"
Ron felt a surge of anticipation.
---
As a Nen user, Ron was now fully initiated.
He had mastered the foundational four techniques, plus Gyo.
For a new Nen user, mastering these techniques early on was already impressive.
This was the foundation.
Higher-level techniques would require a solid groundwork before they could be learned.
For a Nen user, Ron's starting point was remarkably high.
He had the privilege of being personally taught by Maha Zoldyck, one of the five greatest Nen users in the world.
Even within the Zoldyck family, no one else received such treatment—not even Killua Zoldyck, who was considered the family's successor.
In the Zoldyck family, the principle of inheritance was single-threaded; typically, only one person from each generation could fully inherit the family's legacy.
Following Maha Zoldyck were Zigg, Zeno, Silva, and then Killua.
Illumi, Milluki, and Kalluto were not considered in this hierarchy.
Therefore, Killua's training was entirely different from that of the others.
Illumi was allowed to engage with Nen early on.
Kalluto had a similar experience.
As for Alluka, her situation was somewhat unique, making her an exception.
Milluki did not practice Nen; instead, he dedicated himself to computer technology and took a hands-off approach.
Only Killua was receiving structured training.
Both Zeno and Silva had plans for Killua.
Illumi had plans as well.
Illumi was not merely a protective brother; he treated Milluki and Kalluto differently than he treated Killua.
The reason lay in Killua's unique potential.
Illumi himself was not an heir, so he had a vested interest in Killua's future.
Illumi hoped that Killua could surpass the traditional expectations of the Zoldyck family.
Zigg had also received training from Maha Zoldyck when he was young.
However, he couldn't be compared to Ron now.
Even Killua, who was hailed as a prodigy, fell short in comparison to Ron, let alone the others.
Ron remembered that most Nen users in the Sky Arena were mediocre. (T/N: Sky Arena and Heaven's Arena will be used interchangeably.)
This wasn't to say they lacked talent.
It was simply that their paths were flawed.
In the Sky Arena, the dynamics of the 200th floor and below were entirely different.
Floors below 200 consisted of ordinary fighters.
Floors above 200 served as battlegrounds for Nen users.
The difference between having Nen and not having it was immense.
Many fighters who ascended to the 200th floor in hopes of fame often faced severe setbacks.
For Nen users, it was like an extra dimension in their attack power against ordinary people.
Some individuals had such terrible luck that they died right on the arena stage just by being lightly hit with a Nen-infused punch.
Even those who were lucky enough to survive often sustained severe injuries.
At this point, two scenarios typically unfolded:
One outcome was that, after sustaining serious injuries, they became disheartened and left the Sky Arena.
The other outcome was that, after enduring the attacks of a Nen user, they passively opened their aura pores. By mastering the techniques of Zetsu and Ten, they eventually became Nen users themselves.
These individuals were referred to as Baptized Ones.
The meaning was simple: these people became Nen users only after undergoing the baptism on the 200th floor.
Baptized Ones tended to band together for support.
However, without guidance, they could only rely on trial and error, learning through their own experiences.
As a result, they often had only a rudimentary understanding of Nen techniques.
Most Baptized Ones in the Sky Arena didn't even know how to use Gyo.
The Zoldyck family had a distinctive trait:
Only the true heirs had white hair, while everyone else had black hair.
This was why Zeno initially scrutinized Ron's hair.
Because Ron's hair was black as well.
Zeno didn't quite understand why Maha Zoldyck placed such importance on Ron.
---
Ron stepped out of his room.
Maha's figure appeared.
"Ron, have you developed your ability?"
"Yes, great-grandfather."
Ron glanced at the nearby invisible crystal ball.
This crystal ball was so intangible that even Maha Zoldyck couldn't perceive it.
It resembled the chameleon ability of the Chimera Ants.
Nen abilities can manifest in various forms.
The first type is visible to ordinary people, such as the manifestations from a Conjuration-type Nen user.
For example, many items from Greed Island are products of Conjuration.
They can be seen without using Gyo.
The second type is visible when using Gyo, like Machi's Nen threads or Hisoka's bungee gum.
The third type cannot be seen even when using Gyo.
Examples of this include the chameleon ability of the Chimera Ants and Ron's crystal ball.
No one else, except Ron, could see it.
Ron noticed that the crystal ball was currently emitting a faint allure.
Surrounding objects were slowly being absorbed into the crystal ball.
Bit by bit.
The moment the crystal ball became full, it would indicate that enough characteristics had been absorbed.
At that point, Ron would be able to use these characteristics to create his own Nen beast.
"A month's time."
Based on Ron's estimate, it would take about a month for the crystal ball to fill.
"What are your plans next?" Maha Zoldyck asked.
Ron hesitated for a moment before replying.
"I'd like to stay in the estate for a while longer. After all, I was born and raised here, and there are still many places in the estate I haven't explored."
"I want to see them."
"After that, I'd like to visit the Sky Arena."
"I'm quite interested in that place."
Maha Zoldyck nodded.
"Make sure to come back after a year, and I will teach you the remaining Nen techniques."
"Yes, great-grandfather."
"I will enter seclusion for a while. If you need anything, just find Zeno."
"Alright."
After speaking, Maha Zoldyck turned and left, his figure vanishing in an instant.
No one knew the exact location of Maha Zoldyck's seclusion—not even the butler.
Not even Zeno was aware.
Ron, however, didn't rush to take action.
The absorption process of the crystal ball was ongoing.
This was the yard of Maha Zoldyck, which surely possessed excellent characteristics.
The better the characteristics, the stronger the Nen beast Ron would be able to create after absorption.
Ron divided his time into two parts.
One was physical training.