Becoming A Floor Master

Finally, the day came. My 10th match - my last fight before I challenged a floor master - had finished with me as the victor a month ago.

Now, I had finally gotten the opportunity to challenge a floor master.

I asked for the hardest one, and I'm glad I did.

He didn't like being called the "fighter name," but his fighter name is "Invisible Max."

Since his attacks were so fast no one could see them, he earned the name "Invisible," although he was not unnoticeable in the slightest.

Power simply oozed from the man in front of me... and I couldn't wait to learn.

Honestly, sometimes I was worried I might become like Hisoka... and that was something I wanted to avoid at all costs.

So I tried to train myself, rather than seek good fights pointlessly.

If I deemed a fight as something necessary or something that could help me, I'd fight.

This was both, so naturally I'd try to win rather than simply determine how strong my opponent was.

My opponent rarely fought.

When it was necessary to fight, he won in less than 2 minutes.

He barely showed any of his powers, and was therefore a mystery to most people.

Even using gyo, it was hard to understand what he was doing until re-watching his fight videos over and over again.

In any case, I was excited to fight an opponent that could be a challenge.

I shook slightly in anticipation and excitement as I stepped up to the platform.

The announcer introduces us, but I tune him out as I focus on my opponent and the battle.

Max had a poker face, looking almost bored, but when I looked closer I could see in his eyes that he was tensing up.

A whistle blew, and I immediately felt a sense of danger.

What is this?!

I jump up, unwilling to risk going to the side of ducking, and just in time, too, because a slash suddenly ripped through the air where I used to be.

He's not going easy on me.

I flipped in the air, gently landing on the other side of the ring.

I was frustrated with myself; I had gotten attacked right off the bat, and I hadn't even noticed!

I couldn't even figure out how he attacked me!

I pushed away my self-depreciating thoughts; I could afford to feel bad for myself in the middle of the fight.

Activating gyo, I saw a blur of nen before Max appeared right in front of me.

I barely had time to twist my body to the side and duck before his hand, enforced with nen, punched where my gut used to be.

Panting heavily, I ran with full speed towards Max.

I stopped using gyo, focusing 20% of nen on my chest and gut, 20% on my arms, and 60% on my legs.

After using Ryo, I kicked Max, hard, in the neck.

He seemed to realize where I was going at the last minute, though, so he put his arms in front of him with nen enforcing them at least 70%.

Frustrated as I merely pushed Max back a few inches, I jumped back, feeling uneasy.

Are all floor floor masters like this?

In the HxH movie, they all seemed pretty weak... though it's true Heavens Arena was bound to be more difficult in the past, since Killua once said something about how it had gotten weaker since the last time he'd been there.

I could imagine how much tougher Heavens Arena must've been centuries before Killua was even born.

I pulled out some needles, shooting them all at him. He blocked them with some kind of nen barrier, which led me to believe he was an emmiter.

I quickly took in the facts and started analyzing the data.

His nen blurred and appeared next to me, right before he appeared there. Could he possibly… teleport?

Maybe I should try to teleport short distances using emission, as well... since the space ability allows for longer distance but takes longer and more effort.

He could also create barriers capable enough to protect himself from my nen-enforced needles.

In the future, I should reform some of my needles to be able to pierce through nen for more difficult opponents, like Hisoka if I were to fight him in this decade.

I doubt I will be weaker than Hisoka when he is introduced, though.

Hisoka is strong; at least, he's interpreted as an extremely strong character in the anime and manga.

But while he was a threat to Chrollo, who was a threat to Zeno and Silva… I don't think he'd be that strong compared to (future) Maha.

In fact, he might even be weak compared to Maha, and if he were to fight Maha he definitely wouldn't win.

Chrollo isn't strong enough to take down (future) Maha, at least as far as I can tell.

Since Neturo fought against Maha and is considered one of the (if not most) strongest nen users in the world, and he fought Maha and both survived, Maha would definitely be able to beat

Hisoka since Maha fought Netero in his prime, when he was considered much stronger.

Since I'm Maha's older sister, I should be a little stronger than Maha, right?

Hopefully.

So Hisoka honestly shouldn't be a threat, although I couldn't help but be uneasy because of how the Hunter X Hunter series portrayed him.

Max can also slash through air - this could have to do with either vibration in the air, from nen, resulting in something like a nen-enforced knife slashing through the air at high speeds, or he could have teleported himself so fast even I couldn't see him, slashed with a hidden knife, and teleported back before I got a chance to notice.

The latter seems unlikely, so for now I'll assume it was the former (first) option.

I smirk, confident I wouldn't lose now.

All noise except for the ones Max was making got blurred.

This was unusual, and didn't go unnoticed by me; however, I didn't focus on it too much yet.

I tried to use emission to teleport, and after a few seconds I managed.

This was surprisingly easy; I just had to focus my nen on an area, imagine myself being there, and swap places with the nen.

I managed to do the basics of fighting teleportation- I should be able to stand a chance now.

Max seemed shocked, his cool facade slipping as he realized his secret was out, and, even worse, I had managed to use it.

Max got into a more battle-like stance. I could almost hear his thoughts;

"this girl not only realized what I was doing, she actually managed to do it herself. I have to be careful... I can't guarantee my win."

Knowing he probably had a secret move, I decided to finish this quickly.

I threw a needle as Max started producing a fine mist.

My eyes widened as I realized he was using transmutation to change his nen into a mist.

This was entirely unexpected - if this was a poisonous gas, I could probably withstand it.

If it's something I haven't been exposed to, I might have to be extra cautious.

I sniffed the gas, and realized it was a gas meant to paralyze the human body for several weeks. This gas infiltrated the brain and shut down the nerve system, paralyzing the body until the brain "re-booted."

My smirk widened as I teleported behind him.

I had been exposed to this in my previous life, and my brain had already built an immunity.

Since my mental self was the same, I still had some mental and brain immunities from my previous life.

Max started to grow fearful, though it wasn't noticeable for the average human, I saw straight through him.

The mist disappeared and Max switched to ten, watching me warily.

Since I had gained control of my nen during my training, and unlike Kastro who forgot the basics of nen, because of my memory I was able to master many advanced abilities while still keeping an open mind to how to use other parts of nen, like the basics and the advanced techniques.

I was able to teleport quickly, my nen appearing and reappearing in less than a second.

I'll have to practice to make it so quick no matter how much one focuses they cannot see it.

Maybe a millisecond?

That way, the only way someone could notice would be if their nen had to do with slowing time or seeing things in slow-motion, like me.

I chopped Max's neck, using 80% of my nen in the chop.

Max stumbles before falling down, but he quickly gets up and into a battle stance.

I appear at his side and kick him, just as he appears where I used to be.

So that's how he wants to play it, huh?

My small smile sits on my lips as I teleport to his side in a fraction of a second, before teleporting to his other side.

I continue doing this, knowing full well my nen would be able to hold out, and started making my teleportation so fast there were after-images of where I used to be.

Soon, there were over 30 of me and I kicked Max from behind, using Ko - focusing 100% of my power on my leg.

Max, who had gotten confused and disoriented by my many after-images, was taken by surprise and had only activated 20% in his back.

He went flying out of the pit, and when he got up, I knew the win was mine.

He got back into the pit, and suddenly a thought flashed through my brain - what if I could use the nen abilities of other people? Not stealing them, like Chrollo, but using them; analyzing how the power works and using it myself.

My memory certainly allowed for that to be a possibility, and as long as the abilities weren't specialists, I had enough time to learn lots of hatsus.

Unlike average nen-users, because of my "immortality" and having a long time to wait until Killua is born, I have enough time to learn and master many hatsu.

A satisfied smirk spread across my lips as I imagined the future filled with possibilities, adventure and excitement.

I would have to try that wind power out later; it was the only remarkable ability I had seen this far.

If I increased the wind's power, I might even be able to fly, not that I'd need it.

I jumped up, using nen to cushion the air to allow myself to run and jump on Max from above.

I grabbed his neck, plating my feet firmly on the floor, and, using nen on my arms, threw Max out of the pit. I stared coldly at his crumpled form.

Now that I know his secret, and beat him so easily, I feel disappointed and dissatisfied.

Unless a genius like Netero comes to challenge me, I won't be able to have a good fight since this guy was supposed to be the strongest in the entire tower.

I tune back in to the world, and immediately wish I hadn't.

Cheering, screaming, yelling was heard from the crowds, and the announcer was amping it up, excitedly shouting stuff like, "The Unbeatable Mizuki is truly UNBEATABLE! She defeats the strongest person in this entire tower, using amazing techniques. Will anyone be able to take her place as a new floor master?!"

I sigh, rolling my eyes as I brush my hands on my pants.

The dust on my hands lessened slightly, and I turned around and headed to the person in charge of registering for fights.

* * *

"Yeah, so what floor do I go on?"

I ask, slightly annoyed at the enthusiasm the woman in front of me was expressing.

"You're on the 250th floor, since 'Invisible Max' used to live there, too. Also, you have to remember this; it's important! At the Battle Olympia, floor masters fight along with challengers to get to the 251st floor, the highest suite in the entire tower! All floor masters have to attend to fight against challengers and to get the top floor!"

"What if I couldn't care less about the 'top floor' and no one challenges me? Can I just not fight here? I only wanted a free space for myself and strong challengers." I say, in a monotonous, bored voice.

It seems to make the woman nervous and unsure, though, because her voice comes out hesitantly.

"Um... what? I-I've never heard of that before... I think you have to come to the Battle Olympia at least once every decade, that's a certain... but if someone specifically asks for you, and they have 10 wins, you have to personally accept or decline it. Also, most challengers are strong and sometimes floor masters get replaced. It wouldn't be fair if you never showed up, and thus never got a chance to be replaced...."

I sigh, exasperated.

"Okay, then. I'll come to the Battle Olympia every decade. You don't have to worry about me dying and not knowing for the next ten years, though. And if anyone ever asks for the strongest fighter, announce it worldwide. I'll probably hear of it and I'll come to see my challenger, maybe even fight them. 'Kay?"

The woman seems shocked; obviously, most new Floor Masters so far were extremely hyped about becoming one and were excited for upcoming events for Floor Masters.

"I suppose that's alright...I think. I don't have the authority to grant it, though. You'll have to ask the people who make the rules; you can make the request to the administration."

I sigh, disappointed.

"Alright. How do I contact them? I'd like to get it over with."

The woman quickly turns to her computer and begins typing.

"Let's see... wow, it seems that one of the top members in the administration is actually here. He is currently staying at a nearby hotel for people fighting at Heavens Arena. It's called 'Heaven's Hotel.' His name is 'Rafel Litso.' Would you like directions to the hotel?"

Nice. Seems the woman has access to lots of information.

"Yes, please. Thank you for the information."

I say, reverting to my "happy little girl" look. It's a big change from the bored and cold top fighter, but she seems to accept it and starts saying it was nothing, and appears to think I'm "too cute!"

I take the map she hands me, and head to my floor in a special elevator for me, and press the 250th floor button.

***

When I get to my floor, I find a room and put my map down in the table.

The rooms were fully furnished - the living room had couches, televisions, and first-class furniture.

The main floor, however, was bare and empty. It seemed that 1/4 of the floor was dedicated for living space, and the rest was for the Floor Master to decide how to use.

I'll use it as a place to train and live when I don't have anywhere to go or if I'm low on money.

Well, now that I've made myself comfortable (kind of), let's go to the hotel!

I memorize the exact place, and teleport to the street near the hotel. I walk to the hotel, and ask for "Rafel Litso."

"Mr. Litso? May I ask how you're related to him?" Asks the person at the desk, in charge of the keys and rooms in the hotel.

"Yes, I'm here for business. Please let him know the new Floor Master is here to speak to him." I say, confidently and calmly.

"A Floor Master? Very well." The man replies, a brief look of surprise on his face before he goes back to business mode.

"Hello, Mr. Litso? … Yes, I apologize…. Someone here ask to see you. She is a bit... young, but she claims to be the new Floor Master. Shall I send her up?"

He asks, speaking with a professional tone.

He waits, listening to the person on the other end of the line, before replying.

"Yes, sir. I'll send her up."

He hangs up, then faces me with a professional smile.

"Miss, his room is 218, on the second floor. You can go right up. Have a good day, Miss," he says, speaking respectfully and treating me as though I were an adult, even though a seven-year-old girl stood before him.

"Alright. Thank you, sir." I say, bowing politely before heading to the elevator.

I press number 2, and use en briefly to make sure there was no one hostile.

After arriving on the floor, I stand in front of the door and use en on the entire floor (I had practiced en as well, since it's very useful. Turns out I was very talented at en, and thus was naturally able to spread it very far).

No one was doing anything suspicious, and there were three people in the room before me.

It was unlikely they had hostile intentions, since they were positions together on a couch, so I rang the bell.

The door opens, and before me stands a shorter than average male who looked to be about 40 years old.

"Welcome! Come on in," he says joyfully, motioning inside kindly.

Sensing no hidden hostile intent or malicious intentions, I followed him in, sitting on the empty couch.

The other two people, one man about 36 and a woman in her 30s, were on the couch in front of me.

The man who opened the door sat on an armchair, and introduced himself and his companions to me.

"My name is Rafel Litso; you can call me Rafel! These two are John and Natalia. They are also on the board of administrators. They are my co-workers, but I like to think our relationship is something more along the lines of 'friends' than 'business associates,' you get what I mean?"

He chuckled, eyes twinkling with mirth and honest joy.

I smiled.

Its certainly been a while since I've been able to act honestly around someone….

"Nice to meet you, Rafel. I'm here about the Heavens Arena…."

I respond, unsure how to start.

"Yes, amazing how someone so young became the strongest fighter. Go on!" He says kindly.

"Well, I'm not sure I'll be able to come to every one of the Heavens Arena Battle Olympias. Is it alright if I only come once every ten years? The person at the desk said that should be fine… oh, and you don't have to worry about me dying or anything; I promise nothing will happen!"

I say childishly, slipping into my "innocent and cute child" mode.

"Yes, of course. That should be fine. And, of course, if anyone ever wants to fight you, we'll notify you. Thank you for coming all the way to meet me for this, it's certainly an honor. I have no doubt you will be become very powerful in the future, Miss Mizuki."

Rafel says understandingly.

Honestly, I was shocked.

He accepted it so quickly, and understood my other request.

"Thank you… do you know how to notify me?"

I ask, unsure if I should make a request as demanding as making world-wide news just to reach out to me.

"Of course, I doubt I will be able to reach you easily. If you were able to guarantee you would accept the challenger, I could make it world-wide news, since Heavens Arena is fairly famous. It's just that I wouldn't be able to do that if you declined, since I can't bring down Heavens Arena's reputation by announcing insincere or untrue fights or battles. I can't just lead everyone to believe there will be a 'fight of the century' and then say 'never mind!' You understand, right? So yes, I would indeed like to hear your method of how I can reach you."

I smile guiltily; I had indeed thought of that, but I hadn't expected him to ask me for my insight.

"Alright… you can just call or text me. You can give me your or someone else's phone number, and I'll add you to my contacts. And you can text me your new phone number if you get a new one."

Rafel smiles, and pulls out his phone.

"But of course."

I pull my phone out, as well, and, and Rafel starts announcing his phone number loudly and clearly.

I type the digits in, label the contact "Rafel Litso," and send him a text saying "it's me."

He receives it, and creates my contact.

"Very well. Now that that's settled, would you like to have a cup of tea with us? I have something I'd like to discuss with you."

***

"Miss Mizuki, I'm sure you've heard of the 'Hunter Association,' correct?"

He asks, serious this time.

"Yes, I have. Although I've not become one yet."

I reply, unsure what he was getting at.

"Well, this may come as a shock to you, but currently I'm the chairman of the Hunter Association. I would like to offer you a Hunters License, as I believe you are more than deserving of one. Would you accept it?"

I nearly spit out tea I was taking a sip of; this man, someone who just helped make the rules for Heavens Arena, was the CHAIRMAN of THE Hunter Association?!

"P-pardon?"

I ask, wondering if my ears deceived me.

"Well, Miss Mizuki? Please do accept."

Rafel - or Chairman Litso - says, smiling politely as he holds out a Hunters License to me.

I shakily take it from him, and smile warily.

"Thank you, sir…."

"Oh, please; continue calling me Rafel. I must say, it's been quite a while since I've seen such potential and power from such a young girl. You surprise and please me, so it would indeed be fun to remain in touch with you."

Was this guy Netero's father or something?! Their personalities were practically the same!

"Yes, thank you, Rafel. It would be an honor to keep in touch with you."

I say, slightly less tense.

"Wonderful! Now, if you need to be somewhere, feel free to go! And do meet up with me someday again, would you? Perhaps when you're older…."

I nod, saying "of course. But please, I must ask for a favor…"

Rafel perks up, focusing on me.

"Oh? What is it, do tell!"

"Well, I'm probably going to be taking the 287th Hunter Exam; is that alright? Since I've never taken the exam before?"

Rafel seems surprised, but quickly recovers.

"My, that far ahead? Well, certainly. I might not be around then, though. There will probably be a new chairman by then, but please, go ahead! I assure you, Natalie, John and I are the only ones who know you've become a Hunter without taking the exam; and John and Natalie are very trustworthy."

I smile, satisfied. Being friendly with the chairman could indeed have benefits.

"Thank you, Rafel! I'll make sure to mention to the chairman by then that I knew you!"

Dark, I know.

Rafel paused, before bursting into laughter.

"So lighthearted when it comes to death…my, you're indeed one of a kind!"

"Okay then. See you next time, Rafel!"

I say, getting up and setting the teacup down.

I head to the door, and smile as I close it, clutching my new Hunters license.

Right. Off to the Zoldycks now, I suppose.