HxH: Apex Predator

Ding~ The sound of the elevator chime echoed as Ryker stepped onto the 200th floor of Heaven's Arena.

After securing his final victory in the earlier rounds, he had immediately made his way to this level. Now, he headed to the reception desk to register his arrival.

However, after completing his advancement, Ryker had quickly disabled his state of 'Zetsu' but refrained from activating 'Ten'.

Instead, he mimicked the dissipating aura of an average person before reaching the 200th floor.

Ryker figured that, according to the original timeline, there were bound to be "newcomer hunters" waiting for him. Playing along and baiting them could be entertaining.

'Even the smallest prey is still a meal,' he thought. 'The quicker I secure ten victories and challenge the Floor Master, the better.'

With that in mind, he briskly approached the reception desk to register.

Unsurprisingly, several sets of eyes, filled with malice and greed, locked onto him as soon as he arrived. Ryker didn't even need to actively sense their presence to feel their hostile intentions.

"They say misery loves company. Let's see how many lucky ones there'll be today," he mused.

No sooner had he completed his registration than four individuals approached him, clearly predatory in nature. Ryker instantly recognized them as veteran "hunters" of newcomers.

Without hesitation, he submitted battle requests to each of them, much to their surprise and delight.

........

Meanwhile, in the Zoldyck estate at Kukuroo Mountain, Silva, Kikyo, and Zeno sat together discussing Ryker's progress.

"According to the latest report, Ryker has successfully advanced to the 200th floor," Silva began, detailing the past few months.

"In that time, he lost six matches—two due to forfeits and four through defeat. Of his victories, two opponents surrendered mid-fight, one withdrew beforehand, and the rest… were killed."

"Ah~ Truly, our darling child is becoming quite the proficient killer so quickly," Kikyo said with pride. "He's bound to become a powerful assassin in the future. My dear, do you think he'll take on the Floor Master challenge soon?"

"It seems likely," Silva replied. "Our observations so far suggest that killing is the key to triggering his Nen ability—at least, it's part of the conditions.

"Whether it's to awaken his abilities or gain freedom of movement, Ryker will undoubtedly challenge the Floor Master.

"With his talent, even if he fails the first time, he's bound to succeed after a few attempts. The question is: should we let him leave Kukuroo Mountain after that?"

"I can't let him go just yet!" Kikyo protested. "At least, not now!"

"Calm down, Kikyo," Silva said firmly. "This is not the time for rash decisions. Every fledgling must learn to fly eventually. Ryker must take this step sooner or later.

"The real issue lies in his current relationship with the family.

His integration and sense of belonging remain insufficient. His mental maturity has advanced far too quickly, making him difficult to mold or influence further.

"If he develops an ability that's especially troublesome for us to control, the situation could become precarious."

"So, what do you propose?" Kikyo asked. "Should we keep him here and continue training him after he returns?"

"No," Silva replied. "We'll stick to the original plan. First, we need to confirm whether killing is indeed a condition for awakening his ability and what sort of ability it might be.

"If our hypothesis is correct, the Zoldyck family may gain a successor even stronger than me or father in the future.

"For now, we'll allow his awakening and conduct an initial assessment of his abilities. Newly developed powers typically take time to master. Once we've evaluated him, we'll decide our next steps.

"Our priority should be to strengthen his ties to the family. We must increase his sense of belonging and identity with us.

"I've heard Illumi's first stage of training is nearing completion. I plan to bring him to Heaven's Arena.

Not only will this enhance his combat skills through real battles, but it'll also give the brothers time to bond. Illumi, after all, is still malleable."

...........

Two days later, Ryker was informed by Tsubone that Silva and Illumi would be arriving at Heaven's Arena soon.

"Why now, of all times? Just as I'm preparing to face off against Nen users," Ryker thought. "And bringing Illumi along? If it's merely to evaluate my progress, Silva could've come alone."

"Is it to begin Illumi's training here? That makes sense for his age. Or could it be about my Sharingan awakening? Either way, they've probably figured out the connection to killing."

Two days later, Ryker sat in his room, facing Silva across the table. Illumi and Tsubone stood behind Silva.

Ryker had greeted his younger twin earlier, though Illumi didn't seem interested in talking. Silva noticed but said nothing.

"I expected you'd reach the 200th floor eventually, but I didn't think you'd do it so quickly. Your progress is impressive," Silva remarked.

"I assume you plan to complete the Floor Master challenge. How long do you think it'll take?"

"I can't say for sure yet," Ryker replied. "I haven't fought any of the competitors here yet, and I've deliberately avoided gathering intel in advance to simulate potential future uncertainties.

"From what I saw while registering, most of them seem like amateurs. I haven't encountered anyone who appears stronger than that Jack guy I fought last time."

Ryker's tone made it clear he saw the competitors as little more than stepping stones. To him, they were walking points, except for rare exceptions like Hisoka or the Floor Masters.

"This time, I'm here mainly to train Illumi," Silva said. "Like you, he needs to reach the 200th floor before returning home for the next stage of his training."

"Why does Ryker get to stay on the 200th floor while I have to go back home?" Illumi asked abruptly.

"You know Ryker is different from you," Silva replied. "He possesses something you don't. Once you reach the 200th floor, I'll teach you to develop that same strength."

At this, Illumi's empty gaze flickered almost imperceptibly. "Understood, Father. I'll complete my training as quickly as possible," he said.

Silva, well aware of human nature, noted Illumi's faint reaction. He knew that even the most disciplined child could feel competitive. And that was exactly what Silva intended—to use this sense of rivalry to motivate Illumi further.

Silva gestured for Tsubone to escort Illumi to the first floor for registration. He remained behind to speak with Ryker privately.

"From this point onward, you'll be facing Nen users. Don't underestimate them. Arrogance will only devour you in the end.

"Remember, these battles are part of a competition. Killing skilled Nen users won't be easy in such a structured environment. With each match, your own weaknesses will become increasingly exposed.

"The deal remains the same. Defeat a Floor Master, and you'll gain the freedom to come and go from the family as you please. The rest is up to you."

"Don't worry, Dad. I know what I'm doing," Ryker assured him. "Even if I fail the first time, I'll keep challenging until I complete the task."

"Good. I'll leave you to it, then. And take care of Illumi—he's your twin brother, after all."