Fantasy Realm [One Piece] [Harry Potter] [Naruto] - [Progression] [LitRPG]

Chapter 149: Challenge x Spectacle - Sold Out Match!

Alex and Menchi step into the elevator, heading up to Floor 229.

Each of the 21 Floor Masters have their own designated floor, from 230 to 250. Alex's challenge is for control of Floor 237, but the fight itself will take place in a massive arena capable of accommodating a huge audience. It's the same stage where, according to Alex's research and earlier observations, Hisoka will fight Chrollo later in the timeline.

When they reach Floor 229, Alex and Menchi proceed to the backstage area. It's relatively empty, as only staff members and 200-class fighters have access here. Alex feels more at ease, knowing there won't be any distractions from the crowd just yet.

To his surprise, he spots a familiar figure approaching—a tall, handsome man with white hair, blue eyes, and a yellow cloak.

"Nice to meet you," the man says, extending his hand. "I'm Kastro. I couldn't help but notice that you seem to have some connection to Hisoka. He mentioned you. After my humiliating loss to him, I've resolved to train as hard as I can against the fighters here. Today, I just wanted to introduce myself and wish you good luck."

"Thank you," Alex replies, shaking his hand. He pauses for a moment before adding, "But let me give you one piece of advice: trying to train as hard as possible against the losers here won't give you the results you're hoping for. It's like an Enhancer trying to learn a Manipulation and Conjuration Hatsu—it might work, but barely, and the results won't be satisfying. You'd be better off focusing on your fundamentals and avoiding the trap of thinking you're strong after beating a few 200-class fighters here."

Kastro smiles stiffly. "I'll keep that in mind," he says before quickly walking away, almost successfully hiding the panic on his face and the sweat trickling down his forehead.

A few moments later, a group of Floor Masters approaches Alex. He exchanges polite greetings, pretending to know them. Once they leave, Menchi leans in.

"These Floor Masters are all around Darius's level," she says. "Darius might have more Aura, but he leans heavily into Enhancement and Emission, so it's not a direct comparison. I'd say he's slightly above average strength for a Floor Master."

Alex glances at his [Destiny Watch]. Only ten minutes remain. "If I win quickly enough, we'll be perfectly on time for dinner," he jokes.

"Quite confident, aren't you ♥?" a familiar voice interrupts from the side.

Alex turns and immediately tenses up. Hisoka is leaning casually against one of the pillars in the center of the room, his unsettling smile plastered on his face.

"I'm looking forward to an exciting performance ♣," Hisoka says, his tone dripping with amusement. He giggles creepily before walking away.

"What a fucking lunatic," Alex mutters.

"What a creep," Menchi agrees, for once matching Alex's sentiment.

Just then, another unexpected pair approaches. It's Darius and a young woman walking beside him. The girl is tall but far from her father's hulking physique. She looks more or less normal, though her haughty expression and confident stride immediately give away her personality.

"I see you're already here, Alex. Ready for the fight?" Darius asks.

Before Alex can respond, the girl interjects, her voice dripping with entitlement. "Wrong question, Daddy. You should ask him if he's ready to lose and hand over that absolutely gorgeous earring. I can't wait to wear it! You might as well give it to me now to keep it from getting damaged during the battle."

Alex stares at her, unimpressed. Yep, my impression was correct. She's as entitled and spoiled as they come.

He ignores her provocations and instead addresses Darius directly. "I'm ready, Darius. No hard feelings, regardless of how it turns out, right? By the way, I have this friend named Sua—she has some good connections inside the tower. After you lose and go broke, I can help get your daughter a nice job cleaning toilets here. It'd suit her well, I think. That mop of hair of hers could finally get some real use."