Because the figure was none other than Killua.
However, Killua had no knowledge of Ron and had never heard or even seen him before.
He was also unaware that Ron and his team had been secretly protecting him for a long time.
Ron merely glanced at Killua before looking away.
It wasn't the right time for Ron to reveal his identity to Killua.
The two passed each other, walking in opposite directions.
Killua turned to look back at Ron, his brows slightly furrowed. He sensed an indescribable aura emanating from Ron.
"That's Ron, a competitor on the 200th floor of the Sky Arena," a voice spoke next to Killua.
The speaker was Sadaso.
Sadaso looked at Ron's departing figure with intense admiration.
Then, his gaze shifted to Killua, filled with envy.
Lacking natural talent, Sadaso had to compensate through relentless effort.
He trained tirelessly and fought continuously.
Though his progress was slow, Sadaso never wavered in his goals.
He kept moving forward.
Ron's innate talent was something Sadaso could only envy.
Sadaso's attention then turned to Nina.
Even though Nina's performance wasn't as remarkable as Ron's, her younger age was undeniable.
Then there was Killua.
Killua was even younger than Nina.
Killua glanced at Sadaso.
"I'm Sadaso, a competitor in the Sky Arena. Killua, I've watched your matches—you're very strong."
Killua turned and left.
He paid little attention to Sadaso.
But Ron had caught his interest.
"That guy doesn't seem much older than me, yet he's already a competitor on the 200th floor of the Sky Arena?"
"Would Illumi have this level of strength at this age?"
"When will I qualify for the 200th floor?"
As the floor levels rose, Killua was beginning to feel the slowing pace of his advancement.
The opponents were getting stronger and stronger.
"To think there are such talented people out there."
Killua, who had been growing slightly complacent, suddenly felt a renewed sense of urgency.
At this point in time, when there should have been no interaction between them, Killua and Sadaso had exchanged a few words because of him.
But this butterfly effect was negligible.
Ron arrived at the agreed-upon café and walked in.
A middle-aged man raised his hand to signal Ron.
"Yes, Senior Dominica."
He appeared to be around Silva's age and exuded a strong presence.
Clearly, he was a skilled Nen user.
"Stronger than the members of the KUTE Thieves, it seems."
The KUTE Thieves were all A-rank Nen users.
Ron then turned his gaze to the figure beside Dominica.
She had long blue hair styled in twin tails and wore a regal, courtly dress.
At a glance, it was obvious she was of noble lineage.
She was about the same age as Ron.
Her aura was impressive as well.
As Ron observed her, the girl was also sizing up Ron, a member of the Zoldyck family.
Dominica gestured toward the girl.
She introduced herself: "I'm Wendy Fiora."
She extended her hand to Ron.
Their hands met briefly.
Her hand was soft and warm.
Ron quickly released it.
"Ron, may I take a look at the photo?" Dominica asked.
Ron took out the photo and handed it over.
Dominica's expression darkened immediately.
"They've surfaced again."
"Just like cockroaches."
"Utterly disgusting!"
Dominica, typically elegant, couldn't help but curse profusely at the sight of the photo. It was evident how much the Fiora royal family loathed the Kingdom of Taris.
Wendy, on the other hand, showed little change in expression.
It seemed she wasn't well-informed about that part of history.
"Ron, let's head to that town," Dominica said, forcing himself to calm down.
Ron pulled out a map, pointed at a red dot, and said, "The town is here."
"We can take an airship to this city and then drive from there."
The three purchased the nearest airship tickets, set to depart that evening.
Since they had time, Ron didn't return to the Sky Arena but stayed with Dominica and Wendy.
To show his gratitude, Dominica treated them to a lavish dinner.
When Wendy stood, Ron noticed she was about the same height as him.
However, her development wasn't as pronounced, making her appear less mature compared to Shizuku or Sally.
Wendy's eyes sparkled with excitement.
She seemed to be looking forward to the upcoming journey.
Without a heavy burden of hatred, Wendy treated this more like an adventure.
"The Nen users from the Kingdom of Taris are despicable scum. This mission will be dangerous," Dominica said solemnly.
"I've already explained this to you both."
"But since we're now a team, it's better to understand each other's abilities before taking action."
Dominica introduced himself: "My Nen ability focuses on controlling and creating earth."
"It's more defensive than offensive."
"The Nen users from Taris specialize in strange attacks."
"That's why the king assigned me to lead this mission."
"I have two Nen abilities. One is for healing, and the other is offensive, though it's mainly sharpness-oriented rather than explosive."
After speaking, both Dominica and Wendy looked at Ron.
"I'm an Emission-type Nen user. I have two combat-type Nen beasts."
"I can also attack using Nen bullets."
Ron didn't disclose details about Killer Queen or Chii, as he could tell Dominica and Wendy hadn't revealed all their cards either.
"Once the mission begins, we'll be comrades fighting side by side. The Zoldyck family and the Fiora royal family have always maintained good relations. I believe we can trust each other."
The airship ascended into the sky.
Under the night sky, it steadily sped forward, gaining altitude with increasing velocity.
"I wonder what this fifth Nen beast will look like."
Ron was filled with anticipation.
In front of him floated a crystal ball, visible only to him.