The power of Nen, even without developing a unique personal Nen ability... just the amplification from aura output alone could instantly grant an ordinary person with poor physical constitution strength and speed far beyond normal humans.
This direct transformation often brings both overt and subtle confidence.
Gon and Killua currently possess this kind of latent self-assurance.
However, faced with the awkward-looking linked drums casually tossed over by Morrow, their still-forming confidence instantly dissipated like smoke.
So even after learning Nen, this decisive power, they were still far, far behind compared to true masters.
This was the psychological state of Gon and Killua at this moment.
They marveled at Morrow's profound and unfathomable depth in the world of Nen abilities, while simultaneously igniting a passion within to catch up.
Thus, as Gon and Killua approached the linked drums again, they were blasted away for the third time.
This time, they had indeed learned their lesson. They used Gyo to constantly monitor those Nen clusters that suddenly vanished during the intense assault, allowing them to dodge attacks in time.
But because they concentrated too much aura in their eyes, it caused an imbalance in offense and defense in the aura output of other parts of their bodies.
This change, while not significant, was also not minor, reducing their success rate in evading regular attacks.
And at this moment, the linked drums altered the rhythm of their assault.
As if adjusting in real time based on Gon and Killua's reactions.
It no longer deliberately used In to disrupt Gon and Killua's judgment, instead suddenly increasing speed and expanding the area of attack.
So when the two fell to the ground, they instinctively looked in Morrow's direction.
What met their eyes was Morrow, immersed in the world of Divine Script, seemingly completely unaware of everything happening around him.
Seeing this, Killua and Gon were filled with confusion, unable to understand how Morrow was directing the attacks.
Because by now, a suspicion had already formed in their hearts.
This strange thing in front of them, capable of shooting out so many Nen clusters, seemed to repeatedly see right through their thoughts.
If it wasn't being controlled in real time, that would be truly terrifying.
Dammit, again!
Killua refused to believe it and got up once more, charging toward the linked drums.
This time, in less than two seconds, he was struck and sent flying by one of the Nen clusters.
But amidst this dazzling assault, he finally discovered a pattern.
"It really is 'automated' attacks, so as long as we can read the combo sequence and the timing of 'In'..."
Just as this thought crossed his mind, Killua, having just gotten up from the ground, saw Gon follow in his footsteps, sent flying over by a Nen cluster.
The attack power of the Nen clusters seemed very well controlled, causing no real harm when they hit.
Unless the struck area had no aura protection while they were dodging.
Gon got up from the ground unharmed, and with a challenging spirit, once again faced the crisscrossing onslaught of numerous Nen clusters.
The result was naturally no surprise.
In just a few seconds, he was struck back by what could be called a sneaky use of 'In.' Seeing this scene, Killua understood that Gon hadn't yet grasped the pattern and was merely relying on reflexes and agility to evade the attacks.
"To familiarize oneself with that pattern, many more attempts are needed."
Killua glanced at Morrow, who was still engrossed in his book, and thought to himself, I can do this!
As this thought crossed his mind, Killua charged toward the linked drums again, but this time he focused his attention on 'observation.'
He had actually already understood Morrow's intention.
The so-called Gyo wasn't about mechanically gathering aura in one's eyes like a robot.
If one wanted to freely utilize this technique in actual combat, the most important aspects were 'observation' and mastery of 'timing.'
It was like holding a switch... you only press it when needed.
So, while learning Gyo might be simple, knowing how to properly apply it was the key.
Killua's eyes became intensely focused as his agile figure moved freely among the numerous Nen attacks.
He lasted about ten seconds before being struck by a Nen blast and sent flying.
At that moment, Gon passed by him and faced the seemingly tireless Nen attacks.
A few seconds later, with a dull thud, Gon was sent flying again, letting out a frustrated sound of disappointment.
Killua quickly glanced at Gon, who still couldn't break the 5-second mark, chuckled inwardly, and then charged toward the linked drums with renewed determination.
There was no communication between the two.
But through tacit understanding, they had decided to take turns training.
After all, only this way could they clearly gauge their respective training progress.
At the same time, they could use it to compete and see who was better.
Killua dodged and weaved through the Nen attacks, relying on his gradually accumulating familiarity, finally breaking through the 20-second mark.
From behind, Gon stared blankly at the figure dancing among the chaotic Nen attacks and sincerely admired, Killua is amazing!
In comparison, he still couldn't even last 5 seconds.
Yet he wasn't discouraged at all, filled with motivation to improve.
At the 23-second mark, Killua was hit and sent flying backward, but his face showed a determined expression.
If he tried again, he was confident he could last even longer!
As Killua's body hit the ground, Gon was already evading the Nen attacks.
This time, he finally broke through the 5-second mark, only getting hit at the 7-second mark.
"Gon, watch carefully! I'm sure I can last over a minute this time!"
Killua said with full confidence, rushing toward the dazzling Nen attacks once more.
After so many attempts, he had basically familiarized himself with the attack patterns of the linked drums.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!
Facing attacks from all angles, Killua's evasive movements showed a hint of ease.
10 seconds, 20 seconds... soon reaching one minute.
Killua remained unhit, always managing to dodge the Nen attacks at the last moment, even those with tricky angles.
Seeing how effortlessly Killua moved, Gon's eyes sparkled while he secretly contemplated how to achieve what Killua was doing.
Though he was slower than Killua, after training this long, he was gradually becoming aware of Morrow's intention. When facing an enemy's potential attacks interspersed with 'In,' one must not be led by the nose. Instead, precise judgment is essential, and the timing of using 'Gyo' must be chosen carefully.
Otherwise, if the enemy feints, it could lead to a wrong response.
Why must I dodge...? As long as I gather more aura at the defensive position before the attack arrives, I can block it directly. This way, I won't be flustered.
Gon had found his method of response.
—--
Meanwhile, Killua had adapted to the rhythm of the linked drums' attacks, feeling as natural as a fish in water.
As expected, it's not that difficult after all.
He had initially thought it would take a lot of time, but after grasping the trick, he realized the attack patterns of the linked drums were not as complex as he had imagined.
Thinking this, Killua said smugly, "Is there a more difficult 'mode'?"
After saying this, he even had the spare energy to glance at Morrow.
Morrow was still studying the Divine Script Codex, paying no attention to Killua's gaze, but he diverted a part of his focus to remotely influence the attack rhythm of the linked drums through his thoughts.
This conscious adjustment was directly reflected in the intensity of the Nen attacks, causing the smug expression on Killua's face to freeze instantly.
He failed to keep up with the change in rhythm and was struck on the head by several Nen projectiles.
"Ouch!"
This time, the impact of the Nen projectiles was stronger than his defense.
Before he could react, Killua was hit in the abdomen by a rising dragon fist Nen projectile that swept along the ground, sending him flying backward.
At that moment, Morrow finally set down the Divine Script Codex and looked at Killua, who had landed awkwardly on the ground, with a faintly mocking smile.
"Is this difficulty satisfactory?"
"Damn it, you did that on purpose!"
Killua got up from the ground, several bumps already swelling on his head.
Morrow asked in confusion, "What? Didn't you ask for it yourself?"
!!!
Killua thought to himself that he had only inquired about it earlier. Clenching his teeth in frustration, he was about to say that he should at least have been given some mental preparation.
But Morrow seemed to read his mind and suddenly said, "Don't say something foolish like needing advance notice. Do you think enemies you encounter in the future will warn you before attacking?"
...
Killua choked back his words, swallowing them forcefully.
During the brief exchange between Killua and Morrow, Gon had quietly begun a new round of attempts.
After his previous failures, he had come to understand the true purpose of Morrow's special training.
Those seemingly tricky and concealed attacks were not designed for him to dodge perfectly.
With this in mind, Gon adjusted his breathing and stopped obsessing over evading the attacks that only made him flustered.
Relying on his innate reflexes and intuition, whenever he encountered a Nen projectile he couldn't dodge, he would promptly use the 'Gyo' technique at the point of impact.
Thud!
A Nen projectile attacking from the side slammed hard into Gon's waist and abdomen.
But Gon had already gathered more aura at his waist and abdomen beforehand, allowing him to block it steadily.
With his body as stable as a mountain, his next response remained unaffected.
As the elongated, glutinous rice-like Nen projectile retracted according to its mechanism, Gon also withdrew the excess aura concentrated at his waist and abdomen, refocusing his mind. Instantly, the aura around his eyes blazed like a torch, allowing him to see the two Nen masses, their traces erased by 'In,' attacking simultaneously from both sides.
Without any hesitation, Gon leaped into the air, evading the two Nen masses.
Thump!
Another dull sound echoed.
The two Nen masses collided with each other.
At that moment, Morrow and Killua both turned their gazes toward Gon, who was suspended mid-air.
Idiot, jumping into the air makes you an easy target! The best move just now was to retreat one step back!
Killua's eyes followed Gon's movements.
Yet Gon remained calm under pressure. By consciously controlling his jump height, he landed precisely on top of the colliding Nen masses.
Simultaneously, more Nen masses attacked from other angles.
Gon first sidestepped to avoid the first Nen mass, then raised his arm horizontally, gathering more aura on it.
The second attacking Nen mass struck Gon's arm with a dull thud.
However, with adequate defensive strength, Gon's body remained unmoved, successfully blocking the attack while maintaining a solid offensive and defensive rhythm.
Through repeated stable defenses, Gon finally managed to completely withstand the dense onslaught of the linked drums, an unconscious, brilliant smile spreading across his face.
This is so much fun!
He genuinely enjoyed this special training method. Not only did it allow him to quickly find ways to surpass himself, but it also filled him with novelty and joy in every challenge.
Witnessing Gon's sudden, immense progress, Killua grew increasingly astonished.
Wasn't the training about dodging the attacks?
Waves of surprise stirred within him as he tilted his head to look at Morrow.
In response to Killua's gaze, Morrow asked, "What is the purpose of dodging the attacks?"
...
Killua was momentarily speechless.
Morrow looked at him calmly and said, "Which approach do you think is better, Gon's or yours?"
...
As Killua fell silent, he glanced somewhat unwillingly at Gon, who was deftly handling the Nen mass attacks, and muttered, "Gon's way is better because it has a higher margin for error."
"You're very clever, Killua."
Morrow nodded approvingly.
Killua's clenched fist unconsciously relaxed, and he pursed his lips, saying, "You don't have to tell me that."
Morrow chuckled and turned his attention back to Gon, inwardly marveling once again at the terrifying talent of both Gon and Killua.
His thoughts then drifted to Tserriednich, the Fourth Prince of Kakin, whose talent surpassed even theirs.
If they were to oppose Tserriednich, it would be best to do so before he came into contact with 'Nen.'
Killua glanced at Morrow's profile and asked curiously, "Teacher, is this your 'ability'?"
"Why the sudden willingness to call me teacher?"
Instead of answering the question, Morrow smiled and posed one of his own.
Before he began teaching Killua and Gon about abilities, Morrow had made it clear that he was acting as their teacher, not their master.
Since then, Gon had naturally addressed him as 'teacher,' while Killua, much like Kalluto, possessed a somewhat tsundere personality and had never used that title.
Now that Morrow had pointed it out directly, Killua's face flushed slightly as he retorted, "I've always called you that; you just never heard it."
"Is that so?"
Morrow smiled, choosing not to expose the lie, and answered the earlier question: "That thing is called the linked drums, a little toy I casually made. It barely counts as a small part of my ability, but as a special training tool, its effect turned out even better than expected."
"Huh?"
Killua said incredulously, "Just a casually made little toy..."
The swollen bumps on his head were enough to show that this thing called the linked drums was far from being as simple as it appeared.
He originally thought it was one of Morrow's abilities, but never expected it to be just a small toy.
This made Killua once again deeply feel the so-called gap between them.
—--
Time flew by. In the blink of an eye, another two months passed.
Under the special training with the Divine Script linked drums, Gon and Killua's growth speed could be described as terrifying.
The level that ordinary Nen users would need years to achieve, they accomplished in just two months.
Compared to their peers, the progress these two made was enough to leave other newcomers far behind.
But Gon and Killua knew very well in their hearts that they knew perfectly well that their progress was largely thanks to Morrow.
Putting everything else aside, they could completely feel Morrow's dedication in teaching them Nen.
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Bonus chapter @400powerstones