NEN TRAINING CHAMBER - DAY 1
Marco appeared in a space completely different from the previous battlefield. This place was... peaceful. Almost zen-like.
It was a traditional Japanese garden. There was a pond with koi carp . Cherry trees that constantly shed petals. Perfectly placed stones. And in the center, seated in the lotus position on a flat rock, was a figure.
He was a middle-aged Asian man with gray hair tied back in a ponytail. He wore simple workout clothes. His eyes were closed, but Marco could FEEL something emanating from him. A presence. An energy.
"Welcome, Marco Antonio Durán," the man said without opening his eyes. "I am Wing , master of Nen . Over the next six months, you will learn to awaken and control your vital aura. Are you ready?"
Marco, still processing the change from a brutal to a peaceful environment, nodded.
"I guess so. Although I was expecting something more... intense. After two years of constantly getting my ass kicked."
Wing opened his eyes. They were gentle but firm.
" Nen isn't like physical combat. You can't force it. You can't intimidate it. You can only understand it, accept it, and work with it." He stood with fluid grace. "Come, sit across from me."
Marco sat down, crossing his legs awkwardly. His now athletic body made the position easier than before, but he still felt uncomfortable.
"First," Wing began , "you need to understand what Nen is . It's not magic. It's not supernatural power. It's your life force, your aura, the energy that all living beings possess. Normally, this energy slowly seeps out of the body. Nen is the process of containing, controlling, and utilizing that energy."
"Like... holding water in a glass instead of letting it spill?"
"Exactly. Now, close your eyes."
Marco obeyed.
"Breathe. Deeply. Feel your body. Feel the blood flowing. The heart beating. The lungs expanding. You are a complete system, Marco. And within that system, there is energy."
Marco breathed. At first he didn't feel anything special. Just his breathing. His heartbeat.
But then...
Something.
Like a tingling. Very faint. Just beneath her skin.
Wing 's voice was gentle. "That's your aura. Weak, uncontrolled, constantly leaking out. Now, I'm going to help you fully awaken it."
"As?"
"With this."
Wing placed his hand on Marco's shoulder. And then, the world EXPLODED.
Marco felt as if a thousand volts of electricity were coursing through his body. Every nerve fired. Every cell vibrated. And suddenly, he could see it.
Even with his eyes closed, he could see energy—his energy—flowing from his body like invisible flames.
"WHAT THE HELL!" Marco yelled, falling backward.
The feeling disappeared as quickly as it came.
Wing smiled gently.
"That was your aura being forcibly activated. Normally, this process would take months of meditation. But we have limited time, so I accelerated the process. Your aura is now awake. But without control, it's draining rapidly."
Marco sat down, panting. He felt... exposed. Vulnerable. As if his skin had disappeared and his entire inside was laid bare.
"What... what do I do?"
"You learn Ten. The basic principle of keeping your aura contained. Observe."
Wing closed his eyes. And Marco FELT the change. Wing 's energy , which had been emanating gently, suddenly condensed. It enveloped his body like an invisible second skin.
"Ten is about keeping your aura close to your body. It's the foundation of everything else. Protection. Stamina. Control. Without Ten, your aura will deplete in hours, leaving you weaker than before you woke up."
"Great. No pressure."
"Exactly. Now, try it. Imagine your aura as water spilling from a glass. Now imagine putting a lid on that glass. Contain the water. Keep it inside."
Marco closed his eyes and tried to visualize what Wing was describing. He could feel his energy flowing outward, dissipating into the air.
Contain. Maintain. Protect.
He mentally strained, trying to force his aura to stay.
Nothing happened.
He tried again. And again. And again.
After two hours, I was exhausted and frustrated.
"Not working!"
"Because you're forcing it," Wing said patiently. " Nen doesn't respond to brute force. It responds to clear intention. Don't push it. Guide it."
Marco took a deep breath, recalling his combat training. He remembered the instructor telling him that the sword was an extension of his arm.
Perhaps the aura was the same.
Not something to control by force, but something that IS part of you.
She closed her eyes again. This time, she didn't try to force anything. She just... asked. Gently. That her aura would stay.
And to his astonishment, he felt a change.
His energy stopped dissipating so quickly. He stayed closer to her skin.
"That's it!" exclaimed Wing . "Keep it. Just like that. That's the Ten feeling."
MONTH 1:
Marco could maintain Ten for about thirty minutes before his concentration faltered. It was progress, but not enough.
Wing explained , "you'll need to maintain Ten constantly. It's your invisible armor. It stops blows. It prevents fatigue. Without it, you're vulnerable."
"And when will I be able to do it consistently?"
"Most students take six months. But you have an advantage: your willpower is exceptionally high. That means your mental control is superior. I predict you'll master it in three months."
"And Ren ? Zetsu ? The other techniques?"
"Patience. That is the foundation. Without a solid foundation, everything else will collapse."
MONTH 2:
Marco could now hold Ten for hours. It had become almost second nature. Like breathing.
"Excellent," said Wing . "Now we learn Zetsu . The opposite of Ten."
"Opposite?"
"Ten keeps your aura contained. Zetsu seals it completely. You become invisible to other Nen users . No presence. No detectable energy."
Wing proved it. Its presence, which Marco had learned to constantly sense, disappeared. Completely. It was as if Wing had ceased to exist.
"This is useful for stealth. For hiding. For resting undetected." Wing reappeared in the direction of Marco's aura. "Try it."
Marco tried. It was strangely counterintuitive after spending two months learning to MAINTAIN his aura. Now he had to CLOSE it.
It took him three weeks to master it.
But when he did, he felt the difference immediately. In Zetsu , he was just an ordinary human. No special presence. Invisible to supernatural senses.
MONTH 3:
" Ren ," Wing announced . "The next step. If Ten is about keeping your aura close, Ren is about expanding it. Exploding your energy. Increasing your presence."
Wing demonstrated. His aura exploded outward like an invisible flame. Marco felt the physical pressure. The air grew heavier. The power was palpable.
" Ren is used for intimidation. To increase your physical capabilities beyond normal. And as a foundation for more advanced techniques."
Marco tried to copy the movement. He deliberately released his aura.
It was like opening floodgates. His energy spilled outwards, filling the space around him.
But without control.
"Too much!" shouted Wing . "You're going to burn yourself out! Control the flow!"
Marco struggled to control himself. It was like trying to stop a flood with his bare hands.
He eventually collapsed, exhausted.
" Ren requires balance," Wing explained . "You release more aura, yes. But you still maintain control. It's not a wild explosion. It's controlled expansion."
MONTH 4:
Marco could now seamlessly transition between Ten, Zetsu, and Ren . He had mastered all three basic techniques.
"Impressive," Wing admitted . "Your progress is faster than average. Now comes the hard part: Hatsu ."
" Hatsu ?"
"Your personal ability. The unique expression of your aura. Every Nen user develops abilities based on their personality, their desires, their essence. I cannot teach you your Hatsu . You can only discover it."
Wing took out a glass of water with a leaf floating in it.
"This is the Affinity Test. Your aura will interact with water in a specific way. That will reveal your Nen type ."
Marco placed his hands around the glass and released his aura into Ren .
The water began to glow. Literally. A soft golden light emanated from the liquid.
Wing raised an eyebrow.
"Fascinating. This is... unusual."
"What does it mean?"
"Water that sparkles is not one of the six standard categories. We typically see: volume change for Enhancer , taste change for Transmuter , leaf movement for Manipulator , water color for Emitter , impurities for Conjurer , or crystallization for Specialist ."
Wing studied the shimmering water carefully.
"This suggests a combination. But the way it shines... there's something of a Specialist here. Specialists have unique skills that don't fit into normal categories."
"Is that good or bad?"
"Neither one nor the other. It simply means that your Hatsu will be... unique. Probably related to your role as a multiversal merchant . Nen adapts to who you are."
MONTH 5:
Marco spent the entire month meditating, experimenting, trying to discover his Hatsu .
Enhancement techniques —strengthening his fists. It didn't work well.
He tried Emission —launching aura projectiles. Pathetic.
He tried Manipulation —controlling objects. Nothing.
He was frustrated.
"Why isn't anything working?"
"Because you're trying to force categories that aren't yours," Wing explained . "Stop thinking about what you WANT to do. Think about who you ARE."
"I am a merchant."
"Deeper."
"I am... someone who connects people with what they need."
"Deeper."
Marco closed his eyes, really thinking.
Who was he?
He was the son of vendors. The grandson of vendors. He grew up in markets. He grew up negotiating, haggling, understanding value.
He was someone who saw potential. Who saw what things COULD be.
He was someone who built bridges. Between clients and products. Between worlds, now.
And then he felt it.
Her aura responded to that thought. It began to take shape.
When he opened his eyes, there was something floating in front of him.
It was... a coin. Made entirely of her aura. Golden. Shining. Slowly rotating.
"That...?"
Wing smiled broadly.
"There it is. Your Hatsu . Now find out what it does."
MONTH 6:
Marco had spent the last month perfecting his skill.
He called it " Merchant's " Eye " (Merchant's Eye).
It had two main functions:
Assessment: When I looked at someone or something with my Nen activated, I could see basic information. Not as detailed as the TARS system, but useful. Approximate power level. Hostile intentions. Relative value. Deal Coin: She could manifest "aura coins" that acted as temporary contracts. If someone accepted her coin, they were bound to abide by the agreed-upon terms. It wasn't mind control—if the person truly didn't want to do something, they could resist. But it created significant psychological pressure to honor the deal.
It was perfect for a merchant.
"Your Hatsu reflects your nature," Wing observed in their last session. "It's not flashy . It's not destructive. But it's useful. Strategic. Exactly what a multiversal trader would need."
"Can I improve it?"
"With time and practice, yes. The Hatsu evolves with its user. But for now, you have the basics. Ten for protection. Zetsu for concealment. Ren for presence. And your unique Hatsu for business."
Wing stood up.
"Marco Antonio Durán, in six months you have achieved what many achieve in years. You are not a master. You probably never will be— Nen requires a lifetime of practice. But you are competent. Functional. And your unique ability gives you an advantage that few have."
Marco also stood up, bowing respectfully.
"Thank you, Master Wing . For everything."
"Don't thank me. You did the work. I only showed you the way." Wing smiled. "Now go. And remember: Nen is a tool. It doesn't define you. Use it wisely."
The world dissolved into white light for the last time.
THE STORE - 5 HOURS LATER
Marco opened his eyes at his desk.
But now it was different. She could FEEL the energy around her. The shop itself pulsed with power. And her own body...
He activated Ten casually. Its aura enveloped him like an invisible second skin.
Welcome back. I see the training was successful.
"Successful is an understatement, TARS. I feel... whole. Like a piece of me was missing and I've finally found it."
[That's a common response after awakening Nen . It's a fundamental part of your being that was dormant. Now it's active.]
[Updated statistics:]
STRENGTH: 25 → 28 ( Nen) Passive
Enhancement ) SPEED: 28 → 31 ( Nen Passive
Enhancement ) RESISTANCE: 30 → 40 (Ten provides supernatural resistance)
AGILITY: 26 → 29 ( Nen Passive Enhancement )
NEW SKILLS:
Ten (Level 7/10)Zetsu (Level 6/10)Ren (Level 5/10)Hatsu : Merchant's Eye (Level 3/10)
Marco smiled. Then his stomach growled.
" Okay , back to the apocalyptic hunger again. How many calories this time?"
Nen training is metabolically intensive. Go eat.]
Marco went to his room and proceeded to devour everything in the refrigerator. Again.
When he was finally satisfied, he returned to the main desk.
"TARS, you mentioned equipment."
[That's right. Now that you have skills, you need tools. Wait a moment...]
A panel in the wall opened, revealing a mannequin with full equipment.
Marco approached and examined the items:
SWORD: A longsword of elven steel from Rivendell . Light but incredibly strong. The blade shone with a faint blue glow.
"Wait, is this...?"
Bilbo /Frodo 's sword . But full- size . Appropriate for your height. It glows in the presence of orcs and dark creatures.]
ARMOR: Elven chainmail . Light as silk but strong as steel. It fit under ordinary clothing without being visible.
BOW AND ARROWS: A composite bow made of Lórien wood . Twenty elven- tipped arrows .
DAGGERS: A pair of dwarven steel daggers. Perfectly balanced for throwing or close combat.
CLOAK: An elven cloak with camouflage properties. Not invisibility, but it made it harder to be seen in forests and shadows.
ACCESSORIES: Elven rope (50 meters), canteen, first aid kit, flint and tinder, basic map of Middle-earth.
Marco touched each item with reverence.
"This is... incredible."
[Standard equipment for elite adventurers in Middle-earth. Total: 100,000 MC. You are now officially equipped.]
Marco put on his chainmail. It fit perfectly, as if it had been made for him. Then the sword. The weight was perfect in his hand.
He executed a form. The sword moved as an extension of his arm.
"Perfect."
A bell sound echoed through the store.
[ Loki] Laufeyson has completed his 200 hours. He is leaving the study room.
Marco turned towards the study room door, adjusting his new sword at his belt.
The door opened.
And what came out was no longer the Loki who had entered.
The God of Lies had fundamentally changed.
His hair was still black, but now it had interwoven silver streaks. His green eyes shone with a mystical power that distorted the air around him. Runes covered not only his arms but his entire visible body, glowing with emerald light.
The Grimoire floated beside him, its pages constantly turning, as if it were alive.
But what was most impressive was its aura. Marco could sense it with his newfound Nen . It was MASSIVE. Ancient. Dangerous.
Loki had entered as a minor god.
He came out like a major god.
Loki 's voice resonated with powerful harmonics, "I see you've grown too."
Marco nodded.
"Two hundred hours is a long time."
"For you it was three hours. For me it was..." Loki smiled sadly, "...an eternity. I saw things in that Grimoire, Marco. Horrors. Wonders. Secrets that should remain buried. And I absorbed them all."
She raised her hand. Reality itself rippled around her fingers.
"I can manipulate smaller dimensions now. Create stable portals. Spells even my mother didn't know. And..." her eyes gleamed, "...I have exactly what I need to face Thanos ."
Are you going to win?
Loki looked at him for a long moment.
"I don't know. But at least now I have a chance. A REAL chance. And that..." her voice cracked slightly, "...that's more than I had before."
He approached Marco and placed a hand on his shoulder. The gesture was firm, brotherly.
"Thank you, merchant. For the grimoire. For the respect. For treating me like a person and not like a villain or a tool."
Marco felt that lump in his throat again.
"Take care out there, Loki . And if you ever need to come back..."
"I know. This shop will be here." Loki smiled. "And when I return—if I return—I'll bring stories. And probably more credits to spend."
"I hope so. I need repeat customers."
Loki laughed. Then he extended his hand.
Marco shook her hand firmly.
"Goodbye, Marco Antonio Durán. The first friend I made by being honest instead of lying."
"Goodbye, Loki Laufeyson . First client who became an ally."
Loki turned toward where his original dimensional rift had opened. With a gesture, he reopened it.
But before crossing, he looked back one last time.
"Oh, I almost forgot. A parting gift."
He snapped his fingers.
A small dagger materialized, floating toward Marco. It was beautiful—a blade of blue ice, a hilt with Asgardian runes .
"It's enchanted with a fragment of my magic. If you're ever in mortal danger, break it. It will call to me no matter where I am or what I'm doing. Think of it as... life insurance."
Marco took the dagger with reverence.
" Loki , I can't..."
"Yes, you can. And you will. Because friends look out for each other." Loki smiled, genuine and warm. "And although the God of Lies doesn't have many friends... I'm pleased to count you among the few."
And with that, he crossed the rift.
Emerald green shone one last time.
And Loki left.
The store fell silent.
Marco looked at the dagger in his hands, feeling the power pulsing within it.
[Your first customer completed their journey. Interesting statistic: 89% of first-time customers never return. But I have a feeling Loki is in that 11%.]
"Me too, TARS. Me too."
Marco carefully tucked the dagger into his belt.
[Now, Marco. You've trained. You're equipped. You have the power. I think it's time.]
"Time for what?"
[To go out. To explore Middle-earth. To see the world where you now live.]
Marco felt a mixture of excitement and fear.
"I'm ready?"
You're never completely ready. But you're prepared. And that's enough.
Marco looked towards the shop's main door. The one that led to Middle-earth.
I hadn't crossed that threshold since I arrived.
He had spent all his time training, serving customers, preparing.
But TARS was right.
It was time.
"Alright. Let's do this." Marco adjusted his sword and checked his equipment. "Any final advice?"
[Yes. Three things:]
[One: Trust your training. You've invested 2.5 subjective years in becoming capable. Use it.]
[Two: Your Danger Sense will warn you of immediate threats. Listen to it.]
[Three: Remember that you can return to the shop at any time. Just think 'open shop' and a door will appear. Use it if you are in extreme danger.]
"Open a store. Understood."
[And Marco...]
"Yeah?"
[Good luck. Don't let your sense of direction get the better of you in the first two hours.]
"Thank you for your trust, TARS."
[Always.]
Marco took a deep breath. He casually activated Ten, feeling its aura envelop him like invisible armor.
Then he walked towards the store's main door.
She opened it.
On the other side there was light. Green. Natural. Beautiful.
Middle-earth awaited him.
Marco Antonio Durán, former taco vendor, now multiversal merchant , trained warrior, Nen user , and owner of the most impossible store in the multiverse ...
He took his first step into a world of elves, dwarves, wizards, and ancient wars.
A world where Sauron stalked in the shadows.
A world where your store could change the course of history itself.
A world that was about to meet the most lost Mexican—literally—that had ever set foot on its lands.
"Here we go," Marco murmured, smiling despite his nervousness.
And he crossed the threshold.
[END OF CHAPTER 6]