A memory of the past

 Bang! The backyard resounded followed by the heavy voice of a middle-aged man with a shock of golden hair.

He had a rugged appearance, complete with a mature beard, and his voice carried authority as he shouted at a ten-year-old boy, gently swatting the lad's head with a wooden sword.

"Swing it with more power!!!"

The young boy, his unique black hair and eyes filled with determination, responded with a resounding "Yes!"

Pain throbbed where the wooden sword had grazed him, but he bore it and obeyed, swinging his sword with all the strength he could muster.

Bang! Another one echoed as the man corrected the boy's stance once more. "Focus on your stance!!"

"I am sorry!!" the boy replied earnestly.

This rigorous training continued unabated for hours, stretching into the evening until the sky shone in a reddish hue, and the sun dipped below the horizon.

"Okay… You can stop now," the yellow-haired man called, consulting the time. He ceased the training that had occupied them for so long.

"Phew," the black-haired boy, now drenched in sweat, dropped to the grassy ground they had used for practice.

He let out a weary sigh, his tiny hands raw from hours of effort. Bandages covered the small wounds that dotted his hands.

The yellow-haired man squatted beside the boy, his stern training demeanor giving way to a more compassionate expression. He offered the boy a bottle of water.

"Here, take this," he said.

"Thank you, Dad," the boy replied gratefully, accepting the bottle and drinking deeply, quenching his thirst.

The man's gaze softened as he regarded his son. "How was the training today? Did you find it difficult?"

The boy thought for a moment, then answered with childlike innocence, "No, it's a little painful, but... if you want me to learn it, then I will."

The man sighed and asked, "You know, I appreciate your effort in learning everything I teach you. But shouldn't you be curious about why I'm training you like this? If you have any questions, just ask."

"I trust you—" The boy began, but a stern look from his father caused him to amend his statement. "I mean... In the future, when I become strong like you, will I have to fight someone?"

His father burst into hearty laughter at the boy's innocent query.

"Hahaha!! No, my child, when you have power, you won't use it to fight recklessly. You'll use it to protect someone you care about."

The boy grew pensive and questioned, "...Isn't that the same thing?"

"No, there's a significant difference," his father explained patiently. "You're still a child, so it's hard to understand. But when the time comes, you'll realize that you fight not for the sake of fighting but to shield those you hold dear."

The boy fell silent, then asked, "...When will that time come?"

"The day is drawing nearer as we speak," his father replied. "But for now, there's still much for you to learn!"

"Come on!" he exclaimed with enthusiasm as he patted the boy's shoulder.

"Let's go and enjoy the delicious meal your mother prepared before it gets cold. She'll be mad if we keep her waiting!"

*****

"HAH!!" Kalsie's eyes snapped open, and he found himself sprawled on the ground, utterly alone.

He immediately rose to his feet, casting a vigilant gaze over his surroundings, only to be left in astonishment.

What lay before him were colossal walls, towering as high as a three-story building, their imposing presence casting a foreboding shadow. These towering barriers confined him within a maze-like structure. To his left and right, a pathway extended, its width spacious enough to accommodate several people walking side by side, thanks to the walls that stood six meters apart.

"It's a genuine maze... and I'm alone once more...."

With a soft "Pop!" sound, a window materialized right before Kalsie, diverting his thoughts.

[Message:- Above each person's head, including yours, there will be a tag pointing out their name and kill counts! Since you are a Ranker, all other 125 will be gunning for you! So be aware of anyone!]

Kalsie cast his eyes up and saw a blue-colored tag above his head, showcasing his name and kill count. He muttered to himself, "This will be tough..."

His surroundings felt increasingly daunting.

Before, when they had conquered the previous test, they had stood together, united to aid each other. However, now they were all scattered, lost within this maze. Furthermore, their enemies numbered in the dozens, which meant that any lone individual who found themselves surrounded would face daunting odds.

"I hope nothing happens to them..." His concern extended beyond his own safety; he was more worried about the well-being of his friends.

"I should get moving..." With no other recourse, Kalsie decided to delve deeper into the maze in search of his comrades.

But even before he could advance, Kalsie detected something – the rhythmic sound of someone sprinting in his direction.

The voices of two people, laden with anxiety, accompanied the footsteps.

"Let's turn this way!!" One of them urgently shouted.

"No, stop!! Someone is here!!!" Another person amongst called out firmly, halting their approach. Tension mounted on their faces

Shring! Calmly, Kalsie unsheathed his sword and fixed his gaze upon them as their tags loomed over their heads.

Their weapons were also raised hesitantly.

Toby, a blond-haired boy, inquired nervously to Timmy, his brown-haired companion, "How about we run away...?"

"Wait... Isn't that Kalsie Crux!? Look at his tag!!!" Timmy suddenly exclaimed, pointing at Kalsie's identifier.

"Then wouldn't it be more reasonable for us to flee this place?!" Toby retorted, his voice tinged with panic.

"No, look, he is injured! He even lost his arm... Haha! I didn't think luck would be on our side! Maybe we can defeat him!!" Timmy gazed at Kalsie with greed in his eyes.

"But he is the ****ing #2 ranker in the list, while we are at the bottom!"

"Don't you-"

"You both do realize that I can hear, right?"