What is fun?

"Father! Mother! I finally won a match against someone with a martial skill"

A haggard-looking 10 year old boy with Golden hair could be seen running towards a run-down building with joy written all over his face. He slammed open the door to the house in excitement, causing a nearby table to shudder slightly.

"It seems your hard work has paid off kiddo," His Father said with a smile.

Thump!

A heavy knock connected with the man's head. He writhe in pain as he turned to look at the woman beside him with widened eyes as if to ask why.

"Look at the poor state of our son, Ren! All you care about is hard work, he even has a black eye now, you're lucky I didn't hit you harder," The woman glared at the man with a loving, but borderline, murderous gaze.

"But Elena, it's been four years since he joined the camp, and you know the hellish process the kids go through. You should be aware that it's to prepare them well enough for any circumstances that might arise inside the domain. If he doesn't work hard enough, then you know what awaits him inside the Domain when he comes of age," Ren said with a serious face, feeling wronged.

"How did you get in this state son?, did someone bully you again? I don't believe this was as a result of the match" Elena asked with a worried frown.

Timeless stood in a daze, not understanding how to respond to the sudden question.

"Calm down Elena. Don't frighten the boy now, he just got back. At least allow him some time to enjoy his little victory before he heads back, We only get 24 hours with him every week, so it's best we don't discuss about that now" Ren said vaguely trying to calm the situation.

"Fine, I guess It can wait a bit" said Elena after carefully observing his son's demeanor.

"Come with me, son. I'll clean you up and apply some ointment to your wounds" Elena said with a smile as she walked towards the bathroom.

"Yes, Mother" Timeless said with a sullen face while following in tow.

"By the way Good job on your win. It's been a long time coming. I know how hard you've worked and I didn't mean to dampen your mood but a mother always worries" Elena said with a chuckle while ruffling his hair.

Timeless felt much better after that as he smiled from ear to ear. Filled with determination, he said, "I'll work harder to be just like you you and dad -- and like dad always wishes to be, I'll be the first human to conquer all layers"

"That's a lofty ambition you got there, kiddo," Ren said after walking in on the pair.

"Indeed, hopefully he doesn't turn out to be another puppy, always rambling about conquering the whole domain but runs away at first sight of danger" Elena said mockingly.

"Hey, you're referring to me right?, I know you are" Cried Ren as his face flushed red with embarrassment.

"I didn't mention any names, did I? I think it all comes down to a guilty conscience," Elena said not mincing her words but with a teasing glint on the corner of her mouth.

"Yeah right, Are you done with him? I need some father-son time. I'll bring him back later" Ren said with puffed cheeks.

"Almost done just need to apply some ointment on his swollen eyes, and then you can have him all to yourself" Elena replied vaguely.

"Why is your face like that Father? You look so funny, did you eat something bad?" Timeless asked as he burst into laughter at his father's comedic scene.

Traitor!!!

"Whatever happened with men sticking together, huh?" Ren said, gritting his teeth as he stomped his foot on the ground angrily before leaving the room.

"Haha, such a baby" said Elena with a subtle smile.

"Alright, you're good to go now. Better don't keep your grumpy old man waiting" Elena said as she drew him closer for a hug. After a while she let him go and said "Go get changed and remember to take some nutrient solution with you".

"I will, Mother," Timeless said as he dashed out of the bathroom and walked towards his room. A Few moments later, he came out all dressed up and headed towards the dining.

"I'm all done father" Timeless said plainly.

"I can see that, join this old man for a walk" Ren said as he proceeded to walk out of the house.

"Where are we going father?" Timeless asked with apprehension and excitement as he followed in tow.

"We're just moving around the area; nothing to concern yourself with, so don't be nervous" Ren said as he chuckled briefly and then continued "Don't ask too much questions during the walk and just try to enjoy as best as you can, Okay?!!"

Timeless gave a slight nod in understanding.

The pair proceeded to tour the entire outskirt, stopping a couple of times to take in the scenery as they go about their journey; The outskirts were where the poor folks lived because they couldn't secure a good job inside the Federation or weren't skilled enough hunters to earn some decent cash.

His Father showed him Various places, Timeless found some of the places to be gross, while others barely did enough to pique his interest, That is, until they arrived at an open field filled with kids around his age or younger, whiling away their time. They were having fun playing a game called Tag.

"This is our final stop Kiddo" Ren said with a smile.

"Why did you bring me here, Father?" asked Timeless as he turned to look at his father feeling quite confused by the situation.

"You've forgotten how to have fun, stop dawdling and go play for a bit. You do remember what Fun looks like, right?" Ren asked bleakly as walked towards a Quiet space where he sat down cross-legged to rest.

Timeless watched as his father left him all alone to sit in a corner not paying much attention to him. He shifted his gaze back to the group of kids playing in the grassy fields, not understanding what to do. "What is fun?" he muttered silently to himself, the concept alien to him.