Chapter 3: Phase one, part 1

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Countdown to the test.

15:59:59.

Kai and Zeru were engaged in a friendly sparring match at a small arena just a short distance from their home.

"Come on, Kai, punch harder. This is our last training session before the test."

"Ah... ah... ah, I'm doing my best here."

"I must prepare us for anything, Kai."

Kai suddenly felt a bit guilty.

"If you care so much about the test, why choose me for your team? I'm sure you could find someone more powerful to take my place."

Zeru looked at Kai with reassuring eyes.

"I don't care if you're powerless or what armband you're wearing. I lost my parents in the Great Clan War, and I don't even know if my older brother is still alive."

Kai looked up at the sky as the wind blew against his face.

"I'm deeply sorry for your loss, Zeru. I can't imagine how hard this must be for you."

As soon as Kai said that, Zeru immediately tried to comfort him.

"You came to our house when you were just a kid and lost your father at a very young age."

Kai continued to gaze at the sky, not responding to Zeru's words, while Zeru kept talking.

"We're a family now, and I always choose family above all else."

Zeru's words made Kai feel happy and warm inside.

"Thanks for saying that, Zeru."

"Anytime."

Suddenly, Kai changed the subject and began packing his things.

"I'd like to visit my father's grave before the test."

"Are you sure? There isn't much time left."

"Yeah. I haven't visited his grave in a while, and I think now is the perfect time to do so."

"Alright. Before you go, though, there's something important I need to tell you."

"What?"

"Do you remember yesterday, after the fight with May?"

"As soon as Zeru said that, Kai became a bit irritated."

"What about it?"

"May told me that some people would try to eliminate participants to secure their position. So, be careful out there and hurry back home."

"Sure, I'll be careful."

Suddenly, Zeru shouted, surprising Kai.

"Just one more thing before you go: I bought the dark grey-blue tracksuit you love so much."

For real. I needed a new one, especially after what happened to my old one yesterday.

Kai took the tracksuit, gave Zeru a fist bump, and then left for the train station.

***

Countdown to the test.

09:59:59.

Kai was heading to his hometown, Buur city. The city is covered with mountains and hills.

Buur City is smaller than Von City but significantly larger than Alba City.

Kai and his late father lived on the outskirts of the city. Aqil, his father, was known for his extraordinary kindness, especially towards Kai.

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