The Classic Runner

Chapter 3:Light of Courage

The aftermath of the raid left Yuno shaken. Bodies of the fallen lay strewn across the battlefield, and the stench of death hung in the air. The survivors, battered and bloodied, gathered around the General, who seemed unfazed by the carnage. Yuno's mind was racing, trying to process Galarien's cold words: "Only the stronger can survive. The weak must die."

Yuno clenched his fists, feeling a surge of anger and helplessness. He had never experienced anything like this before. In the real world, football was a game-one where teamwork and strategy mattered. But here, it was raw survival, and the rules were far more brutal.

Galarien stood off to the side, reloading his pistols with a calm, almost bored expression. "You're still alive, kid," he remarked without looking at Yuno. "That's something. But you're going to need more than luck to survive here."

Yuno wanted to ask Galarien a million questions, but before he could speak, the General addressed the group. "The Queen is dead, and the raid is over-for now. We've managed to push back the Cave entities, but this is just the beginning. You're all here because you're strong, but strength alone won't get you out of this world."

The General's words hung in the air, heavy with implication. The other group leaders-Hazel with his sword, Guven with her bow-were already discussing strategies, their faces grim.

Galarien's voice cut through Yuno's thoughts. "Follow me," he said abruptly, grabbing Yuno by the arm and pulling him away from the others. They weaved through the remnants of the battlefield, past the fallen and the dying. Yuno's stomach churned, but he forced himself to keep moving.

Galarien led Yuno to a secluded area, away from the main camp. It was quiet here, with only the distant sounds of the survivors tending to the wounded. "You're out of your depth, Yuno," Galarien said, finally stopping and turning to face him. "But you're not entirely useless. That speed buff of yours is rare, like I said. It could make you valuable-if you know how to use it."

Yuno frowned. "But I don't even know what I'm doing here! Why was I brought to this world? What's the point of all this?"

Galarien's eyes narrowed. "There's always a point, kid. But the question is whether you'll live long enough to find out." He paused, as if weighing his words carefully. "You're here because you're needed. This world-this game-it's not random. You were chosen."

"Chosen? By who? For what?" Yuno demanded.

Galarien smirked. "That's for you to figure out. But if you want to survive, you'll need to get stronger. And fast."

Before Yuno could press Galarien further, a bright light appeared in the sky above the camp, and a strange, melodic chime filled the air. The General and the other leaders looked up, their expressions shifting from tension to readiness.

"That's the signal," the General announced. "The raid is over, but the game continues. We're moving on to the next level."

Galarien nodded, his gaze steady. "We're going to a new map, kid. Every level up brings new challenges-and new opportunities. If you want to get out of here, you'll need to keep leveling up until you're strong enough to face the endgame."

Yuno's heart pounded as the light grew brighter, enveloping the entire camp. He didn't know what the next level would bring, but one thing was clear: this world was relentless, and he would need to grow stronger with every step if he ever hoped to return to his real life.

As the light consumed them, Yuno made a silent vow. Whatever it took, he would find a way out of this twisted game. But first, he had to survive the next level...