The morning air was cold and quiet.
Benji walked alone on a long, empty road, his backpack resting against his shoulders.
"To become a fighter… there are two tests.
Mental… and physical."
In his mind, the idea split into two equal parts.
Mental Test — 50%
Physical Test — 50%
"The physical test is easy to understand , it is all about your strength, stamina, durability, and your fighting skills.
All the basic criteria a fighter have."
"The mental test, however, was different.
Knowledge. Strategy. Decision-making. Battle IQ.
And the ability to think while facing danger."
"To become a fighter, a person should have at least 50% marks."
Benji continued walking, passing strangers who paid him no attention.
His eyes slowly drifted down to his hands.
They looked normal.
Too normal.
"I'll never pass the physical test…"
A memory flashed—
Ryo's fist crashing into him.
His body hitting the ground.
Pain. Helplessness.
He clenched his fists slightly.
"But the mental test…"
Another memory replaced it.
A classroom.
Him solving problems effortlessly.
A teacher pointing at him proudly.
Benji's eyes hardened just a little.
"That might be my only chance."
As he walked further, he passed by a park.
Children were playing.
Laughing.
Living freely.
Two kids stood apart, pretending to fight.
"I'll be a fighter someday!" one of them shouted confidently.
Benji stopped.
For a moment, he just watched them.
Then his expression darkened.
He turned away.
"They don't know what this world really is…"
The laughter faded behind him.
The world shifted.
Silent.
Cold.
Benji stood in front of two graves.
Clouds covered the sky above.
No one else was there.
Just him.
He slowly knelt down.
His hands trembled as they rested against the ground.
No words came out.
There was nothing to say.
The wind passed quietly through the empty space.
Benji lowered his head deeply.
The present returned.
Color.
Light.
Reality.
Benji stopped walking.
In the distance—
A massive structure stood tall against the sky.
His eyes widened slightly.
The Official Fighting Cooperation (OFC)
A huge, modern building.
Cold. Clean. Intimidating.
At the front, a symbol was carved into the wall.
The mark of the corporation.
Below it, three words were engraved:
STRENGTH • DISCIPLINE • SURVIVAL
Benji stared at them.
His throat felt dry.
He swallowed.
Then, slowly—
He walked forward.
The inside was even larger than he expected.
A wide lobby filled with people.
Different ages.
Different expressions.
Some looked confident.
Some looked terrified.
Some were stretching their bodies, preparing.
Others were reading small booklets.
"Fighter Examination Guide."
Benji stood still, observing.
Everyone here wants the same thing…
To become stronger.
To survive.
To rise.
He took a step forward.
The registration area came into view.
Counters lined up.
Staff members speaking to candidates.
Names being recorded.
Futures being decided.
Benji walked to the back of the line.
He waited.
Silently.
Then—
He took a deep breath.
Slow.
Steady.
His eyes sharpened.
"I don't know if I'll pass this…
A pause.
"But I won't run away anymore."