Present Time
The training grounds are silent.
The only sounds echoing across the stone floor are the faint hum of the wind and the excitement the candidates struggle to suppress. Rick stands at the edge of the test area; his gaze is stern yet fair. The stone target before them is no ordinary rock. Its internal structure has been specially reinforced designed so that only a true Guardian candidate can damage it.
Rick turns his eyes to Jack.
Rick: Come on… it's your turn, Jack.
Jack remains still for a moment. He tries to slow his breathing. He clenches his fists, then relaxes them. His eyes drift away involuntarily.
Jack: I hope nothing happened to Mark.
There is a hint of concern in his voice. Rick notices it but doesn't show it on his face.
Rick: Don't worry. He's fine.
Jack nods, but his mind isn't completely at ease.
At the same time, somewhere else…
In a narrow, dark space, Mark stands alone. The atmosphere is suffocating; the walls feel as if they are closing in on him. Across from him, a figure hides within the shadows.
Mark: So this is the card you're playing, Mr. Mop.
His tone is mocking, but beneath it lies suppressed tension.
Mop: Silence…
Mark lets out a short laugh but it isn't a joyful one.
Mark: I'm very lonely.
His words hang in the emptiness.
Back to the training grounds.
Jack is still motionless. He looks at the stone but doesn't strike. His mind is crowded. Rick waits patiently; this test isn't only about strength.
Rick: Whenever you're ready… begin, Jack.
Jack closes his eyes.
And his mind pulls him back.
Location: ???
Year: 3109
Jack is six years old.
With his small hands, he tries to take a proper stance. His mother stands in front of him, her eyes carefully watching his hands.
Jack: Mom… is this exactly how I throw a punch?
She kneels down and gently adjusts his hand.
Jack's Mother: No, my son. Shape your index and middle fingers like a half "C."
Jack carefully tries again.
Jack: Okay… like this?
Jack's Mother: Yes, just like that.
The punch you're forming…
is our family's secret fighting style.
Jack's eyes widen.
Jack: Then what's its name?
His mother pauses for a brief moment. Then she speaks.
Jack's Mother: The name of this fighting style is...
Present Time
Jack opens his eyes.
Jack: Cosmic Combat Style… Spatial Impact.
He plants his feet firmly on the ground. He holds his breath and throws his punch at the stone.
His fist hits the stone.
But nothing happens.
The stone stays in place. No cracks. No damage.
Jack's heart starts racing.
Rick raises an eyebrow slightly.
Rick: You have one more strike…
Jack lowers his fist. Deep down, he feels that something is wrong. But there is a strange attentiveness in Rick's gaze.
Inside the stone, something unseen occurs.
Microscopic cracks silently spread.
Rick's eyes widen slightly.
Rick: What kind of fighting style deals damage from the inside?!
Suddenly, the stone shatters with a massive roar. Pieces scatter across the ground.
Jack freezes.
Then Rick speaks loudly.
Rick: Jack, congratulations. 100 points.
Jack's face lights up instantly.
Jack: First stage complete!
His joy is uncontrollable. As he moves forward, Rick watches him from behind, lost in thought.
Rick (thinking): Wait a second… I don't remember clearly, but it feels like I've seen this fighting style somewhere before…
At a high point, within the shadows, a silhouette appears.
— — —: Interesting… How is that fighting style still alive?
The silhouette disappears in an instant.
Location: Holy Temple – Rest Area
The moment Jack enters, someone jumps on him.
Jack: Ouch… Enzo, could you be a little more careful?
Enzo: Sorry! I didn't mean to scare you—though it seems you only felt pain.
Jack: I wouldn't exactly call that "scaring."
Enzo: Sorry.
At that moment, the curtain opens. Rick stands before them in his Overseer role.
Rick: Congratulations, ladies and gentlemen… The next stage will involve entity hunting.
The area immediately comes alive.
Rick: The second stage will be like a hunting competition. Those who score the highest won't start from fifth place—but from fourth.
Luna: Very well, Overseer… How many people can pass?
Rick smiles.
Rick: Don't worry. No one is eliminated. Every participant will become a Guardian, but...
Luna: But?
Rick: They'll start from slightly higher ranks.
Excitement and surprise ripple through the crowd.
Rick raises his hand.
Rick: Well then… shall we slowly begin?