I was leaning against the wall, my hands in my pockets, silently observing Kairo. I didn't see the usual strength in him; he looked exhausted, trying to appear fine in front of everyone, but I knew it wasn't that simple.
When our eyes met for a brief moment, I wasn't searching for anything in his gaze, I just wanted to convey a simple message: "I'm here, and I understand." I had no intention of offering any tangible support; just the silence I believe is sometimes all we need.
Suddenly, Raio interrupted the moment as he approached us, followed by a medic carrying first aid supplies. I didn't move, choosing to just watch. I saw the medic kneel beside Kairo and begin tending to his wound, while Raio stood, waiting with a silent expression, as if expecting Kairo to remain composed.
At the end of the day, the soldiers began returning to their camp. Their faces were weary, tired, but each one carried a different feeling inside: some felt relief from their survival, some were reflecting on their mistakes, and others were lost in dreams of the next day.
As for Kairo, he stood at a distance, staring at the maze he had left behind, as if reviewing every moment he had faced within it. He looked more exhausted than ever, and the wound on his arm was still wrapped in bandages. I approached him slowly, this time without hiding my steps, so he would know I was there. When I got closer, he turned to me, but said nothing.
I stood beside him in silence, looking toward the horizon. After a few moments, I spoke quietly: "The maze was a harsh test, but you made it through."
He nodded slightly, as if agreeing with me, but didn't smile. Instead, he spoke in a low voice: "The fear... that was the hardest part. Not the fear of the monsters, but the fear of losing to myself."
I didn't answer, because I felt that words wouldn't be enough. Sometimes, silence is the best response.
We walked in silence behind Raio towards the resting place, our steps in sync, as if we were breathing in unison. Kairo walked beside me, his features calmer, as if the heavy burden he had been carrying was slowly lightening.
When we reached the resting place, the atmosphere was peaceful. Some soldiers sat, tired, drinking water and catching their breath, while others lay on the ground, eyes closed, welcoming any moment of rest after the long day.
Kairo sat next to me, his gaze fixed on his weary hands. I knew many thoughts were running through his mind, but he needed some time to find peace with himself. I wasn't planning on breaking the silence, but suddenly he spoke softly: "You know, all this training... sometimes makes me feel like I'm losing a part of myself."
I looked at him with understanding and responded quietly: "Sometimes, we need to lose a part to realize our true strength. It's all part of the journey. It won't be easy, but it's worth it."
Kairo and I exchanged a look filled with respect, both of us aware that this shared silence was a kind of strength that connected us.
Raio moved steadily to the center of the base, standing firm before the soldiers, holding an electronic screen displaying the results of the "Maze of Silence" test. He raised his gaze to meet everyone's eyes, then spoke in a calm yet commanding tone:
"Everyone has completed today's test, and the results are now before us. I want to congratulate you all on your bravery and your ability to face your fears."
Raio's fingers brushed across the screen, and the soldiers' names and scores appeared, along with the details of their performance. Tension was evident on some faces, while others watched with anticipation and confidence.
When Raio reached Kairo's name, he paused for a moment, looking directly at him before speaking in a serious tone: "Kairo, despite the injury you carried, you showed courage and endurance that deserve respect. But always remember, physical strength is not enough; facing fear requires inner strength."
I felt Raio's words carried a deeper message, as though he was trying to impart a lesson to Kairo that went beyond the test results. Kairo nodded, his eyes now burning with renewed determination, as if he was beginning to understand that, despite the pain and fears, these challenges were merely part of his journey to become stronger.
Raio continued to present the results of the other soldiers, but he looked at them all as if to instill in them the confidence that the test was not just in the maze, but deep within themselves, and that what they faced today would make them stronger for the future.
Captain Raio said with pride, "Kairo, you're in first place."
Kairo nodded in acknowledgment, his eyes shining with quiet determination. He didn't show any outward expression of his feelings, but he was ready for the next stage, fully aware of the challenges ahead.
Raio smiled slightly and added, "Prepare for the next step. You have a long road ahead, and I expect you to keep pushing forward with strength."
Kairo nodded once more and then followed the captain, leaving behind any hesitation and maintaining his usual composure.
The captain moved toward Saki with a chilling calmness, his eyes locking onto her with such intensity that her breath began to slow. She already knew the results, but a small part of her clung to the faint hope that her thoughts were wrong. Saki tried to remain still, but a cold sensation spread through her limbs as he drew closer. He didn't say a word, but stood before her, his gaze piercing and evaluating.
Saki waited for him to break the silence, but the eerie quiet stretched on, as if the captain was testing her patience and resilience without needing to utter a single word.
The captain spoke calmly, his voice carrying a cold tone: "I expected better from you, Saki."
Saki felt a sharp pang in her chest, but she kept her features composed, trying not to show any weakness. She knew the captain was ruthless in his assessments, and his disappointment was not something easily borne.
He continued to stare at her, waiting for any reaction, but she remained silent, knowing that in his presence, sometimes silence was the only response that was acceptable.
The captain said coldly, "You're at the bottom of the list, Saki."
Saki remained silent, fully aware of the weight of his words. She didn't need to hear more; the look in his eyes was enough to make her feel the full extent of his disappointment.
Raio continued in a calm but harsh voice, "You made it out of the maze, but you never faced the monster. You just ran from it."
He gave a slight smile, then added, "Running away is not an option here. If you want to be more than just someone who survives, you need to learn to confront your fears, even if they threaten you."
Saki remained silent, struggling to control her emotions, but the captain's words had planted a deep sense of regret within her.
The captain continued to the rest of the soldiers in a steady voice, "Second place goes to Rin."
The soldiers exchanged glances, some nodding in admiration. Rin was known for his abilities, but no one expected him to outperform some of those considered stronger.
The captain continued, "Although Rin showed good performance, there's still much work to be done before he can reach the top. Remember, nothing proves your abilities except your continued challenge."
Saki's gaze shifted toward the young man with dark hair, who was leaning against the wall nearby. His eyes were fixed on the ground, as if he didn't want to draw attention. But despite his calm demeanor, he seemed to be aware of everything around him, indifferent to the captain's words or even the crowd around him.
Saki couldn't suppress her curiosity about him. He was always calm, never showing weakness or fear. How could someone like him remain in the shadows despite his clear abilities?
In third place was a girl named "Erika," with dark brown hair and sharp eyes, standing next to Ren. Her features were composed, and her eyes were fixed on the captain with full concentration, as if preparing for whatever might come next.
The captain said, "Erika displayed impressive performance, although she still needs to work on improving certain skills. However, her strength lies in her ability to think quickly in difficult situations."
Erika nodded with confidence, but without showing any expression of pride or arrogance, for she knew the road ahead was still long.
Lost in her thoughts, she heard footsteps approaching from behind. She quickly turned around to meet Kairo's gaze. He stood there silently, his eyes holding a strange challenge.
He didn't speak at first, just gave her a long, steady look. Finally, he said in a low voice, "Don't think too much about those words. The test was hard for everyone."
His voice was calm, but there was something in it that made her heart beat faster. It felt as though Kairo was trying to reassure her, but in his own indirect way.
Saiki answered cautiously, "But... the commander was disappointed, and I... I failed to face my fear."
Kairo shook his head slightly. "You're not the only one. We all have fears, even if we don't show them. What's important is that we face them someday."
He paused for a moment before adding, "Remember, defeat isn't the end; it's part of the journey."
Saiki felt a slight relief in her heart. She didn't need grand words, just that moment, and the sincerity in his eyes.
Suddenly, the commander's voice broke the silence, steady and firm: "Today wasn't the end. It was just the beginning. What's coming is harder."
Those words felt like thunder in her ears, but something inside her began to ignite. She wasn't finished yet.