Meanwhile, 15 years ago...

"... tag the can! Tag the can!"

"Hey, wait up!"

I sat on the bench watching them go in circles as they eyed the aluminum can, probably crushed by pebbles. The can clinked in response, losing balance but it always catches a grip on its own.

I wondered why it was even played in that way. Shouldn't it be more challenging if they instead shoot the pebbles in the can's mouth?

Suddenly, Phoenix came to me, handing a handful of pebbles with a smirk of enthusiasm.

"Come on, Miles! We're losing firepower." He pointed out the can grimly, getting lost to the opposition.

I plainly directed my gaze on the can once again. My face went flat.

"I don't want to play games that I don't know." I replied in exasperation.

"You know this game!" Phoenix retorted in disbelief. "Seriously, don't be such a spectator and instead help us win the game."

I raised my eyebrow at him. "Does it help?"

"Yes." Phoenix nodded firmly, with a frown matching his expression.

Guess I have no choice then.

I stood up slowly from the bench, took a pebble and threw it on the can with all of my energy. The pebble shoot through the air, inching the distance.

However, it didn't even touch the can, or even the slightest close range. I looked down.

Phoenix went to me again and placed his hand firmly on my shoulder. "Come on, Miles. Don't give up now."

I sneered at him. "But you just saw how I couldn't play this game. There's no reason for me to be able to do that again!"

I thought it would be over, that he will never bother me again to play.

Until he gave me his last pebble.

"Wheter you like it or not, you will use this to hit the can." Phoenix was clearly pissed, I can tell. Half of it is genuine seriousness.

Again, I sighed before throwing the pebble. The small rock glided through the air at high speeds. After that...

Clank!

... the can revolved a bit upon the impact, and after its spin, it finally trudged into its death-- toppling down on its side, rolling a few distance away.

I could hear Phoenix shouting: "Yeah! That's what I call a game!"

I felt my hand ease. Although I never expected the can to get hit, I felt that I did enough. Seeing the can down on its own due to my throw, I sat down at the bench again, this time, without the dismay.

"You should play more with us, Miles. That would be great!"

Present Day

That memory. The can tumbling down could be audible even until now. It was almost the same as the glasses clinking into a toast.

"... are you sure for this, Miles? You seem pretty shook up."

It was Phoenix's voice once again. Cutting my train of thoughts.

"Honestly, I don't know what upholds on our match, but he will certainly fall on our trap. It's been years already, and he will get the right judgment before he goes to hell in afterlife."

"And remember to use your cards carefully. You'll need it." Phoenix nodded before leaving.

The setting is now in front of me. The spectators itself murmuring in curiosity and amazement. A table elegantly sitting in the center, and the light glazing it perfectly along with the sparkled eyes of both High Rollers and Commoners.

But one question still remains.

This man... just who the hell is he already?