3. Buckling under pressure

Kai went first, starting off the 170kg deadlift challenge.

He was tired, his hands becoming weak as he lifted his off the ground.

His face showed the strain he was going through, his body slowly shaking as tried his best but his body couldn't handle anymore, letting him down.

His grip gave up next, making him drop the weight midway through the lift. 

He was eliminated first. 

Shaan and Zayn went next.

They were also tired but didn't want to show it to the crowd, putting their body under excess stress.

They lifted together, playing off the emotions of a divided crowd as they held the weights, trying to see who would put it down first. 

This battle of Strength excited the Crowd, but Azyne found it amusing and childish. 

They agreed on a draw among themselves, not wanting to damage their reputation at this stage among the people.

Azyne went next, showing his experience, showing off good lifting technique to do it.

He didn't hold the weight like the rest did for long durations. Instead teasing them by pointing to the 200kg weights. 

He was playing the crowd so well the other competitors felt the pressure to reach that weight category, as failing would mean letting down the people's expectations. 

Akamu came next. No one batted an eye thinking he'll be walking off like Kai.

The only shock they had till now was Kai placing 5th. The Place they thought Akamu would hold.

But the Fourth Place was still empty, placing their bets on it.

Akamu however lifted it without showing much of an effort. Shattering all expectations.

The Crowd was in disbelief, as Akamu competed with Azyne to see who could hold it the weights the longest in the 180kg category

The crowd was super into this battle as the others took the time to rest. 

They were holding it for nearly a minute, with the crowd cheering their names. 

The crowd began to believe Akamu would be a safe bet at this point, choosing to take his side a little more.

Azyne again tapped into his experience at this point, playing into the crowds reaction and turning it towards Akamu.

He let the rookie take the spotlight, stepping away after a minute and showing his support to Akamu, urging him to keep the lift going. 

A clever strategy that was wearing Akamu down. 

The crowd was impressed by Akamu while the competitors weren't. Seeing how foolish he was to waste his energy at this stage. 

Especially Shaan and Zayn, who were feeling the effects of it.

Akamu held it for nearly 2 minutes, before the judges asked him to drop it so they could move with the competition. Also for Akamu's safety. 

Azyne, shaan and zayn, now well rested at that time, used the energy to move to 190kg.

Akamu meanwhile, was refusing a break went onto lift and stressed himself more, struggling at 190kg. He held his back after the lift, showing the wear and tear his body went through. 

He was realizing how foolish his decision was to pander to the crowd rather move with the Competition. 

His body showing as he held his hips and slowly walked away as the next competitor took the stage.

They moved onto 200kg lifts.