Chapter 6: Gym

I've been training at the gym since I was eight years old. My body grew stronger, my skills sharper, and my confidence soared. Through years of dedication, I honed my abilities in various sports, and soon, I found myself ready for any challenge that came my way. 

"Young man, for this final test, five attributes will be evaluated: strength, stamina, speed, agility, reflexes, and coordination. You will undergo two trials: a boxing match and an obstacle course. Good luck."

I nodded, feeling the anticipation rise in my chest. I was confident in my punches, and I knew the boxing match would test my strength and reflexes. But when I stepped into the ring and saw my opponent, I instantly understood the true magnitude of the challenge. He was massive, easily towering over my 5'7" (1.74m) frame. I had never faced anyone this big before. He must have been at least 7'2" (2.20m), with broad shoulders and a muscular build that made me feel small by comparison.

"You only need to hold on for three minutes," the instructor said calmly.

Three minutes. I glanced at my opponent. This wasn't going to be easy. His size alone was enough to make anyone nervous. But I was determined to face the challenge head-on. I knew the key to this fight would be strategy, not brute force.

As the bell rang, the match began. My opponent wasted no time, rushing toward me with unrelenting aggression. His movements were heavy and wild, indicating that he wasn't entirely prepared for a technical fight. I could tell that his attacks lacked precision, but his size more than made up for it. One solid punch from him could end the match in seconds, so I had to remain focused and keep moving.

I focused on getting in and out quickly, waiting for the right moment to strike. His arms were enormous, and he threw wide hooks with both hands, each one aimed at me with tremendous force. I knew I had to avoid those punches at all costs. If he landed one, it could be over. So, I relied on speed and agility.

I could tell from his stance that he was right-handed, so I kept an eye on his rear arm. His right shoulder started to move, signaling an incoming punch. I lowered my torso and stepped back, avoiding the blow. In that split second, I countered with a left hook, my weaker arm. It wasn't perfect, but it connected. He didn't immediately recover his guard, so I took my shot again. This time, I aimed for his liver, the only vulnerable spot within my reach. The punch landed, but I didn't feel the satisfying thud I was expecting.

I adjusted and went for another strike, aiming higher just above the ribs. It was a tight shot, but I needed to push through. I saw his body freeze momentarily. The impact was enough to slow him down for a few seconds. I had managed to land a solid blow, but it wasn't enough to knock him out. He recovered quickly and continued to move, his large body looming over me. One, two, three seconds passed, and the bell rang, signaling the end of the round.

My body was aching. My arms felt heavy, my legs were tired, but I had done everything I could. The fight had shown me the true difference in physical size and strength, but I didn't let that slow me down. I had fought hard, and I was satisfied with my performance. Still, I couldn't help but wonder if it had been enough.

"Time for the obstacle course," the instructor called out.

I moved to the next trial, trying to shake off the exhaustion. My body felt bruised, but I didn't have time to rest. The obstacle course was just ahead, and I knew it would test my endurance and agility in ways the boxing match hadn't. I took my position at the starting line, preparing to push through the next challenge.

The course was demanding. I had to climb, jump, crawl, and sprint—all while my body was already fatigued from the match. As I sprinted toward the first obstacle, my shin collided with a bar, sending a jolt of pain up my leg. I gritted my teeth and pressed on, ignoring the discomfort. The course required precision and speed, and I knew I had to give it my all. Each obstacle was a new challenge, but I kept moving forward. There was no time to dwell on the pain.

I climbed walls, jumped across gaps, and crawled under bars, my body feeling like it was about to give out. Every move seemed to demand more energy than the last, but I kept pushing myself, knowing I had come this far and couldn't afford to slow down. The finish line was within reach.

With one final push, I crossed the last obstacle and made it to the end of the course, gasping for air. My body was drenched in sweat, my legs trembling from the effort, but I had completed it. It wasn't just about strength; it was about resilience, determination, and pushing beyond what I thought was possible.

"Your tests are now over," the instructor said, walking up to me with a nod. "Good luck, young man. I can't wait to hear about your results."

I stood there, exhausted but proud. "Thank you, sir," I said, still catching my breath. The instructor's words were sincere, and I could tell he believed in my abilities. I had given everything I had, and that was all I could do.

As I walked away, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment. The tests were difficult, but they had proven to me that hard work, dedication, and determination were the true keys to success.