*How did he do it?* Nicholas thought, his mind racing. It was inconceivable that Klaus had managed to arrive before him. The entire situation defied logic. Nicholas had been ahead of Klaus throughout the test. How could Klaus have possibly overtaken him without him noticing?
*Impossible!* Nicholas's thoughts screamed. He vividly remembered leaving Klaus struggling back at the fourth checkpoint. Yet, here he was—the same Klaus who had lagged behind—standing triumphant, having cleared all the checkpoints. The reality of it gnawed at Nicholas, threatening to unravel his confidence.