**Chapter 3: A Test of Resolve**

Helios slowly woke up in a small, dimly lit room. The cool air felt good on his burned skin. His legs hurt a lot, reminding him of the tough test he just went through. He tried to sit up, but his body was too tired and heavy.

"You're awake," said a gentle voice. Helios turned his head and saw a nurse standing by his bed, looking worried. "You pushed yourself too hard out there. You need to rest."

Helios frowned, thinking about the hard trial. "Did I make it? Did I really connect with the Sun Qi?"

The nurse nodded and smiled. "Yes, you did. Just in time. The instructor was about to stop the test when you finally made the breakthrough. You've earned your spot in the next part of the training."

Helios felt relieved, but he also knew he needed to get stronger. He had barely passed the first test, and he knew the challenges ahead would be even harder. He couldn't stay this weak.

"I need to get stronger," he whispered to himself, even though it hurt to clench his fists. "I can't let anything stop me."

The nurse placed a hand on his shoulder. "You have a strong spirit, Helios. But remember, strength isn't just about pushing yourself. You need to know when to rest, too. Don't hurt yourself."

Helios nodded, but his mind was already focused on what he needed to do next. He had to prove that he was more than just someone who barely passed. He had to show that he was strong enough to become the Sun Holder.

"Thank you," he said quietly. "But I can't hold back. Not now."

The nurse sighed but understood. "Just be careful, Helios. The Solar Games are as much about your heart as they are about your strength."

Helios didn't reply. His mind was set on his goal. As he lay back down, he closed his eyes and let sleep take him, determined to come back stronger.

---

The next day, Helios returned to the complex. His legs still ached, but he was determined. The other contestants looked at him with curiosity and doubt. They had heard about how close he came to failing.

In the training hall, the instructor appeared, and everyone became quiet. "Today, we move on to the next part of your training. You've all connected with the Sun Qi, but now you must learn to control it. This will show who is truly ready and who is not."

Helios felt his heart race. This was his chance to prove himself.

The instructor led them to an open field behind the complex. There, they saw large mirrors reflecting the sunlight. The heat was intense, and the ground felt like it could catch fire.

"Each of you will stand before a mirror," the instructor said. "Your task is to use the Sun Qi to control the sunlight's intensity. If you control too little, you'll be burned. If you control too much, the mirror will break. Find the balance, and you will move on."

Helios took his place in front of a mirror. The heat was almost unbearable. Sweat dripped down his face as he tried to focus on the Sun Qi inside him.

The sunlight grew stronger, and the heat became almost too much. Helios struggled, trying to remember how he felt when he first connected with the Sun Qi. But the pressure was too great, and he began to panic.

"Focus, Helios!" he told himself. "You can do this!"

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, blocking out the heat and the light. He searched deep within himself for that connection to the Sun Qi.

Then, he felt it—a small spark of energy, the sun's power flowing through him. He grabbed onto it and slowly began to control it.

The heat around him lessened. The sunlight reflecting off the mirror dimmed as he gained control. His breath was ragged, but he didn't let go. He couldn't let go.

Finally, the light dimmed, and the mirror stopped blazing. Helios opened his eyes, tired and soaked in sweat, but he had done it. He had found the balance.

The instructor nodded and moved on to check the others. Helios watched as some succeeded and others failed. Some broke their mirrors, while others got burned.

As he stood there, Helios realized this was just the beginning. The journey to becoming the Sun Holder would be long and difficult. But he wasn't afraid. He had faced the sun's power and come out stronger. He would keep growing, keep fighting, until he reached his goal.

As the day ended and the sun set, Helios looked up at the sky. His resolve was as strong as ever.

"I will become the Sun Holder," he promised. "No matter what."