**Chapter 4: The First Challenge**

The next morning, Helios woke up sore but ready. The sun was rising, and today was the day of the first challenge. Helios knew he had to do well.

 

He got dressed and went to the training grounds. The other contestants were already there, looking nervous and excited. Everyone knew this was important.

 

The instructor appeared and the crowd went quiet. "Today is the first challenge," he said. "You will work in teams and use your Sun Qi. The team that wins will move forward."

 

Helios felt determined. He had trained for this moment for a long time. He couldn't fail now.

 

The instructor continued, "You will be in teams of four. Each team must catch the Solar Beacon—a glowing orb that moves fast. You must work together to catch it. The first team to catch it wins."

 

Helios was teamed up with three others: Kade, a strong human; Sylvi, a fast elf; and Rho, a calm ma-beast. They quickly introduced themselves and got ready.

 

On the field, Helios saw the Solar Beacon. It was glowing bright and moving quickly in the air. The instructor reminded them to work together, or they would fail.

 

The signal was given, and the teams started. Helios tried to control the Sun Qi to catch the beacon, but it was too fast. Sylvi moved gracefully, trying to corner it, while Kade used his strength to push the beacon their way. Rho watched the beacon closely, telling the others where it was going.

 

But the beacon kept getting away. Helios started to feel frustrated. They were close, but it wasn't enough. He knew they needed a different plan.

 

"Wait!" Helios shouted. "We're trying too hard on our own. We need to work together, like the sun's rays. Let's focus our energy as one."

 

The others agreed. They moved together this time, syncing their movements. Sylvi went left, Kade went right, and Helios and Rho focused on their Sun Qi together.

 

The beacon slowed down, reacting to their combined energy. With one final effort, they trapped the beacon in a cage of light. The orb stopped moving and floated into Helios's hand.

 

The crowd cheered, and the instructor nodded. "Good job, team. You caught the Solar Beacon by working together. You will move on to the next phase."

 

Helios felt proud. They had passed the first challenge. But as he looked around at the other teams, he knew there were more challenges ahead.

 

As the sun rose higher, Helios felt more determined than ever. He had taken the first step to becoming the Sun Holder, and he wouldn't stop n