Chapter 5: the next training

The morning sun shone brightly as Helios woke up the next day. His body still ached from the last challenge, but he knew he had to keep going. The first challenge was over, but many more were waiting for him and the others.

Helios got dressed and made his way to the training grounds. The other contestants were already there, talking quietly among themselves. Everyone knew that today would be another test. No one knew what it would be, but the air was filled with nervous energy.

The instructor arrived, and the crowd quickly went silent. His voice was calm but firm as he spoke. "Today, you will face a different kind of challenge. It's not about speed or strength. Today, we will test your endurance and focus. This will show who can truly control the Sun Qi over time."

Helios felt a shiver run down his spine. Endurance was a different kind of challenge. It wasn't about quick thinking or fast reflexes. It was about lasting as long as possible without giving up. He wondered if he was ready for it.

The instructor continued, "You will each take a position in the field. There, you will be exposed to intense sunlight. Your task is to use your Sun Qi to protect yourself from the heat. The longer you last, the better. If you lose control, you will be burned. Those who cannot endure will be eliminated."

Helios took a deep breath. This challenge was serious. He had to be careful and stay focused. He followed the others as they walked onto the field, where they each took their positions. The ground was hot beneath his feet, and he could already feel the sun's heat growing stronger.

"Begin!" the instructor called out.

Helios closed his eyes and focused on the Sun Qi within him. He could feel the energy flowing through his body, like a warm current of power. He had to use this energy to shield himself from the sun's heat, but he knew it wouldn't be easy.

The sun's rays beat down on him, growing hotter by the minute. Helios focused harder, trying to keep the Sun Qi steady around him. He imagined a protective barrier of light, keeping the intense heat away from his skin.

At first, it seemed to work. The heat wasn't as bad as he expected. But as time went on, the sun grew even hotter. The air around him felt like it was on fire, and the protective barrier began to waver. Helios gritted his teeth, trying to stay calm.

Around him, he could hear some of the other contestants struggling. Some cried out in pain as the heat became too much. Others fell to the ground, unable to keep going. Helios didn't let himself get distracted. He knew he had to stay focused if he wanted to survive this challenge.

His skin felt like it was burning, and sweat poured down his face. He was getting tired, but he couldn't let go. The Sun Qi was his only protection, and if he lost control, he would be in serious trouble.

Time seemed to stretch on forever. The sun's heat was relentless, and Helios felt like he was reaching his limit. But he kept going, refusing to give up. He thought about his goal—to become the Sun Holder and give his mother a better life. He couldn't let this challenge stop him.

Finally, after what felt like hours, the instructor's voice called out, "Enough! Stop!"

Helios let out a breath he didn't realize he had been holding. He collapsed to his knees, exhausted. The heat around him began to fade as the instructor signaled the end of the challenge.

"You have done well," the instructor said, looking at the remaining contestants. "Those of you still standing have shown great endurance and control. You will move on to the next phase."

Helios looked around and saw that many of the others had fallen. Only a few were still standing, their faces pale and drenched in sweat. Helios knew he was lucky to have made it through.

He slowly got to his feet, his legs trembling from the effort. The other contestants were also getting up, some helping each other. Helios noticed that even those who had fallen were being treated kindly by the instructor and the staff. They were not punished for failing; they had simply reached their limit.

The instructor gathered everyone together and spoke again. "You have faced another difficult challenge, but remember, the Solar Games are not just about strength and power. They are also about learning your limits and pushing beyond them. Those who move on have shown they can endure and remain focused, even in the face of great difficulty."

Helios felt a sense of pride. He had survived another challenge and was one step closer to his goal. But he knew that the hardest tests were still to come. The Solar Games were designed to push the contestants to their limits, and he had to be ready for anything.

As the day went on, Helios took time to rest and recover. The other contestants did the same, finding shade and drinking water to cool down. The complex provided food and medical care for those who needed it, ensuring that everyone could continue to participate as long as they were able.

Helios found a quiet spot under a tree and sat down, letting the cool breeze soothe his tired body. He thought about the challenges he had faced so far and what might come next. Each test was getting harder, and he knew that the final challenges would be the most difficult of all.

He was deep in thought when Sylvi, the elf from his team in the first challenge, approached him. She smiled and sat down beside him, her green eyes bright with curiosity.

"You did well today," she said, her voice soft and kind. "I saw how focused you were. You have a strong will, Helios."

"Thanks," Helios replied, feeling a bit embarrassed by the compliment. "It was tough, but I couldn't give up. I have to keep going."

Sylvi nodded. "We all have our reasons for being here. I think that's what keeps us going, even when things get hard. But remember, it's not just about winning. It's about learning, too."

Helios looked at her, surprised by her words. "Learning? What do you mean?"

Sylvi leaned back against the tree, gazing up at the leaves. "The Solar Games are more than just a competition. They're a way to discover who we are and what we're capable of. Each challenge teaches us something new about ourselves. It's not just about being the strongest or the fastest. It's about understanding our strengths and weaknesses and finding a way to grow."

Helios thought about what she said. It was true that each challenge had pushed him in ways he hadn't expected. He had learned a lot about himself—his limits, his fears, and his determination. But he hadn't thought about it as a learning experience. He had been so focused on winning that he hadn't considered the bigger picture.

"I guess you're right," Helios said slowly. "I've been so focused on becoming the Sun Holder that I haven't really thought about what I'm learning along the way."

Sylvi smiled again. "That's normal. We all want to win, but it's important to remember why we're here in the first place. The journey is just as important as the destination."

Helios nodded, feeling a sense of calm. He realized that the Solar Games were more than just a series of tests. They were a journey of self-discovery, and each challenge was a step on that path. He didn't know what the next challenge would be, but he was ready to face it with a new perspective.

As the sun began to set, the instructor called the contestants together once more. He explained that the next challenge would take place the following day and that they would need to be well-rested and prepared. The contestants were given the night to rest and recover, with strict instructions to take care of themselves.

Helios returned to his room, feeling both tired and energized. He knew that the road ahead would be tough, but he also knew that he was ready to face whatever came his way. He had learned a lot about himself in the past few days, and he was determined to keep growing and improving.

Before going to bed, Helios took a moment to think about his mother. She had always believed in him, even when things were difficult. He wanted to make her proud, but he also wanted to make himself proud. He was starting to see that the Solar Games were about more than just winning—they were about becoming the best version of himself.

As he lay down to sleep, Helios felt a sense of peace. The journey was far from over, but he was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead. He knew that he had the strength and determination to keep going, and he was excited to see where this journey would take him.

Tomorrow would bring a new challenge, but tonight, Helios allowed himself to rest. He closed his eyes, letting the exhaustion of the day wash over him. His dreams were filled with images of the sun, shining bright and strong, guiding him forward on his path.

The Solar Games were far from over, but Helios was ready. He knew that he had the power within him to succeed, and he was determined to see it through to the end. No matter what challenges lay ahead, he would keep moving forward, one step at a time.