Chapter 7: Cannon ball volleyball

The next day, Helios and the others arrived at the training grounds, feeling both excited and nervous. They had just finished the hidden trial and were ready for the next challenge. The instructor was waiting for them, standing next to a large machine that looked like a cannon.

"Today's training will focus on your volleyball skills," the instructor began. "But this is no ordinary volleyball. You will be using cannonballs instead of a regular ball."

The group looked at each other, surprised. Volleyball with cannonballs? It sounded dangerous, but Helios knew that the training was meant to push them beyond their limits.

The instructor continued, "Only those who can use their Sun Qi to strengthen their arms will be able to handle the cannonballs. If you do not use your Sun Qi, the impact will hurt you. This training is designed to help you control your Sun Qi under pressure."

Helios understood the importance of this training. If they could learn to control their Sun Qi during the game, they would become much stronger. He clenched his fists, ready to face the challenge.

The instructor moved to the cannon and pressed a button. The cannon made a loud noise, and a heavy metal ball shot out at high speed. It flew through the air toward the group, heading straight for Kade.

Kade quickly raised his arm, focusing his Sun Qi. His arm glowed with a bright light, and when the cannonball hit, he managed to block it, though he was pushed back a little.

"Good job, Kade," the instructor said. "But remember, you need to return the ball, not just block it."

The next cannonball was fired, this time toward Sylvi. She used her Sun Qi to jump high and spike the ball back over the net. The heavy cannonball flew to the other side, landing with a loud thud.

Helios watched closely, knowing his turn was coming. He concentrated, feeling the warmth of the Sun Qi flow through his body. When the cannon fired again, the ball was coming straight at him. Helios raised both arms, focusing his Sun Qi on them. His arms glowed with light, and as the cannonball hit, he pushed it back with all his strength.

The ball soared over the net, landing on the other side. Helios felt a wave of relief. The impact was strong, but with the Sun Qi, it didn't hurt as much as he thought it would.

"Excellent, Helios!" the instructor shouted. "You're getting the hang of it."

The training continued, with the cannon firing balls one after another. The group had to work together to keep the game going, using their Sun Qi to strengthen their arms and return the cannonballs. Each time, the impact tested their focus and control, but they were improving with each shot.

Not everyone was as lucky as Helios, though. Arion, who was more used to strategy than physical strength, struggled at first. The cannonball nearly knocked him down a few times, but with practice, he began to control his Sun Qi better, managing to return the ball without getting hurt.

However, some of the contestants couldn't handle the impact. One by one, a few players fell to the ground, clutching their arms in pain. The cannonballs were too much for them. Several contestants suffered broken arms, their Sun Qi not strong enough to protect them from the force of the heavy metal.

The instructor quickly called for medics. The injured were taken to the medical barracks, where they were treated right away. Despite the quick response, the sight of their injured teammates was a sobering reminder of how tough the training was.

The session went on, and those who remained became more synchronized, passing the ball to each other and working as a team. The instructor occasionally increased the speed and power of the cannon, forcing them to react faster and focus harder.

By the end of the training, everyone was exhausted, their arms sore from the impact. But they had made progress. Helios could feel it—each time he used his Sun Qi, it became easier to control. He could strengthen his arms faster, and the impact of the cannonballs no longer scared him.

The instructor called for a break, and the group collapsed onto the ground, breathing heavily. Sweat dripped down their faces, but there was a sense of accomplishment in the air.

"You all did well today," the instructor said, walking over to them. "This training is about more than just strength. It's about controlling your Sun Qi and using it when you need it most. The Solar Games will test you in many ways, and being able to handle pressure is key."

Helios nodded, understanding the importance of what they were learning. The real Solar Games were still a few years away, but with each day of training, they were getting closer to being ready.

As they rested, Helios looked at his teammates. They had come a long way since the first day, and there was still a long journey ahead. But with hard work and determination, he knew they could make it. He was more determined than ever to become the Sun Holder and bring honor to his team.