**Chapter 8: The Wall Training**

The next morning, Helios and his teammates returned to the training grounds, feeling a mix of excitement and dread. The intense cannonball volleyball session from the previous day was still fresh in their minds, and they wondered what new challenge awaited them.

As they gathered, the instructor stood before a large wall that towered high above them. The wall was made of thick stone, with a few ledges and handholds scattered across its surface. It looked daunting, and everyone exchanged nervous glances.

"Today's training is called 'The Wall,'" the instructor announced. "This wall will test your endurance, strength, and control over your Sun Qi. Your task is simple: climb to the top."

Helios studied the wall. It seemed straightforward, but he knew that with the Solar Games, nothing was ever as simple as it seemed.

The instructor continued, "There's a catch. As you climb, the wall will become more difficult. It will try to push you back, and the higher you go, the stronger the force. You must use your Sun Qi to anchor yourself and keep moving upward. If you lose control, you'll fall."

Helios and the others nodded, understanding the challenge. They would need to focus their Sun Qi not only in their arms but also in their legs to keep a steady grip on the wall. It was a test of total control and balance.

The instructor stepped aside, and the first group of climbers prepared to start. Sylvi, Kade, and a few others moved to the base of the wall, placing their hands on the rough stone. With a nod from the instructor, they began to climb.

At first, the climb seemed easy. The ledges were large enough to grip, and the wall didn't resist their movements. But as they reached about halfway up, the wall started to change. The stone beneath their fingers grew slippery, and the handholds became smaller and harder to grasp.

Sylvi, who was in the lead, narrowed her eyes in concentration. She channeled her Sun Qi into her hands and feet, feeling the warmth spread through her limbs. With each step, she could feel the wall pushing back, trying to knock her off balance. But she kept her focus, climbing steadily higher.

Kade followed close behind, his muscles straining as he tried to keep his grip. The pressure from the wall was increasing, and he could feel the force trying to pull him down. Sweat dripped down his face, but he didn't slow down. Using his Sun Qi, he anchored himself to the wall, refusing to be pushed back.

Helios watched from below, studying their movements. He could see how the wall was challenging them, but he also noticed that they were adapting, using their Sun Qi more effectively as they climbed. When it was his turn, he knew he had to be ready.

Soon, Sylvi reached the top of the wall. She pulled herself up and over, breathing heavily but victorious. Kade followed shortly after, landing beside her with a grin. They had passed the test, but it was clear that it hadn't been easy.

Now it was Helios's turn. He stepped up to the wall, taking a deep breath. He placed his hands on the stone and began to climb. The first part was easy, just as it had been for the others. But as he climbed higher, he felt the wall start to resist.

The handholds became smaller, and the surface grew slick. Helios tightened his grip, channeling his Sun Qi into his hands. The warmth of the energy helped him hold on, but the wall wasn't done challenging him yet.

As he climbed further, the force pushing him back became stronger. It felt like an invisible hand was trying to shove him off the wall. Helios gritted his teeth, focusing his Sun Qi into his legs to keep his feet steady on the narrow ledges.

The pressure increased with every step. Helios could feel his arms growing tired, his muscles burning from the strain. He had to dig deep, finding the strength to keep going. He remembered the training from the previous day, how they had learned to endure the impact of the cannonballs. This was similar—he needed to endure and push through.

Suddenly, his hand slipped on a particularly smooth section of the wall. For a moment, Helios felt himself falling, but he quickly focused his Sun Qi, throwing all his strength into his other hand to catch himself. His fingers gripped the stone tightly, and he stopped his fall just in time.

His heart pounded in his chest, but he couldn't stop now. Gritting his teeth, he continued upward, his movements slower but more deliberate. Every inch he gained was a victory, and he could see the top of the wall getting closer.

Finally, with one last effort, Helios reached the top. He pulled himself over the edge and collapsed onto the flat surface, panting heavily. His arms and legs ached from the effort, but he had made it.

The instructor nodded approvingly as Helios stood up, still catching his breath. "Well done, Helios. You've shown great determination."

As more contestants made their way to the top, a few were not so lucky. Some lost their grip and fell, but the wall's safety measures kicked in, slowing their descent so they wouldn't be hurt. Those who fell were disappointed, but the instructor encouraged them to keep practicing.

When everyone had finished, the instructor addressed the group. "Today's training was about endurance and control. The wall tested your ability to push through obstacles and stay focused even when the pressure increased. The Solar Games will throw many challenges at you, and only those who can keep their cool under pressure will succeed."

Helios and his teammates nodded, understanding the lesson. The training was tough, but they were growing stronger every day. As they prepared to leave the training grounds, Helios looked up at the wall one last time. It had been a tough climb, but he had made it to the top. 

He knew there would be even bigger challenges ahead, but with the support of his teammates and his growing mastery of Sun Qi, he was confident they could overcome anything.