**Chapter 11: A Week of Rest**

After weeks of intense training, the instructor gathered all the contestants together in the main hall. Helios and his teammates were curious, wondering what the next challenge would be. They were tired but ready to keep pushing forward.

But to their surprise, the instructor smiled and said, "You've all been working hard, and now it's time for some rest. You've earned it. For the next week, you'll return home. Use this time to recover, reflect, and spend time with your loved ones. When you return, we'll continue preparing for the Solar Games."

A wave of relief washed over the group. They had been training nonstop, and the thought of going home brought a sense of peace. Helios felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. It had been a long time since he had seen his mom, and he missed her. But he also knew that he would have to explain everything he had been through during training.

As they packed their bags and prepared to leave, Helios caught up with Sylvi, Kade, and Arion. "Are you guys ready to go home?" he asked.

Kade grinned, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "You bet! I can't wait to sleep in my own bed and eat some real food. My mom makes the best stew."

Sylvi nodded, a soft smile on her face. "I'm looking forward to seeing my family too. It'll be nice to take a break from all the intense training."

Arion, who was usually more reserved, spoke up as well. "It will be good to see my father and my people again. I need to show them how far I've come."

Helios smiled, feeling a sense of warmth. "Yeah, it'll be nice to go home. I've got a lot to tell my mom."

They all said their goodbyes and promised to keep in touch during the week. Then, they each headed off in different directions, ready to return to the places they called home.

---

Helios's journey home was filled with memories of his past. As he traveled, he thought about his mother and how much she had sacrificed to support his dreams. She had always believed in him, even when things were tough. Now, he was coming back, not just as her son, but as someone who was on the path to becoming a Sun Holder.

When he finally arrived at his small town, the familiar sights and sounds brought a smile to his face. The dusty roads, the old buildings, and the scent of home-cooked meals wafting through the air—it was all just as he remembered.

Helios walked up to the door of his modest home and knocked. A moment later, the door swung open, and his mother stood there, her face lighting up with joy.

"Helios!" she exclaimed, pulling him into a tight hug. "I'm so glad you're home. I've missed you so much."

"I missed you too, Mom," Helios said, hugging her back. "It's good to be home."

They sat down together, and Helios told her everything that had happened during his training—the challenges, the friends he had made, and the lessons he had learned. His mother listened intently, her eyes filled with pride.

"You've grown so much, Helios," she said softly. "I always knew you were destined for great things. But remember, it's not just about winning the Solar Games. It's about who you become along the way."

Helios nodded, taking her words to heart. "I know, Mom. I'm trying to be the best I can be, for both of us."

They spent the rest of the day catching up, laughing, and sharing stories. His mother cooked his favorite meal, and for the first time in weeks, Helios felt truly relaxed. It was a simple, peaceful day, but it was exactly what he needed.

As the sun set, Helios stepped outside to look at the sky. The stars were beginning to appear, twinkling brightly. He felt a sense of calm wash over him, knowing that this week would give him the strength he needed to face the challenges ahead.

---

The next few days were spent enjoying the quiet life at home. Helios visited old friends, helped his mother with chores, and took long walks around the town, soaking in the familiar sights. He even took some time to meditate and practice his Sun Qi, ensuring that he didn't lose the progress he had made during training.

But most importantly, he spent time reflecting on his journey. He thought about the people he had met, like Sylvi, Kade, and Arion, and how they had become more than just teammates—they were friends. He thought about the challenges he had faced and how they had shaped him into someone stronger and more determined.

By the end of the week, Helios felt refreshed and ready to return to the training grounds. He knew that the path ahead would be difficult, but he was more prepared than ever to face it.

As he packed his bag and prepared to leave, his mother hugged him tightly one last time. "Take care of yourself, Helios. And remember, I'll always be here, cheering you on."

"I know, Mom," Helios said, smiling. "Thank you for everything. I'll make you proud."

With that, Helios set off on the road back to the training grounds, feeling a sense of peace and determination. The week of rest had given him the time he needed to grow, both as a person and as a future Sun Holder. And as he walked toward his future, he knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, he would face them with courage and strength.