Chapter 12: A Time to Rest

After the intense training in the maze, the contestants were given a week to rest and recover. Helios and his friends were relieved to have some time off. They had been pushing themselves hard, and their bodies and minds were exhausted.

Helios decided to spend his time relaxing in the garden area of the training complex. The garden was a peaceful place with flowers, trees, and a small pond. He liked to sit by the water and watch the fish swim around. The gentle breeze and the sound of the birds helped him feel calm.

One day, while sitting by the pond, Helios noticed Sylvi approaching. She had a small smile on her face, but she looked tired too.

"Mind if I join you?" Sylvi asked.

"Of course, sit down," Helios replied, patting the grass next to him.

Sylvi sat down and sighed. "It's nice to have a break, isn't it? I didn't realize how tired I was until now."

"Yeah, the training has been tough," Helios agreed. "But it's good to have some time to just relax and not worry about anything."

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, just enjoying the peaceful surroundings. After a few minutes, Sylvi spoke again.

"I've been thinking a lot about the Solar Games," she said. "It's such a huge responsibility. I mean, we're training to save the entire solar system. Sometimes it feels overwhelming."

Helios nodded. "I know what you mean. But I think that's why we need to take time to rest. If we're too stressed or tired, we won't be able to give our best."

Sylvi smiled. "You're right. I guess I just need to remind myself of that sometimes."

They continued to talk about their thoughts and feelings, sharing their worries and hopes for the future. It was nice to have a friend to confide in, and by the end of the conversation, both Helios and Sylvi felt a little lighter.

As the days passed, Helios spent time with Kade and Arion as well. They played games, told stories, and just enjoyed each other's company. Kade, with his endless energy, always found ways to make them laugh, while Arion, though quieter, offered thoughtful insights that made Helios think more deeply about their training and their mission.

The rest period was exactly what they needed. It gave them time to reflect on everything they had learned so far and to recharge their energy for the challenges ahead.