Chapter 16: A Week of Rest
The exhaustion from the training hit everyone hard. After days of pushing their bodies to the limit, the announcement of a break couldn't have come at a better time. The instructors had decided that it was important for all contestants to rest and recharge before continuing their journey to becoming potential Sun Holders. Everyone was granted a full week off to go back home, relax, and reconnect with their families.
Helios was especially grateful for the break. His arms were still sore from the cannonball training, and his body felt like it had been through a war. He wasn't the only one; many of the contestants had gone to the medical barracks for injuries. Some had broken bones, but they healed quickly thanks to advanced treatments and the natural healing effects of Sun Qi. Still, the mental exhaustion weighed heavily on them all.
As Helios packed his things and prepared to leave the Solara complex, he thought about how much he had learned in such a short time. The training had been brutal, but he was starting to understand the strength needed to compete in the Solar Games. He knew the journey ahead was going to get tougher, but for now, he was more than happy to take a break.
He waved goodbye to some of the other contestants, including Livy and a few others who had managed to make breakthroughs during training. They all exchanged smiles, knowing they had earned this week off.
"See you all in a week!" Helios called out, waving as he walked out of the complex.
Livy waved back, her eyes gleaming with determination. "Rest up, Helios. We'll need all the strength we can get."
With that, Helios left for home, eager to spend time with his mom and enjoy the simplicity of life outside the intense training.
---
When Helios arrived home, his mom greeted him with a warm smile and a big hug.
"You look exhausted, Helios," she said, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. "I hope you're ready to relax."
Helios nodded and sighed. "I've never been more ready, Mom. Training has been intense, and the competition is only getting harder."
His mom led him inside, where the familiar scent of home filled the air. The house was small but cozy, and Helios immediately felt at ease. He dropped his bag by the door and collapsed onto the couch, letting out a long sigh of relief.
"I've been watching the news," his mom said, sitting beside him. "Everyone's talking about you—the unknown contestant who claims he'll become the Sun Holder."
Helios chuckled weakly. "Yeah, that was kind of a bold thing to say, huh?"
"But I believe in you," his mom replied with a gentle smile. "I always have."
They spent the next few hours catching up, talking about everything from the training to the other contestants. Helios shared stories about the intense moments in the complex, especially the cannonball training and how some people had gotten hurt. His mom listened intently, her eyes widening at the descriptions of the challenges.
"You've been through a lot," she said, shaking her head in disbelief. "I'm so proud of you, Helios. No matter what happens, you've already come so far."
For the rest of the evening, Helios allowed himself to forget about the Solar Games. He ate a hearty meal with his mom, watched old re-runs of past Solar Games competitions on TV, and just enjoyed the peace of being home. For the first time in a while, he didn't feel the pressure of training weighing him down.
---
Over the next few days, Helios took full advantage of the break. He visited his old neighborhood, catching up with friends who had no idea what it was like to train for the Solar Games. They marveled at the stories he told, their eyes wide with awe as he described the intense training, the use of Sun Qi, and the brutal cannonball exercises.
"You're going to be famous, man," one of his friends said, clapping him on the back. "The whole world's watching now."
Helios smiled but didn't let the idea of fame distract him. He knew there was still a long way to go before he even had a shot at the title of Sun Holder. For now, he just wanted to rest and enjoy the simple things.
He spent time wandering around his hometown, taking in the familiar sights and sounds. He walked through the local park, visited his old school, and even stopped by the small bakery where he used to get snacks as a kid. It was refreshing to escape the intensity of training, even if only for a week.
As the days passed, Helios felt his energy slowly returning. His arms, once sore from the cannonball training, were healing, and his body was starting to feel stronger again. He practiced light exercises to keep himself in shape, but mostly, he allowed himself to relax.
By the end of the week, Helios felt like a new person. The rest had done wonders for his mind and body, and he was more determined than ever to continue his journey. He knew the road ahead would be tough, but with the support of his mom and the strength he had gained from his training, he was ready for whatever came next.
---
The day to return to the Solara complex finally arrived. Helios packed his bag and said his goodbyes to his mom. She hugged him tightly, her eyes filled with pride.
"Go show them what you're made of," she whispered, giving him one last encouraging smile.
Helios nodded, his heart full of determination. "I will, Mom."
With that, he set off, ready to face the next phase of his training. The week of rest had given him exactly what he needed: time to reflect, time to grow, and time to prepare for the challenges ahead. As he walked toward the complex, he knew one thing for certain—he was one step closer to becoming the Sun Holder.