Last Hurdle (i)

Exhilarating.

That was the only word Aldrich could find to describe what he was feeling at this moment.

Walking on water, with waves crashing around him, challenging his balance yet never defeating him—it was pure thrill.

The way his footing swayed but held steady, the unpredictable rhythm of the ocean beneath his feet...

Aesthetic.

Yet, Aldrich wasn't one to dwell on the beauty of the moment.

He knew better than to get lost in the scenery when things were just getting started.

"Keep your toes ahead, guys," Aldrich called out, his voice steady as he and his companions ran side by side, effortlessly navigating the turbulent waves.

Their main objective was clear: find the island.

That was the quest the officials had laid out for all candidates.

What none of them knew, however, was that a hidden challenge awaited—one that had to be completed before they could achieve their goal.