Chapter 3

  The morning of the trials arrived swiftly, bringing with it a mixture of anticipation and anxiety that had kept me awake most of the night. The trials were notorious—every courier who'd ever participated described them with equal parts awe and dread. They were designed not just to test physical prowess but also mental resilience, strategy, and raw determination.

  The other candidates gathered at the main arena, a sprawling indoor facility designed explicitly for Apex courier training and competitions. Glancing around, I saw familiar faces—Jace stretching quietly in a corner, Kaya pacing restlessly, Milo and Lia quietly strategizing together, Rex calmly assessing the surroundings, Zara performing last-minute checks on her gear, and Cole exuding confident energy. Each candidate radiated their own version of readiness.

  The massive arena screens flickered to life, capturing our attention instantly. Track and Enny stood at the front, serious yet reassuring. Track's powerful voice echoed clearly:

  "Welcome to the Apex Team Helios trials. These challenges are meant to push you beyond your limits. They will test your ability to think fast, react faster, and prove you're capable of working under extreme pressure. There will be three trials: the Gauntlet, the Maze, and finally, the Duel."

  Enny stepped forward, her voice calm yet commanding. "Remember, it's not only strength and speed that matter. Your adaptability, teamwork, and resourcefulness will ultimately determine your success."

  My heart pounded harder as the screens shifted, revealing the first trial: "The Gauntlet."

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  The gates opened slowly, revealing an intimidating obstacle course filled with rapidly shifting platforms, spinning blades, and automated drones scanning for intruders. My pulse quickened, adrenaline flooding through me.

  As we lined up, I felt Track's reassuring presence as he briefly rested a hand on my shoulder. "Remember, Dion," he whispered firmly, "Stay focused. Trust your instincts."

  The signal sounded, and instantly chaos erupted. Candidates surged forward, dodging swinging blades and leaping across unstable platforms. My heart hammered violently as I followed, reflexes sharpened by desperation and determination. A drone narrowly missed me, its laser beam singeing the air inches from my face.

  Ahead, Kaya stumbled and fell, narrowly avoiding serious injury as she scrambled aside. Jace managed an agile dodge, sprinting effortlessly forward, narrowly outpacing Milo and Lia. My breathing became ragged, muscles screaming with effort, yet I refused to slow down.

  Suddenly, Rex appeared beside me, his expression determined but steady. "Stay alert," he advised quietly. "There's more coming."

  As if on cue, the obstacles intensified—faster blades, narrower platforms, and drones doubling in number, relentlessly pursuing each of us. Zara faltered, narrowly escaping harm but clearly shaken. Cole raced ahead confidently, dodging obstacles with incredible precision.

  I forced myself forward, each step harder than the last, every muscle in my body demanding rest. But my family’s faces flashed vividly through my mind, igniting fresh determination. I surged forward with newfound energy, narrowly overtaking several competitors.

  Finally, after what felt like endless struggle, I reached the finish line, collapsing to my knees, breathing heavily. I looked around—only Rex, Zara, and Cole had reached the end beside me. Relief and exhaustion washed over me simultaneously.

  As the screens flashed our names, confirming our advancement, Track stepped forward, clapping appreciatively. “Well done. Rest quickly, because the Maze awaits.”

  I nodded, steeling myself once again, knowing the hardest challenges still lay ahead.