After a brief moment to catch our breaths, we were ushered to the second trial: The Maze. Standing at the entrance, a towering structure of gleaming metal walls and shifting corridors loomed ahead. Unlike the Gauntlet, this trial was not just about physical endurance—it demanded intelligence, quick thinking, and adaptability.

  Track's voice echoed through the intercom system, resonating clearly. "In this trial, you must navigate an ever-changing labyrinth filled with dead ends, hidden traps, and surveillance drones programmed to eliminate any participant they detect. Only two of you will proceed to the final trial. Choose your paths wisely."

  The enormous doors slid open with an ominous hiss. Cole wasted no time, sprinting inside confidently, quickly disappearing into the maze. Zara hesitated briefly, exchanged a quick glance with Rex, then cautiously stepped inside. Rex nodded toward me in silent acknowledgment, his eyes steady and calculating.

  "Good luck," he said quietly before entering himself.

  I followed, heart pounding loudly, my mind racing to keep pace. The metallic walls shimmered subtly, and within moments, I realized they weren't merely decorative—the entire maze shifted constantly, walls rearranging rapidly, paths disappearing and emerging unpredictably.

  I moved cautiously, carefully listening for any signs of danger. Suddenly, footsteps echoed sharply, then stopped abruptly, followed by Cole's frustrated shout somewhere to my left. Clearly, he’d encountered one of the maze’s traps. I pressed forward, deciding to avoid that route.

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  The hum of drones echoed ominously overhead. I flattened myself against the wall just as a drone skimmed past, its scanners casting sharp beams of light across the corridor. Holding my breath, I waited until it passed, then moved swiftly forward.

  Navigating the maze felt increasingly disorienting. Paths changed without warning, forcing rapid recalculations. Zara's muffled cries echoed distantly, briefly chilling me. Another competitor out. I felt both relief and pressure intensify—now only three of us remained.

  Suddenly, a wall shifted directly in front of me, nearly crushing me. Leaping backward, I narrowly avoided being trapped. Frustration surged briefly, but I forced myself calm, thinking quickly. Recalling Rex’s advice, I chose an alternate path, instincts guiding me as I sprinted forward.

  Finally, after what seemed an eternity, an opening appeared ahead, bright and inviting. Relief surged through me, pushing exhausted muscles forward with renewed urgency. Bursting through the exit, I stumbled into the open air, gasping deeply.

  Moments later, Rex emerged beside me, breathing heavily but calm. Our eyes met briefly in mutual respect. Cole was nowhere to be seen. We were the final two.

  Track approached slowly, nodding approvingly. "Impressive, both of you. Rest now—the Duel awaits, and only one can join Apex Team Helios."

  My heart thudded heavily. The final trial loomed, and I knew it would demand every ounce of strength and skill I possessed.

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