Chapter 5

  The final trial, The Duel, awaited us in a separate arena designed explicitly for close combat. It was smaller and starkly minimalistic, an open circle surrounded by high, reinforced walls, illuminated brightly from above. My heart pounded louder with each step as Rex and I entered simultaneously from opposite sides.

  Track and Enny stood on a raised platform, watching closely, their expressions serious but unreadable. Track's voice resonated sharply across the arena, clear and authoritative.

  "This is the Duel—the final trial. The rules are simple: fight until surrender, or until one of you is incapacitated. The winner will earn their place on Apex Team Helios. Begin."

  Rex immediately shifted into a fighting stance, his calm and collected demeanor never wavering. My pulse quickened as adrenaline surged through me, awareness sharpening drastically. We circled each other cautiously, analyzing weaknesses and searching for openings.

  He moved first, lunging swiftly and precisely, forcing me backward. I dodged narrowly, feeling the wind from his strikes brush closely against my skin. Rex was skilled, each movement calculated, methodical, and powerful. I countered instinctively, movements guided by years of training and raw determination.

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  He feinted suddenly, throwing me off balance, and delivered a quick strike toward my ribs. Pain flared sharply, but I grit my teeth and retaliated swiftly, landing a solid strike to his shoulder. He staggered momentarily, then quickly regained his composure.

  Our battle intensified, exchanges becoming faster, strikes landing harder. Every breath burned in my lungs, muscles screaming in protest, but surrender wasn't an option. My family's faces flashed vividly through my mind, reminding me exactly why I fought so hard.

  Spotting a brief hesitation in Rex’s movements, I seized the opportunity, delivering a powerful kick that sent him sprawling backward. He quickly recovered but raised his hand, signaling surrender. Breathing heavily, he offered me a respectful nod, acknowledging the battle we'd both fought fiercely.

  The arena erupted into applause as Track stepped forward, clapping approvingly. “Congratulations, Dion. You've earned your place on Apex Team Helios."

  Relief washed over me, exhaustion finally overtaking the adrenaline. Enny stepped closer, her eyes filled with subtle warmth as she smiled gently. “Well done,” she murmured softly.

  I smiled weakly back, still catching my breath, heart swelling with pride and excitement. Track placed a firm hand on my shoulder, nodding approvingly. "Welcome aboard."

  As the cheering subsided, reality settled in—my life had irrevocably changed. From this moment onward, I was no longer just another courier. I had become something more—an Apex courier, ready to face the dangers, secrets, and opportunities awaiting me.

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