Trials of the Continent

Chapter 4: The Architect's Challenge

Ameir's muscles screamed in protest as he sprinted toward the base of the collapsing construct. His eyes locked onto the compartment where the key glowed faintly, its light a beacon amid the chaos. Shouts and the sound of clanging metal filled the air as the other competitors scrambled to act.
Viktor was the first to move. With the precision of a soldier, he leaped onto a set of still-spinning gears at the construct's base, using their momentum to propel himself upward. His movements were deliberate, purposeful.
Isabel quickly followed, small but swift. She made her way up the jagged panels with grace, every movement calculated, her focus unbroken. Ameir watched, impressed by her speed and skill.
Eleanor stood back, her silver hair shimmering faintly under the arena lights. She was not climbing, instead observing with an almost eerie calm, analyzing the situation. Her calculating gaze never wavered, as though she had already foreseen every step ahead.
At the base, Kaito was still struggling. His pale face contorted with frustration, his hands trembling as he tried to climb. He made several false starts, each one a failed attempt, and the nervous energy around him was palpable. Finn, however, stood off to the side, arms crossed, watching the others with a detached amusement.
Ameir clenched his fists. The timer continued to count down, the seconds ticking by with each moment of hesitation. Time was running out. He couldn't waste any more of it.
Glancing at Isabel, now halfway up the construct, Ameir knew that he couldn't afford to falter. The structure was unsteady, swaying with each movement, and if it collapsed completely, they'd lose their chance to retrieve the key—and possibly their lives.
Ameir took a deep breath, forcing himself into motion. His eyes scanned the construct, picking out the path he needed. He was no stranger to machinery, and the weak points were obvious to him. He knew exactly where to place his weight to avoid triggering any further instability.
"Need a boost?" Viktor's voice broke through the noise, sharp and commanding. His hand was extended, waiting.
Ameir nodded, sprinting toward him. Viktor gripped his forearm with surprising strength, hauling him upward with ease. "Stay close," Viktor ordered, his tone brokering no argument.
The two of them worked in tandem, Viktor using his strength to clear obstacles while Ameir identified safer routes. Together, they ascended, moving with a mix of power and precision.
Isabel reached the final stretch. Her fingers grasped the edge of the compartment, and with a final burst of effort, she hauled herself up. The key was within reach.
"Almost there!" she shouted, her voice a mix of exhaustion and triumph.
Ameir glanced down to see Kaito still stuck at the bottom, his movements slow and hesitant. His face was pale with fear, his body trembling as though he was trapped in indecision.
"You'll never make it like that," Finn taunted, his voice dripping with contempt. "Might as well sit this one out, kid."
Kaito flushed with humiliation but didn't respond. His body language spoke volumes—he was frozen, paralyzed by fear.
Ameir's heart wavered for a moment. The key was so close, but Kaito's helplessness pulled at him. He glanced back up at the construct. The seconds were slipping away. He couldn't afford to stop.
"Don't stop now!" Viktor barked, pulling Ameir back into focus.
Ameir shook his head, forcing his thoughts into the present. He could think about Kaito later. Right now, the trial had to come first.
Isabel's triumphant shout cut through his thoughts. "Got it!" she yelled, holding the key high.
But the victory was short-lived. The moment the key was removed, the entire construct shuddered violently, gears grinding to a halt as the structure began to collapse.
"Jump!" Viktor's voice was full of urgency.
Without a second thought, Isabel leapt from the platform, clutching the key to her chest. Ameir followed close behind, adrenaline surging as he pushed himself forward, desperate to outrun the falling debris.
Viktor was right behind them, and Eleanor, who had remained at the base, darted through the chaos with a grace that seemed to defy the destruction surrounding her. She moved with purpose, as though she had calculated every falling piece of debris before it happened.
Ameir hit the ground hard, the impact jarring his legs. He rolled, narrowly avoiding a massive gear that crashed down beside him. His heart raced in his chest, his breath coming in ragged bursts as the dust settled.
When the chaos subsided, the arena was eerily silent. The only sounds were the labored breaths of the competitors, each of them reeling from the close call.
Isabel was sprawled on the ground, the key still tightly gripped in her hand. Viktor helped her to her feet, his face grim but approving.
"That was too close," she muttered, brushing dirt from her clothes.
Kaito stumbled toward them, pale and shaking. He hadn't even attempted the climb, and the shame was written all over his face. He was almost too embarrassed to make eye contact.
"Pathetic," Finn sneered, his voice full of disdain as he swaggered over. "If this is what I'm up against, I have nothing to worry about."
Before Kaito could say anything, Eleanor's voice cut through the tension like a knife. "Enough," she said sharply, her calm tone making everyone fall silent. Her gaze locked onto the key in Isabel's hand. "We need to move. The trial isn't over."
Almost on cue, a section of the arena wall slid open, revealing a long, dimly lit corridor illuminated by glowing blue lights. Dr. Ames's voice echoed, the words almost a relief after the intensity of the trial.
"Congratulations on completing the first stage," he said, his tone detached. "But remember, this is only the beginning. Proceed to the next chamber."
Ameir exchanged a brief look with Isabel, then with Viktor. Their exhaustion was evident, but there was no time to rest. The trial was far from over.
Together, they moved toward the corridor, the weight of the competition pressing heavily on their shoulders.