Tournament of Honours 2

The third obstacle was a rope swing that led to a cargo net climb. Lin grabbed onto the rope and swung himself towards the net, but as he let go of the rope, he lost his footing and fell to the ground.

Lin quickly got up and dusted himself off, he couldn't let this setback ruin his chances. He approached the rope swing again, this time with a more cautious approach. He swung himself towards the net and grabbed onto the ropes, pulling himself up to the top of the net.

The next obstacle was a maze, and Lin quickly navigated his way through it, remembering the map that was pasted at the entrance of the maze with clear cognition. He emerged from the maze and ran towards the next challenge, a series of hurdles.

Lin cleared each hurdle with ease, his body moving with fluidity and grace pumped with Juice for the third time. He could feel the eyes of the other cadets on him as he raced towards the finish line.

The final obstacle was a cargo net crawl, and Lin quickly began climbing up the net, pulling himself along with his arms and legs.

A ranger with the ability to harden had caught up with Lin afyer he had carefully followed Lin through the maze. His density began pulling the net, threatening to shred it.

He reached out for Lin's feet, trying to drag Lin down with him.

[Chronostasis activated]

For the next three seconds, Lin put his speed to work. Lin had stepped on the rangers face to gain support while boosting himself to get higher and away from the ranger.

The Chronostasis wore out and the ranger dropped with the thug, reaping that part of the net and falling with everyone who was directly beneath or around him.

As he reached the top of the net, he looked down at the cadets and few rangers below and felt a surge of pride.

Other cadets from the crowd were chanting Lin's name.

"Lin"

"Hori"

"Lin Hori"

Lin was taking in deep breaths to calm his rush. It has been an exciting tournament and had his heart beating out of rhythm.

The commentators applauding Lin for his grit and determination to get to the finish.

He had made it through the obstacle course, and he had done it with determination and skill. Lin crossed the finish line, panting and sweating, but feeling more alive than ever before.

The other cadets congratulated him on his success, and Lin knew that he had made a name for himself in the military academy. He had proven that he had what it takes to be a great soldier, and he was ready for whatever challenges came his way.

The other cadets raced through the course behind Lin, their bodies straining with effort as they pushed themselves to go faster, higher, and farther.

After the first course, the students were given a break to catch their breath and the wounded to get treated.

****

May and Feng watched with bated breath as their friend Lin raced across the obstacle course at the battle ground.

As they watched Lin make his way through the various obstacles, they cheered him on, shouting words of encouragement and admiration.

Feng had turned around to tell the cadet sitting next to him, "that's my roomie", after Lin had successfully scaled the second obstacle.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Lin crossed the finish line, panting and sweating but with a huge grin on his face. May and Feng rushed over to congratulate him, both of them beaming with pride.

"Lin, that was amazing!" May exclaimed, giving him a tight hug. "I can't believe how fast you were able to complete the course."

Feng nodded in agreement. "Seriously, Lin, that was incredible. You're like a machine out there, nothing can stop you."

"Just when we thought you were about to fall from the net, you had pulled up for the guy behind you to crash without you," Feng said giving Lin a thumbs up.

"Ya, I couldn't see what happened at that moment. It all happened so fast", May said excited,

Lin laughed, feeling a rush of adrenaline as he basked in the glow of their praise. "Thanks, guys. I couldn't have done it without your support."

As they walked away from the battle ground to the cafeteria to get lin something light to eat, the three friends chatted excitedly about the race, reliving the most thrilling moments and discussing strategies for next time.

"You know," May said, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "I bet if the three of us teamed up, we could take on anyone in this competition."

Lin and Feng exchanged grins, both of them liking the sound of that idea. "Challenge accepted," Lin said, his competitive nature kicking in. "Let's start training together and see how far we can go. Feng and i already started two days back, you are free to join us"

May beamed with excitement at the invitation to train with Feng and Lin.

"What a pretty smile," Lin thought, watching as May smiled at him, leaning closer till her head was on his chest.

Lin began blushing.

"Eww! Lin, are you blushing? That's gross man!" Feng interrupted.

May paid no attention to what Feng said.

"There is something attractive about strong men, people that can protect themselves," May whispered under her breath, her head still on Lin's chest..

Lin could think of nothing else. Just him and May watching the sunset together while the world burn behind them

"Get it together, this isn't the time to daydream about girls. Get some time alone to clear your head and thoughts for the next tournament" Zen voice sang out to Lin, pulling him back from his thoughts.

"Ain't you like my thoughts now? You literally do it all for me" Lin lashed at Zen, his own voice loud in his head.

"Maybe you didn't get the memo, but your mind is what gives me direction of what to do. Now stop fantasising and get your head straight.

Lin had seen this face everyday for the past few days in his mind construct. But now May is standing close to him, her hand in his as they walked side by side, he couldn't help but think she is the prettiest girl he had seen around in a uniform.

"Lin Hori", Zen's voice yelled into Lin's thoughts.

****