The third challenge was the hardest. Ren had to use not only the power of his exosuit but also his agility and control in an environment that constantly changed. Moving platforms, walls appearing randomly, invisible traps… Mastery of his body and the exosuit was crucial to avoid falling into the traps.
Ren: "Alright, focus."
Ren launched himself with renewed energy, chaining jumps and rolls with a fluidity that even surprised Lyra. He flew through the arena, dodging traps with surgical precision, controlling every movement of his exosuit.
----
( Ren's inner dialogue )
Ren: "Okay… Breathe. Breathe, Ren. This is like a chess game. You need to anticipate, be fast, but above all, calculate every move."
He sprinted forward. A metallic sound echoed, and suddenly, a wall sprang up in front of him.
Ren : "Wall to the left…"
He pressed a button on his exosuit, propelling himself sideways at an impressive speed, dodging the wall just in time.
Lyra watched Ren intently, though she had to admit it was incredible.
Lyra: "He's covering the terrain in record time. It's almost unreal… he's dodging the traps like it's second nature. When I first saw him, he was hesitant, stiff, almost like a beginner. But now, he's completely transformed."
She looked at Ren, and a smile slowly spread across her face.
Lyra: "Look at that. He's not even hesitating. Every movement is fluid, instinctive. He's not overthinking anymore; he's reacting with such speed… He's anticipating everything, even the most complex traps. He's mastering the arena like a veteran."
But a sudden shift occurred, platforms that had been moving predictably changed direction abruptly. Ren barely missed a handhold and was flung into the air before recovering at the last second, using his propulsion to stabilize himself mid-flight.
Lyra: "See?"
She spoke as he landed awkwardly but uninjured.
Lyra: "Control isn't just about power. It's about knowing when to slow down, when to be gentle in your movements, and when to accelerate. You're improving your body control, but your exosuit can't just be a tool for strength. It has to be an extension of yourself."
Still, Lyra had to acknowledge that he had gone far beyond what she thought was possible for his level. His reflexes were sharp. He had learned to control the suit with impressive ease. He was starting to look more and more like a true Dasher. Ren nodded, his hands on his knees, exhausted but determined.
Ren: "I'll get there. I'll master every aspect and keep improving."
----
At the end of the session, Ren headed toward the exit, his muscles sore but his heart filled with newfound energy. As he passed through a corridor, he noticed a group of Dashers gathered around Lyra. Among them, he recognized Mira, the legendary Collector from the Phantom Strikes, and Xian, the captain of the Vortex Specters.
Ren stopped instinctively, his mind racing. They were living legends. People he never thought he'd meet. But more than anything, Ren knew that if he truly wanted to go far in Hyper Dash, he not only had to know them but also had to face them.
Ren : "I'll surpass them,"
he whispered to himself.