Ren woke up early, his mind bubbling with thoughts. He had spent the night reviewing his strategies and reflecting on his teammates' advice. The pressure was mounting, and today, the Nexus Shards team would have their first real training session in preparation for the regional qualifiers. It was a decisive day, and Ren knew that every move, every decision, would count.
He put on his exoskeleton with the same care as the day before, adjusting every piece, every detail. His hands trembled slightly. This was more than just training. Today, he would truly understand whether his place on the team was earned. His dream of participating in the World Championships would only come true if he proved he could be an asset to the Nexus Shards.
[Training Room]
Ren entered the training room, still a little tired from the intense simulation the day before and from spending the entire night reviewing the team's strategies. He adjusted his exoskeleton, noting a few scratches on the armor, signs of the challenges he had overcome. As he moved forward, he heard familiar laughter.
Mira was sitting on a low platform, an arena hologram projected in front of her. Darren was stretching while enthusiastically talking to Zane, who, arms crossed, looked at him with a mix of amusement and exasperation. As soon as they saw Ren, the tone changed.
Darren (with a wide smile): "Hey, here comes our hero of the day! Ren, the king of diversion and surprise sprints!"
Zane (raising an eyebrow, amused): "You mean the one who almost fell three times before reaching the base?"
Ren (blushing slightly): "Hey, I made it, didn't I?"
Mira (looking up from her hologram, a calm smile on her face): "And that's what counts. Your timing was perfect yesterday. Well done, Ren."
Ren approached, a bit embarrassed but happy with the warm welcome.
Ren: "Thanks... but honestly, it was thanks to you guys. If Mira hadn't guided me and Darren hadn't given me that crystal, I'd probably still be lost in the arena."
Darren (laughing): "It's true we had your back, but you did well. I saw how you dodged those two Collectors. You're fast for a rookie."
Zane (tapping Ren's shoulder): "You still have a lot to learn, but you've got potential. And you've got the right mindset. As long as you listen to Mira, we'll go far. HAHAHA!!"
Mira rolled her eyes.
Ren nodded with a smile. Ren: "I promise I'll do my best. And... thanks for bringing me in so quickly. It feels good to be supported."
Mira (with a wink): "We're a team, Ren. Here, we always have each other's backs. But get ready, because today's training won't be a walk in the park."
Darren (with a dramatic look): "Yeah, this is when the coach makes us play her favorite game."
Zane (deep laugh): "And that's when I make sure you stay in one piece."
Ren burst out laughing as he saw Mira shake her head, amused by the dynamics of his teammates. He settled down next to them, feeling a little more at home each day.
Ren (smiling): "Well, in that case, I hope you're ready to catch me if I fall. Again."
Mira (with a mischievous smile): "Don't count on it too much. If you fall, it'll be a lesson. But don't worry, we'll always make sure you get back up."
----
Lyra also arrived, arms crossed, her gaze scanning each team member. As soon as she saw Ren, she gave a nod, inviting him to approach.
"Are you ready for today?" she asked in a calm, but intense tone.
Ren nodded. "I'm ready. I'll give everything I've got."
Lyra gave a slight smile. "We'll see. It won't be easy. Today, we're going to simulate a full match. Each team needs to test its synergy before the qualifiers. And you better get along with your teammates."
The virtual arena lit up, and the Nexus Shards team found themselves in a highly realistic digital environment. The architecture was complex, with suspended platforms, moving walls, tunnels narrowing by the second… a true battlefield for Dashers.
"Remember," Lyra said, "this is not just a test of speed. It's a test of adaptability. You'll need to collect crystals and bring them back to your zone while anticipating the movements of the enemy. Every choice counts. And if you lose... you know the consequences."
Ren looked at the others, who had become tense, and swallowed his saliva. But no matter what, the Arena stretched out before him. There was no turning back, no room for error. The other virtual teams would be arriving in a few minutes, and he had to be ready.
The sound of a signal echoed, and the Nexus Shards team launched into the arena. Ren weaved between obstacles, his exoskeleton allowing him to navigate floating platforms and moving walls with impressive fluidity. He headed toward the first crystal, a sparkling object placed on a high platform. That was his mission: retrieve it and bring it back in record time.
But when he got there, he noticed that the enemy team had anticipated this. Three Dashers, just as fast as him, had already positioned themselves around the crystal. He would have to improvise.
"Looks like they've got the upper hand," Mira murmured, ready to act. "Zane, you take the left, Darren, cause a diversion. Ren, go for the right, I'll cover your back."
Ren didn't have time to think. He sprinted at full speed toward the direction Mira indicated, using his exoskeleton's propulsion to gain height and avoid the traps set by the enemy team. He felt the speed, the pressure, the weight of every movement. His reflexes were improving with each second.
Darren and Zane understood the task perfectly. Zane blocked one of the enemy's paths with an energy shield, forcing one of the opponents to retreat, while Darren, as agile as a cat, circled around the other group. But the real challenge for Ren was still ahead: reaching the crystal without getting stopped.
As he lunged to grab it, an enemy player appeared from nowhere, the armor of his exoskeleton glistening under the lights. He tried to intercept him mid-air, but Ren was already prepared. He dodged, performing a perfect double jump to reposition himself.
Now, he couldn't hesitate.
Ren grabbed the crystal in mid-air and raced toward his base. But it wasn't over. He had to not only avoid the enemy team but also manage the pressure. One of the moving platforms collapsed beneath him, and his whole body tensed as he felt the ground give way.
"I'm here!" Mira shouted from the defense line, activating a support platform.
Ren gave it his all, jumping, running, sliding across the platform Mira created like an electron. The opponents tried to stop him, but they were too slow. Within seconds, he crossed the finish line, bringing the crystal back to his team's zone.
----
The team erupted in applause, and Ren felt a wave of relief wash over him. But he knew he couldn't rest on his laurels. The match wasn't perfect.
"Well done, Ren," said Darren, out of breath but smiling. "You were fast, but still a little too nervous. If you want to be a great Collector, you need to stay calmer, more focused."
"Yeah," Zane added as he stood up. "You have the instinct, but you need to prepare to handle the unexpected with more calm. Real competitions will be even tougher."
Mira, who had been observing Ren's movements closely, smiled. "You're on the right track. You just need a bit more self-confidence. But I know you can do it."
Ren looked at them all, grateful. They weren't just teammates; they were allies. They were ready to push each other beyond their limits.
Lyra watched them all, an approving expression on her face. "That was a good attempt. You've still got progress to make, but it's promising. You're a solid team. Don't lose sight of the goal."
Ren took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on the team. He knew he still had a lot to learn, but at that moment, he felt closer than ever to achieving his dream.
----
The following days were spent refining strategies, improving technical skills, and strengthening the group's cohesion. Ren learned more each day about his exoskeleton, about the other Dashers, and, most of all, about himself. The road to the qualifiers was full of obstacles, but he was ready to face them all.
With each training session, Ren felt stronger, more determined. The competition was tough, but he now knew that it wasn't just about speed or power. It was also about the team.
He was no longer just a dreamer. He was a Dasher. And he would give everything to help his team reach glory.