Hyper Dash : Road to glory

[Training Room, Morning]

The Eclats de Nexus team was gathered around Lyra, who stood tall with a holographic tablet in hand. The sunlight filtered through the windows, illuminating the space, but the atmosphere was still infused with the fatigue from the intense training the day before.

Lyra: "Alright, listen up, everyone. I hope you're all ready because today we have a practice match."

Darren (jumping up with a big smile): "Finally, a real challenge! Who are we playing against?"

Lyra (slightly smiling): "The Thunder Wraiths. A team from the region. They're not bad, so expect a good challenge."

Zane (crossing his arms): "The Thunder Wraiths... I know them. Their Guardian is tough, a real wall with legs."

Mira (calmly, adjusting her holographic bracelet): "And their Shooter is known for unpredictable strategies. We'll need to stay focused and reactive."

Ren (hesitant): "Uh... do you think we're ready?"

Darren (slapping him on the back): "Don't worry, rookie. If we lose, we'll blame you!"

Zane (with a smirk): "Or you, Darren. You spend more time talking than running."

Lyra (raising an eyebrow): "Enough. This match is an opportunity to strengthen our cohesion. Make me proud."

----

[Arrival at the Thunder Wraiths Complex]

The Thunder Wraiths' training complex was an imposing structure located at the top of a skyscraper. Illuminated panels displayed highlights from their previous matches, showcasing their victories. Upon entering, the Eclats de Nexus team was greeted by the opposing team.

The captain of the Thunder Wraiths, a tall and imposing man named Kairos, stepped forward, his exoskeleton gleaming under the artificial lights.

Kairos: "Welcome, I hope you're ready to sweat."

Zane (calmly): "We're not here to admire the decor, don't worry."

Mira (politely): "Thank you for the welcome. May the best team win."

Ren silently observed the scene, impressed by the stature of the opposing team, but also excited about the new challenge.

[The Arena]

The holographic arena lit up, revealing a complex environment: moving platforms, shadow zones perfect for ambushes, and a nexus crystal placed at the top of a central tower.

Lyra (through their earpieces): "Remember, communication and coordination. Mira, take the lead."

Mira: "Got it. Zane, lock down the defense at the entrance. Darren and Ren, stay mobile. Darren, take the initiative, and Ren, cover him if necessary."

Ren: "Understood."

The match began.

Kairos, the opposing Guardian, immediately moved forward, blocking Zane's movements with sheer strength. Meanwhile, Darren jumped onto a moving platform, but a burst of light signaled a sonic grenade thrown by the opponents. Dazed, he stumbled.

Ren (shouting): "Darren! I've got your back!"

Ren activated his boost to reach Darren, barely blocking an incoming attack with a daring move, his exoskeleton crackling with energy.

Zane: "Stay focused."

Mira: "Ren, follow my signal. You're going to be our main Collector this round. Darren, recover and cover his back."

Ren nodded, feeling a surge of adrenaline. With smoother movements, he leaped toward the central tower, Mira guiding him to avoid the traps with precise instructions.

As he approached the crystal, two opponents sprang from ambush. Mira shouted in his earpiece:

Mira: "Ren, watch out! To your left!"

Ren, instinctively, activated a combination of commands on his exoskeleton that he had never tested before. A burst of light emitted from his thrusters, and he executed a triple jump followed by a twist, dodging Kairos in an incredibly risky move that sent him soaring above his opponents.

Darren (astonished): "What?! What was that?!"

Mira (with a smile in her voice): "Ren... Impressive."

Ren landed directly on the central platform, grabbed the crystal, and in a smooth motion, dived out of the Thunder Wraiths' reach.

Zane cleared a path by blocking the opponents' attacks while Darren and Mira guided Ren through the arena. Finally, Ren placed the crystal in his team's designated area just before the time ran out.

Kairos (panting): "Not bad. Not bad at all, Eclats de Nexus."

Zane (with a satisfied smile): "Told you so."

Ren, out of breath but proud, looked at his teammates. Darren gave him a slap on the back, while Mira nodded with approval.

Mira: "You just proved you belong here, Ren. Great job."

Ren (smiling): "Thanks... but it's because of you. We're a real team."

Ren's connection to his exoskeleton and to his team had just strengthened, marking a turning point in his development as a Dasher.