Then I realize something strange.
Bron isn’t pacing.
He isn’t bouncing on the balls of his feet like he usually does before a challenge.
He’s just standing there.
Calm.
Watching the board.
“You’re being suspiciously reasonable today,” I say.
“That’s hurtful.”
“It’s accurate.”
He glances sideways at me.
“Maybe I’m evolving.”
“Into what?”
“A responsible adult.”
I snort.
“That would require evidence.”
“Well,” he says, pushing off the wall, “lucky for you there’s a challenge coming up where I can demonstrate my growth.”
The arena briefingchamber is packed with tension.
With only twelve couples left, every challenge carries real consequences. One mistake now can drop a team several places down the rankings, and at this stage that kind of slip can mean elimination within days.
Captain Photonic stands on the central platform like a man about to announce the start of a gladiatorial festival.
“Contestants!” he booms. “Today’s trial will test your trust, coordination, and problem-solving under pressure!”
The holographic course appears above us.
A towering climbing structure unfolds in midair—multiple vertical walls connected by suspended platforms and rotating puzzle stations. Teams must ascend the structure while solving mechanical locks that open the next climbing route.
Bron whistles.
“That’s… complicated.”
“It’s synchronized climbing,” I say quietly, already studying the pattern of puzzle nodes.
“You sound excited.”
“I’m calculating.”
He leans closer to the projection.
“So we climb.”
“And solve.”
