Chapter 18: Choose your path

  The team was gathered in the club pool. The sound of the water stirring filled the environment while Aurora walked with a firm step in front of them, a serious expression on her face.

  "Listen carefully..." said the coach. The next competition will not be anything like the ones we have faced before.

  Talión, Luz, Azrat, Jocelyn and Bruno looked at each other, attentive.

  "This time there will be five categories:" Aurora continued. Butterfly style, chest, back, a new style that they invented to surprise... and finally, free style.

  "Well, I think I already know what category you have, Talión." Azrat joked, giving him an elbow.

  Talion smiled sideways.

  "Yes... but you will have to earn your places," Aurora said, crossing her arms. Today they will have to show which position corresponds to them in the team.

  The group swallowed saliva. This wasn't just a training... it was a litmus test.

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  First test: Butterfly style

  The first to enter the water was Azrat. The butterfly style is known to be one of the most physically demanding, and the challenge excited him.

  "Come on, Azrat!" Luz shouted, cheering him on.

  Azrat threw himself into the water with impressive strength. His technique was not perfect, but he compensated with pure energy and endurance. Each movement was powerful and managed to maintain a solid rhythm.

  Jocelyn also competed in this test, but although her strength was remarkable, the butterfly style did not seem to be her strong point.

  When they finished, Aurora took notes in silence.

  "Azrat, your energy and rhythm are impressive... the butterfly is for you," he finally said.

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  Azrat smiled proudly, hitting his chest.

  "I knew it!" This body is pure brute force.

  "Pure brute force or pure ego?" Luz joked.

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  Second test: Breast style

  This time it was Jocelyn who got into the water, determined to show that she had what she needed. Breast style requires control, precision and patience... and that was just what Jocelyn had.

  His technique was surprisingly fluid. Each stroke was firm and his legs moved with precision.

  "Don't take your eyes off him!" Aurora whispered to Talión.

  When Jocelyn finished, she got up panting, but with a triumphant smile.

  "Well done," Aurora said. You have the chest style under control.

  "Let's go!" Jocelyn clenched her fist, excited.

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  Third test: Back style

  Luz was the first to launch in this test. The back style is one of the most technical, and extreme concentration is required to stay aligned in the lane.

  But Luz showed that her technique was impeccable. He slid with a natural elegance, as if the water moved in his favor.

  "Come on, Luz!" Talión shouted, impressed.

  When she finished, Aurora nodded firmly.

  "There is no doubt... the back style is yours."

  Luz smiled broadly, throwing a wink at Talión.

  "I don't know what excites me more... this or seeing you scream for me." he said in a joking tone.

  Talión covered his face to hide his smile.

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  Fourth test: The new style

  The fourth style was something completely new, designed especially for this competition. It was an intense combination of endurance and speed, where the swimmer had to alternate between fast strokes and stretches where he could only propel himself using his legs.

  Bruno offered to try.

  "Are you sure?" Aurora asked.

  "Yes... I want to try." Bruno said, with more certainty than he had shown before.

  When he jumped into the water, it was impressive. Bruno combined his agility with incredible precision. In the sections where he could only use his legs, he moved as if he had been born to do so.

  When he finished, Aurora approached him with a sincere smile.

  "Bruno... this style is yours."

  Bruno could barely hide a proud smile.

  "Thank you... really."

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  The final talk

  When it was all over, the group met in the dressing rooms. Aurora came in and looked at them seriously.

  "You five..." he paused dramatically. They are the best team I have ever trained.

  The five exchanged glances, feeling that they were finally complete.

  "Azrat, your wild energy in the butterfly is unstoppable."

  "Jocelyn, your precision in the breast style is incredible."

  "Luz, your back-style control makes you invincible."

  "Bruno, your agility is perfect for the new style."

  Finally, he turned to Talion.

  "And you..." he said, with a slight smile. No one can match you in freestyle.

  The five looked at each other for a few seconds and, almost by instinct, put their fists together in the center.

  "Let's go for those Olympics!" Azrat shouted.

  "Yes!" they all shouted in unison.

  For the first time, the team was complete... and ready to face the biggest challenge of their lives.

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  End of Chapter 18