Doubts

The tension in the atmosphere was palpable as the afternoon hours gave way to the eagerly awaited competitions. Without warning, a disconcerting surprise awaited the participants: the use of external ships was forbidden, and the organizing company itself imposed its own equipment. A feeling of equality gripped everyone at that moment, but also a sense of strangeness in the face of the unexpected. For so long we had dominated our own ships, and now we had to adapt to these new imposed conditions.

The sudden and drastic change generated a frenzy among the competitors, who rushed to discover the model and characteristics of the assigned ships in the hope of finding some advantage in this unfamiliar situation. However, Guillermo, one of my companions, seemed oblivious to these concerns. He seemed exhausted by the trip and was only dedicated to carefully examining the track we had to travel.

Meanwhile, my other three companions and I took refuge in the cafeteria, waiting for the crucial moment of the competition. Everything seemed to be proceeding normally until our eyes were drawn to one of the restaurant's televisions, which was projecting a shocking news item that left us frozen.

"War is declared against the Ungeizefer due to mysterious events occurring in other countries. An exhaustive search will be conducted for those with links and DNA related to these creatures."

A shiver ran down my spine, and a glimmer of hope blossomed within me. This news could be my salvation, perhaps some of the senior officers would leave the military academy to join the fight. If only I had proof to exempt me from them. However, the happiness quickly faded when the general made his appearance as if it was nothing and turned his gaze towards us.

"Good afternoon, young men. I hope you are doing well in this competition. I wish you all the strength to face this challenge," pronounced the general with his hypocritical tone, causing a sense of distrust in the atmosphere.

As his eyes rested on me, a shiver ran down my spine. His next words echoed in my mind like an ominous echo.

"Young Nick, after this, it will be necessary for you to clear up some inconsistencies in your paperwork."

I didn't understand what he was referring to, but his gaze filled me with unease. The situation became even stranger when Guillermo met him with his gaze. In his eyes, I perceived a glint of concern that disturbed me deeply. I tried to change the course of the conversation and break the tension that had settled on the table.

"Guillermo, what can you tell me about the engines of the ships we will be piloting?", I asked, desperately wanting to push away from my mind the dark thoughts that haunted me.

He turned his head toward me, shaking his face slightly, as if trying to free himself from his own thoughts. He seemed to be internally fighting something, but finally decided to answer my question.

"The engines of the ships we have been assigned are completely different from what we were used to. They are faster and possess unmatched maneuverability. Apparently, the organizing company has developed a new technology for this competition," Guillermo answered, while his eyes continued to show signs of uneasiness.

Our conversation was abruptly interrupted by the start of the competition. We headed to our assigned ships and prepared for the race. As the roar of the engines filled the air, I could feel the difference in the handling of the ship. Although it took me a while to adjust, I gradually began to enjoy the adrenaline and excitement of this new experience.

During the competition, I noticed that Guillermo's behavior became increasingly erratic. He seemed distracted, and his performance was not up to his usual ability. I became concerned, but there was little I could do as we were in the midst of the race, soaring through the skies with skill and speed.

Once the race was over, we reconvened in the cafeteria. However, Guillermo's face reflected fatigue and tension instead of the joy he usually showed. I decided to directly address the situation that was affecting our team.

"Guillermo, are you okay? I noticed you were distracted during the competition," I asked, concerned for his well-being.

He let out a deep sigh and finally decided to share what was ailing him.

"Nick, there's something I need to tell you. Before I came to this competition, I received some confidential information. It seems that the general is investigating links to the ungeizefer, those creatures they were talking about in the news. He is suspicious of you and has found certain inconsistencies in your papers. I don't know how serious it is, but I think you should be very careful," Guillermo confessed in a low tone of voice, looking around to make sure no one could hear our words.

My eyes widened wildly, and my heart began to pound violently. It was hard to believe what I was hearing. The general was suspicious of me and was investigating my past. He had to take steps to protect me, but at that moment, I didn't know where to start.

"Guillermo, thank you for telling me. This is really worrying. I need to find out what the general knows and how I can deal with this situation. I can't let it ruin my career," I responded with determination, trying to remain calm despite the anguish that was gripping me.

I made a firm decision to act immediately and seek answers. I needed to find out what inconsistencies they had found in my paperwork and how I could fix it before it was too late. My mind was flooded with questions and possible scenarios, but I knew I had to keep a cool head and act cautiously to protect myself and my loved ones.

[...]

The competition was about to begin. Dozens of ships lined up on the runway, eager to challenge the limits of speed and skill. The evening lights reflected off their shiny metallic surfaces, creating a captivating spectacle. Here we were, two teams from my academy and mine, ready to face the most exciting challenge of our lives.

The track was suspended on an elevated platform above the city, adding an extra dose of danger and excitement to the competition. The wind was blowing hard, as if foreshadowing the intensity that was to come.

The long-awaited moment arrived. The deafening sound of the horn echoed through the air, and all the ships took to the sky with astonishing speed. Some competitors, blinded by ambition and recklessness, crashed into each other, unleashing momentary chaos in the air. But I, determined to avoid any obstacle, precisely traced my route to the vast sea horizon.

The competition was a true test of skill and courage. The ships were flying at breakneck speed, performing risky maneuvers to get ahead of each other. I focused on staying calm and precise in my movements, knowing that the slightest distraction could lead to failure.

As we progressed, I witnessed several competitors crash or veer off course due to the difficulty of the course. It was a constant battle against gravity and the limits of physics. I used every fiber of my being and everything I had learned in years of training to keep myself in the competition.

In the midst of the intensity of the race, I couldn't help but remember Guillermo's words about the general's suspicions and the inconsistencies in my paperwork. Worry gripped me, threatening to distract me from my goal. But I forced myself to concentrate, to put those thoughts aside and focus on every maneuver, every move, every detail that could make a difference.

I took a breath of air and gripped the control of the ship with determination. Gusts of wind hit my face and the deafening sound of the engine filled my ears. It was a constant struggle against the weather and the other competitors, but I wasn't about to give up.

In the blink of an eye, we reached the sea. The ships slowed as they tried to negotiate the dangerous obstacles in the water. I knew this final stretch was critical to my position in the competition. I accelerated to the maximum, braving the waves and wind in a dance of skill and agility.

My heart was beating frantically in my chest as I finally glimpsed the finish line. With every fiber of my being, I pushed myself to the limit to cross it first. Excitement swept over me as the siren announced my victory, but I also knew there was more at stake than just a simple competition.

After the competition, I joined Guillermo and my teammates in the cafeteria, exhausted but elated by the victory. But I couldn't let go of the worries that plagued me.

"Guillermo, I need you to help me investigate the general's suspicions and the inconsistencies in my paperwork. I can't let that affect my future," I told him earnestly, seeking his support and guidance.

Guillermo nodded with determination. It would not be easy, and time was against me, but I was determined to face any obstacle and protect my career and reputation. I would not let the shadows of the past ruin my future. The truth was out there, and I was willing to find it, no matter what the consequences.

[...]

As the competition progressed, I realized that the track became more challenging and dangerous. There were obstacles in the way, we had to jump through hoops and show how prepared we were to drive in tight spaces.

My heart was pounding as I faced each new challenge. I felt the adrenaline rush through my body, mixed with the tension and determination to overcome each obstacle. Every movement of the ship was crucial, and I was afraid of failing or that the ship would not move the way I wanted it to.

The deafening sound of the wind and the roar of the ships echoed around me. The view of the horizon blended with the speed and flashes of light. I was immersed in a difficult race, fighting not only against the other competitors, but also against my own fears and threats.

As I approached the halfway point of the competition, I could see the leaders of the group ahead. They were skillfully handling the ships, overcoming obstacles with grace and speed. I knew that if I wanted to have any chance of catching them, I had to take a chance and push my ship to the limit.

In a last-ditch effort to catch up with the leaders, I accelerated to the maximum and performed risky maneuvers. The ship responded with agility, following my every move. I felt the thrill of speed and the euphoria of competition in every fiber of my being.

The finish line was still far away, but I could imagine myself reaching that place, however, more obstacles appeared in front of me.