《Apex Relay》 Prologue The city sprawled beneath me, neon lights reflecting off rain-slick rooftops. My heart thundered violently as I ducked behind a ventilation unit, gasping for breath. A drone skimmed past, scanning relentlessly. My new teammates, Trey, Crate, and Jimmy, crouched nearby, each tense and alert, waiting for my signal. Across the rooftop stood my former Amazia teammates¡ªTrack, Enny, Cap, Mika, Ren, Joss¡ªall of them staring coldly, their faces unreadable. My stomach twisted painfully. These were the same people I''d once trusted completely, whom I''d called friends. Now they stood opposite me, enemies bound by corporate loyalty, ready to stop me at all costs. "It doesn''t have to end like this, Dion!" Track shouted over the howling wind. "Just surrender. Come back." I glanced toward Enny, hoping for any sign of doubt or hesitation. She stood quietly, eyes filled with regret yet resolute. My heart sank deeper. "You know I can''t," I yelled back. "Not after everything I''ve learned. Not after everything they''ve done." Cap stepped forward, his massive figure intimidating in the dim light. "Last chance, Dion," he growled. "Don''t force our hand." Jimmy leaned in closer to me, his voice a chilling whisper. "They''re bluffing. We can handle this. Just give the word." Taking a deep, shaky breath, I raised my hand and signaled forward. Instantly, chaos erupted. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. Track surged forward, crashing into Crate with immense force. Jimmy and Mika clashed, swift and deadly, exchanging strikes with dizzying speed. Trey swiftly hacked into Amazia''s drones, turning their firepower against their own handlers. Sparks, explosions, and cries of pain echoed around us. I charged towards Enny, my heart splitting with anguish and disbelief. The pain of her betrayal tore through me, sharper than any physical wound. Each clash of our strikes was a cruel reminder of the love we had shared, the promises we had whispered in quieter moments, now crushed beneath Amazia¡¯s lies. Her eyes pleaded with me, desperate but determined, filled with memories of late nights spent whispering dreams and plans, our fingers intertwined. "Please, Dion," she urged, her voice trembling with raw emotion. "If you ever truly loved me, you''d stop this. Just come back." Her words tore through me, exploiting the deepest wound in my heart¡ªour love that Amazia had corrupted, twisted, and turned into a weapon against me. The trust we''d built, the love we''d shared, now lay shattered and painful, irreparable and devastating. "Why, Dion?" she asked desperately, blocking my attacks skillfully. "We were family." "Family doesn''t lie," I spat back, grief choking my voice. "Amazia betrayed us. All of us." Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Crate sprawled motionless on the floor. Before I could react, I heard Track¡ªmy best friend¡ªyelling something unintelligible. Suddenly, pain exploded through my head. My vision blurred, darkness closing swiftly around me. I collapsed, hearing voices muffled by pain and confusion. "Secure him," Cap commanded grimly. "Amazia wants him alive." Betrayal stabbed sharply through my heart as my consciousness faded. I''d lost this battle, but the war was far from over. The truth needed to be known, no matter the cost. My last thought, as darkness claimed me, was how it all began¡ªwhen I was just a courier dreaming of something greater. [Please join our Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/c/Brolythius) Intro Courier services began as straightforward businesses delivering letters and parcels door-to-door. SwiftEx, established in 1971, built its reputation on speed and reliability. Titan Parcel followed closely, launching in 1907 and becoming synonymous with strength and dependable package handling. Pioneer Express had roots dating back even further, originating in 1775 as a government-run postal service, known for consistent and widespread coverage. In 2015, Amazia Logistics emerged, initially unnoticed, quietly leveraging cutting-edge technology and an innovative approach to customer service. Their commitment to efficiency and convenience quickly captured consumer interest, fueling their rapid expansion. By the early 2020s, Amazia had already carved a significant share in the courier market. Until 2027, deliveries operated traditionally¡ªdrivers navigating busy streets, manually delivering parcels, and signing off deliveries personally. Then technological advancements revolutionized the industry. Autonomous drones and electric vehicles reshaped delivery expectations, offering unprecedented convenience and speed. Consumer lifestyles adapted swiftly, fostering an insatiable appetite for instant gratification and seamless services. Courier companies quickly became the backbone of modern society, essential for daily life, commerce, and global connectivity. But in 2028, everything changed dramatically. Mysterious viral videos began appearing online, capturing Amazia Logistics couriers effortlessly leaping rooftop-to-rooftop, placing packages on porches unnoticed, bypassing even advanced security cameras. Some footage even showed Amazia couriers casually carrying packages weighing hundreds of pounds with ease. The public and media were fascinated, branding these extraordinary employees as Apex couriers. Initially perceived as clever marketing by Amazia, their uncanny abilities rapidly became undeniable, fueling widespread speculation and intrigue. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Amazia¡¯s meteoric rise pushed competitors into a technological frenzy. SwiftEx, Titan Parcel, and Pioneer Express desperately sought to enhance their couriers with futuristic suits, gadgets, and experimental equipment. Despite their considerable investments, none could genuinely replicate the remarkable capabilities demonstrated by Amazia''s Apex couriers. Theories flourished¡ªwere Amazia¡¯s couriers genetically modified, augmented by cybernetic enhancements, or perhaps using unknown, revolutionary technology? Eventually, corporate desperation and curiosity forced rival companies into a rare alliance. They conceived the Courier Games, an annual televised event intended to directly challenge Amazia and uncover their tightly guarded secrets. Amazia accepted their challenge on one strict condition: if another company could defeat them, Amazia would gradually reveal some of the data behind their extraordinary enhancements. The Games quickly became a global phenomenon, capturing audiences worldwide with thrilling competitions portrayed as staged battles using incredible special effects. Officially, participants who lost faced only the loss of their contracts and reputations, yet darker rumors persisted. Tales emerged of couriers disappearing after the Games, their fates uncertain, feeding suspicion that these events were far more dangerous and lethal than the public was led to believe. In the five years since the Games'' inception, SwiftEx had achieved just a single victory, gaining limited insight into Amazia¡¯s clandestine operations. Regular Amazia couriers continued their essential day-to-day operations, driving sleek electric vans to make routine deliveries to businesses and homes. Meanwhile, the elite Apex couriers became icons, handling promotions, social media visibility, and competing fiercely in the annual Games, their glamorous public personas hiding the perilous reality beneath. This is the world I''ve stepped into¡ªa world saturated with secrets, ruthless competition, and deadly ambition. [Join our Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/c/Brolythius) [Join our Discord](https://discord.gg/sxPsG9nEXd) Chapter One Chapter 1 My name is Dion, and I never imagined my life would become anything extraordinary. Growing up, my family struggled constantly, my parents working endless hours just to keep a roof over our heads. Every evening, I''d watch them return home, exhaustion etched deeply into their faces. Yet somehow, they always managed a smile for my younger sister and me, reassuring us that everything was okay, even when it clearly wasn¡¯t. My sister dreamed of college¡ªa future we couldn''t afford, a dream that seemed increasingly impossible with each passing year. That''s why, as soon as I turned eighteen, I took a job with Amazia Logistics. Initially, it was nothing more than a steady paycheck, an opportunity to ease my family''s financial burdens and maybe help fulfill my sister''s dream. Every day followed a similar pattern¡ªwake before dawn, meticulously organize my electric delivery van, and start my route by sunrise. I navigated endless traffic, dodged impatient drivers, and rushed through tightly packed neighborhoods, delivering packages one after another. By sunset, my body ached, muscles worn from repetitive motion, yet I knew I''d do it all again tomorrow. It was tiring, but it gave me purpose, and my family''s relief each payday made it worth every exhausting moment. Yet, deep down, like every other courier I knew, I dreamed of something greater. We all aspired to become Apex couriers¡ªthe elite team who represented Amazia publicly, celebrated like celebrities and heroes. These twelve couriers were legendary figures in our company, their incredible feats broadcasted across social media and public promotions. The Apex couriers captivated us with their seemingly impossible abilities, fueling countless discussions and endless speculation. Team Helios: Team Zephyr: Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Team Eclipse: Team Nova: The rumors about their abilities varied wildly¡ªsome claimed advanced cybernetic enhancements, others whispered about genetic modifications, and the public largely believed it was all clever special effects. When approached, the Apex couriers always smiled mysteriously, claiming, "It''s just for the cameras," refusing to elaborate further. I had once asked Cap, after witnessing him move a massive steel crate without breaking a sweat. He had simply shrugged and said, ¡°Camera tricks, kid,¡± but something in his eyes told me otherwise. Becoming an Apex courier was a dream we all chased tirelessly, despite knowing how rare and difficult the selection process was. Physical tests, psychological evaluations, and intense competition meant few ever qualified. Yet the allure was irresistible¡ªstatus, purpose, and financial stability far beyond what I currently earned. So, each morning, I woke up determined, trained harder, pushed myself further, hoping someday corporate would notice my effort. Little did I know, my chance was closer than I''d ever imagined. [Join our Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/c/Brolythius) [Join our Discord](https://discord.gg/sxPsG9nEXd) Chapter 2 Chapter 2 I arrived at Amazia¡¯s central hub early, preparing for another routine day of deliveries. As I loaded my van, the usual buzz of the hub suddenly shifted, voices rising excitedly around me. Curiously, I followed the murmurs toward a large screen displaying an unexpected announcement. "Attention Amazia Couriers," the familiar authoritative voice echoed through the hub. "Due to a serious injury sustained during a recent mission, Cap has officially announced his retirement from active duty. Effective immediately, he will transition into a training and mentoring role. Consequently, Apex Team Helios is now seeking a new member. Trials will commence shortly to determine the most suitable candidate." Shock rippled through the gathered couriers, including me. Cap had always seemed invincible, unstoppable¡ªhis presence alone inspired confidence. Imagining him sidelined felt surreal, yet a spark of excitement flickered within me at the possibility that this could be my chance. ¡°Crazy, huh?¡± a deep voice beside me interrupted my thoughts. I turned quickly, surprised to see Track standing there, casual but imposing. I''d seen him countless times, but we''d never actually spoken. ¡°Y-yeah, I never thought Cap would retire,¡± I stammered, suddenly very conscious of my sweaty palms. ¡°He always seemed unstoppable.¡± This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Track chuckled softly, offering a friendly smile. ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s a tough old guy. Trust me, he fought the decision hard. But injuries like that...they take their toll.¡± I nodded slowly, unsure how to continue the conversation with someone I idolized. Track was everything I aspired to be¡ªstrong, skilled, and respected. He followed my gaze toward Enny, who stood near the dispatch console surrounded by a group of admiring couriers. Her quiet charm and subtle smiles attracted attention effortlessly. Noticing my stare, Track elbowed me gently, grinning knowingly. ¡°Careful there. Didn¡¯t peg you as another Enny simp.¡± I felt heat rush to my face instantly. ¡°No, it¡¯s not like that,¡± I stammered quickly, embarrassment clear in my voice. "I just¡ªeveryone admires her." He laughed genuinely, eyes twinkling with amusement. "Relax, Dion. Just teasing. Besides, you''re smart to steer clear. She¡¯s got quite the fan club." Almost as if sensing our conversation, Enny glanced over, her eyes meeting mine briefly. My heart skipped, noticing the faint blush on her cheeks before she quickly looked away. I swallowed hard, shaking myself mentally. The last thing I needed was to catch feelings, especially for someone so universally admired. Before I could dwell further, the announcement continued, pulling everyone''s attention back. "The following couriers have been selected to compete in the trials for Apex Team Helios: Jace, Kaya, Milo, Lia, Rex, Zara, Cole..." My heart pounded faster as each name was called, nerves coiling tightly within me. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the announcer paused slightly, then finished decisively, "...and Dion." Relief and excitement surged through me, accompanied by a rush of adrenaline. Track clapped me heartily on the shoulder, genuine enthusiasm clear in his voice. ¡°Congrats, Dion. Looks like you might just get your chance after all.¡± Chapter 3 Chapter 3 The morning of the trials arrived swiftly, bringing with it a mixture of anticipation and anxiety that had kept me awake most of the night. The trials were notorious¡ªevery courier who''d ever participated described them with equal parts awe and dread. They were designed not just to test physical prowess but also mental resilience, strategy, and raw determination. The other candidates gathered at the main arena, a sprawling indoor facility designed explicitly for Apex courier training and competitions. Glancing around, I saw familiar faces¡ªJace stretching quietly in a corner, Kaya pacing restlessly, Milo and Lia quietly strategizing together, Rex calmly assessing the surroundings, Zara performing last-minute checks on her gear, and Cole exuding confident energy. Each candidate radiated their own version of readiness. The massive arena screens flickered to life, capturing our attention instantly. Track and Enny stood at the front, serious yet reassuring. Track''s powerful voice echoed clearly: "Welcome to the Apex Team Helios trials. These challenges are meant to push you beyond your limits. They will test your ability to think fast, react faster, and prove you''re capable of working under extreme pressure. There will be three trials: the Gauntlet, the Maze, and finally, the Duel." Enny stepped forward, her voice calm yet commanding. "Remember, it''s not only strength and speed that matter. Your adaptability, teamwork, and resourcefulness will ultimately determine your success." My heart pounded harder as the screens shifted, revealing the first trial: "The Gauntlet." Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. The gates opened slowly, revealing an intimidating obstacle course filled with rapidly shifting platforms, spinning blades, and automated drones scanning for intruders. My pulse quickened, adrenaline flooding through me. As we lined up, I felt Track''s reassuring presence as he briefly rested a hand on my shoulder. "Remember, Dion," he whispered firmly, "Stay focused. Trust your instincts." The signal sounded, and instantly chaos erupted. Candidates surged forward, dodging swinging blades and leaping across unstable platforms. My heart hammered violently as I followed, reflexes sharpened by desperation and determination. A drone narrowly missed me, its laser beam singeing the air inches from my face. Ahead, Kaya stumbled and fell, narrowly avoiding serious injury as she scrambled aside. Jace managed an agile dodge, sprinting effortlessly forward, narrowly outpacing Milo and Lia. My breathing became ragged, muscles screaming with effort, yet I refused to slow down. Suddenly, Rex appeared beside me, his expression determined but steady. "Stay alert," he advised quietly. "There''s more coming." As if on cue, the obstacles intensified¡ªfaster blades, narrower platforms, and drones doubling in number, relentlessly pursuing each of us. Zara faltered, narrowly escaping harm but clearly shaken. Cole raced ahead confidently, dodging obstacles with incredible precision. I forced myself forward, each step harder than the last, every muscle in my body demanding rest. But my family¡¯s faces flashed vividly through my mind, igniting fresh determination. I surged forward with newfound energy, narrowly overtaking several competitors. Finally, after what felt like endless struggle, I reached the finish line, collapsing to my knees, breathing heavily. I looked around¡ªonly Rex, Zara, and Cole had reached the end beside me. Relief and exhaustion washed over me simultaneously. As the screens flashed our names, confirming our advancement, Track stepped forward, clapping appreciatively. ¡°Well done. Rest quickly, because the Maze awaits.¡± I nodded, steeling myself once again, knowing the hardest challenges still lay ahead.