The sun was shining brightly and making sharp shadows on the water below.
These floating platforms moved back and forth and were linked together in a snake-like pattern that went across the water like a ninja obstacle course from a TV show.
As Team Chemasov and Team Whittier stood next to each other, the space was bursting with excitement.
Team Chemasov still had four fighters in the competition, standing proudly next to Balim.
Across from them, Damon and Ivan remained as the last two contenders for Team Whittier, but Miles, who had lost his fight, was present as a backup fighter, just in case.
Ronan Black, the always-enthusiastic CEO of UFA, stood in front of the obstacle course with his famous grin on his face.
He clapped his hands together loudly, which got everyone's attention.
Ronan started with a loud, excited voice, "This is my favorite part of the show, as you all know." "It's time for the Coaches' Challenge!"
Both Balim Chemasov and Donald Whittier were fierce in their own rights, and this was going to be a test of their personal strength, speed, and endurance.
Ronan made a gesture toward the course, and his energy was clear in every move.
"Now, we've got ourselves a little ninja course today, gentlemen!" he told them.
"It's simple, there are six obstacles, and it's all about speed and technique."
He pointed to the start of the course, a narrow balance beam hovering over the water. "First, you've got the balance beam. Stay steady, or you're taking a swim."
The fighters chuckled as Ronan continued. "Next up, we have the rope swing. You'll have to grab onto the rope and swing yourself over to the next platform."
Following the swing was a wall climb, about ten feet high, with handholds scattered across the surface.
"After the rope, you'll be climbing this wall. Fast hands, quick feet, and no falling, or it's back to the start."
Ronan's hand moved to the fourth challenge, a number of unstable pillars, each one higher than the last, bobbing on the water's surface.
The course stretched out before him, an intimidating path of obstacles floating above the water.
A balance beam, a rope swing, a towering wall, unstable pillars, and more lay ahead.
But Balim didn't seem phased; in fact, he looked as though he was about to enjoy this.
The drone spun into place in the sky and captured everything from above.
Ronan gestured toward the first obstacle, the balance beam, his grin wide. "Alright, Balim. Time starts... now!" He shouted, and the clock began to tick.
Balim immediately stepped onto the balance beam.
His heavy frame looked almost too big for the narrow surface, but he moved with surprising grace for someone his size.
His arms stretched out for balance as his bare feet tiptoed across the beam.
There was a slight wobble halfway through, his foot slipping momentarily, but he quickly corrected himself, flashing a quick grin at his team.
"Easy work!" he called back, his voice full of confidence.
His eyes shifted to the next obstacle: the rope swing.
Without breaking stride, Balim grabbed the thick rope, sizing up the distance.
He stepped back, gave it a few tugs to test its strength, then with a deep breath, he launched himself into the air.
His powerful arms gripped the rope tightly as he soared over the water.
The drone quickly moved in to capture the action as Balim flew across and landed hard on the next platform.
Balim rolled his shoulders, clearly pleased with himself, and gave a quick nod to the guys watching him.
He waved them off, signaling that it wasn't even a challenge yet.
But as he turned, the wall stood in front of him, a towering 10-foot structure, handholds scattered unevenly across its surface.