The sky was covered with gray clouds threatening an imminent storm. The cemetery was deserted, except for a small group of people gathered around an open grave. Ivan, a young blond man with blue eyes and skin as fair as tulip petals, stood by the edge, staring intently at the coffin slowly descending into the ground. His eyes were red and dry, incapable of producing more tears.

"What a shitty day," Ivan murmured to himself, his voice barely a whisper. "I can't describe my emotions right now, but... why can't I be happy? Why does everything fall apart when I'm trying?"

Rage and despair intertwined in his chest, creating a suffocating sensation. His adoptive family, the only people who had tried to give him a normal and loving life, now rested beneath the earth, taken by a tragic accident.

As the attendees began to disperse, a muscular man, looking like he had spent his life fighting, approached Ivan. It was his uncle, a man with a face hardened by life and eyes filled with contained anger. Without warning, Ivan's uncle grabbed his arm, his face twisted with hatred.

"This is your fault," the man spat, his words full of venom. "If you hadn't been with them, they'd still be alive. This is all your fault!"

Ivan recoiled, his words stuck in his throat. Before he could react, his uncle landed a direct blow to his face. The pain was immediate and blinding. Ivan fell to the ground, feeling hot blood oozing from a deep wound near his eye. The blows continued, each one stronger than the last, until everything went black.

He woke up in the hospital, the monotonous sound of machines filling the room. One eye was bandaged, and the other stared at the sterile white ceiling. He felt a sharp, constant pain on the side of his face.

A nurse approached, noticing Ivan was awake. "How do you feel?" she asked, her voice soft and concerned.

Ivan tried to speak, but his throat was dry, and his voice was barely a murmur. "What... what happened?"

The nurse sighed. "Your uncle attacked you during the funeral. You have several contusions and a severe eye injury. Unfortunately, we had to inform the authorities about the incident."

Ivan closed his good eye, feeling a mix of physical and emotional pain. "Am I going to lose my eye?"

The nurse hesitated before answering. "We've done everything we can, but it's likely you'll lose vision in that eye. I'm very sorry."

The impact of her words hit Ivan like a blow. The loss of his family, the attack by his uncle, and now the possibility of partial blindness... it all felt like an endless nightmare.

In the days that followed, Ivan spent most of his time alone in his hospital room, reflecting on his life and future. His mind wandered between painful memories and growing fury towards his uncle and the world in general. His existence seemed an endless cycle of suffering and loss.

(WEEKS LATER)

The sun was beginning to set on the horizon, tinting the sky with shades of red and orange. The city lights flickered timidly, marking the start of the night. In a dark corner of the city, Ivan lay on his bed, immersed in thoughts of despair and frustration. His small, disordered room mirrored the internal chaos consuming him.

After a brutal confrontation, Ivan had been taken to the hospital with multiple injuries and bruises. He had spent weeks in a small hospital room, physically recovering but feeling more lost than ever. The memories of the attack were confusing and fragmented, and the sense of helplessness tormented him day and night.

Suddenly, the door burst open. A tall, muscular woman with red hair and an intense, determined look entered without warning. Ivan jumped up, his body tensing with fear and surprise.

"Who the hell are you? What do you want in my room?" Ivan shouted, trying to maintain a defiant facade.

The intruder smiled disdainfully. "Watch your mouth if you don't want to end up toothless. Didn't your family teach you manners? But it's okay, your reaction... I think I found the right person for my revenge."

Ivan frowned, confused and alarmed. "Wait a moment... you look familiar. How do you know..."

"Wait a moment, it's not what you think..." Leah tried to interrupt.

"Are you... part of them? If so, let me tell you something... very clearly and simply... please, don't do anything to me! I can do anything, just leave me alone. I have nothing to do with you, I don't want trouble! I'm sorry if I offended you somehow. I don't want trouble, please! I'll do whatever you want, just tell me what you want, and I'll do it. I don't want trouble, just go away and leave me alone."

Leah approached calmly, her eyes reflecting a mix of empathy and determination. "Relax, Ivan, I'm not part of them, I won't hurt you. I understand your distrust, but listen, I came here because I know what it feels like to be vulnerable and threatened. I want to help you."

Ivan took a deep breath, relieved for a moment. "Thank God! I thought you were one of them... but, how can I be sure? And how do you know my name?"

"I saw your name on the door, and from the way you reacted, I assumed it was you. I'm Leah, the national youth boxing champion. I'm here to help you. I've been through tough times in my life too, especially because of those bastards who tormented you. Don't worry, Ivan. I'm here to help you understand and overcome all this. Together, we can find a way out. I'll help you..."

"Your face..." Ivan seemed to be remembering something.

"Ah, now you sound familiar, I saw you in the WFC final. But... you mentioned revenge and now you said help... what do you mean?... and what does it matter to me?"

"It'll be quick what I have to say. I want you as my disciple, since we've lived through similar circumstances. I need someone similar to me to help me with my revenge, and in that, I can help you too, so you can live more peacefully without those bastards."

"Look, I've already suffered many blows, abuse, and oppression to keep suffering. Besides, I've lost a lot. My whole family and friends because of everything I've been through... so I refuse."

"It may sound selfish, but now, with everything that happened, I was living in relative peace... and now you come out of nowhere to my hospital room, telling me to face my abusers to follow your own goals..."

"Let me tell you that it's a stupid idea because I was born weak and useless, and no matter how much I trained, I stayed the same. So I'm completely useless for your revenge. Go and bother someone else, I'm already a dead weight on your journey. Go away and let me sleep..."

Leah looked at him with a mix of frustration and pity. "Ivan, you don't understand. It's not just for me. It's for all those who have suffered under their yoke. If we don't do something, they'll keep hurting more people."

Ivan shook his head. "I don't want revenge. I've thought a lot about this. Violence only begets more violence. I can't follow that path."

Leah closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm down. "Then I'll have to use Plan B."

Ivan tensed. "Plan B?"

Leah looked at him seriously. "Don't worry about it. Just... come with me, and everything will be clearer."

"No, I won't. No matter what you say, I've already made my decision."

Tension filled the room. Leah clenched her fists and moved towards Ivan, who prepared to defend himself. But before he could react, Leah knocked him out with a precise blow. Everything went black for Ivan.

In his unconsciousness, Ivan had strange and disturbing dreams. He saw himself chained, unable to move, while voices whispered around him. "You never had a choice," they said. "You were always a puppet."

Ivan struggled against the chains, his mind full of confusion and despair. "What is this door?" he thought, seeing a gigantic door full of chains. Just then, a sound pulled him out of his reverie. "Hey, little puppy, wake up. It's time to start moving."

Ivan opened his eyes slowly, finding himself in a dark, damp place. A tall man with pale skin as if the sun hadn't touched it in years, muscular and full of scars, stood watching him with a sinister smile. "Ah, finally awake, huh, hehe. Welcome to Hell."

Ivan tried to get up, but his body was weak. "Where am I? Where's Leah?"

Hamilton laughed. "You're in Hell, and Leah is busy with her own matters. But don't worry, here you'll find many answers... and maybe more questions."

"I don't want to stay here. I'm leaving." Ivan tried to stand up, but Hamilton stopped him with a gesture.

"Ah... I knew this might happen. I have information that might interest you about your biological family. I know from a reliable source that they're alive... and very influential in the world of underground fighting..."

Ivan stood still, shocked and enraged. "Tell me what you know!" he shouted, lunging at Hamilton.

Hamilton stopped him with his forearm, blocking the blow. "Finally showing some teeth, kid."

Ivan's internal battle was just beginning. In Hell, he would have to face not only his enemies but also himself.

Hamilton easily pushed Ivan back, his strength and experience clearly surpassing Ivan's. However, Ivan did not back down and stood up, his gaze fixed on Hamilton.

"What do you know about my family?" demanded Ivan, his voice full of contained rage.

Hamilton sighed, looking at him with a mix of amusement and compassion. "Kid, your biological family has been involved in some of the darkest and dirtiest fighting rings in the world. They left you behind to protect you from this world, but it seems fate has a way of bringing everything full circle."

Ivan clenched his fists, feeling a mix of anger and determination. "And how do you know all this?"

Hamilton smiled wryly. "Because I've been involved in this world for years. I've seen many things, and your family's story is one of the many tragedies that happen here. But you... you have the potential to change your fate, if you're willing to fight for it."

Ivan's gaze softened slightly, feeling a glimmer of hope. "What do you mean?"

Hamilton approached him, looking intently into his eyes. "I mean you can find your family and maybe reunite with them. But to do that, you'll have to train, become stronger, and face your demons. And I can help you with that."

Ivan hesitated for a moment, feeling the weight of the decision before him. Finally, he nodded slowly. "Okay. I'll do it. I'll train, I'll become stronger, and I'll find my family."

Hamilton smiled, patting him on the back. "That's the spirit, kid. Let's get started."

In the following days, Ivan immersed himself in intense training with Hamilton. The path ahead would be tough and full of challenges, but Ivan was determined to overcome each and every one. With Hamilton's guidance and Leah's support, he would find his family and, perhaps, finally find the peace he had longed for so much.

Ivan immersed himself in an intense training regimen under Hamilton's guidance. His body and mind were tested day after day, facing physical and emotional challenges he had never imagined. Every punch, every fall, every weight lifted, every combat strategy... it was all a crucial part of his preparation.

The scars on Hamilton's body told stories of past battles, and every lesson he imparted was filled with experience and wisdom. Ivan absorbed everything like a sponge, determined to become stronger and more skilled. His determination was fueled by the desire to find his family and uncover the truth about his past.

Leah, for her part, watched Ivan's progress closely. Her own training continued, but there was something about Ivan that reminded her of herself in her early days of fighting. She saw the potential in him, the spark of someone who could make a difference in the dark world they both lived in.

One day, after a particularly grueling training session, Hamilton approached Ivan as he lay on the ground, breathing heavily.

"You're doing well, kid," Hamilton said, his voice deep but kind. "But remember, this isn't just about physical strength. You need to be mentally prepared for what's to come."

Ivan nodded, his eyes filled with determination. "I know. I'll do whatever it takes."

Hamilton smiled faintly. "That's the spirit. Tomorrow we start with advanced combat tactics. I want to see what you're made of."

Weeks turned into months, and Ivan continued training relentlessly. His body grew stronger, his reflexes quicker, and his mind sharper. Each passing day, he felt more prepared to face the challenge that awaited him.

Finally, the day came when Hamilton decided Ivan was ready. "It's time for you to find your family," he said, handing Ivan a small envelope. "Here's the information you need. Good luck."

Ivan took the envelope with trembling hands, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. "Thank you, Hamilton. I won't let you down."

Leah approached and patted him on the shoulder. "You'll do great, Ivan. Remember everything you've learned."

With the envelope in hand and his heart full of hope, Ivan embarked on the next stage of his journey. The path would be difficult, but he was ready to face any obstacle in his quest for the truth and reunion with his family.