"You're becoming quite the celebrity," Ruby teased one evening as they walked back to their hotel after a grueling training session.
Jack shrugged. "Let them talk. I'm not here for fame. I'm here for redemption."
Ruby hesitated, then spoke softly. "Jack… do you ever think about what happens after all this? After the tournament, after everything with The Riches Group?"
Jack glanced at her, his expression thoughtful. "I don't know. I guess I haven't thought that far ahead. One step at a time, right?"
Ruby smiled, though her eyes held a hint of sadness. "Right."
In a dark alley halfway across the world, Chloe stood in a circle of fighters, her fists clenched and her breathing steady. The underground arena was packed, the crowd roaring as the announcer introduced her next opponent.
"Coming out of retirement to face the mysterious challenger… The Butcher!"
