Jack scanned the room, his gaze landing on a group of young fighters drilling takedowns. One of them, a wiry teenager with a fierce expression, caught his eye. The boy stumbled during a sparring match, but he got back up, determination burning in his eyes.
Jack smiled faintly. "That was me, once," he muttered.
"Come on," Mia said, pulling him toward the mats. "We're not here to reminisce."
The training session was grueling. The gym's coaches pushed Jack to his limits, forcing him into uncomfortable positions and testing his ability to escape submissions. At first, he struggled, but as the hours passed, he began to adapt.
"You're improving," Mia said as they rested between rounds. "But Victor… he's different."
Jack nodded, wiping sweat from his brow. "I'll be ready."
