Abbot moved silently through the empty corridors of the competitor's wing, his figure barely visible in the dim evening light. Cloaked in shadow, he slipped past the dorms, careful to keep out of sight, seeking a place where no one would follow. His steps were steady and controlled, his gaze fixed on the path ahead, but his senses remained attuned to any presence nearby.As he neared the secluded training grounds—a quiet space rarely used this late—he heard a faint, deliberate footstep behind him. Abbot paused, a subtle smile crossing his face. He turned slowly, expecting to face one of the competitors or perhaps a curious spectator, but instead, he was greeted by the intense gaze of Stronghold's formidable instructor."Benji." Abbot's voice was low, and a hint of amusement played in his tone. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"Benji's expression was unreadable, his stance firm and unyielding. He sized up Abbot, noting the unsettling calm in the man's posture. "I wanted a word with you," Benji said, his voice steady. "Your match with Gordon... left a lot of questions.""Questions?" Abbot tilted his head, feigning innocence. "It was a simple forfeit."Benji's gaze darkened, his patience thinning. "There was nothing simple about it. The way you fought, the way you let him beat you to a pulp only to end the match with a laugh... People don't just hand over victory after nearly knocking their opponent out. So, I'll ask you again, Abbot: what are you doing here?"Abbot chuckled softly, his eyes gleaming in the shadows. "And what does it matter to you, Benji? Isn't a win a win?" He took a slow step forward, his movements unnaturally fluid. "Or perhaps you're afraid?"Benji's jaw tightened, but he didn't flinch. "Afraid of what? You?""Afraid," Abbot replied, his voice a near whisper, "of something... different."In an instant, Benji's hand shot forward, grabbing Abbot by the collar, his voice now barely concealing his frustration. "Enough games," he growled. "You're hiding something. I want to know what it is. Now."Abbot's smile faded, replaced by an intensity that made Benji's grip feel insignificant. In one swift motion, Abbot twisted free, his strength surprising Benji. He stepped back, his eyes gleaming with an unnerving calm. "You want to see what I'm hiding?" he murmured.Before Benji could react, Abbot lunged forward, his fist flying towards Benji with a speed that belied his unassuming demeanor. Benji blocked just in time, but the impact reverberated through his arm, the sheer power behind the strike forcing him back a few steps.Benji's expression hardened as he steadied himself. "Alright, if that's how you want it."With a sudden burst of energy, he launched a precise series of strikes, testing Abbot's defenses. But to his astonishment, Abbot met each blow effortlessly, countering with a strength that shouldn't have been possible for someone who seemed so... ordinary.Their clash intensified, each of Benji's attacks met with a forceful counter. Abbot moved with a fluidity that felt otherworldly, each of his punches landing with surprising weight. Benji could feel the strain, his muscles bracing against the raw power Abbot seemed to harness with ease."Who are you?" Benji demanded, his breath coming harder now.Abbot merely grinned, his voice almost gleeful. "Oh, just someone with a bit of... an advantage."The next punch sent Benji stumbling back, and he barely recovered before Abbot advanced once more, striking with relentless precision. Benji quickly found himself cornered, and as he ducked to evade Abbot's fist, he caught a glimpse of the unsettling glint in Abbot's eyes—a hint of something darker.Benji knew he couldn't keep up with Abbot's overwhelming strength forever. Taking a steadying breath, he shifted tactics, redirecting Abbot's force rather than resisting it. With a swift movement, he sidestepped one of Abbot's punches, redirecting it to the side and bringing his own knee up in a precise counter that hit Abbot square in the chest, forcing him back.But even as Abbot stumbled, he laughed—a low, unsettling sound that sent a chill down Benji's spine."You're strong," Abbot admitted, wiping a trickle of blood from his mouth, "but strength alone won't be enough for what's coming.""What's coming?" Benji demanded, holding his ground.Abbot just shook his head, still smiling. "You'll find out... in time."Just as Benji prepared to press further, a familiar voice broke through the tension."Well, well," Chris's voice was thick with amusement as he stepped into view, arms crossed. "Couldn't resist the urge to pick a fight, could you, Benji?"Benji shot him a glare, his fists still clenched. "This is no time for games, Chris. There's something seriously off about this guy."Chris raised an eyebrow, glancing at Abbot with mild curiosity. "I'm sure there is, but right now, you're just drawing attention to yourself. You want to handle this discreetly, or are you planning to stir up rumors?"Abbot took a step back, his posture once again relaxed, the intensity in his eyes fading as he looked between the two instructors. "Am I free to go?" he asked, almost mockingly.Benji clenched his fists, struggling to hold back his frustration. But Chris put a hand on his shoulder, his voice low. "Let him go, Benji. This isn't the place for this."With a final glare, Benji released his stance, stepping back reluctantly. "Fine. But this isn't over," he said, directing his words at Abbot.Abbot simply nodded, a small, unsettling smile lingering on his lips. "I'll look forward to our next encounter," he replied, his voice a whisper of dark promise as he disappeared into the night.Chris watched Abbot leave, his gaze narrowing as he turned back to Benji. "You're not wrong," he admitted quietly. "There's something... strange about him."Benji's expression softened, but his focus remained sharp. "Strange doesn't even begin to cover it. The strength he showed, the way he fought—it was as if he was playing a part."Chris nodded, arms crossed as he considered the implications. "Whatever he's hiding, it's dangerous. And it's not just him. There's something about this tournament, something... off."Benji met Chris's gaze, a rare moment of agreement between the two rivals. "For once, we're on the same page. Whatever's going on here, we need to be ready."Chris's expression shifted, a hint of unease breaking through his usual confidence. "Agreed. But don't get too comfortable, Benji. Just because we're working together doesn't mean I'm taking it easy on you."Benji chuckled, the tension in his shoulders easing ever so slightly. "Wouldn't dream of it. But let's keep our eyes open. This tournament is more than just a contest, and something tells me it's only going to get more dangerous."The two instructors lingered in silence for a moment, the weight of their mutual suspicion heavy in the air.