Ethan's second win in the Metro Fight League was only three weeks after his first. The crowd was bigger, the stakes were higher, and his opponent, Rico "The Pitbull" Vargas, was a whole new level of intensity. The fight went all three rounds, and Ethan barely eked out a win on points. By the end, his ribs were bruised, his knuckles raw, and his lungs felt like they were on fire.
But he won.
The sound of the crowd still rang in his head as he sat in the locker room, letting the adrenaline wear off. Frank was there, as always, wrapping an ice pack around Ethan's shoulder.
"You're making a name for yourself," Frank said. "But names come with expectations. You need to decide what kind of fighter you're going to be.
"What do you mean?" Ethan asked, wincing as Frank tightened the wrap.
"Victor Kane isn't some nice guy handing out opportunities," Frank said, lowering his voice. "He sees you as an investment. If you're not careful, he'll turn you into something you're not."
Ethan didn't fully understand, but Frank's words lingered.
Ethan became a household name within the next month. The local sports blogs were now talking about the "street kid turned fighter," and people began coming to his gym just to see him train. Victor Kane kept his promise and made sure Ethan had more fights lined up for him, one tougher than the last.
With every victory, Ethan gained confidence. But he also noticed something shifting. The more he won, the more Victor pushed him—not just to train harder, but to embrace the spotlight.
"We're talking sponsorship deals, press appearances, the works," Victor said during a meeting at his office. The sleek, modern space was a far cry from Frank's gritty gym. "This is your chance to capitalize on your momentum."
Ethan hesitated. "I just want to fight. I'm not good at all that other stuff."
Victor leaned forward, his tone turning sharp. "Fighting isn't just about what happens in the ring, Ethan. It's a business. And if you want to make it to the top, you have to play the game."