This victory for Ethan over Miguel Ruiz was a gigantic leap ahead but came with its cost. A stormy message from Victor continued to float in his head and shaded what should have been the triumphal moment of this day. He knew Victor never went about making threats empty of meaning, and implications that the text presented sent shivers down his spine.
The morning after the fight, Ethan and Frank met in the gym. Frank, as always, was the picture of calm determination, but even he seemed more pensive than usual.
"We need to talk," Frank said as Ethan finished his warmup. "Victor isn't the type to let things slide. You've poked the bear, and now we've got to deal with the fallout."
Ethan leaned against the ropes, sweat already beading on his forehead. "What do you think he'll do? I've kept my nose clean since that underground fight. I'm not giving him any leverage."
Frank's lips tightened into a thin line. "Leverage or not, Victor Kane doesn't play fair. He'll find something to use against you. He's a master manipulator. We've got to stay ahead of him."
That afternoon, Ethan was sitting in his cramped apartment replaying Victor's threats to himself. His phone rang, snapping him out of the silence. He didn't recognize the number, but he picked up.
"Ethan Walker?" A man's voice spoke in smooth, formal tones.
"Who's asking?" Ethan asked warily.
"My name is Eric Donovan. I represent the Professional Fighters' Commission. We have had some disturbing reports concerning your previous participation in. illegitimate matches."
Ethan's stomach dropped. "I've put that behind me," he said quickly. "Whatever you heard, I'm clean now."
"Be that as it may," Donovan continued, "the allegations are serious. They could jeopardize your career if they're substantiated. I suggest we meet to discuss this matter in person."
Ethan's grip tightened on the phone. "When?"
"Tomorrow morning, 9 a.m., at our downtown office. Don't be late.
The line went dead, and Ethan stared at his phone in shock. He had no doubt Victor was behind this; the timing was too convenient.
Frank was furious when Ethan told him about the call. "This is exactly what I was talking about! Victor's setting you up. He'll bury you in enough accusations to ruin your career before it even takes off."
"What do we do?" Ethan asked, desperation creeping into his voice.
Frank's face hardened. "We fight back. We gather proof, witnesses, anything to counter his claims. But most importantly, you keep showing up, keep winning. Every victory makes it harder for him to pull you down."
The meeting with Eric Donovan was tense. The commissioner's office was sleek and impersonal, the kind of place designed to intimidate. Donovan himself was a tall, sharp-featured man with a piercing gaze that seemed to see through Ethan.
"Mr. Walker," Donovan began, folding his hands on the desk, "I'll get straight to the point. Allegations have surfaced that you participated in unregulated underground fights. Is there any truth to this?"
Ethan's jaw clenched. "I'm not that man anymore. I am dedicated to my professional career."
Donovan didn't flinch. "That's not a response. If these claims are found to be true, you could be suspended or even banned for life from professional competition."
"Listen," Ethan said, trying to keep his cool, "I made some bad choices, but I am not doing anything illegal now. Isn't that all that counts?"
Donovan looked at him for a long minute before nodding. "We'll investigate everything. Until then, though, I would advise you to avoid anything that could bring fuel to these fires. One mistake, and it is over."
Ethan left the office feeling like the rope was tightening around his neck. Frank was leaning on the hood of his car outside.
"How bad?" Frank asked.
"Bad enough," Ethan replied. "They're investigating. If they find anything."
"They won't," Frank said firmly. "Not if we're careful. But this means we've got to watch every step. No more slip-ups, no more risks."
Ethan nodded, though the weight of the situation pressed heavily on him. "What about Victor? He's not going to stop."
Frank's jaw clenched hard. "Then we hit back harder. But first, we have to get you ready for your next fight. That's where your focus should be.
Training became Ethan's sanctuary in the weeks that followed. Every punch, every kick, every drop of sweat was a way to drown out the noise, to push back against the storm brewing around him. But the pressure was relentless. The media had caught wind of the allegations, and questions about his past were being raised at every turn.
Ethan's next opponent was a rising star in the name of Liam "The Hammer" Hayes, with almost a perfect record. The match was billed as a clash of underdogs, pitting Ethan's redemption arc against Liam's meteoric rise. Stakes could not be any higher.
The night of the fight is electric, and the arena came alive as Ethan stepped into the ring-the cheers from the crowd were ironic to the doubt swirling through his mind. Across was Liam, tall and confident as he stood with an expression in between focus and contempt.
The bell rang, and Liam came out swinging. It was brutal and relentless, forcing Ethan into a defensive position. Every strike felt like a hammer to the soul, as one would have expected from Liam's nickname. Ethan, however, stood his ground, patiently waiting for an opening to strike back.
In the second round, Ethan found his rhythm. He dodged a heavy swing and countered with a series of quick jabs, staggering Liam. The crowd erupted as Ethan pressed the advantage, landing a clean hook that sent Liam to the canvas. But Liam wasn't out yet. He got back up, his eyes blazing with determination.
The final round was a war of attrition. Both fighters were battered and exhausted, but their movements were slower and no less fierce. In the last seconds, Ethan saw his opportunity—Liam's dropped guard for a split second, and Ethan unleashed a devastating uppercut that ended the fight.
Ethan felt the surge as the referee raised his hand in victory. He'd won another battle, but it was still war with Victor and also his own past. However, for now, that was okay; he savored this moment of triumph and drank in the cheers from a crowd believing in him.
Backstage, Frank handed Ethan a towel, his expression a mix of pride and concern. "You did good, kid. Real good. But this is just the beginning. Victor's not going to back off, and the Commission is still watching."
Ethan nodded, his resolve hardening. "Let them watch. Let Victor come. I'm ready for whatever's next."