An undefeated champion against a janitor.

A young athlete against an older man.

Everyone expected the same result.

Henry would last a few seconds.

Then Marcus would prove his point.

Henry looked around.

Then at Marcus.

“You really want to do this?”

Marcus smiled.

“I do.”

Henry sighed.

Then slowly removed his work gloves.

The room became quieter.

There was something different about him.

Something Marcus noticed but couldn't explain.

The way Henry stood.

The way he moved.

The way he looked at him.

It wasn't fear.

It wasn't hesitation.

It was experience.

Chapter 2 — Thirty Seconds Was All It Took

The timer started.

The first few seconds passed.

Marcus waited.

He expected Henry to panic.

Instead, Henry stood calmly.

Marcus moved forward.

Fast.

He threw a combination.

A jab.

A cross.

A hook.

The crowd reacted.

But Henry wasn't there anymore.