CHAPTER 1 — THE FIGHTER WHO THOUGHT HE WAS UNTOUCHABLE

Everyone at Crimson Dragon Martial Arts Academy knew one name.

Victor Hayes.

Twenty-seven years old.

Black belt.

Tournament champion.

The fighter nobody wanted to challenge.

Victor wasn't just talented.

He was intimidating.

Every movement looked powerful.

Every victory made his reputation bigger.

The walls of the dojo were covered with trophies, photographs, and championship banners.

Most of them had Victor's name attached.

And he loved reminding people.

Every evening, Victor walked into the dojo like he owned it.

Students moved aside.

Beginners watched him with admiration.

Advanced fighters watched him with caution.

Nobody wanted problems with him.

Because Victor had built his entire identity around one belief: