Nobody could stop him.

His favorite phrase became famous inside the dojo.

Whenever someone questioned him, he smiled and said:

"You can't stop me."

At first, people thought it was confidence.

Later, they realized it was something else.

Victor didn't just want to win.

He needed everyone to believe he was unbeatable.

CHAPTER 2 — THE QUIET INSTRUCTOR IN THE CORNER

Nobody paid attention to Daniel Brooks.

Not anymore.

He was older.

Quiet.

Usually standing near the back of the dojo.

He helped beginners.

Fixed equipment.

Cleaned training areas.

Most students thought he was simply an assistant instructor.

Someone who helped the academy run smoothly.

They didn't know his history.