Young.
Powerful.
Famous.
Twenty-seven years old.
A professional fighting champion with millions of views online.
At Blackstone Combat Academy, everyone knew Marcus.
His posters covered the walls.
His victories were displayed everywhere.
He walked through the gym like someone who had already won.
And maybe he had earned that confidence.
Marcus was talented.
Fast.
Strong.
Disciplined.
But he had one weakness.
Pride.
He loved proving he was better.
Especially when someone challenged his reputation.
One afternoon after training, Marcus defeated another fighter in less than a minute.
The students cheered.
Marcus smiled.
"Anyone else?"
Nobody answered.
Then he looked toward Eleanor.
She was sitting near the equipment table, wrapping new tape around old training pads.
Marcus laughed.